Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2011  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


http://www.archive.org/details/dioceseofspringfOOthom 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


I  Church  Organization 7 

II  The  Bishop 17 

III  The  Illinois  Missions 63 

IV  The  Church  in  the  Transition  Period 95 

V  Precursors  of  the  Parishes 117 

VI  The  Pioneer  Parishes  1675-1844 137 

VII  In  the  Diocese  of  Chicago 205 

VIII  Early  Days  of  the  Diocese— Quincy— Alton  1852-1868      -      -      -  271 

IX  The  Episcopate  of  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.    -      -  379 

X  The  Episcopacy  of  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  1888-1923  453 

XI  Diocesan  Schools,  Institutions  and  Associations 517 

XII  The  Diocesan  Clergy 621 

XIII  The  Diocesan  Soldiery 759 

XIV  The  Laity 831 

(Complete  index  in  back  of  book) 


Diocese  of  Springfield 
In  Illinois 

Diamond  Jubilee  History 


Compiled  and  Edited  by 
Joseph  J.  Thompson,  LL.D. 
Author  and  Compiler  of  Arch- 
diocese of  Chicago,  Antecedents 
and  Development,  Knights  of 
Columbus  in  Illinois,  Holy 
Family  Parish,  and  Editor  in 
Chief  Illinois  Catholic 
Historical  Review 


* 


Prepared  and  published  under  the 

Direction  of 

Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D. 

Hartman  Printing  Co.,  Springfield,  Illinois 
Raymer  Engraving  Co.,  Effingham,  Illinois 


APPRECIATION. 

This  history  of  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois  is  a  human  produc- 
tion. It  is  therefore  unnecessary  (as  it  is  also  said  to  be  impolitic)  to  apologize 
for  imperfections.    The  reader  is  asked  to  be  sympathetic. 

It  is  the  product  of  an  unusually  large  number  of  people,  in  the  list  of 
whom  comes  first  the  indefatigable  head  and  leader,  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  who  not  only  conceived  the  project  but  like  a  generalissimo,  en- 
compassed the  broad  field  as  the  maestro  sweeps  the  keyboard.  Whether  the 
response  to  his  skillful  touch  is  even  a  slightly  worthy  symphony  remains  for 
the  reader  to  judge. 

Next  after  the  Bishop  credit  is  due  the  pastors  and  assistants  in  the  various 
parishes  who  with  great  care  and  in  most  cases  with  much  labor  and  many  sac- 
rifices prepared  the  parish  data.  In  the  same  category  are  the  heads  and 
leaders  of  the  various  schools,  institutions  and  organizations  to  whom  the  entire 
diocese  and  indeed  the  general  public  are  indebted  for  their  interesting  expos- 
itions of  historical  facts. 

At  the  risk  of  unintentional  omissions  the  names  of  some  individuals  must 
be  mentioned.  In  this  connection  no  one  perhaps  has  performed  greater  labors 
and  shown  more  solicitude  for  the  success  of  this  undertaking  than  Monsignor 
Martin  J.  Foley,  Chaplain  of  the  Illinois  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Home  of  Quincy, 
and  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Diocesan  Organ,  the  Western  Catholic. 

Nor  can  too  much  be  said  in  appreciation  of  the  extended  eft'orts  of  Mon- 
signor Edward  L.  Spalding,  Pastor  of  the  Church  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton 
Illinois.  Entitled  to  special  mention  also  are :  Right  Reverend  Louis  W.  Lam- 
mert,  Dean  Henry  B.  Degenhardt,  Dean  Dennis  J.  Ryan,  Dean  Francis  F.  For- 
maz,  Dean  Patrick  F.  Carroll,  Reverend  Doctor  James  Howard,  Reverend  Clem- 
ens Johannes,  Reverend  Patrick  J.  O'Reilly,  Reverend  Joseph  Driscoll,  Rev- 
erend Dominic  Lydon  and  Honorable  James  M.  Graham. 

It  is  perhaps  true  that  this  book  may  at  once  be  read  in  its  entirety  by 
only  a  few  of  those  who  secure  it,  but  the  hope  is  imhilged  that  it  will  in  at 
least  some  measure  fulfill  the  desire  of  the  Bishop  and  his  advisors  in  furnish- 
ing not  only  much  of  direct  interest  to  readers  but  that  it  shall  be  a  book  of  use- 
ful reference  for  this  and  coming  generations.  In  addition,  if  it  be  not  pre- 
sumptuous, it  is  hoped  that  it  may  have  some  value  as  a  public  record  of  the 
Catholic  Church  in  this  region. 

Chicago.  Joseph  J.  Thompson. 


706158 


DEDICATION 

THE  compelling  motive  in  the  preparation  of  this  history  at  this  time  is 
to  mark  the  Diamond  Jubilee  of  our  Diocese,  established  seventy-five 
years  ago  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  later  transferred  to  Alton  and  finally 
removed  to  Springfield,  the  Capital  City  of  the  great  commonwealth 
of  Illinois. 

The  volume  is  designed  to  present  and  preserve  the  record  of  the  first 
seventy-five  years  of  effort  and  accomplishment  of  the  Diocese. 

In  this  year  of  our  Lord,  1928,  we  celebrate  not  only  with  happy  hearts 
and  pleasant  anticipations,  but  also  with  a  profound  sense  of  responsibility  in 
carrying  on  the  great  work  so  well  begun  by  those  who  have  gone  before. 

As  we  look  into  the  future  we  see  here  in  this  central  part  of  the  State  a 
great  field  for  Catholic  achievement  provided  the  leaders  remain  true  to  the 
ideals  of  the  pioneers  and  the  souls  of  the  laity  stand  steadfast,  confident, 
aspiring  and  pure.  We  have  inherited  the  resources,  spiritual  and  material, 
to  create  a  great  Church  in  this  Diocese.  We  have  abundant  spiritual  inspira- 
tion to  acquire  and  to  desire  high  achievement  in  the  things  of  God.  We  have 
the  spiritual  foundation  for  the  fulfillment  of  that  desire  well  and  truly  laid 
in  the  form  of  religious,  charitable  and  educational  institutions.  We  have  youth. 
Seventy-five  years  in  the  life  of  the  Church  is  merely  a  beginning. 

The  records  of  this  first  three  quarters  of  a  century  of  the  labors  and 
achievements  of  our  progenitors  are  worthy  indeed  in  retrospect  and  we  do  right 
to  chronicle  them.  Moreover,  we  are  but  following  a  Catholic  ideal  when  we 
mark  the  memory  of  those  years  and  honor  the  names  of  the  valiant  leaders  and 
the  loyal  followers  who  have  made  our  cause  respected.  We  can  only  celebrate 
this  Jubilee  worthily,  however,  with  humble  and  contrite  hearts. 

Considering  our  past  as  revealed  in  this  record,  there  are  no  limits  to  what 
the  imagination  may  paint  of  our  future.  No  domestic  or  foreign  controversy 
exists  to  introduce  a  note  of  discord  into  the  chorus  of  jubilation.  We  enter  on 
the  last  lap,  the  last  quarter  of  our  journey  toward  the  centennial,  with  our 
Clergy  well  trained,  alert  and  beloved,  and  with  our  people  prosperous,  edu- 
cated, aggressive  and  above  all  united.  Our  schools  have  risen  to  a  gratifying 
standard  of  efficiency  and  we  are  now  reaping  the  fruits  visualized  by  the 
founders  and  merited  by  the  sacrifices  of  the  past. 

In  this  year  of  Jubilation,  therefore,  our  clergy  and  people  may  well  be 
animated  by  a  just  pride  in  the  past  and  a  buoyant  confidence  in  the  future. 
Seventy-five  years  is  more  than  the  span  of  the  average  human  life,  but  it  is 
after  all  a  short  period  in  the  history  of  the  Church. 

The  historical  sketches  of  the  various  parishes  reveal  ups  and  downs,  bright 
days  and  dark  ones,  successes  and  failures,  unity  of  effort  followed  by  occasional 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

discord.  Whilst  it  is  true  that  the  Catholic  people  constitute  the  chief  asset  of 
the  Diocese,  it  is  at  the  same  time  interesting  and  instructive  to  note  the  influence 
in  the  development  of  the  Church  in  this  field,  of  new  railroads,  the  opening  of 
coal  mines,  the  effect  of  nationality,  the  stimulus  provided  by  the  opposition  of 
sects.  These  latter  were  in  many  cases  very  friendly  and  helpful,  but  in  others 
most  bitter  and  intolerant.  Yet  the  Church  lives  on,  proving  the  statement  of 
Gamaliel,  to  the  Jewish  Council,  ' '  If  this  be  the  work  of  men,  it  will  come  to 
naught;  but  if  it  be  the  work  of  God,  you  cannot  overthrow  it." 

Robert  Louis  Stevenson  once  said :  "It  must  always  be  foul  to  tell  what 
is  false;  and  it  can  never  be  safe  to  suppress  what  is  true."  Hence,  you  will 
find  in  the  various  historical  sketches  of  the  parishes,  that  occasionally  the  work 
was  retarded  and  progress  stifled  by  opposition  from  within  the  ranks.  On  the 
other  hand,  where  the  leadership  was  strong,  aggressive  and  devoted,  it  invari- 
ably succeeded  in  overcoming  all  obstacles  and  produced  worthwhile  results. 

That  Christ  has  been  the  Master  Weaver  is  evident  from  the  following 
statistics :  Our  Chancery  Office  records  reveal  the  fact,  that  we  have  at  this  time 
194  diocesan  priests  and  40  priests  of  religious  orders,  making  a  total  of  234; 
126  churches  with  resident  priests;  44  missions,  with  churches  and  28  chapels, 
42  ecclesiastical  students  in  the  seminaries,  3  colleges  for  boys,  5  academies  for 
young  ladies,  62  parochial  schools  with  an  enrollment  of  13,390,  2  orphan 
asylums  with  an  enrollment  of  345;  total  young  people  under  Catholic  care 
15,611 ;  11  hospitals,  3  homes  for  the  aged  and  2  homes  for  working  girls.  Dur- 
ing 1926  there  were  976  marriages,  3,327  baptisms,  1,172  deaths,  with  a  Catholic 
population  of  92,153. 

These  figures  tell  the  story.  Today  the  Diocese  is  spiritually  stronger, 
wealthier  and  more  united  than  at  any  time  in  its  history. 

May  God  reward  the  Prelates,  Clergy,  members  of  the  Sisterhoods  and  laity, 
whose  piety,  devotion,  loyalty,  vision  and  sacrifice,  have  made  possible  the  pres- 
ent happy  condition  of  religion  in  our  Diocese.  We  are  happy  to  dedicate  this 
history  to  their  memory  and  at  the  same  time  we  pray,  that  we  of  the  present 
generation,  may  be  inspired  to  walk  humbly  in  their  footsteps,  taking  advantage 
of  our  present  prosperity  and  devoted  leadership,  to  render  even  greater  service 
to  Him,  Who  is  the  Way,  the  Truth  and  the  Life. 

Sincerely  yours  in  Christ, 


Feast  of 

the  Assumption, 

1927. 


CHRIST 

Founder  and  Head  of  the  Catholic  Church 
Painting  by  F.  Lefler 


CHAPTER  I. 


CHURCH  ORGANIZATION. 

As  a  prelude  to  a  Diocesan  history,  it  may  be  of  advantage  to  direct  atten- 
tion to  the  organization  of  the  Church  through  which  dioceses  are  erected  and 
maintained. 

It  would  bring  us  too  far  afield  to  enter  upon  an  extended  account  of  the 
origin  or  authority  of  the  Church,  and  it  seems  sufficient  to  note  that  the 
Church  organization  was  launched  by  Christ  Himself  during  His  mission  on 
earth.  The  original  officiary  consisted  of  the  Apostles  and  Disciples,  selected 
by  Christ. 

Peter  Avas  chosen  as  head  of  the  Church  organization,  and  one  of  the  most 
conclusive  proofs  of  the  identity  and  continuity  of  the  Catholic  Church  is  the 
Papal  Dynasty  originating  with  Peter,  who  officiated  as  Pope  from  the  year 
29.  until  the  year  67,  A.  D.,  down  to  Pope  Pius  XI,  gloriously  reigning,  the 
261st  successor  of  Peter.1 
'LIST  OF  ROMAN  PONTIFFS 


I.  St.  Peter,  of  Bethsaida  in  Galilee,  Prince  of  the  Apostles,  who  received  from  Jesus 
Christ  the  Supreme  Pontifical  Power  to  be  transmitted  to  his  Successors;  resided 
first  at  Antioch,  then  at  Rome,  where  he  was  martyred  in  the  year  67. 


9. 
10. 

n. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
13. 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
22. 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 


Elected  Died 

St.  Linus,  M 67  78 

St.  Cletus,  M 78  90 

St.  Clement  I.,   M.     90  100 

St.  Anacletus,    M.  100  112 

St.  Evaristus     M..  112  121 

St.  Alexander  I..M.  121  132 

St.  Sixtus,   I..   M..  132  142 

St.  Telesphorus.M.  142  154 

St.  Hyginus,    M...  154  158 

St.  Pius.    I.,    M.  ..   158  167 

St.  Anicetus.    M..  .   167  175 

St.  Soterus.    M....  175  182 

St.  Eleutherius.M.  1S2  193 

St.  Victor,    I.,    M.   193  203 

St.  Zephyrinus.  M.  203  221 

St.  Callistus.I..  M.  221  227 

St.  Urban.    I.,    M..  227  233 

St.  Pontian.    M...  .  233  238 

St.  Anterus,    M...  238  239 

St.  Fabian.    M 239  253 

St.  Cornelius,    M..  253  255 

St.  Lucius.   I.,    M.  255  257 

St.  Stephen,  I.,  SI.  257  260 

St.  Sixtus,   II.,   M.  260  261 

St.  Dionysius     ...  261  272 

St.  Felix,  I.,  M...  272  275 

St.  Eutychian.    M.  275  283 

St.  Caius,    M 283  290 

St.  Marcellinus,  M.  29C  301 

St.  Marcellus.L.M.  304  309 

St.  Eusebius    309  311 

St.  Melcbiades    ...  311  313 

St.  Sylvester   I....  314  337 


Elected  Died 

35.  St.  Mark   337  340 

36.  St.  Julius    1 341  352 

37.  St.  Liberius    352  366 

38.  St.  Felix    II* 363  365 

39.  St.  Damascus    I...  367  384 

40.  St.  Siricius    384  398 

41.  St.  Anastasius    I..   399  402 

42.  St.  Innocent   I 402  417 

43.  St.  Zozimus   417  418 

44.  St.  Boniface    I....  418  423 

45.  St.  Celestine    I....  423  432 

46.  St.  Sixtus    III....  432  440 

47.  St.  Leo    I.     (the 

Great)    440  461 

48.  St.  Hilary    461  468 

49.  St.  Simplicius     ...  468  483 

50.  St.  Felix    III.    . . .  4S3  492 

51.  St.  Gelasius    I 492  496 

52.  St.  Anastasius    II.  496  498 

53.  St.  Symmachus    ..  498  514 

54.  St.  Hormisdas    ...  514  523 

55.  St.  John    1 523  526 

56.  St.  Felix    IV 526  530 

57.  Boniface    II 530  532 

58.  John    II 532  535 

59.  St.  Agapitus    535  536 

60.  St.  Silverius,    M...   536  538 

61.  Vigilius    538  555 

62.  Pelagius    1 555  560 

63.  John    III 560  573 

64.  Benedict  '1 574  578 

65.  Pelagius   II 578  590 


Elected  Died 
66.  St.  Gregory  I.  (the 


Great)     

.  590 

604 

ill. 

Sabinian    

.  604 

606 

68. 

Bonifice    III 

.  607 

607 

69. 

St.  Bonifice    IV.. 

.  608 

615 

70. 

St.   Deusdedit   I. 

.  615 

619 

71. 

Bonifice  V 

.  619 

625 

72. 

Honorius  I 

.  625 

638 

73. 

Severinus   

.  640 

640 

74. 

John    IV 

.  640 

642 

7". 

Theodore   I 

.  642 

649 

76. 

St.  Martin  I..  M. 

.  649 

655 

77. 

St.  Eugene  I. . . . 

.  655 

657 

78. 

St.   Vatalian    . . . 

.  657 

672 

7'.». 

Adeodatus    II.... 

.  672 

676 

SO. 

Donus   I 

.  676 

678 

81. 

St.  Agatho    

.  678 

682 

82. 

St.  Leo   II 

.  682 

683 

83. 

St.   Benedict  II.. 

.  684 

685 

84 

John   V 

685 
.  686 

686 

85. 

Conon    

687 

S6. 

St.  Sergius  I 

,  687 

701 

87. 

John  VI 

.  701 

705 

88. 

John  VII 

.  705 

707 

89. 

.  708 

708 

90. 

.  708 

715 

91. 

St.   Gregory  II.. 

.   715 

731 

92. 

St.   Gregory   III. 

.  731 

741 

93. 

St.   Zacharv    

.  741 

752 

94. 

Stephen    II. f    . . . 

.  752 

752 

95. 

St.    Stephen   III. 

.  752 

757 

96. 

St.    Paul    I 

.  757 

767 

!I7. 

Stephen  IV 

.  768 

771 

DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Immediately  upon  the  assumption  of  the  duties  entrusted  to  them  by 
Christ,  the  Apostles  set  themselves  to  the  task  of  spreading  the  Gospel  and  each 
of  the  eleven,  (after  the  betrayal  on  the  part  of  Judas  the  twelfth,)  and  in  ad- 
dition Matthew  and  Paul  who  joined  the  apostolic  band,  became  known  as  super- 
visors or,  as  expressed  in  the  English  language,  Bishops,  and  each  was  assigned 
a  country  or  division,  or  district,  which  became  known  as  a  Diocese. 

It  is  the  aim  of  the  Church  organization  to  extend  its  missions  and 
ministrations  to  all  countries  throughout  the  world  as  the  Divine  mandate  re- 
quired, and  accordingly,  the  Apostles  and  their  successors  went  to  all  nations 
and  all  peoples.    Successors  have  ever  since  been  appointed. 


Elected 

Died 

08. 

Adrian   I 

.  771 

795 

145. 

09. 

St.   Leo   III 

.  795 

816 

146. 

100. 

St.   Stephen   V.. 

..  816 

817 

147. 

101. 

St.   Paschal   I.. 

,.  817 

824 

102. 

Eugene  II 

.  824 

827 

148. 

103. 

Valentine   

,.  827 

827 

149. 

104. 

Gregory    IV.    . . , 

.  827 

844 

150. 

105. 

, .  844 

847 

151. 

106. 

St.   Leo  IV 

..  847 

855 

152. 

107. 

Benedict    III.    . 

, .  855 

858 

153. 

108. 

St.  Nicholas  I. 

154. 

(the  Great)    . 

..  858 

867 

155. 

109. 

Adrian  II 

.  867 

872 

156. 

110. 

John  VIII 

.  872 

882 

157. 

111. 

Marinus   I 

, .  882 

884 

158. 

112. 

St.   Adrian  III. 

, .  884 

885 

159. 

113. 

Stephen  VI.   ... 

. .  885 

891 

160. 

114. 

, .  891 

896 

161. 

115. 

Stephen  VII.    .. 

..  896 

897 

162. 

116. 

. .  897 

898 

163. 

117. 

Theodore   II.    .. 

. .  898 

898 

164. 

118. 

John    IX 

. .  898 

900 

165. 

119. 

Benedict   IV.    .. 

. .  900 

903 

166. 

P>0 

Leo  V 

. .  903 

903 

904 

167. 

121. 

Christopher    . . . 

. .  903 

168. 

122. 

. .  904 

911 

169. 

123. 

Anastasius    III. 

. .  911 

913 

170. 

124. 

..  913 

914 

171. 

125. 

John  X 

.  .  915 

928 

172. 

126. 

Leo  VI 

. .  928 

929 

17.3. 

127. 

Stephen  VIII.   . 

. .  929 

931 

174. 

128. 

John  XI 

. .  931 

936 

175. 

129. 

Leo  VII 

. .  936 

939 

176. 

130. 

Stephen  IX.   ... 

. .  939 

942 

177. 

131. 

Marinus    II.    ... 

..  942 

946 

178. 

132. 

Agapitus   II.    . . 

. .  946 

956 

179. 

133. 

John  XII 

.  .   956 

964 

180. 

134. 

Benedict  V.    ... 

. .  904 

965 

181. 

135. 

John  XIII 

. .  965 

972 

182. 

136. 

Benedict   VI.    .. 

, .  972 

973 

1S3. 

137. 

Donus  II 

. .  973 

973 

184. 

138. 

Benedict  VII.    . 

. .  975 

984 

185. 

139. 

John   XIV 

. .  984 

985 

186. 

140 

John   XV     . 

. .  985 

996 
999 

187. 

141. 

142. 

Sylvester   II.    . . 

. .  999 

1003 

188. 

143. 

John  XVI.  or 

189. 

XVII 

..1003 

1003 

190. 

144. 

John  XVII  or 

191. 

XVIII 

..1003 

1009 

192. 

Elected  Died 

Sergius   IV 1009  1012  193. 

Benedict  VIII.    ..1012  1024  194. 
John   XVIII   or 

XIX    or    XX...  1024  1033  195. 

Benedict   IX 1033  1044  196. 

Gregory    VI 1044  1046 

Clement   II 1046  1047  197. 

Damascus   II.    ...1048  1048 

St.    Leo    IX 1049  1054  198. 

Victor  II 1055  1057  199. 

Stephen  X 1057  1058  200. 

Nicholas  II 1059  1061  201. 

Alexander  II.    ...1061  1073  202. 

St.    Gregory    VII.1073  1085  203. 

B.    Victor   III.... 1087  1087  204. 

B.    Urban    II 1088  1099  205. 

Paschal    II 1099  1118  206. 

Gelasius   II 1118  1119  207. 

Callistus    II 1119  1124 

Honorius   II 1124  1130  208. 

Innocent    II 1130  1143  209. 

Celestine   II 1143  1144  210. 

Lucius    II 1144  1145  211. 

B.    Eugene   III... 1145  1153  212. 

Anastasius  IV.    ..1153  1154  213. 

Adrian    IV 1154  1159  214. 

Alexander  III.    ..1159  1181  215. 

Lucius    III 1181  1185  216. 

Urban   III 1185  1187  217. 

Gregory    VIII.    ..1187  1187  21S. 

Clement   III 1187  1191  219. 

Celestine   III.    ...1191  1198  220. 

Innocent    III.    ...1198  1216  221. 

Honorius  III.    ...1216  1227  222. 

Gregory    IX 1227  1241  223. 

Celestine  IV 1241  1241  224. 

Innocent   IV 1243  1254  225. 

Alexander   IV.    ..1254  1261  226. 

Urban    IV 1261  1264  227. 

Clement    IV 1265  1268  228. 

B.  Gregory  X....1271  1276  229. 

B.    Innocent    V...1276  1276  230. 

Adrian    V 1276  1276  231. 

John   XIX   or  XX  232. 

or    XXI 1276  1277  233. 

Nicholas    III.     ...1277  1280  234. 

Martin   IV 1281  1285  235. 

Honorius    IV.    ...1285  1287  236. 

Nicholas   IV 1288  1292  237. 

St.    Celestine    V.  .1294  J1294  238. 


Elected  Died 

Bonifice  VIII.  ..1294  1303 
B.  Benedict   X   or 

XI 1303  1304 

Clement    V 1305  1314 

John  XX  or  XXI 

or   XXII    1316  1334 

Benedict    XI    or 

XII 1334  1342 

Clement  VI 1342  1352 

Innocent  VI 1352  1362 

B.  Urban  V 1362  1370 

Gregory    XI 1370  1378 

Urban    VI 1378  1389 

Boniface   IX 1389  1404 

Innocent  VII.    ...1404  1400 

Gregory  XII 1406  J1409 

Alexander  V.  ...1409  1410 
John   XXII   or 

XXIII  or  XXIV.1410  J1415 

Martin  III.  or  V.1417  1431 

Eugene   IV 1431  1447 

Nicholas   V 1447  1455 

Callistus    III.    ...1455  1458 

Pius  II 1458  1464 

Paul    II H64  1471 

Sixtus    IV 1471  1484 

Innocent  VIII.    ..1484  1492 

Alexander    VI.    ..1492  150:! 

Plus    III 1503  1503 

Julius    II 1503  1513 

Leo    X 1513  1521 

Adrian  VI 1522  1523 

Clement    VII.    ...1523  1534 

Paul    III 1534  1549 

Julius   III 1550  1555 

Marcellus    II.    ...1555  1555 

Paul    IV 1555  1559 

Pius   IV 1559  1565 

St.   Pius    .V 1566  1572 

Gregory    XIII.    ..1572  1585 

Sixtus    V 1585  1590 

Urban    VII 1590  1590 

Gregory   XIV.   ...1590  1591 

Innocent    IX.    ...1591  1591 

Clement  VIII.   ...1592  1605 

Leo    XI 1605  1605 

Paul   V 1605  1621 

Gregory   XV 1621  1623 

Urban    VIII 1623  1644 

Innocent    X 1644  1655 


St.  Peter 

First    Pope    of    Rome. — European    Galleries;    Verlog 
Germain/,  painter. 


von    E.    A.    Seeman,    Leipzig, 


-5! 


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o 


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CHURCH   ORGANIZATION 

At  first,  the  Apostles  and  their  successors  had  immediate  charge  in  the  dis- 
tricts or  Dioceses  to  which  they  were  assigned,  but  soon,  of  course,  it  became 
necessary  to  have  assistance.  Men,  ordained  for  the  purpose  and  soon  known 
as  priests,  were  sent  to  assist  the  Bishops  and  to  labor  under  their  direction  in 
the  various  localities  within  the  dioceses. 

This  constituted  the  basic  organization  of  the  Church.  It  was  the  form 
which  obtained  at  the  time  of  the  discovery  and  settlement  of  the  Western 
Continent,  and  has  so  remained. 

The  Church  in  North  America. 

The  Church  took  permanent  root  in  America  after  the  discovery  by  Colum- 
bus in  1492,  but  so  far  as  the  Illinois  country  is  concerned,  the  establishment 
of  the  Church  is  to  be  traced  to  the  French  exploration  and  settlement  of 
Canada. 

Canada  was  the  base  of  the  Illinois  missions.  As  early  as  1659  a  Vicar 
Apostolic  had  been  appointed  by  the  Holy  See  for  the  Diocese  of  Quebec,  which 
covered  the  whole  of  New  France.  At  the  time  that  Joliet  and  Marquette  were 
authorized  to  make  their  voyage  of  discovery  in  which  they  explored  the 
Mississippi  and  Illinois  rivers,  Right  Reverend  Jean-Baptiste  de  la  Croix, 
Chevalier  de  St.  Vallier,  was  Bishop  of  Quebec.  Bishop  de  St.  Vallier  was  a 
worthy  successor  of  his  great  predecessor,  Right  Reverend  Francois  de  Mont- 
morency Laval,  who  was  the  first  bishop  of  Canada  and  of  New  France 

Bishop  Vallier  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Louis-Francois  Duplessis  de 
Mornay  as  coadjutor  in  1713  and  as  bishop  in  1727.  Bishop  Mornay  never  came 
to  America,  but  sent  as  his  coadjutor  Reverend  Pierre-Herman  Dosquet,  who 
became  bishop  of  the  diocese  in  1733,  and  presided  until  1739.  The  next  Can- 
adian bishop  was  Right  Reverend  Francois-Louis    Pourroy    de    l'Auberiviere, 

Elected  Died 

255.  Pius   VIII 1829     1830 

256.  Gregory  XVI.    ...1831     1846 

257.  Pius   IX 1846    1878 

258.  Leo  XIII 1878    190.1 

259.  Pius   X 1903    1914 

260.  Benedict    XV.    ...1914     1922 

261.  Pius    XI 1922 

fDied  before  his  consecration. 

The  list  is  taken  from  a  series  of  portraits,  painted  in  medallions,  on  the  nave 
walls  of  the  Basilica  of  St.  Paul,  on  the  Ostian  Way,  near  Rome.  This  magnificent  church 
was  built  over  the  tomb  of  the  great  Apostle,  under  the  reign  of  Constantine  the  Great, 
by  Pope  St.  Sylvester,  about  the  year  A.  D.  320.  The  portrait  of  that  Pope,  and  of  Marcus, 
his  successor,  and  of  the  thirty-three  Popes  who  had  preceded  them,  were  all  painted 
apparently  by  the  same  hand.  The  portraits  of  the  succeeding  Popes  were  generally  add- 
ed, one  by  one,  by  different  hands,  probably  soon  after  death,  and  by  the  care  of  their 
successors. 

The  Basilica  of  St.  Paul  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1823  and  this  series  of  portraits 
unfortunately  perished  in  the  flames.  But  half  a  century  before  all  these  portraits  had 
been  carefully  engraved  on  copperplate  and  published.  From  these  engravings  Pope 
Pius  IX  caused  the  portraits  to  be  reproduced  in  imperishable  mosaics,  and  they  again 
decorate  the  nave  of  the  splendid  Basilica  of  St.  Paul,  which  has  been  rebuilt,  and 
which  he  consecrated  a  few  years  ago.  From  the  copperplates  other  copies  have  been 
made  in  copperplate,  steel,  lithograph  and  photograph,  of  various  sizes,  and  may  be 
easily  obtained. — Catechism  of  Joseph  De  Harbe,  S.  J.,  Page  68,  69. 


Elected 

Died 

Elected 

Died 

239. 

Alexander  VII.   ..1655 

1667 

247. 

Benedict    XIII...  1724 

1730 

240. 

Clement    IX 1667 

1669 

248. 

Clement    XII.    ...1730 

1740 

241. 

Clement    X.             1670 

1676 

249. 

Benedict    XIV.    ..1740 

1758 

242. 

Innocent   XI 1676 

1689 

250. 

Clement    XIII.    ..1758 

1769 

243. 

Alexander    VI 1 1..  1689 

1691 

251. 

Clement   XIV.    ...1769 

1774 

244. 

Innocent   XII.    ...1691 

1700 

252. 

Pius   VI 1775 

1799 

245. 

Clement    XI 1700 

1721 

253. 

1823 

246. 

Innocent  XIII.    ..1721 

1724 

254. 

Leo    XII 1823 

1829 

JUesiuned. 

*Poi>e  d 

uring  exile  of  Liberius. 

DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

who  was  consecrated  in  1739.  Unfortunately,  Bishop  l'Auberiviere  died  a  few 
days  after  landing  at  Quebec.  In  1741  Right  Reverend  Henri-Marie  de  Pont- 
briand  was  consecrated  at  Paris  and  assumed  charge  of  the  diocese  soon  after. 
Bishop  Pontbriand  proved  to  be  one  of  the  greatest  of  the  Canadian  Bishops. 
The  next  Bishop  of  Quebec  was  Right  Reverend  Jean-Oliver  Briand,  who  ruled 
the  diocese  from  1766  to  1784.- 

Bishop  Briand  was,  therefore,  Bishop  of  Quebec  at  the  close  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary War,  and  although  the  English  had  conquered  the  French  and  gained 
possession  of  all  of  the  territory  of  New  France,  the  spiritual  control  of  the 
diocese  was  not  interfered  with,  and  the  Illinois  country  was  governed  by  the 
Bishop  of  Quebec  until  a  new  arrangement  was  made  by  the  Holy  See  making 
the  United  States  a  separate  Ecclesiastical  Jurisdiction." 

The  Church  in  the  United  States. 

The  decree  organizing  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  United  States  as  a  dis- 
tinct diocese,  and  appointing  Very  Reverend  John  Carroll  Prefect  Apostolic 
was  issued  by  Cardinal  Antonelli,  Prefect  of  the  Sacred  Congregation  de  Prop- 
aganda Fide,  on  the  9th  of  June,  1784.  Sparks,  the  historian,  in  his  "Life  and 
Writings  of  Franklin,"  says  that  the  Apostolic  Nuncio  at  Paris  called  upon 
Dr.  (Benjamin)  Franklin — (who  was  then  representing  the  United  States  in 
Paris) — and  acquainted  him  that  the  Pope  had,  "on  his  recommendation,  ap- 
pointed Reverend  Carroll  Superior  of  the  Catholic  Clergy  in  America,  and 
stated  that  he  would  probably  be  made  a  bishop  before  the  end  of  the  year." 
The  Bull  of  Pope  Pius  VI  erecting  the  diocese  of  Baltimore  was  issued  Novem- 
ber 6,  1789. 

Naturally  some  time  elapsed  before  the  new  Prefect  Apostolic  was  in- 
stalled and  before  he  was  able  to  make  his  jurisdiction  effective,  at  least  in  the 
western  country.  In  due  time,  however,  he  extended  his  solicitude  to  the  Illi- 
nois country  and  kept  in  close  touch  with  the  Church. 

The  first  direct  action  of  Bishop  Carroll  effecting  the  Illinois  Country  was 
the  authorization  of  a  German  Carmelite  priest,  Reverend  Paul  de  St.  Pierre,  to 
exercise  the  functions  of  the  priesthood  in  the  western  country.  Father  St. 
Pierre  arrived  in  the  Illinois  country  in  1785,  and  took  up  his  station  at  Ca- 
hokia.  He  ministered  in  the  Illinois  country  until  1790.  Very  shortly  thereafter 
Bishop  Carroll  sent  a  French  priest  Reverend  Peter  Huet  de  la  Valiniere,  to  the 
Illinois  country  as  his  Vicar  General.  This  good  but  erratic  priest  was  here  but 
a  few  years  and  superseded  Father  Gibault  in  local  control  as  Vicar  General. 
The  next  priests  sent  to  the  territory  by  Bishop  Carroll  were  Reverend  Michael 
Levadeau  and  Reverend  Gabriel  Richard,  both  Sulpicians.  Father  Levadeau 
was  sent  to  Kaskaskia,  where  he  officiated  from  1793  to  1797,  and  in  which 
place  he  was  succeeded  by  Father  Richard,  who  remained  until  1798.  Both  of 
these  priests  ministered  in  Cahokia  also,  and  both  were  concerned  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  Church  at  that  place,  which  still  stands. 

!See  Catholic  Encyclopedia,  title  Canada. 

3See  official  Catholic  Directory.  In  subsequent  Chapters,  a  detailed  account  will 
be  found  of  the  establishment  and  development  of  the  Church  in  the  French  settlements 
which  became  the  central  part  of  the  United  States. 

10 


Pope  Pius  XI 
Present  Head  of  the  Catholic  Church.     Two  hundred  and  sixty-first  successor  of  St.. 
Peter. — Portrait  by  G.  Felici,  Rome. 


s  S 

>  o 

-  rSS 

y.  i 


o    2 

o  5 


CHURCH   ORGANIZATION 

Reverend  Charles  Leander  Lusson,  a  Franciscan,  was,  in  1798,  sent  by 
Bishop  Carroll  to  Cahokia. 

In  1799  Fathers  John  and  Donatien  Olivier  were  sent  by  Bishop  Carroll, 
Father  John  being  stationed  at  Cahokia  and  Father  Donatien  at  Kaskaskia 
and  Prairie  du  Rocher. 

Father  Donatien  Olivier  was  the  bishop 's  vicar  general  and  for  thirty  years 
was  the  leading  spirit  of  the  Illinois  country,  including  Indiana,  Illinois  and 
Missouri. 

During  the  administration  of  Very  Reverend  Donatien  Olivier  a  new  dio- 
cese was  created  in  Kentucky  called  the  Diocese  of  Bardstown.  Right  Rever- 
end Benedict  Joseph  Flaget  was  appointed  first  Bishop  of  Bardstown  and  con- 
secrated November  4,  1810.  With  the  assumption  of  the  episcopal  duties  by 
Bishop  Flaget  the  direct  supervision  of  the  Illinois  country  passed  from  the 
hands  of  Bishop  Carroll,  but  the  territory  remained  within  the  province  of 
Baltimore  until  18-17.  Bishop  Flaget  seems  to  have  sent  but  one  priest  into  the 
Illinois  country,  and  that  a  man  of  apparently  great  capacity,  by  the  name 
of  Savine.  In  the  lapse  of  time  Father  Savine's  baptismal  name  seems  to  have 
been  lost.  Bishop  Flaget  made  two  visits  to  the  Illinois  country,  on  one  of 
which,  in  1814,  he  was  accompanied  by  Right  Reverend  William  Dubourg, 
Bishop  of  New  Orleans. 

The  next  change  in  the  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  occurred  when  Pope  Leo 
XII,  on  March  20,  1827,  appointed  Right  Reverend  Joseph  Rosati  Bishop  of 
St.  Louis.  Upon  Bishop  Rosati 's  consecration  an  arrangement  was  made  be- 
tween Bishop  Flaget  and  Bishop  Rosati  by  which  Bishop  Rosati  administered 
the  western  and  northern  part  of  Illinois.  From  his  consecration,  Bishop 
Rosati  was  very  active  in  the  affairs  of  the  Church  in  Illinois.  He  visited  all 
parts  of  his  jurisdiction,  however  difficult  of  access.  The  records  show  that 
he  administered  confirmation  at  Kaskaskia  every  year  from  1830  to  1840  and 
again  in  1842. 

In  1834  the  diocese  of  Vincennes  was  erected,  and  the  Right  Reverend 
Simon  William  Gabriel  Brute  was  appointed  Bishop.  This  diocese  included  In- 
diana and  Illinois,  and  Bishop  Brute  immediately  took  over  the  administration  of 
Illinois. 

Bishop  Brute  was  very  active,  and  made  four  visitations  through  Illinois. 
On  his  first  trip  through  Illinois  he  was  accompanied  by  Bishops  Flaget  and 
Purcell  on  his  next  by  these  two  bishops  and  Fathers  Abel,  Hitzelberger  and 
Petit.  His  visits  in  Illinois  included  Chicago,  and  in  one  of  his  letters  to  the 
Leopoldine  Association,  written  in  the  first  year  of  his  episcopate,  the  good 
bishop  says:  "Mr.  St.  Cyr  had  arrived  there  from  St.  Louis  and  enabled  the 
Catholics  to  make  their  Easter  Communion,  so  I  gave  only  a  few  confirmations 
and  three  instructions,  one  on  Saturday  and  two  on  Sunday,  to  encourage  the 
rising  Catholic  congregation  on  that  most  important  point.  It  is  now  com- 
posed of  about  400  souls  of  all  countries,  French,  Canadians,  Americans,  Irish 
and  a  good  number  of  Germans. 

11 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

By  arrangement  with  Bishop  Rosati,  feather  St.  Cyr,  who  established  the 
first  church  in  modern  Chicago,  remained  for  a  year  after  Bishop  Brute  took 
jurisdiction,  but  as  fast  as  he  was  able  Bishop  Brute  supplied  new  clergy. 

The  priests  sent  here  by  Bishop  Brute  were  Reverend  Bernard  Schaefer, 
Reverend  Timothy  O'Meara,  Reverend  Maurice  De  St.  Palais  and  Reverend 
Francis  Joseph  Fisher,  all  of  whom  were  stationed  in  Chicago. 

Bishop  Brute  died  June  26,  1839,  and  was  succeeded  by  Right  Reverend 
Celestine  de  la  Hailandiers,  who  sent  Fathers  John  Francis  Plunket,  Hippolyte 
du  Pontavice  and  John  Guguen  to  Illinois. 

It  will  be  seen  that  some  of  these  pioneer  priests  were  on  duty  when  Bishop 
Quarter  arrived  and  assumed  episcopal  jurisdiction  as  the  first  Bishop  of 
Chicago. 

The  Diocese  of  Chicago. 

The  question  of  the  creation  of  a  new  diocese  for  the  State  of  Illinois  was 
under  consideration  for  some  little  time  before  the  Council  of  Bishops  acted. 
While  Father  St.  Cyr  was  in  Chicago  his  opinion  seems  to  have  been  sought  as 
to  the  center  of  the  Catholic  population,  for  on  July  2,  1834,  he  wrote  to  Bishop 
Rosati :  "As  to  the  most  centrally  located  place  from  which  to  visit  all  the  Cath- 
olics of  Illinois — and  I  gave  the  matter  particular  attention  during  my  journey 
from  St.  Louis  to  Chicago — it  is,  in  my  opinion,  Springfield,  one  hundred  miles 
from  St.  Louis  and  a  little  over  two  hundred  miles  from  Chicago.  Here  is  the 
place  I  should  pick  out  for  headquarters  as  being  the  most  suitable  for  the 
purpose. ' ' 

At  the  Fourth  Provincial  Council  of  Bishops,  held  May  17,  1840,  and  at- 
tended by  twelve  bishops,  citizens  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  petitioned  the  bishops 
to  recommend  a  see  at  that  place,  but  the  petition  was  denied,  only  to  be  ac- 
ceded eighty-three  years  later. 

At  the  Fifth  Provincial  Council,  held  May  14,  1843,  sixteen  of  the  then  ex- 
isting twenty-three  dioceses  were  represented  by  their  bishops.  This  Council 
petitioned  for  new  sees  at  Chicago,  Milwaukee,  Hartford  and  Little  Rock,  and 
for  a  vicariate-apostolic  in  Oregon.  They  also  repeated  their  request  for  a  see 
at  Pittsburg.    All  of  these  requests  were  granted. 

"While  as  has  been  seen,  Illinois  had  been  under  the  jurisdiction  of  various 
suffragan  bishops,  yet  the  entire  state  remained  in  the  Province  of  Baltimore 
until  St.  Louis  was  made  an  archdiocese,  October  8,  1847.  It  was  quite  naturalv 
therefore,  that  the  first  Bishop  of  Chicago  should  come  from  the  Metropolitan 
See  of  Baltimore.  From  1847,  however,  the  State  of  Illinois  continued  in  the 
Province  of  St.  Louis  until  Illinois  was,  itself,  made  a  province  by  the  creation 
of  the  Archbishopric  of  Chicago. 

During  all  the  years  that  Illinois  constituted  a  part  of  the  Province  of   St. 
Louis,  the  metropolitan  of  that  see  exhibited  a  tender  solicitude  for  his  suffragan  • 
diocese.    Most  Reverend  Peter  Richard  Kenrick  was  indeed  a  tender  father,  and 
ever  mindful  of  the  welfare  of  the  new  see. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  during  all  of  the  years  in  which  the  Chicago 
Diocese  was  a  part  of  the  Province  of  St.  Louis,  the  Bishops  of  Chicago,  with  a 

12 


CHURCH   ORGANIZATION 

single  exception,  came  to  us  through  St.  Louis.  Right  Reverend  James  Oliver 
Van  de  Velde,  the  second;  Right  Reverend  Anthony  0 'Regan,  the  third,  and 
Right  Reverend  James  Duggan,  the  fourth,  all  came  from  St.  Louis,  and  it  ap- 
pears that  Archbishop  Kenrick  was  the  prime  mover  in  the  selection  of  Right 
Reverend  Thomas  Foley,  Bishop-Administrator.  And  again  when  the  diocese 
was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  an  archbishopric,  a  distinguished  son  of  St.  Louis 
and  disciple  of  Archbishop  Kenrick,  Most  Reverend  Patrick  Augustine  Fee- 
han,  was  the  first  honored  incumbent. 

Xo  one  can  read  the  record  of  these  early  days  of  the  Church  without 
being  impressed  with  the  heavy  obligations  under  which  Chicago  and  Illinois 
rest  to  the  great  Missouri  prelates,  Bishop  Rosati,  in  the  early  days,  and  the 
great  Archbishop  Kenrick  during  the  long  period  from  1847  to  1880. 

It  is  not  given  to  many  men  to  figure  so  conspicuously  in  such  large  and 
important  affairs  as  did  Archbishop  Kenrick  in  the  Mid-American  Church,  and 
his  record  is  one  of  the  most  worthy  of  all  the  great  sons  of  the  Church  in 
America. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  present  illustrious  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis  has  al- 
ways borne  a  most  pleasant  and  kindly  relation  to  the  Diocese  of  Quincy — 
Alton — Springfield.  It  is  pleasing  to  note  that  a  very  large  percentage  of  the 
priests  of  the  diocese  were  ordained  by  Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon. 

Most  Reverend  John  J.  Kain,  Archbishop  Glennon 's  immediate  predecessor 
also  ordained  many  of  the  priests  of  this  diocese. 

The  Provincial  Council  of  Baltimore  in  1843  adopted  a  petition  recommend- 
ing several  new  dioceses  among  them  that  of  Chicago,  and  nominated  Reverend 
William  Quarter  for  Bishop  of  the  Chicago  diocese.  The  Holy  See  acted  upon 
the  nomination  favorably  November  28,  1843,  and  Bishop  Quarter  was  conse- 
crated in  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  New  York,  by  Right  Reverend  John  Hughes, 
Bishop  of  New  York,  on  March  10,  1844. 

Bishop  Quarter  assumed  his  duties  on  May  5,  1844,  saying  his  first  Mass 
in  the  diocese  on  that  date. 

With  the  erection  of  the  Chicago  diocese,  which  included  the  entire  state, 
and  the  appointment  of  Bishop  Quarter,  begins  the  record  of  the  organized 
Church  in  Illinois. 

Bishop  Quarter  died  April  10,  1848 ;  his  successor,  Right  Reverend  James 
Oliver  Vandevelde,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated  February  11,  1849.  Bishop  Vande- 
velde  was  transferred  to  Natchez  July  29,  1853,  and  died  November  13,  1855. 
Right  Reverend  Anthony  0 'Regan,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated  the  third  Bishop 
July  25,  1854,  and  was  transferred  to  Dora,  June  25,  1858,  and  died  in  Novem- 
ber, 1866.  Right  Reverend  James  Duggan,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated  Bishop  of 
Antigone  and  Coadjutor  to  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  May  1,  1857.  Bishop 
Duggan  was  transferred  to  Chicago  January  21,  1859.  On  account  of  infirm 
health,  Bishop  Duggan  retired  in  1870  and  died  March  27,  1899.  Right 
Reverend  Thomas  Foley,  D.  D.,  Coadjutor  Bishop  and  Administrator  of  the 
diocese,  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Pergamus  February  27,  1870,  and  died  Feb- 
ruary 19,  1879.     Most  Reverend  Patrick  Augustine    Feehan,    D.  D.,    the    first 

13 


DIOCESE   OF   SI'RIXGI-IELD    IX    ILLINOIS 

Archbishop  of  Chicago,  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Nashville,  November  1, 
1865,  and  was  promoted  to  Chicago  September  10,  1880,  when  the  diocese  was 
raised  to  an  Archbishopric.  Archbishop  Feehan  died  July  12,  1902.  Most 
Reverend  James  Edward  Quigley,  D.D.,  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Buffalo, 
February  24,  1897,  and  promoted  to  the  Archbishopric  of  Chicago,  January 
8,  1903.  Archbishop  Quigley  died  July  10,  1915.  Most  Reverend  George  Wil- 
liam Mundelein,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated  Titular  Bishop  of  Loryma  and  Aux- 
iliary Bishop  of  Brooklyn,  September  21,  1909,  and  was  promoted  to  the  See 
of  Chicago,  December  8,  1915. 

The  diocese  of  Chicago  now  includes  the  counties  of  Cook,  Lake,  DuPage, 
Kankakee,  Will  and  Grundy. 

The  Diocese  of  Alton 
The  next  diocese  to  be  erected  in  Illinois  was  that,  of  Alton,  now  Spring- 
field. This  diocese  was  designated  as  the  Diocese  of  Quincy,  erected  July  29, 
1853,  and  transferred  to  Alton,  January  9,  1857. 4  The  Diocese  at  present  com- 
prises that  part  of  Illinois  lying  south  of  the  northern  limits  of  the  counties  of 
Adams,  Brown,  Cass,  Menard,  Sangamon,  Macon,  Moultrie,  Douglas  and  Edgar 
and  north  of  the  southern  limits  of  the  counties  of  Madison,  Bond,  Fayette,  Ef- 
fingham, Jasper  and  Crawford.  The  first  bishop  of  the  Diocese  was  Right  Rev- 
erend Henry  Damien  Juncker,  D  .D.,  consecrated  April  26,  1857,  died  October 
2,  1868.  He  was  succeeded  by  Right,  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.  D., 
consecrated  January  23,  1870,  who  died  February  15,  1886.  The  next  Bishop 
was  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.  D.,  consecrated  May  1,  1888,  5who  died 
July  2,  1923,  and  was  succeeded  by  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  the 
present  bishop. 

The  Diocese  of  Peoria. 
The  Diocese  of  Peoria  was  erected  in  1877  and  comprises  a  cross  section  of 
Illinois  including  the  counties  of  Bureau,  Champaign,  DeWitt,  Ford,  Fulton, 
Henderson,  Henry,  Iroquois,  Knox,  La  Salle,  Livingston,  Logan,  Marshall, 
Mason,  McDonough,  McLean,  Mercer,  Peoria,  Piatt,  Putnam,  Rock  Island, 
Schuyler,  Stark,  Tazewell,  Vermilion,  Warren  and  Woodford.  The  first  Bishop 
of  Peoria  was  Right  Reverend  John  Lancaster  Spalding,  D.  D.,  consecrated  May 
1,  1877,  resigned  September  11,  1908,  appointed  Titular  Archbishop  of  Scitop- 
olis,  October  14,  1908,  died  August  25,  1916.  Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  O'Reilly, 
D.  D.,  was  consecrated  Titular  Bishop  of  Lebedos,  September  21,  1900,  and  was 
the  Vicar-General  of  Archbishop  Spalding.  The  present  Bishop  of  Peoria  is 
Right  Reverend  Edmund  M.  Dunne,  D.D.,  consecrated  September  1.  1909. 

The  Diocese  of  Belleville 
The  Diocese  of  Belleville  was  erected  January  7,  1887,  and  comprises  the 
whole  of  Illinois  south  of  the  northern  limits  of  the  counties    of    St.    Clair, 
Clinton,  Marion,  Clay,  Richland  and  Lawrence.     The  first  Bishop  of  the  Belle- 
ville Diocese  was  the  Right  Reverend  John  Janssen,  consecrated  April  25,  1888, 


'Catholic  Encyclopedia,  title  "Bishop." 
5Ib 


14 


Cardinal  M  u  mm  i  i  i  s 
Archbishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Chicago  and  Metropolitan  of  the  Province  of  Illinois. 
Portrait  by  Lavcceha,  Chicago. 


TU  lib1 


CHURCH   ORGANIZATION 

died  July  2,  1913.    The  present  Bishop  is  Bight  Reverend  Henry  Althoff,  D.  D., 
consecrated  February  24,  1914. 

The  Diocese  of  Rockford 

The  Diocese  of  Rockford  comprises  the  counties  of  Jo  Daviess,  Stephenson, 
Winnebago,  Boone,  McHenry,  Carroll,  Ogle,  DeKalb,  Kane,  Whiteside,  Lee  and 
Kendall.  The  first  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  was  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph 
Muldoon,  D.  D.,  consecrated  Titular  Bishop  of  Tamassus  and  Auxiliary  Bishop 
of  Chicago,  July  25,  1901,  and  appointed  Bishop  of  Rockford,  September  28, 
1908.     Bishop  Muldoon  died  October  9th,  1927. 

Right  Reverend  Edward  Francis  Hoban,  D.D.,  formerly  Auxiliary  Bishop 
of  the  diocese  of  Chicago,  was  appointed  Bishop  of  Rockford  to  succeed 
Bishop  Muldoon,  and  was  enthroned  May  15,  1928. 

The  Bishop's  Place  in  the  CmjRcn 

As  lias  been  said,  the  visible  head  of  the  church  on  earth  is  the  pope.  Re- 
gardless of  any  discussion  or  disagreement  history  knows  the  pope  as  the  head 
of  the  Church,  and  2,000  years  of  practice  has  confirmed  that  position. 

During  the  first  three  centuries,  the  entire  religious  life  of  the  diocese 
centered  around  the  person  of  the  bishop.  The  priests  and  deacons  were  his 
auxiliaries,  but  they  worked  under  the  immediate  direction  of  the  bishop.  In 
large  cities,  however,  like  Rome,  it  was  soon  found  necessary  to  give  over 
permanently  to  the  priests  and  deacons  certain  definite  functions.  Moreover, 
as  a  result  of  the  spread  of  Christianity  outside  the  great  centers  of  population, 
the  bishop  gradually  left  to  other  ecclesiastics  the  administration  of  a  fixed  por- 
tion of  the  diocesan  territory.  In  the  East,  at  first  bishoprics  were  created  in 
all  districts  where  there  was  a  considerable  number  of  Christians.  But  this 
system  presented  great  inconveniences.  To  distant  or  rural  localities,  therefore, 
the  Church  sent  bishops,  who  were  only  the  delegates  of  the  bishop  of  the  city, 
and  who  did  not  possess  the  right  of  exercising  the  most  important  powers  of 
a  bishop.  Such  bishops  were  known  as  Choropiscopi  or  rural  bishops.  Later 
on,  they  were  replaced  by  priests.  The  establishment  of  parishes  from  the 
fourth  and  fifth  century  on  gradually  freed  the  bishops  from  many  of  their 
original  charges ;  they  reserved  to  themselves  only  the  most  important  affairs, 
i.  e.,  those  which  concerned  the  whole  diocese  and  those  which  belonged  to  the 
cathedral  church.  However,  above  all  other  affairs  the  bishops  retained  the 
right  of  supervision  and  supreme  distinction.4 

It  is  the  settled  doctrine  of  the  Church  that  a  bishop  is  divinely  com- 
missioned, the  true  successor  of  the  apostles  and  really  vested  with  all  the 
authority  included  in  Christ's  mandate  to  the  apostles.5 

It  is  easy  to  understand  the  importance  of  the  bishop's  jurisdiction  from 
an  acquaintance  with  the  labors  and  ministrations  of  our  own  bishops.  No 
representative  of  the  Church  is  so  intimately  associated  with  church  affairs  as 
the  bishop  in  his  own  diocese.  The  Pope  has  but  a  general  outlook  upon  the 
Church.     At  the  other  end,  the  priests'  knowledge  and  labors  are  confined  to 

15 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

a  single  parish,  but  the  bishop  is  the  life  blood  of  the  diocese  charged  with 
complete  responsibility  for  numerous  parishes  and  institutions  and  brought 
into  frequent  close  contact  with  the  souls  of  the  diocese.  The  bishops  and 
archbishops  of  the  Catholic  Church  are  and  have  been  the  most  distinguished 
men  of  all  ages,  and  our  Bishops  rank  high  in  this  most  notable  category. 

Members  of  the  Organization 

Catholics  form  the  largest  single  religious  body  in  the  world,  Christian  or 
non-Christian,  according  to  figures  published  here  by  Dom  Maternus  Spitz, 
O.S.B.,  (London)  who  makes  a  special  study  of  religious  statistics  throughout 
the  world. 

Dom  Maternus  states  that  Catholics  number  330,000,000.  The  next  most 
numerous  group  are  the  Confucianists  and  Toaists  (non-Christian),  who  num- 
ber 300,000,000. 

One  surprising  revelation  is  that  the  world  population  of  the  Jews  is  only 
15,000,000,  the  smallest  religious  group. 

Dom  Maternus  quotes  figures  which  show  that  the  total  population  of  the 
world  is  1,819,000,000.  Twenty-five  years  ago  it  was  estimated  at  230,000,000 
less.  With  the  addition  to  the  Catholic  figures  of  210,000,000  Protestants  and 
144,000,000  Orthodox,  the  Christian  population  is  37.6  per  cent  of  the  world's 
total,  so  that  pagans  form  rather  less  than  two-thirds  of  the  total. 

The  membership  in  Illinois  and  the  various  dioceses  is  shown  in  subsequent 
chapters. 


16 


Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin.  D.D. 

Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois 

192/, 


1U  V 


CHAPTER   II. 

THE  BISHOP 

Pen  Pictures  of  Bishop  Griffin 

Compiled  and  Extended  by  Monsignor  Martin  J.  Foley. 

James  Aloysius  Griffin  was  born  February  27,  1883,  in  the  city  of  Chicago. 
His  parents  were  Thomas  Griffin  and  Catherine  Woulfe,  he  being  the  eldest 
in  a  family  of  ten  children,  five  boys  and  five  girls,  all  of  whom  are  living. 
When  old  enough  his  parents  sent  him  to  St.  Gabriel  School,  Chicago,  where 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  he  made  a  record  as  a  typical 
American  boy. 

Having  graduated  from  St.  Gabriel,  young  Griffin  was  sent  to  St. 
Ignatius  College,  Chicago,  where  his  record  was  in  harmony  with  the  best  tra- 
ditions of  that  great  Jesuit  institution. 

From  St.  Ignatius  College  he  went  to  Kenrick  Seminary,  where  he  spent 
one  year  in  the  study  of  philosophy.  He  did  not  return  to  Kenrick  next  year 
because  the  Providence  of  God  ordained  that  young  Griffin's  superiors  should 
send  him  to  the  center  of  Catholic  Faith,  the  source  of  Catholic  Authority,  the 
heart  of  Catholic  culture  and  Catholic  education — Borne. 

And  so  in  1904  he  went  to  Borne,  entered  the  North  American  College, 
completed  a  six-year  course  and  on  July  4,  1909,  was  ordained  priest  by 
Archbishop  Ceppetelli. 

Before  starting  this  sketch  the  writer  requested  Beverend  J.  J.  Doody,  a 
cousin  and  life-long  friend  of  Bishop  Griffin,  to  furnish  him  with  some  data 
regarding  the  boyhood  years,  school  and  college  days  of  young  Griffin  and  the 
following  is  the  result : 

Bishop  Griffin  is  the  best  exemplification  I  know  of  the  dictum,  "the  child 
is  the  father  of  the  man"  or  of  the  other  one  that  "the  man  is  only  the  child 
grown  up."  As  I  remember  him  from  the  grade  school  on  through  high  school, 
college,  seminary  and  the  priesthood,  I  see  him  possessed  of  the  same  character- 
istics that  are  so  patent  since  his  episcopal  consecration.  The  first  note  I  would 
mention  is  that  of  his  ever  bounding  health,  strength,  and  nervous  energy. 
Another  outstanding  generalization  is  that  he  was  always  "in  for  anything  that 
was  going, "  and  he  went  in  whole-heartedly,  tooth  and  nail. 

In  the  world  of  sport,  "nihil  putavit  a  se  alienum" — he  played  baseball 
on  the  street,  on  the  lot,  on  the  prairie,  or  anywhere — he  was  halfback  at  St. 
Gabriel 's  and  at  St.  Ignatius — he  was  a  top-notcher  at  hand-ball  in  the  fiercely 
contested  games  that  were  played  in  St.  Gabriel's  school  yard — he  went  to  the 
lake  regularly  in  the  days  when  there  were  very  few  beaches  and  fewer  beach 
facilities  and  one  had  to  keep  a  vigilant  eye  on  his  clothes  on  the  shore  and 
another  on  the  dreaded  "cop" — he  skated,  paying  his  toll  of  one  or  two  straps 
(skate  straps)  to  the  older  lads  who  controlled  the  ponds.  He  knew  "run 
sheep  run, "  "  shinny  on  your  own  side, "  "  duck  on  the  rock, ' '  and  all  the  other 

17 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

pastimes  that  an  inventive  youth  of  twenty  or  so  years  ago  knew  how  to 
create.  He  played  hard  and  excelled  in  all  of  the  games.  He  played  "fair 
and  square"  and  if  it  was  necessary  to  fight  occasionally  to  keep  the  other 
fellow  "fair  and  square,"  he  did  not  back  away  from  it.  He  could  not  be 
stumped,  and  always  full  of  curiosity  he  was  ever  ready  to  try  anything  once. 
For  instance,  one  time  on  vacation  with  his  friend,  the  present  Father  Rogers, 
he  walked  up  to  the  top  of  Pike's  Peak  and  down  again  the  next  day.  His 
friend,  with  bleeding  feet  and  dead  tired  body,  went  to  bed  too  exhausted  to 
eat.  The  future  Bishop  took  the  extra  boarding  house  meal  ticket  and  did  the 
eating  for  the  two — by  the  way,  he  still  possesses  that  same  healthy  appetite. 

As  a  musician  in  the  old  band  at  St.  Gabriel's,  he  worked  so  feverishly  and 
earnestly  that  the  director  had  a  task  to  keep  him  in  time  with  the  other 
players.  The  first  alto  had  a  tendency  to  get  ahead  of  them,  found  them  a  little 
slow — and  Griffin  was  the  first  alto. 

In  the  field  of  study  the  same  description  holds  good.  Helped  at  home  by 
a  scholarly,  student  father  who  generally  read  until  the  wee  hours  of  the  morn- 
ing, and  by  a  vigilant,  intelligent  and  ambitious  mother,  young  Griffin  always 
had  his  lessons,  essays  and  the  like  for  school. 

In  the  college  days  at  St.  Ignatius  most  of  his  "rec"  day  was  spent  in 
"outside"  reading  and  essay  work.  He  had  time  for  anybody  or  anything  in- 
teresting or  amusing  but  only  after  his  work  was  done. 

He  did  not  limit  himself  to  class  matter  but  went  in  for  all  the  extras. 
For  instance,  at  St.  Gabriel's  he  won  the  oratorical  contest  at  the  end  of  fourth 
year.  He  also  studied  hard  for  and  took  Normal  Training  entrance  examina- 
tion, although  he  had  no  intention  of  becoming  a  teacher  but  simply  to  enhance 
the  reputation  of  the  high  school  of  his  parish.  At  St.  Ignatius  also  he  entered 
the  elocution  and  oratory  contests. 

In  Rome  likewise  he  studied  for  a  degree  in  every  one  of  his  six  vears  but- 
one,  and  gathered  in  this  way  the  Ph.  B.,  the  Ph.  D.,  the  S.T.B.,  the  S.T.L., 
and  S.T.D.  Here  he  was  interested  in  the  study  of  the  Italian  language  and 
in  the  various  series  of  lectures  on  art  and  archaeology  that  were  given  at  the 
American  College  and  were  optional  for  the  students.  He  made  the  vacation 
trips  so  pleasant  and  so  instructive,  every  year  going  into  every  nook  and 
cranny  of  Italy  and  to  those  sections  outside  of  Italy  for  which  permission  was 
granted,  gathering  whatever  was  to  be  had  in  the  way  of  art,  history  and 
religion. 

In  the  matter  of  piety  he  manifested  the  same  spirit — an  altar  boy  all 
during  his  grade  and  high  school,  and  even  college  days ;  a  sodalist  performing 
all  the  devotions  such  as  the  nine  Fridays  and  the  six  Sundays  in  honor  of  St. 
Aloysius,  the  boy's  patron,  and  in  his  Roman  days,  a  visitor  at  practically  all 
the  prominent  shrines  of  Italy. 

As  a  companion  he  was  always  generous,  open  and  above  board  in  all  his 
dealings,  absolutely  without  guile,  trusting  and  forgiving,  sharing  what  he  had 
and  always  willing  to  do  more  than  his  share  when  effort  or  work  was  required. 

That  is  a  miniature  of  the  young  Griffin  I  knew.  The  Griffin  I  know  today 
is  an  enlargement,  broadened  and  beautifully  colored  by  twenty-five  years  of 
masterly  work  by  Nature  and  Grace. 

A  Fellow  Student's  Estimate  of  Bishop  Griffin 

When  Mr.  Joseph  J.  Thompson,  of  Chicago,  Compiler  of  the  Diamond 
Jubilee  History  of  our  Diocese,  asked  us  to  furnish  a  sketch  of  Bishop  Griffin 
we  made  up  our  mind  to  make  it  as  exact  and  complete  as  possible  within  the 
limits  of  space  allowed  us. 

18 


THE    BISHOP 

Having  been  a  student  ourself  and  realizing  how  intimately,  and  therefore, 
thoroughly,  students  know  each  other,  and  one  another  from  their  mutual  con- 
tact in  class  room,  study  hall,  and  at  play,  we  resolved  to  get  in  touch  with  a 
fellow-student  of  our  subject — one  well  known  for  his  intellectual  attainments, 
priestly  characteristics,  and  high  standing  among  the  Hierarchy  and  clergy 
generally — the  Reverend  B.  D.  Rogers,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  St.  Dominic's  parish, 
Chicago,  Illinois. 

We  wrote  to  Dr.  Rogers  and  asked  him  to  give  us  his  candid  estimate  of 
his  former  playmate,  school  and  college  chum,  James  A.  Griffin.  Here  is  what 
he  writes  under  date  of  October  4,  1927 : 

To  write  all  that  T  know  of  your  fond  Bishop  would  bo  equivalent  to 
writincr  his  biography — an  honor  reserved  for  your  able  and  facile  pen.  Our 
friendship  from  early  boyhood  days  up  to  the  present  hour  has  been  fraternal 
and  our  knowledge  of  each  other  is  consequents  very  intimate.  We  have 
played  together  as  boys — studied  together,  traveled  together  as  students  and 
priests.  I  could  talk  about  him  better  than  write  about  him  for  then  I  could 
judge  better  just  what  material  you  want,  and  have  not  as  yet,  for  your  sketch. 

Thinking  it  over — were  von  to  ask  me  what  T  considered  to  be  the 
Bishop's  most  prominent  and  characteristic  qualities  ('among  many  others).  T 
would  reply:  First,  his  great  love  of  justice  and  fair  play.  He  liked  open  com- 
petition, but  everything  had  to  bo  on  the  square.  "Victory  to  whom  victory  is 
due."  In  that  spirit  he  has  always  accorded  to  others  credit  and  honor  due  them 
by  reason  of  their  ability  or  attainments. 

Next,  his  craving  for  work  and  activity.  I  never  remember  his  balking  at 
any  kind  of  work  or  evading  any  kind  of  a  difficulty  that  arose  in  his  sphere 
of  operations.  His  energy  is  phenomenal — always  has  been.  He  knows  no 
fatigue  and  will  acknowledge  no  obstacles.  Obstacles  for  him  are  only  tests  for 
his  energv  and  must  be  overcome. 

Finally,  his  optimism.  The  bishop  always  sees  the  bright  side  of  things 
and  always  makes  the  best  of  a  situation.  He  is  no  Jeremiah  wailing  over  evils. 
If  things  are  not  right,  then  right  them.  If  you  find  evils,  correct  them. 
The  Lord's  universe  is  glorious,  things  are  progressing  and  he  is  sroing  to  do 
his  part  in  bringing  the  progress  about.  You  can't  deal  with  him  without 
realizing  that  he  simply  radiates  optimism. 

There  is  no  need  of  my  continuing  this  litany  of  his  virtues.  His  humility 
and  condescension,  his  affability  and  readiness  to  be  of  service;  his  anxiety  to 
make  others  happy  and  add  to  their  contentedness  and  enjoyment:  his  even 
temper,  and  delightful  disposition  are  subjects  I  could  dwell  upon  at  length. 

The  Bishop  always  liked  physical  activity  and  therefore  was  always  devoted 
to  games  and  sports  at  which  he  displayed  with  high  excellence.  Baseball, 
football,  handball,  swimming,  rowing,  also  walks  appealed  to  him.  While  at 
the  College  in  Rome  he  was  Master  of  games. 

His  going  to  Rome  was  brought  about  by  Reverend  Edward  S.  Keough,  D.D., 
now  pastor  of  Holy  Rosary,  Pullman,  Illinois,  who  was  at  the  time  Secretary  to 
Archbishop  Quigley,  and  had  charge  of  the  students  studying  for  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Chicago.  It  was  his  policy  to  send  every  student  to  Rome  whom  he 
thought  had  the  ability  to  profit  by  the  course  of  studies  there  as  also  of  the 
opportunities  that  life  in  the  Eternal  City  afforded.  Dr.  Keough  had  taught 
Bishop  Griffin  in  St.  Gabriel's  High  School,  knew  what  he  could  do,  and  ac- 
cordingly arranged  for  his  going  to  Rome  as  soon  as  it  was  possible. 

19 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

Mr.  Joe  McCarthy,  the  eminent  Chicago  architect,  was  a  boyhood  chum 
and  school  companion  of  Bishop  Griffin,     lie  writes  as  follows : 

I  first  met  the  young  man  destined  to  be  the  Bishop  of  Springfield  in 
Illinois  in  September  of  1897.  I  had  just  arrived  in  Chicago  from  the  East 
to  take  up  a  permanent  residence  and  attend  high  school.  As  it  happened, 
young  Griffin  was  the  first  person  I  met  in  Chicago  outside  of  my  immediate 
family.     He  was  probably  fourteen  years  old  at  the  time  and  I  about  thirteen. 

We  entered  high  school  together  and  finished  together  in  the  class  of 
1901.  I  recall  him  clearly  during  those  four  years  as  an  unusual  character. 
He  had  great  bodily  strength ;  was  possessed  of  a  great  deal  of  energy  and 
played  excellent  baseball,  football  and  similar  school-boy  games.  He  was  al- 
ways the  soul  of  honor.  He  possessed  a  naturally  cheerful  disposition  and  I 
have  never  been  able  to  recall  any  display  on  his  part  of  ill-temper.  True,  as 
a  boy,  I  saw  him  fight,  but  he  was  a  clean,  determined  fighter,  never  giving  up 
until  he  or  his  opponent  was  thoroughly  beaten,  and  then  he  was  ready  to  shake 
hands  and  smile.  If  there  was  an  honorable  way  out  of  a  boyish  argument  he 
never  fought,  but  if  a  fight  was  inevitable,  he  was  ready  for  it.  This  is  still  his 
spirit,  violence,  of  course,  omitted. 

His  cheerfulness  was  proverbial.  There  is  no  doubt  but  what  his  home 
life  was  greatly  responsible  for  this.  His  father,  a  highly  cultured  gentleman 
and  a  graduate  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  greeted  every  visitor  to  the  Griffin 
home  with  a  warm  and  sincere  smile ;  his  mother,  a  very  kind  woman,  was  noted 
too  for  her  warmth  and  cordial  hospitality  and  her  ability  to  make  everyone 
who  entered  her  home  feel  perfectly  at  ease.  There  was  always  an  air  of 
optimism  in  this  truly  Christian  home  and  the  future  Bishop  could  not  fail  to 
imbibe  this  spirit  of  domestic  sunshine.  I  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  the  Griffin 
home  during  my  high  school  days,  and  as  I  see  the  pleasant  good  humored  and 
witty  Bishop  of  today,  I  am  always  reminded  of  his  happy  home  environment, 
where  frowns  were  unknown. 

When  the  young  man  had  completed  two  years  of  high  school,  he  felt  a 
slight  urge  for  a  life  of  commerce.  He  had  secured  a  clerical  position  during 
the  summer  of  1899  and  had  progressed  faster  than  he  expected.  _  As  the 
opening  of  the  Fall  term  of  school  approached  he  was  debating  in  his  mind 
whether  he  should  return  to  school.  Perhaps  he  had  dreams  of  conquering  the 
business  world.  The  success  he  enjoyed  lured  him  onward  commercially.  He 
had  a  knack  for  figures  and  has  to  this  day.  He  confided  in  me  one  evening 
just  before  school  opened  that  he  was  not  quite  sure  whether  or  not  he  should 
return  to  school.  I,  conscious  of  the  fact  that  there  were  but  four  young  men 
in  a  co-educational  class  of  twenty-seven,  and  fearing  a  reduction  in  male  com- 
panionship, rather  selfishly  urged  him  to  come  back  to  school.  He  listened  to 
my  advice;  he  returned  to  his  school,  took  up  his  studies  with  renewed  energy 
and  became  an  even  more  successful  student,  going  so  far  as  to  win  the  medal 
for  public  speaking.  I  fully  believe  it  was  upon  his  return  to  his  third  year  in 
high  school  that  he  felt  the  call  to  his  vocation.  I  take  no  credit  for  urging  him  to 
return  other  than,  as  I  said  before,  I  had  a  selfish  motive  in  mind.  It  matters 
nothing  now.    His  career  was  foreordained. 

Towards  the  close  of  our  last  year  in  school,  we  drifted  apart.  Nothing 
could  be  more  natural.  He  was  on  the  high  road  to  Orders.  Graduation  came 
in  1901  and  we  separated.  He  Avent  his  way,  preparing  for  his  further  studies ; 
I  for  the  field  of  architecture.  I  had  left  Chicago  for  a  while  in  1903,  when  he 
sailed  away  to  Rome,  urged  onward  by  our  old  friend  and  tutor,  the  Reverend 
Dr.  Keough,  to  complete  his  studies  for  the  priesthood.  He  returned  a  priest, 
in  1910. 

20 


THE   BISHOP 

1  had  the  happiness  to  he  present  at  his  first  Mass  in  the  old  Parish 
Church,  and  sat  al  table  with  him  immediately  after  as  the  guest  of  the  Pastor, 
Rev.  M.  J.  Dorney.  There  was  no  change  in  his  smiling  cheerful  disposition,  in 
his  admirable  humility,  nor  in  his  loyalty  and  affection  for  his  old  friends.  His 
mind  reflected  the  years  of  study  and  discipline  in  Rome  and  we  saw  poise,  self- 
confidence,  and  the  ease  of  discourse  that  education  develops. 

1  saw  him  frequently  afterwards,  as  a  curate  beloved  by  all;  as  a  Pastor, 
successful  in  administration.  While  1  always  believed  he  had  the  attributes 
of  a  good  leader,  and  would  perform  excellently  and  cheerfully  any  task  put 
before  him,  still  due  to  his  instinctive  humility  I  never  expected  that  out  of  the 
obscurity  he  always  maintained  he  would  be  called  upon  to  wear  a  mitre.  I 
am  not  surprised  that  he  is  a  Bishop.  1  was  surprised,  however,  that  the  light 
he  carried  showed  through  the  bushel. 

When  we  were  in  school,  James  Griffin  was  always  referred  to  as  "square," 
meaning,  of  course,  that  he  was  scrupulously  honest,  impartially  just,  and  un- 
swerving in  loyalty.  He  possesses  these  traits  today,  unspoiled  and  untarnished 
by  success,  and  it  is  safe  prophecy  that  he  will  retain  those  qualities  to  his  death, 
beloved  by  all  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact  and  admired  by  all  who  shall  wit- 
ness his  progress. 

His  Home  Coming  and  First  Appointment 

The  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  returned  to  his  beloved  America 
and  was  appointed  Assistant  in  St,  James  Parish,  Chicago,  on  September  10, 
1910.  He  soon  gave  strong  evidence  as  to  his  clerical  fibre  by  the  very  efficient 
manner  in  which  he  pursued  his  priestly  ministrations,  and  carried  himself 
personally  under  varying,  almost  contradictory  and  unusually  trying  circum- 
stances. St.  James  Parish  was  at  one  time,  back  around  1891,  the  flower  of 
the  flock,  so  to  speak.  Then  after  the  World's  Fair,  it  began  to  deteriorate, 
various  causes  contributing,  but  especially  the  influx  of  the  colored  people.  It 
was  a  rather  indifferent  Parish,  and  locality  when  Father  Griffin  was  Assist- 
ant there  some  twenty  years  later.  Yet,  there  he  was,  a  marked  man,  from 
September,  1910,  to  September,  1915. 

When  in  September,  1915,  he  went  to  St.  Brendan's,  Chicago,  it  was  almost 
virgin  soil ;  a  newly  formed  community ;  a  struggling  congregation.  But  there, 
just  as  clearly  and  just  as  forcibly  as  at  the  former  select  St.  James,  he  impressed 
himself  as  an  all-around,  light-hearted,  hard-working  hundred  per  cent  Ameri- 
can priest. 

After  that,  in  May,  1917,  came  the  command  from  his  Archbishop,  to  leave 
the  city  and  betake  himself  to  Coal  City,  Illinois,  a  village  of  very  poor  people, 
struggling  against  odds.  Certainly,  insofar  as  material  things  went,  there  was 
little  to  stimulate,  and  nothing  to  enthuse  over.  The  young  Pastor  of  Coal 
City  bore  himself  as  though  every  feature  was  ideal,  and  ere  long  had  turned 
the  tide,  an  improved  church,  a  splendid  parochial  school  with  consecrated 
nuns  in  charge,  and  what  was  more,  his  imprint  of  devotion  was  there. 

Father  Griffin  was  Pastor  of  Coal  City  during  the  stirring  days  of  the 
World  War  and  took  an  active  part  in  every  patriotic  movement  to  the  great 
benefit  of  the  foreign  born  element  in  that  mining  town.  He  served  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Grundy  County  Exemption  Board,  was  Chairman  of  the  Red  Cross, 
took  a  leading  part  in  Liberty  Loan  Drives  and  War  Savings  Certificates,  and 

21 


DIOCESE   OF   SPIJINOFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

was  constantly  in  demand  as  a  Four  Minute  Man.  During  it  all  and  in  spite 
of  it  all,  he  built  np  Coal  City  parish  spiritually  and  materially,  intellectually 
and  morally,  crowning  it  all  with  the  erection  of  a  fine  new  parochial  school 
and  convent. 

The  writer  received  the  following  excellent  story  from  a  leading  citizen 
of  Coal  City  and  feels  constrained  to  give  it  here  to  illustrate  the  character  of 
the  man  who  later  on  was  to  rule  the  destinies  of  a  great  diocese.  During  the 
war  it  was  fashionable,  and  sometimes  profitable,  to  insult  American  citizens 
of  German  extraction  and  so  it  was  in  Coal  City,  it  seems. 

At  that  time  there  lived  in  Coal  City  a  man  who  held  a  lucrative  position 
with  the  Federal  Government.  He  found  himself,  or  rather  his  job,  slipping, 
so  he  looked  around  for  a  means  of  strengthening  himself  and  preserving  his 
position.  He  drew  up  a  list  of  names — men  and  citizens  of  German  extraction 
— whom  he  called  pro-German.  Armed  with  the  list,  he  started  down  town.  With 
head  erect,  and  proud,  secure  tread,  he  wended  his  way  toward  the  office  of  the 
proper  authority.  On  the  way  he  had  the  bad  fortune  to  run  into  young 
Father  James  A.  Griffin,  who  stopped  him  and  entered  into  conversation  with 
him  regarding  the  War.  During  the  conversation,  the  "patriot"  informed 
Father  Griffin  that  he  had  a  list  of  "Pros,"  which  he  displayed.  Father 
Griffin's  quick  eye  scanned  the  names.  Quivering  with  indignation,  his  eyes 
flashing  fire,  he  tore  up  the  list,  flung  the  scraps  to  the  street  and  stamped  upon 
them.  Then  addressing  the  "patriot"  he  said:  "Why,  sir,  I  know  every  man 
on  your  list,  and  each  is  as  patriotic  as  you  or  1 !  Come  man,  take  me  around 
Coal  City,  point  out  to  me  a  single  'pro'  and  I  will  punish  him  and 
reward  you. ' ' 

That  act  of  Father  Griffin  saved  those  honest  American  citizens  from 
much  embarrassment,  and  silenced  most  effectively  the  oily  tongue  of  a  self- 
seeking  politician.  That  one  act  casts  a  flood  of  light  upon  the  character 
of  the  man. 

His  work  at  Coal  City  is  best  told  by  the  Reverend  George  A.  Parker,  D.  D., 
his  immediate  successor  at  Coal  City. 

I  succeeded  Bishop  Griffin  as  Pastor  of  Assumption  Church,  Coal  City, 
Illinois,  June,  1921,  where  his  name  is  still  held  in  benediction  for  his  heroic 
work  during  the  War  and  the  influenza  epidemic. 

Bishop  Griffin  was  appointed  Pastor  of  Coal  City,  May  14,  1917,  by  our 
present  Ordinary.  Coal  City  is  rated  as  an  Italian  Parish,  and  all  Pastors 
there  «o  far  have  spoken  Italian.  However,  in  our  school  we  had  nineteen  dif- 
ferent nationalities,  which  is  characteristic  of  mining  towns. 

During  the  Flu  epidemic,  Bishop  Griffin  was  the  only  doctor  most  of  the 
miners  knew,  as  they  had  little  faith  in  the  local  physician.  Once  they  took  sick, 
they  barricaded  themselves  in  their  homes,  and  the  Bishop  checked  up  on  those 
who  had  not  been  seen  for  several  days,  got  into  their  homes,  loaded  them  into 
his  Ford  and  brought  them  to  the  High  School,  which  was  turned  into  an  emer- 
gency hospital.  There  were  over  two  hundred  deaths  in  Coal  City,  a  town  of 
about  two  thousand  people,  from  the  Flu.  It  is  easy  to  understand  how  he  en- 
deared himself  to  those  poor  miners  by  his  physical  and  spiritual  ministrations. 
During  the  War,  Father  Griffin,  who  always  took  a  very  active  part  in 
civic  affairs,  was  a  member  of  the  Grundy  County  Draft  Board,    Chairman  of 


THE   BISHOP 

the  Coal  City  War  Savings  Stamp  Club,  and  Chairman  of  the  Finance  Commit- 
tee of  the  Red  Cross  for  Grundy  County.  As  most  of  the  miners  were  for- 
eigners, who  could  not  read  or  write  English,  the  Bishop  was  the  amanuensis, 
corresponding  with  the  War  Department  and  the  Red  Cross  to  obtain  for  the  par- 
ents the  proper  allotment,  or  endeavoring  to  locate  a  son  who  was  "missing  in 
action"  in  France. 

I  might  add  that  while  pastor  he  built  the  first  parochial  school  in  Coal 
City,  in  September,  1919,  and  had  an  enrollment  of  two  hundred  eighty-seven 
pupils  when  I  succeeded  him. 

His  work  at  Coal  City  having  attracted  the  attention  and  won  the  ad- 
miration of  Archbishop  Mundelein,  he  was  in  1921  promoted  to  the  important 
post  of  Pastor  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Joliet,  Illinois. 

The  people  of  Coal  City,  irrespective  of  creed  or  affiliation,  had  learned  to 
know  and  love  Father  Griffin.  They  were  heart-broken  over  his  going  away 
from  them.  They  planned  a  big  reception  in  his  honor— so  big  it  had  to  be 
staged  in  the  open  air,  and  it  is  stated  that  several  thousand  people  partici- 
pated. Mr.  W.  McDonald  acted  as  chairman  and  introduced  Reverend  B.  D. 
Rogers,  a  boyhood  friend  of  Father  Griffin,  as  the  first  speaker.  Mr.  Thomas  M. 
Moran,  a  Trustee,  spoke  in  behalf  of  the  congregation  and  presented  Father 
Griffin  with  a  purse  of  five  hundred  dollars.  Other  speakers  were :  Rev. 
Moses  Kiley,  Rev.  L.  O 'Sullivan,  Rev.  T.  O'Brien,  Hon.  E.  F.  Booth,  County 
Superintendent  of  Schools,  and  many  others.  Father  Griffin's  response 
touched  every  heart  and  few  dry  eyes  gazed  out  upon  the  departing  pastor. 

Father  Griffin  had  not  been  long  in  St.  Mary's,  Joliet,  e'er  a  dark  shadow 
fell  across  his  pathway  and  sent  a  chill  to  his  manly  heart.  In  August,  1921, 
his  noble  father,  his  loyal  friend  and  counsellor  from  boyhood  days,  Thomas 
Griffin,  died,  but  his  death  was  worthy  of  such  a  Catholic  father. 

His  record  finally  reached  Rome,  and  so  from  that  Shrine  which  gave  an 
Archbishop  to  San  Francisco,  a  Bishop  to  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  and  a  Pastor  to 
Chicago,  from  whose  original  Parish,  St.  Anne's,  nineteen  other  Parishes  were 
carved,  came  the  entirely  unexpected  Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois,  Right 
Reverend  James  Aloysius  Griffin,  D.  D. 

So  far  what  has  been  his  dominant  characteristic? 

Well,  in  one  word  it  was  and  it  is  that  superior  quality  of  St.  Thomas 
Aquinas — humility.  For  humility  is  the  parent  of  all  the  virtues  and,  there- 
fore, of  obedience.  If,  said  the  man  of  Aquin,  pride  be  the  most  repugnant 
to  God,  then  the  opposite,  humility,  must  be  the  most  acceptable.  Of  such 
is  the  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  a  humble  follower  of  the  lowly 
Nazarene. 

Bishop  Griffin  Sounds  Keynote  of  His  Future 
Policy   in   Masterly   Installation   Sermon 

On  the  10th  day  of  November,  1923,  our  Holy  Father,  Pope  Pius  XI, 
appointed  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield  in  Illinois.  On  February  25,  1924,  he  was  solemnly  consecrated 
Bishop  in  the  Holy  Name  Cathedral,  Chicago,  Illinois,  by  His  Grace,  Most 
Reverend  George  W.  Mundelein,  D.  D.,  assisted  by  the  Right  Reverend  Samuel 

23 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

A.  Stritch,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  the  Right  Reverend  E.  P.  Hoban, 
D.  D.,  Auxiliary  Bishop  of  Chicago,  as  co-consecrators.  A  large  number  of 
Bishops,  Monsignori,  Priests,  Nuns  and  the  laity  filled  the  Cathedral  and  many 
there  were  who  could  not  gain  admission  on  that  auspicious  occasion.  Among 
those  present  were  the  Bishop's  venerable  mother,  his  four  brothers  and  five 
sisters,  two  of  the  latter,  Sisters  of  Mercy.  After  his  consecration,  the  Bishop 
went  to  the  pew  where  knelt  his  venerable  mother,  Mrs.  Catherine  Griffin,  and 
after  embracing  her,  he  imparted  his  first  episcopal  blessing  to  her,  to  whom, 
under  God,  he  owes  all  that  he  is  and  all  that  he  was  on  that  blessed  day. 

Right  Reverend  Bernard  J.  Mahoney,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Sioux  Palls,  South 
Dakota,  preached  the  Consecration  sermon,  a  masterpiece,  whose  concluding 
words  were:  "Thus  clothed  in  the  vesture  of  a  high  priest,  wearing  the  white 
surplice  of  the  cleric,  the  tunic  of  the  sub-deacon,  the  dalmatic  of  the  deacon, 
the  chasuble  of  the  priest,  crowned  with  mitre,  sceptered  with  the  crozier,  the 
new  Bishop  leaves  here  today  amid  the  triumphant  strains  of  the  Te  Deum  and 
carries  with  him  our  best  wishes  and  our  hope  that  for  many  years  he  may 
lead  the  priests  and  people  of  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  along  the  path  that 
ends  in  life  eternal." 

Installation  Ceremonies 

Thursday,  February  28th,  1924,  marked  an  epoch  in  the  life  of  the  Diocese. 
Prom  that  day  forward  what  had  been  known  as  the  Diocese  of  Alton  was  to 
be  known  as  the  Diocese  of  Springfield,  in  Illinois. 

Bishop  Griffin,  accompanied  by  his  venerable  mother,  Mrs.  Catherine 
Griffin,  his  brothers  and  sisters,  many  other  relatives  and  friends  among  the 
laity,  about  two  hundred  priests  from  Chicago,  Joliet  and  other  cities,  came  on 
a  special  train  Wednesday  afternoon  from  Chicago.  A  large  delegation  of 
priests  and  laymen  from  the  Springfield  Diocese  met  his  train  at  Lincoln,  Illi- 
nois, and  extended  to  him  a  royal  welcome.  Another  delegation,  over  five 
thousand,  met  the  Bishop's  party  at  the  C.  &  A.  depot,  Springfield,  and  gave 
him  an  ovation  that  must  have  filled  his  heart  with  joy.  Thousands  of  men, 
women  and  children  lined  the  streets  from  the  depot  to  the  Cathedral,  while 
other  thousands  crowded  and  crushed  into  every  inch  of  space  around,  and  for 
blocks  away  from  the  Cathedral. 

Thursday  morning,  the  day  of  the  installation,  was  ushered  in  with  bursts 
of  glorious  sunshine  symbolic  of  heaven's  smiles  upon  the  celebration  which 
was  to  give  the  State  Capital  a  Cathedral,  and  the  Cathedral  a  Bishop.  Sev- 
eral hundred  priests  met  in  and  around  the  School  Hall,  donned  cassock  and 
surplice,  and  marched  two  abreast  into  the  Cathedral.  After  them  came  the 
Monsignori,  Bishops,  His  Grace,  Most  Reverend  George  W.  Mundelein,  D.  D., 
who  had  come  in  the  Pope's  name  to  install  the  new  Bishop,  and  finally  the  new 
Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D. 

Hundreds  of  Nuns  occupied  seats  in  the  side  aisles,  while  the  Bishop's 
mother,  his  sisters,  brothers  and  other  near  relatives,  occupied  front  pews 
specially  reserved  for  them.    Two  thrones  had  been  prepared  in  the  Sanctuary, 

24 


Cathedral  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 

Laying  of  Cornerstone  by 

Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop,  August  15,   1921 


TL  118' 


IEBSFTY  Kt 


THE    BISHOP 

one  on  the  Epistle  side  for  the  Metropolitan  of  the  Province,  and  another  on 
the  Gospel  side  for  the  new  Bishop. 

The  Archbishop,  standing  on  his  throne,  robed  in  full  Pontificals,  the 
representative  of  Christ's  vicar,  delivered  his  exhortation  full  of  pathos  and 
thrilling  with  eloquence.  His  Grace  then  led  the  new  Bishop  to  his  throne  and 
installed  him  as  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois.  The 
Hon.  James  M.  Graham,  of  Springfield,  delivered  an  address  in  the  name  of  the 
laity  of  the  Diocese  welcoming  the  new  Bishop  and  pledging  loyalty  and  co- 
operation. Very  Rev.  E.  L.  Spaulding,  Administrator  of  the  Diocese,  next 
spoke  for  the  Clergy,  pledging  their  hearty,  whole-souled  co-operation  with 
their  Bishop.  The  Clergy  of  the  Diocese  then  advanced  two  by  two,  knelt  on  the 
step  of  the  throne,  kissed  the  Bishop's  ring,  pledging  their  obedience  to  him. 
That  demonstration  of  faith,  love  and  loyalty  touched  the  heart  and  soul  of 
Bishop  Griffin  so  intensely  that  he  could  not  hide  his  emotions. 

The  Bishop  then  arose,  robed  in  full  Pontificals  and  clothed  with  all  the 
authority,  power  and  responsibility  of  his  office  as  Bishop  of  the  Diocese, 
delivered  his  charge  to  his  Clergy  and  the  laity.  He  said  in  part:  "The  man- 
date just  read  to  you  constitutes  my  introduction.  From  this  day  forward  I 
am  the  Bishop  of  Springfield,  and  you  are  my  dear  devoted  priests  and  people, 
gladly  ready  to  follow  my  leadership  in  the  further  building  of  the  Church's 
work  and  in  the  practice  of  those  deeds  of  virtue  and  of  heroism  for  which  it 
is  noble  to  live  and  sweet  to  die. 

"Relying  on  the  patronage  of  your  good  will,  I  advance  with  obedience 
to  the  work  and  may  that  Infinite  Power  which  rules  the  destinies  of  the  uni- 
verse, lead  our  councils  to  what  is  best  and  give  them  a  favorable  issue  for 
the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  Diocese. 

"Let  us  not  trust  in  human  effort  alone,  but  humbly  acknowledging  the 
power  and  goodness  of  Almighty  God  who  presides  over  the  destinies  of 
nations,  and  who  has  at  all  times  been  revealed  in  our  Church's  history,  let 
us  invoke  His  Blessing  upon  our  labors. 

"Leadership  must  be  faithful,  it  must  lie  wise  and  fearless — not  the 
leadership  which  will  command  the  applause  of  the  hour,  but  the  approving 
judgment  of  God  and  of  posterity.  In  our  present  situation,  duty,  and  duty 
alone,  should  prescribe  the  boundary  of  our  responsibilities  and  the  scope  of 
our  undertakings.  May  God  give  me  the  wisdom  and  the  prudence  to  perform 
my  duties." 

After  referring  to  the  dignity,  honor  and  responsibility  of  the  priest- 
hood, he  said: 

"You  may  depend  on  it  that  those  who  boast  or  think  that  the  battle  against 
the  Church  has  been  fought  and  won  are  reckoning  without  their  host.  The 
cardinal  facts  and  truths  of  the  Master's  teachings  are  'The  Citadel  of 
Civilization. ' 

"With  its  downfall  would  come  the  commencement  (and  the  pledge)  of 
decay  in  the  civilization  of  the  world." 

25 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

After  paying  a  ringing  tribute  to  the  pioneer  priests  and  Catholic  laity  of 
the  Diocese,  who  made  possible  the  day's  celebration,  he  said: 

"If  we  have  a  living  faith  in  God,  the  Father  of  the  human  race,  revealed 
to  us  through  Jesus  Christ,  His  Son,  if  we  have  faith  in  love  as  the  law  of  life, 
in  love  as  the  ideal  of  existence;  if  Christianity  means  to  live  and  love;  if  it 
means  to  do  justly,  to  love  mercy  and  to  walk  humbly  with  God — then  woe 
to  us  shepherds  of  the  Church,  if  in  this  hour  when  the  world  is  open  to  us, 
when  the  gates  are  flung  apart,  and  law  is  being  established  where  law  was 
never  known  before — woe  to  us  if  we  have  not  a  message  or  lack  courage  to  de- 
liver that  message. 

"A  Bishop  is  a  General  in  the  great  army  of  which  the  Pope  is  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief. He  is  the  law-maker  and  enforcer  of  the  statutes  of  the 
Diocese.  He  is  the  successor  of  the  Apostles  with  wonderful  opportunities  for 
promoting  God's  glory  and  the  salvation  of  souls,  and  of  earning  treasures  of 
merit  incalculable, — hence  the  glory  of  a  Bishop's  life.  In  the  exercise  of 
the  power  of  order  and  jurisdiction  which  the  Holy  Father  has  committed  to 
me  as  a  sacred  trust,  I  hereby  consecrate  myself  today." 

After  exhorting  both  Clergy  and  laity  to  labor  for  the  unity  of  the  Diocese, 
working  for  the  education  of  our  citizens,  for  the  spirit  of  virtue  and  morality, 
for  a  more  generous  sympathy  between  all  races  and  classes,  he  said : 

"What  the  world  needs  today  is  not  a  new  system  of  ethics.  It  is  simply  a 
larger  number  of  people  who  will  make  a  steady  effort  to  live  up  to  the  system 
that  we  have  already.  There  is  plenty  of  room  for  heroism  in  the  plainest  kind 
of  duty.  The  greatest  of  all  wars  has  been  going  on  for  centuries.  It  is  the 
ceaseless,  glorious  conflict  against  evil  that  is  in  the  world.  Every  warrior 
who  will  enter  this  age-long  conflict  may  find  a  place  in  the  army,  win  his  spurs, 
achieve  honor  and  attain  favor  with  the  great  Captain  of  the  Host  if  he  will 
but  do  his  best  to  make  life  purer  and  finer  for  every  one  who  lives  it. 

"Lastly,  we  must  not  forget  the  many  heroic  examples  of  the  laity  who 
have  honored  this  city  of  Springfield  with  their  labors  and  sacrifices.  From 
the  many  I  might  select  him  who  has  become  a  national  character  in  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  the  citizens  of  this  great  republic,  Abraham  Lincoln.  The  single 
light  that  led  his  feet  along  the  hard  highway  of  life,  was  justice;  the  single 
thought  that  throbbed  his  brain  to  sleep  was  justice;  the  single  prayer  that 
put  in  whispered  words  the  might  and  meaning  of  his  soul,  was  justice;  the 
single  impulse  that  lingered  in  a  heart  already  wrung  by  the  nation's  grief, 
was  justice.  My  friends,  we  must  live  so  that  the  spirit  of  this  great  man 
shall  settle  all  about  our  lives  and  deeds. 

"Listen  to  the  wisdom  of  this  man.  Is  it  not  a  fitting  guide  to  our  foot- 
steps in  this  the  beginning  of  our  work  ?  '  With  malice  toward  none,  with  charity 
for  all,  with  firmness  in  the  right  as  God  gives  us  to  see  the  right,  let  us  finish 
the  Avork  we  are  in,  to  bind  up  the  nation's  wounds,  to  care  not  merely  for  the 
widows  and  orphans,  but  also  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  all  who  will  accept 
our  loving  and  disinterested  ministrations ! ' 

"Lincoln  once  stood  on  the  battlefield  and  said  of  the  brave  men  who  paid 

26 


TUE    BISHOP 

the  supreme  sacrifice,  words  as  noble  as  any  countryman  of  ours  ever  spoke. 
Let  us  stand  in  this  city,  where  his  mortal  remains  are  at  rest  and  his  monu- 
ment erected,  and  say  of  our  predecessors  in  the  Faith  and  in  the  office  to 
which  we  are  heir,  what  Lincoln  said  of  the  soldiers  who  died  at  Gettysburg. 
These  are  the  words  he  uttered:  'We  cannot  dedicate,  we  cannot  consecrate, 
we  cannot  hallow  this  ground.  The  brave  men  living  and  dead  who  struggled 
here  have  consecrated  it  far  beyond  our  poor  power  to  add  or  detract.  The 
world  will  little  note  nor  long  remember  what  we  say  here,  but  it  cannot  forget 
what  they  did  here.  It  is  for  us,  the  living,  rather,  to  be  dedicated  here  to  the 
unfinished  work,  which  they  who  fought  here  have  thus  far  so  nobly  advanced. 
It  is  rather  for  us  to  be  here  dedicated  to  the  great  task  remaining  before  us, 
that  from  these  honored  dead  we  take  increased  devotion  to  that  cause  for 
which  they  gave  the  last  full  measure  of  devotion ;  that  we  here  highly  resolve, 
bishop,  priests  and  people,  that  these  dead  shall  not  have  died  in  vain.' 
"May  God  make  us  worthy  of  the  memory  of  Abraham  Lincoln." 

Banquet  in  St.  Nicholas  Hotel 

At  noon  a  banquet  was  spread  in  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel  which  was  enjoyed 
by  all  who  attended. 

Present  at  the  banquet  were :  His  Grace,  Most  Reverend  George  W. 
Mundelein,  D.  D.,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  Right  Reverend  P. 
J.  Muldoon,  D.  D.,  Right  Reverend  Samuel  A.  Striteh,  D.  D.,  Right  Reverend 
Bernard  J.  Mahoney,  D.  D.,  Right  Reverend  Henry  Althoff,  D.  D.,  Right  Rev- 
erend E.  F.  Hoban,  D.  D.,  Monsignori  E.  Kelly  and  J.  Schlarmann,  and  about 
four  hundred  priests. 

Very  Reverend  E.  L.  Spalding  was  Toastmaster,  a  position  which  he  filled 
with  grace  and  dignity.  Among  the  toasts  responded  to  was  one  on  "Our 
Bishop,"  by  Very  Reverend  J.  Murphy,  R.  D.  Dean  Murphy  perorated  his 
remarks  by  handing  the  Bishop  a  purse  of  some  twelve  thousand  dollars,  a 
love  token  from  the  Diocesan  Clergy. 

The  Bishop  responded  in  his  own  captivating  style.  He  told  the  priests 
how  delighted  he  was  with  the  reception  he  had  received  and  that  he  realized 
he  was  among  his  friends,  that  his  priests  had  forced  that  conclusion  upon  him, 
that  he  had  their  esteem,  their  friendship  and  their  love.  ' '  Yes, ' '  he  exclaimed, 
"and  I  am  convinced  that  should  I  fail  to  gain  your  co-operation,  it  will  be 
simply  because  I  am  unworthy  of  it." 

Visits  Lincoln's  Tomb 

Bishop  Griffin,  accompanied  by  more  than  two  hundred  priests  and 
prominent  members  of  the  laity  visited  Lincoln  's  Tomb  in  the  afternoon,  placed 
a  wreath  thereon  and  delivered  a  patriotic  address  in  which  he  lauded  the  name 
of  Lincoln  as  an  inspiration  to  free  men  all  over  the  world. 

Crvic  Reception 

The  State  Armory  was  packed  that  evening  as  it  never  was  before.  It  was 
estimated  that  ten  thousand  people  were  crowded  into  that  historic  building, 

27 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

every  available  nook  and  corner  having  been  pressed  into  active  service.  It 
was  a  happy,  enthusiastic  gathering  in  which  every  color  and  creed  was  rep- 
resented. Catholics,  Protestants,  non-believers  and  Jews  jostled  and  pushed 
one  another  to  gain  admission. 

Non-Catholic  Ministers  and  Jewish  Rabbis  sat  side  by  side  with  Catholic 
Bishops  and  priests  on  the  stage  that  night.  The  immense  audience  was  on 
tip-toe  of  expectancy  to  get  a  glimpse  of  1he  new  Bishop  in  whose  honor  they 
had  gathered.  Before  Bishop  Griffin  and  the  other  great  dignitaries  appeared, 
a  stately,  venerable  lady  entered  quite  unostentatiously.  Some  one  shouted : 
"There's  Bishop  Griffin's  mother!"  As  if  moved  by  one  mighty  impulse  that 
immense  crowd  rose  to  their  feet,  cheered  and  clapped,  clapped  and  cheered  for 
very  joy  in  honor  of  her  through  whom  came  the  man  whom  all  desired  to 
honor — Eight  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D. 

It  was  a  wonderful  demonstration — a  thrilling  ovation,  all  the  greater  and 
all  the  more  touching  because  absolutely  spontaneous. 

Very  Reverend  E.  L.  Spalding  opened  the  meeting  in  his  own  delightful 
manner,  then  transferred  the  reigns  to  Hon.  S.  A.  Bullard,  Mayor  of  Spring- 
field, who  presided  as  chairman.  Governor  Len  Small  was  represented  by  his 
son-in-law,  Colonel  L.  Inglesh,  who  spoke  for  the  Governor  and  the  great  State 
of  Illinois.  The  Hon.  Edwin  Burke  spoke  for  the  City  of  Springfield.  The 
Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  Muldoon,  D.  D.,  of  Rockford,  paid  a  wonderful  tribute 
to  Bishop  Griffin,  the  guest  of  the  evening. 

The  Bishop's  response  was  a  burst  of  eloquence  seldom  equalled,  if  ever 
approached,  in  the  City  of  Springfield.  His  words  came  from  a  heart  filled  to 
the  very  brim  with  gratitude  for  all  that  Springfield  and  the  Diocese  had  done 
to  honor  him  that  day.  The  tears  and  the  smiles  played  with  each  other  on  his 
manly  face  as  he  endeavored  to  express  his  gratitude  to  one  and  all,  even  to  the 
Rev.  Gypsy  Smith,  for  his  broad-minded  spirit  of  brotherly  feeling  so  beau- 
tifully expressed  by  his  having  interrupted  his  revival  meetings  in  the  Armory 
in  order  to  accommodate  the  Bishop  and  his  friends  that  night.  The  Bishop's 
magnificent  address  was  a  fit  crown  for  the  ending  of  a  perfect  day.  His  re- 
marks may  be  summed  up  in  this  one  significant  sentence:  "I  hope  I  may  live 
long  enough  to  return  in  some  small  measure  the  tremendous  debt  of  gratitude 
that  I  deem  is  due  to  the  clergy  and  the  people  of  this  city  and  diocese  for 
the  unusual  tribute  of  which  I  am  the  recipient." 

Joliet's  Farewell  to  Bishop  Griffin 

The  citizens  of  Joliet,  non-Catholic  and  Catholic,  realizing  the  loss  they 
sustained  in  the  removal  of  their  Pastor  from  their  midst,  cordially  invited 
him  to  return  to  their  city  soon  after  his  installation  in  Springfield,  that  they 
might  have  an  opportunity  of  proving  to  him  and  to  the  whole  world  how 
completely  he  had  won  the  hearts  of  all,  irrespective  of  church  affiliation. 

He  celebrated  Pontifical  High  Mass  in  St.  Mary's  Church,  Joliet,  Sunday 
morning,  March  2nd,  1924.  For  the  second  time  in  the  history  of  St.  Mary's 
Church,  Joliet,  was  the  scene  of  the  first  Pontifical  Mass  of  its  Pastor  made  a 

28 


THE   BISHOP 

Bishop.  Here  Bishop  Griffin  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  the  late  lamented, 
scholarly  Bishop,  Maurice  F.  Burke,  who,  thirty-six  years  ago,  became  Bishop 
and  returned  to  celebrate  his  first  Pontifical  Mass  in  St.  Mary's.  The  church 
was  beautifully  decorated  in  the  Bishop's  colors,  purple  and  gold,  and  a 
patriotic  touch  was  given  the  whole  scene  by  flags  draped  in  the  side  aisles  and 
bunting  in  national  colors  along  the  choir  gallery.  The  church  was  crowded 
to  the  doors,  all  anxious  to  gaze  on  the  familiar  figure  of  him  whom  all  Joliet 
revered. 

Rev.  W.  A.  Murphy  of  Chicago,  classmate  of  the  Bishop  in  St.  Ignatius 
College  and  the  North  American  College,  Rome,  preached  an  inspiring  sermon 
on  the  Catholic  Church  and  the  position  of  a  Bishop  in  her  constitution.  He 
commented  on  Bishop  Griffin's  escutcheon  bearing  the  inscription  "With 
Faith  and  Fortitude,"  and  emphasized  the  necessity  of  these  sterling  virtues. 

"In  this  assembly  in  old  St.  Mary's  this  morning,  a  new  note  has  crept 
in,  a  new  emotion  aroused,  independent  from  those  which  have  marked  the 
celebrations  of  last  week,"  said  Father  Murphy.  "That  feeling  is  tender  and 
it's  true.  It  comes  as  we  view  Bishop  Griffin  sitting  among  his  friends,  those 
associated  with  him  in  other  days  and  other  times,  those  whose  bonds  of  friend- 
ship were  forged  in  the  long  ago,  and  hence  more  sacred. 

"We  are  in  old  St.  Mary's,  the  second  church  given  him  in  his  priesthood 
to  live  for  and  love.  He  is  here  among  his  flock  he  loved  so  tenderly  when  he 
was  called  away  for  greater  duties.  We  are  here  amid  the  charm  and  poetry  of 
the  historic  past. 

"With  angelic  feet  the  fathers  of  our  Faith  came  through  this  valley  along 
the  winding  streams  of  the  Desplaines,  more  ancient  than  the  Appian  Way.  The 
spirit  of  Joliet  and  Marquette  still  hovers  about  that  river  and  sees  the  Faith 
rising  like  a  mist  from  the  water,  and  along  its  banks  the  spires  of  churches 
which  follow  the  river  to  the  sea. ' ' 

Civic  Banquet  for  Bishop  Griffin 

Bishop  Griffin  was  the  guest  of  honor  at  a  great  civic  banquet  given  in 
Alamo  Hall,  Joliet  on  the  following  evening,  Monday,  April  3.  Nigh  one 
thousand  leading  citizens,  representative  of  every  creed  in  the  city,  were 
present  at  the  banquet  which  was  the  largest  ever  held  in  Joliet.  The  Pastors 
of  various  Protestant  Churches,  representatives  of  the  city,  the  county  and  the 
state,  superintendents  of  schools,  heads  of  commercial  and  civic  organizations, 
visiting  and  local  priests,  all  were  there  to  honor  the  guest  of  whom  the  whole 
city  was  proud.  Mrs.  Catherine  Griffin,  mother  of  Bishop  Griffin,  his  brothers 
and  sisters  were  guests  of  honor. 

The  speakers  of  the  evening  were  Hon.  T.  F.  Donovan,  Senator  R.  J.  Barr, 
Mayor  Sehring,  Peter  F.  McManus,  H.  E.  Wood,  Rev.  W.  H.  Macpherson,  pastor 
of  St.  John's  Universalist  Church,  Joliet,  Rev.  Roger  Middendorf,  0.  F.  M., 
Rev.  E.  0.  Leiser  and  Rev.  J.  Barrett,  Attorney  M.  F.  Lennon,  General  Chair- 
man, under  whose  direction  the  banquet  was  arranged,  opened  the  meeting, 
greeted  the  guests,  then  turned  the  program  over  to  Rev.  H.  Van  Pelt,  Pastor 

20 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

of  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Joliet,  whose  .scintillating'  wit  put  the  audience  in  a 
delightful  mood  for  the  program. 

Father  Leiser,  intimate  associate  of  Bishop  Griffin  for  several  years,  said : 
"Without  fear  of  contradiction,  I  make  the  statement  that  with  our  Pastor's 
removal,  St.  Mary's  is  suffering  one  of  the  greatest  losses  in  its  long  and  color- 
ful career.  He  has  been  the  ideal  priest,  the  gentleman,  the  saint,  the  scholar. 
St.  Mary's  memories  of  Bishop  Griffin  will  be  reckoned  among  her  most 
cherished  possessions.  The  work  done  by  him  in  his  short  pastorate  will  con- 
tinue to  give  both  mute  and  eloquent  testimony  to  his  priestly  zeal  and  ardent 
love.  The  honors  and  glories,  distinctions  and  successes  that  the  future  holds 
for  him  will  be  proudly  shared  by  the  flock  he  served  so  well  in  Joliet." 

Mr.  H.  E.  Wood,  custodian  of  records  for  the  Illinois  Commerce  Commis- 
sion, commented  on  the  fact  that  in  his  hour  of  triumph  the  first  picture  the 
Bishop  had  taken  was  with  his  dear  mother.  In  his  success  he  remembered  the 
mother  who  had  guarded  him  in  childhood,  counselled  him  in  boyhood  and 
inspired  him  in  young  manhood,  thus  demonstrating  his  sterling  character  as 
a  man,  a  citizen  and  a  great  churchman.  The  picture  of  the  Bishop  and  his 
mother  referred  to  by  Mr.  H.  W.  Wood,  gripped  the  hearts  of  millions  of  people 
in  all  lands  as  that  picture  had  an  international  circulation. 

Mayor  Sehring  said :  ' '  This  gathering  proves  how  well  our  city  is  fortified. 
Religion  must  be  the  foundation  stone  of  every  community.  We  are  proud  of 
our  churches,  and  proud  of  this  great  demonstration  in  honor  of  Bishop  Griffin 
and  we  assure  him  a  cordial  welcome  whenever  he  returns  to  our  city,  which 
his  presence  has  honored  and  strengthened. ' ' 

Senator  R.  J.  Barr  made  the  presentation  address  and  handed  Bishop 
Griffin  a  check  for  almost  eight  thousand  dollars,  Joliet 's  gift  to  him. 

Bishop  Griffin  responds : 

"It  is  almost  impossible  for  me  to  express  my  feelings  over  this  representa- 
tive audience  which  has  assembled  here  tonight,"  said  Bishop  Griffin.  "It  is 
equally  difficult  for  me  to  express  the  depth  of  my  gratitude.  If  I  lived  to  be 
a  century  old,  I  could  not  discharge  my  indebtedness  to  Joliet.  It  is  with  a 
feeling  of  deep  exaltation  that  I  contemplate  the  events  of  the  last  week  cul- 
minating in  this  magnificent  demonstration  tonight,  and  I  return  my  grati- 
tude to  God. 

' '  There  are  few  places  in  the  world  where  there  could  be  gathered  so  many 
creeds  and  peoples  as  are  here  tonight,  and  I  view  it  as  a  crowning  tribute  to 
my  life.  Feeling  my  helplessness  to  express  my  appreciation  of  your  gen- 
erosity, I  can  only  say,  I  thank  you." 

Bishop  Griffin's  Slogan:   "Each  of  Us  Will  Endeavor  to  Outdo  the  Rest 
of  Us  in  the  Amount  of  Good  Done  by  All  of  Us" 

The  writer  of  these  lines  visited  St.  Mary's  Rectory,  Joliet,  before  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated.  During  his  conversation 
with  one  of  the  Assistant  Pastors  at  St.  Mary's,  the  following  facts  were  re- 
vealed :  "Your  Bishop  will  not  build  a  Cathedral  or  busy  himself  about  material 

30 


THE   BISHOP 

things  for  some  time.  That  is  not  his  way  of  going  about  things.  His  first 
and  greatest  ambition  will  be  to  tour  his  Diocese,  get  the  lay  of  the  land,  become 
acquainted  with  his  Clergy  and  their  people,  study  the  needs  of  the  Diocese 
as  a  whole  and  the  individual  Parish  as  a  unit,  labor  to  build  up  the  intellectual, 
moral  and  spiritual  life  of  his  Diocese — then  and  then  only  will  he  turn  his 
thoughts  and  his  indomitable  will  power  towards  a  new  Cathedral." 

How  well  that  Joliet  priest  understood  his  Pastor,  facts  have  triumphantly 
vindicated. 

Another  remark  by  the  Joliet  priest,  a  German-American,  made  a  deep 
impression  on  the  writer.  It  was  this:  "Here  we  are,  two  assistants  to  Father 
Griffin — one  an  Irish-American,  and  the  other,  a  German-American.  We  have 
both  lived  and  labored  with  Father  Griffin;  we  have  observed  his  tactics  care- 
fully and  studied  them  at  close  range  to  see  if  we  could  detect  any  racial  pref- 
erences. Never  at  any  time  or  in  any  place  has  either  of  us  detected  the  shadow 
of  favoritism  on  his  part." 

Here  is  a  clever  adage.  When  he  came  here  as  Pastor  he  said  on  one 
occasion:  "The  policy  in  this  Parish  during  my  pastorate  will  be  this:  'Each 
of  us  will  endeavor  to  outdo  the  rest  of  us  in  the  quantity  and  quality  of  good 
work  done  by  all  of  us.'  And  that  policy  was  strictly  adhered  to  during  Father 
Griffin's  pastorate  here,"  remarked  the  second  Assistant  in  St.  Mary's,  Joliet. 

Every  priest  in  the  Springfield  Diocese  agrees  with  the  writer  when  he 
says  that  the  Joliet  policy  has  been  the  Springfield  policy  of  Bishop  Griffin 
from  the  day  of  his  installation  to  the  present  moment,  so  much  so  that  the 
pace  set  by  the  Bishop  all  along  the  line  has  tested  and  tried  the  youngest,  most 
ambitious  and  stalwart  of  his  priests.  His  one  burning  desire  seems  to  have 
been  and  is  "Let  each  of  us  endeavor  to  outdo  the  rest  of  us  in  the  amount 
of  good  done  by  all  of  us  for  God,  for  souls,  for  church,  home  and  country." 

His  attitude  towards  his  priests  all  the  time  and  everywhere  has  been  and 
is,  what  it  was  towards  his  Assistants  in  St.  Mary's,  Joliet, — treat  all  alike 
on  the  basis  of  honest  endeavor  and  service  rendered  by  the  several  priests  of 
his  Diocese.  His  guiding  spirit  in  his  attitude  towards  his  priests  may  be 
found  in  the  words  of  St.  Paul,  the  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles:  "God  is  no 
respecter  of  persons." 

Touring  His  Diocese 

Almost  immediately  after  installation,  Bishop  Griffin  started  a  visitation, 
and  within  a  year  had  visited  every  Parish  and  every  institution  within  the 
confines  of  the  Diocese.  Let  us  here  pause  a  moment  to  take  a  view  of  the  task 
he  entered  upon.  The  Diocese  covers  an  area  of  15,139  square  miles  and  em- 
braces twenty-eight  counties.  In  that  territory  are  170  churches  and  missions, 
24  charitable  and  educational  institutions,  62  parochial  schools,  and  a  Catholic 
population  very  close  to  100,000  souls. 

The  Bishop  laid  out  a  program  for  himself  and  adhei-ed  to  it  con- 
scientiously. Neither  the  biting  cold  of  winter  nor  the  scorching  heat  of 
summer  interrupted  that  program;  neither  muddy  roads  nor  flooded  rivers  in- 

31 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

terfered  with  his  objective.  Sundays  and  week  days  looked  alike  to  him.  His 
one  ambition  was  to  know  his  Diocese,  meet  his  clergy  and  laity,  administer  to 
the  wants  of  his  people,  and  bring  God's  blessing  to  every  parish.  Often  he 
visited  as  many  as  four,  five,  six  or  seven  parishes  on  one  day,  dedicating 
churches  or  schools,  administering  the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation  to  hundreds, 
preaching  as  often  as  five,  six  or  seven  times  a  day.  Besides  his  sermons  in 
churches,  oft  was  he  called  upon  to  deliver  addresses  before  civic  bodies.  On  his 
first  tour  of  the  Diocese  he  was  acclaimed  by  admiring  crowds  wherever  he 
went ;  he  was  given  the  keys  of  the  cities,  was  received  with  evidences  of  great 
joy,  and  loaded  with  honors  by  Catholics. 

The  writer  knows  an  instance  where  the  Bishop  had  given  Confirmation  in 
several  Parishes,  had  dedicated  churches  and  schools,  and  at  9  P.  M.  started 
out  for  his  final  engagement  of  that  day,  or  rather  night.  When  he  reached 
the  city  a  big  civic  celebration  awaited  him ;  an  address  by  the  Mayor,  a  re- 
sponse by  the  Bishop,  then  Confirmation  and  his  day's  work  came  to  a  close 
at  10 :40  P.  M. 

The  writer  recalls  a  trip  by  the  Bishop  from  Mt.  Sterling  to  Pittsfield  on 
a  Confirmation  tour.  Having  completed  his  work  in  Mt.  Sterling,  he  started 
for  Pittsfield  in  a  touring  car  accompanied  by  four  priests.  The  road  was  well 
nigh  impassable,  but  the  Bishop  merely  smiled  when  the  car  became  anchored 
in  the  mud.  All  the  tourists  alighted  and  joined  in  efforts  to  rescue  the  mud- 
anchored  car,  but  in  vain.  A  traveling  salesman  came  along  in  a  Ford  coupe, 
took  in  the  situation,  then  turned  tail  and  returned  to  Pittsfield,  but  not  before  the 
Bishop  had  pressed  him  into  service.  The  Bishop  having  grabbed  his  satchel, 
jumped  into  the  Ford,  waved  his  hand  at  his  mud-submerged  priests,  and  said : 
"Will  see  you  later,"  and  he  did!  He  was  through  with  the  Confirmation 
services  e'er  the  priests  reached  Pittsfield. 

Calhoun  County  is  noted  for  its  apples,  but  it  is  also  noted  for  its 
muddy,  sticky  dirt  roads.  The  Bishop  dared  the  Calhoun  roads  and  came 
off  a  victor,  though  his  clerical  companions  still  shiver  at  thought  of  their 
experiences. 

June  5,  1924,  will  long  be  remembered  by  the  Clergy  and  laity  of  Calhoun 
County,  which,  by  the  way,  is  absolutely  innocent  of  such  a  luxury  as  a  rail- 
road and  was  then  also  innocent  of  hard  roads.  On  that  day  Bishop  Griffin 
confirmed  large  classes  in  six  churches.  Kampsville  came  first,  where  he  was 
given  a  notable  reception  and  then  he  confirmed  a  class  of  sixty-five.  At  Michael 
another  fine  reception  and  a  class  of  sixty-eight.  Hardin  tried  to  outdo 
Kampsville  and  Michael.  Bells  pealed  their  glad  welcome  over  hill,  dale,  valley 
and  river!  Here  he  confirmed  a  class  of  sixty-eight.  Meppen  next  with  a  class 
of  ninety.  On  the  way  to  Brussels  the  Bishop  got  a  convincing  proof  of  con- 
ditions in  Calhoun  County.  A  veritable  downpour  of  rain  lashed  by  a  brisk 
wind  drenched  the  Bishop  and  his  clerical  escort.  The  mud  was  simply  un- 
navigable  even  by  a  Ford.  By  the  use  of  chains,  the  Bishop  and  his  party 
got  out  of  ditches  and  through  muddy  roads  on  to  Brussels  where  the  largest 
crowd  ever  seen  in  that  city  welcomed  him.     It  was  such  a  veritable  demonstra- 

32 


DfflVEtalTV  Of  IU 


THE   BISHOP 

tion  of  faith  and  loyalty  that  the  Bishop's  smile  was  as  contagious  as  on  a 
bright  summer  day  when  birds  are  singing  and  flowers  are  perfuming  the 
air.  He  gave  a  wonderful  sermon  which  captivated  non-Catholics  and  Catholics 
alike,  making  them  forget  the  stormy  weather  and  muddy  roads. 

Here  the  Bishop  confirmed  a  class  of  one  hundred  twenty-nine,  the  largest 
in  the  County.  The  Bishop  remained  in  Brussels  that  night,  making  ready  for 
another  strenuous  day  in  Jersey  County  on  the  morrow. 

The  writer  has  singled  out  Calhoun  County  because  it  is  typical  of  the 
conditions  met  by  the  Bishop  while  carrying  out  his  program  to  visit,  see  and 
understand  every  corner  of  his  Diocese. 

It  might  as  well  be  stated  here  as  elsewhere  that  wherever  the  Bishop 
went  in  his  Diocese  he  carried  his  Chancery  Office  with  him  in  his  grip  and 
transacted  all  business  referred  to  him  by  the  various  Pastors. 

The  Catholic  Instruction  League  in  the 
Springfield  Diocese 

Although  there  had  always  been  some  effort  to  instruct  in  their  religion 
the  children  not  in  attendance  at  Parish  Schools,  still  there  was  no  organization 
along  these  lines  until  1924.  At  that  time  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  with 
the  help  of  Father  John  Lyons,  S.  J.,  of  Chicago,  General  Director  of  the  Cath- 
olic Instruction  League,  formed  sixteen  centers  and  placed  the  Reverend  Louis 
Hufker,  Assistant  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's,  Springfield,  Illinois,  in  charge  as 
Director.  Some  forty  teachers  were  gathered  together  and  began  their  work  of 
instructing  more  than  six  hundred  children.  Father  Hufker,  who  had  had 
much  experience  in  this  work  and  was  deeply  interested  in  it,  succeeded  in 
arousing  a  great  deal  of  enthusiasm  among  the  teachers  and  the  movement  has 
progressed  steadily  ever  since.  The  Springfield  centers  were  well  organized 
and  others  were  opened  at  Decatur  and  Alton  and  in  various  rural  sections. 

In  1926  Bishop  Griffin  thought  it  best  to  place  this  work  under  control  of 
the  Diocesan  Department  of  Education  and  in  June  appointed  the  Reverend 
Edward  J.  Cahill,  A.  M.,  Superintendent  of  Schools,  Director  of  all  C.  I.  L. 
activities. 

Recognizing  that  the  work  could  not  progress  properly  and  satisfactorily 
unless  the  lay  teachers  engaged  in  it  were  well  trained,  Bishop  Griffin  decided 
to  open  a  Teachers'  Institute  in  catechetics.  Under  Father  Cahill's  direction 
such  classes  were  held  at  the  Ursuline  Academy  in  Springfield,  Illinois,  from 
June  21  to  June  30,  1927.  A  letter  was  sent  out  to  all  the  Pastors  informing 
them  of  the  fact  and  asking  them  to  choose  and  send  in  two  or  three  of  their 
best  or  most  likely  teachers  of  catechism.  All  the  expenses  of  these  out-of-town 
students  were  borne  by  the  Bishop. 

One  hundred  twenty-four  young  women,  many  of  them  school  teachers, 
attended  this  Normal,  under  the  direction  of  Reverend  Joseph  L.  Scott,  S.  J., 
of  Rockhurst  College,  Kansas  City.  The  program  was  very  thorough,  em- 
bracing classes  and  drill  work  in  Church  Music  by  the  Rev.  Anthony  M. 
Jaschke,  Diocesan  Director  of    Music,  Hymn    Singing    for    groups    by    Sister 

33 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Francis  of  the  Ursuline  Academy,  Group  Games  and  Recreational  work  under 
the  direction  of  the  Reverend  George  M.  Nell  of  the  "Parish  Activities"  of 
Effingham,  Illinois,  and  Folk  Dancing  and  Games  for  children  by  Miss  Edith 
Feldhage  and  Miss  Eck  of  Springfield.  Mr.  Arthur  T.  Noren,  City  Superin- 
tendent of  Playgrounds,  very  kindly  loaned  some  equipment  and  gave  several 
demonstrations  on  methods.  Those  in  attendance  represented  more  than 
forty-five  parishes  and  thirty-six  cities  and  towns  from  all  over  the  Diocese. 

This  was  the  first  institute  of  the  kind  to  be  carried  on  in  the  United 
States  under  Catholic  auspices  and  is  a  living  monument  to  the  foresight  and 
vision  of  Bishop  Griffin.  His  energy  and  zeal  proved  infectious  and  these 
young  women  returned  home  with  a  better  understanding  of  their  Faith  and 
the  firm  determination  to  be  of  assistance  to  their  Pastors  in  the  noble  and  holy 
cause  of  instructing  the  young  so  that  they  may  be  devout,  intelligent  Catho- 
lics and  upright  citizens,  loyal  to  God  and  Country. 

In  connection  with  this  great  work,  it  is  thought  proper  here  to  record  the 
fact  that  the  Bishop's  heart  has  gone  out  to  the  people,  young  and  old,  from 
Italy,  Lithuania,  Slovania  and  other  foreign  lands,  and  he  has  done  all  in  his 
power  to  aid  them  intellectually,  morally  and  spiritually. 

Immediately  after  his  coming  to  the  Diocese,  he  secured  Rev.  P.  Zavatta 
and  Rev.  M.  Martiniano,  Missionaries,  to  conduct  a  week's  mission  for  the 
Italian  people  at  his  Cathedral  in  January,  1925.  The  Bishop  himself  preached 
in  Italian  during  the  mission  and  thus  greatly  pleased  them.  So  grateful  were 
they  that  a  delegation  of  laymen  called  on  the  Bishop  and  the  missionaries  to 
thank  them  at  the  end  of  the  Mission.  Some  months  ago  Bishop  Griffin  gave 
another  eloquent  proof  of  his  love  for,  and  his  interest  in,  the  Italian  people, 
when  he  secured  the  services  of  an  able,  energetic  and  zealous  Italian  priest, 
the  Reverend  Marc  Marangos,  who,  for  months  has  been  touring  the  Diocese, 
visiting  the  Italian  colonies,  preaching  missions,  celebrating  Mass,  and  doing 
all  in  his  power  to  bring  the  blessings  of  Holy  Church  to  the  sons  and  daughters 
of  sunny  Italy  whose  lot  is  cast  in  this  part  of  the  world. 

Thus  the  Bishop  has  blazed  the  way  for  others  in  the  great  work  of 
Americanization,  especially  among  the  descendants  of  those  who  have  come  to 
our  beloved  country  to  seek  a  home,  liberty  and  a  fair  chance  to  make  a  living. 
The  Bishop  realizes  that  our  hopes  for  the  future  of  those  young  Americans 
lies  in  the  bosom  of  the  Catholic  Church,  the  Christianizer  and  civilizer  of 
the  nations. 

Bishop  Griffin's  Work  for  Vocations  to  the 
Priestly  and  Religious  Life 

The  Bishop's  tour  of  the  Diocese  taught  him  much,  but  one  of  the  first 
and  most  important  things  that  was  indelibly  impressed  on  his  practical  mind 
was  the  necessity  of  developing  more  vocations  among  our  boys  and  girls  for 
the  priestly  and  religious  life.  Like  his  Master  in  the  long  ago,  he  saw  that 
the  harvest  is  ripe  but  the  laborers  are  far  too  few.  He  saw  the  need  for  more 
priests  to  preach  the  Gospel  of    Mercy,    more    consecrated    teachers    for    our 

34 


THE    BISHOP 

schools,  more  Sisters  for  hospitals  and  charitable  institutions  if  he  would 
answer  calls  from  various  parts  of  his  Diocese.  To  this  end,  Bishop  Griffin 
wrote  to  Very  Reverend  D.  J.  Ryan,  head  of  the  Diocesan  Mission  Board,  in- 
structing and  urging  the  Diocesan  Missionaries  to  extend  the  domain  of  their 
labors  by  conducting  retreats  for  the  Catholic  children,  both  in  parochial  and 
public  schools,  stressing  in  a  particular  manner  the  religious  life  to  the  end 
that  vocations  to  the  priesthood  and  sisterhood  and  teaching  brotherhoods  may 
increase  and  so  keep  pace  with  the  demands  for  more  consecrated  laborers  in 
the  Lord's  Vineyard. 

Father  Ryan  immediately  communicated  the  Bishop's  instructions  to  every 
Pastor  in  the  Diocese,  in  consequence  of  which  such  retreats  have  been  con- 
ducted in  various  parishes  with  very  happy  results. 

Bishop  Griffin's  Work  for  the  Catholic  Press 

The  Bishop's  tour  of  his  Diocese  convinced  him  most  conclusively  that  the 
Catholic  press  must  be  made  the  strong  right  arm  of  the  pulpit  in  this  portion 
of  the  Lord's  vineyard  if  he  wishes  to  reap  the  full  measure  of  success  which 
his  position  as  chief  shepherd  of  the  Diocese  demands. 

He  believes  and  holds  with  our  illustrious  Pontiff,  Pope  Pius  XI,  and  with 
the  American  Hierarchy,  that  a  fearless,  enlightened,  loyal  Catholic  Press  is 
a  necessity,  especially  in  our  day  and  country.  Accordingly,  thinking  and  act- 
ing with  the  Supreme  Pontiff,  the  Bishop  took  practical  steps  to  bring  about 
results. 

On  September  15,  1924,  he  sent  for  the  editor  of  the  Western  Catholic, 
told  him  of  his  great  desire  to  see  that  publication  entering  every  Catholic 
home  in  his  Diocese,  and  so  become  a  means  to  carry  Diocesan  and  parochial 
information  and  knowledge  into  the  Catholic  homes.  With  the  Bishop's  per- 
mission and  approbation,  the  editor  toured  the  Diocese  and  so  great  strides 
were  taken  towards  the  fruition  of  the  Bishop's  desire  to  have  a  real,  live 
Catholic  paper  in  his  Diocese. 

The  writer  has  no  hesitancy  in  stating  here  that  Bishop  Griffin's  work 
for  the  Catholic  Press  writes  his  name  in  large  letters  at  the  head  of  the  list  of 
American  Bishops  who  have  done  great  things  for  that  end  and  purpose. 

Bishop  Griffin  Heads  Diocesan  Pilgrimage 
to  Rome 

The  year  1925  will  live  forever  in  the  annals  of  time  and  eternity.  It  was 
Holy  Year  or  Jubilee  Year.  Christ's  Vicar,  Pope  Pius  XI,  so  proclaimed  it. 
His  voice  reached  the  entire  Christian  World  and  from  every  corner  came  back 
clearly,  distinctly,  reverently  and  resonantly  the  response:  "Holy  Father,  we 
are  coming  to  Rome — Rome  Eternal — Rome,  the  center  of  Catholic  Unity, 
Rome,  the  source  of  Catholic  Authority,  Rome,  the  home  of  the  White  Shep- 
herd, the  Father  of  Christendom,  to  make  the  Jubilee  visit  to  the  Tombs  of  the 
Apostles,  and  receive  the  blessing  of  Christ's  Vicar."  The  whole  Catholic 
World  was  stirred  to  its  very  core,  and  the  whole  non -Catholic  World  marvelled 
at  the  mighty  faith  of  Catholics. 

35 


lMOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Filled  with  that  spirit  of  faith,  fervor  and  loyalty,  our  Bishop  announced 
early  in  1925  that  he  himself  would  lead  a  Diocesan  Pilgrimage  to  Rome.  He, 
at  the  same  time,  exhorted  as  many  of  his  Clergy  and  Catholic  laity  as  could 
possibly  do  so  to  arrange  for  the  Pilgrimage. 

On  Thursday,  July  9,  Bishop  Griffin  accompanied  by  over  twenty  of  his 
priests  and  eighty  members  of  the  laity,  boarded  their  train  in  Springfield, 
Illinois,  and  on  Saturday,  July  11,  1925,  sailed  from  Montreal,  Canada,  on  the 
good  ship,  Ascania.  On  Wednesday,  July  29,  the  pilgrims  reached  Rome  and 
many  of  them  for  the  first  time  beheld  the  majestic,  mighty,  Saint  Peter's. 

During  that  trip  Bishop  Griffin  was  the  inspiration  and  the  life  of  the 
pilgrims.  His  one  thought  seemed  to  be  to  see  that  one  and  all  were  happy, 
were  taken  care  of,  and  that  nothing  was  lacking  to  make  the  pilgrimage  happy, 
holy,  and  therefore  memorable. 

The  pilgrims  spent  ten  days  in  Rome,  visiting  the  four  Basilicas  to  make 
their  visits,  visiting  the  sacred  shrines  and  historic  scenes  forever  sacred  to  the 
Catholic  heart.  During  the  days  of  preparation  for  the  trip  to  Rome,  and  on 
the  ocean  liner,  the  question  often  recurred  regarding  the  advisability  and  pro- 
priety of  presenting  a  gift  to  the  Holy  Father.  Even  some  of  the  Clergy  insisted 
on  thus  proving  their  loyalty  to  the  Father  of  Christendom. 

To  every  such  appeal  the  Bishop  turned  a  deaf  ear  and  gave  a  decided,  de- 
termined refusal.  He  is  a  Roman  student,  a  Roman  doctor,  and  he  under- 
stands Rome — the  Rome  of  the  Popes.  He  understands  the  Pope  and  thinks 
with  the  Pope,  hence,  his  gift  to  the  Father  of  Christendom  will  be  typically 
Griff inian — one  not  thought  of  by  any  other.  He  said :  ' '  What  the  Holy 
Father  appeals  for  and  appreciates  is  faith,  is  loyalty  and  the  gift  that  will 
bring  most  keen  and  most  intense  joy  to  the  Holy  Father's  soul  will  be  a  gift 
resonant  of  faith  and  breathing  the  very  soul  of  loyalty.  While  the  Holy  Father 
needs  financial  aid  to  carry  on  in  foreign  missions,  still  the  Jubilee  gift  of  all 
gifts,  that  will  grip  his  soul  is  a  spiritual  gift — a  gift  resonant  of  faith  and 
breathing  loyalty." 

And  so  under  the  Bishop's  own  inspiration  the  following  Spiritual 
Bouquet  was  drawn  up  and  subscribed  to  by  the  Bishop  himself,  by  every 
priest,  and  by  every  Religious  Superior  in  the  Diocese : 

Bishop  Griffin  Presents  Spiritual  Bouquet  to 
Pope  Pius  at  Audience 

Rome,  August  8. — Pope  Pius  XI  was  surprised  and  delighted  when  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  presented  him  with 
a  spiritual  bouquet  from  the  clergy  of  his  Diocese  at  the  audience  granted  the 
Springfield  Pilgrimage  on  its  visit  to  Rome. 

The  bouquet  was  a  beautifully  illuminated  booklet  containing  a  pledge  to 
say  one  Mass  each  year  according  to  the  intention  of  the  Holy  Father,  signed 
by  every  priest  in  the  Springfield  Diocese.  The  Pope  was  so  touched  with  this 
striking  token  of  love  and  loyalty  that  he  remained  silent  for  fully  five  minutes 
upon  reading  it.     He  appointed  Thanksgiving  Day  as   the    date    upon    which, 

36 


THE   BISHOP 

annually,  the  Mass  should  be  said.  His  special  intention  on  that  day,  he  an- 
nounced, was,  that  in  America,  knowledge,  Faith  and  love  of  our  Lord,  Jesus 
Christ,  might  ever  increase.  Making  a  note  of  this  intention  in  his  notebook 
the  Holy  Father  promised  that  he  would  annually  celebrate  Mass  on  the  date 
specified  in  union  with  the  priests  of  the  Springfield  Diocese  for  the  same 
intention. 

The  text  of  the  Springfield  bouquet  to  the  Pope  follows: 

iilost  £?olp  Jfathen-^umblp  prostrate  in  the  presence  of  Pour  holiness,  toe 
in  the  name  of  our  Biocesan  Clergp,  in  the  name  of  the  Religious  of  both  sexes  ana 
in  the  name  of  our  beboteb,  lopal  Catholic  laitp,  here  reneto  our  unshaken  faith 
in  this  Apostolic  H>ee,  here  proclaim  our  unbping  lobe  for  the  sacreb  person  of 
JJour  holiness,  anb  here  toe  reiterate  our  untoabering  bebotion  anb  lopaltp  to 
the  throne  of  the  Jf  isherman. 

3fn  response  to  the  Jfatherlp  inbitation  sent  out  up  19our  holiness,  toe  babe 
crosseb  the  ocean,  trabeleb  thousanbs  of  miles,  far  from  home  anb  bear  ones,  to 
come  to  this,  the  Center  of  Catholic  3Unitp==tbis  the  Source  of  Catholic 
9uthoritp-this  the  ^fountain  &eab  of  Catholic  Bebotion==this  the  ICobestone 
of  Catholic  ICopaltp-this  the  ©ibine  tErcasurp  of  Celestial  &iches. 

2£olp  Jfather,  toe  habe  come  here,  leb  on,  guibeb  bp  the  g>tar  of  Jfaith,  to 
feast  our  epes  on  the  "^Jicar  of  Christ,  eben  as  t>ii>  the  3Hise  JWen  in  the  long 
ago,  leb  on  fap  the  £>tar,  come  to  feast  their  epes  anb  their  souls  on  their  neto  horn 
lUng,  Christ  Jesus. 

Hie  habe  come  here  in  the  name  of  our  Biocesc,  in  the  name  of  the 
diocesan  Clergp,  in  the  name  of  the  Religious  of  both  sexes,  anb  in  the  name 
of  our  beboteb,  lopal  Catholic  laitp-all  coulb  not  come-toe  are  here  to  repre- 
sent them  all,  in  our  oton  name  anb  in  their  name,  to  make  the  Jubilee  anb  bissit 
the  tomb  of  the  prince  of  the  Apostles,  g>t.  $eter,  the  first  occupant  of  this 
Apostolic  tEhrone,  noto  so  gloriouslp  filleb  hp  pour  holiness. 

©Be  come  here,  most  J^olp  ifather,  not  onlp  to  receibe,  but  also  to  gibe-hence 
in  our  oton  name,  in  the  name  of  those  absent  as  toell  as  those  here  present,  toe 
again  plebge  to  Christ's  "tTicar  our  unbping  lobe,  our  unflinching  lopaltp  anb  be- 
botion. 

3m  testimonp  thereof  anb  as  a  perpetual  reminber  of  this  falesseb  occasion,  toe 
offer  to  pour  holiness  a  bouquet-not  a  perishable  one,  but  a  spiritual  bouquet  of 
infinite  balue,  composeb  of  Jilasses,  ^olp  Communions  anb  prapers-a  bouquet 
tobose  bloom  shall  enbure  anb  tohose  aroma  toill  permeate  the  eternal  pears  abbing 
luster  to  heaben  anb  refulgence  to  the  croton  atoaiting  pour  holiness,  as  toorthp 
successor  to  $eter  anb  Uicar  of  Christ  on  earth. 

©He,  the  Pishop  of  the  BioceSe  of  ^pringfielb  in  Illlinios,  in  union  toith  our 
Biocesan  Clergp,  the  Religious  of  both  sexes,  anb  in  the  name  of  the  beboteb, 
lopal  Catholic  people  unber  our  care,  plebge  ourselbes  as  follotos: 

Jfirst-iSle,  the  bishop  anb  priests,  plebge  ourselbes  to  offer  inbibibuallp 
once  a  pear  a  $olp  jflass  for  the  toelfare  of  fiour  holiness. 

g>econb-©He,  the  Superiors  of  Religious  Communities  of  both  sexes  in  the  Bio- 
cese,  plebge  ourselbes  to  habe  a  iHass  saib  once  a  pear  in  our  Communitp  Chapel 

37 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

or  Cfjurdj  for  fiour  holiness;'  toelfare,  at  tobicb  Jflass  tbe  religious!  tobo  arc  not 
priests,  toill  receibe  2&oIp  Communion  anb  offer  it  for  tfje  toelfare  of  pour  saereb 
person. 

Cf)irb-=<^ur  beboteb,  lopal  Catfjolic  people,  both  cbilbren  anb  abults,  toill  be 
instructeb  bp  us  to  prap  bailp  anb  offer  Communion  once  a  pear  for  the  intentions 
anb  toelfare  of  our  most  3£olp  Jfatber,  $ope  $ius  X3,  "^Xicar  of  Cfjrist  anb  Uni- 
bcrsal  pastor  of  Cbristenbom. 

3(n  testimonp  tobereof,  toe  hereunto  set  our  signatures  as  an  act  of  lobe  anb 
lopaltp. 

Me  toisb  eberp  Catbolic  in  tfjc  toorlb  coulb  babe  seen  tfje  countenance  of  Christ's 
^Ticar  after  the  $?isbop  bab  presenteb  bis  Biocesan  spiritual  bouquet.  ®be  pontiff 
accepteb  tfje  gift  as  tbougb  it  bab  fallen  into  bis  hanbs  from  beaben.  3£e  tbanbeb 
our  bishop,  b«£  clergp,  religious  anb  tftc  laitp  of  our  Biocesc.  l&z  tolb  boto  bearlp 
anb  tenberlp  be  abmires  anb  lobes  bis  American  cbilbren  anb  all  Americans,  ©e 
rcmarfeeb  tfjat  no  gift  coulb  or  tooulb  gibe  bim  more  pleasure  tban  tbis  spiritual 
gift  from  tbe  bishop,  tbe  clergp,  tbe  religious  anb  laitp  of  tbeH>pringfielbBiocese. 

^isljop  Griffin  tben  rcquesteb  tbe  IDopc  to  fix  tbe  bap  eacb  pear  on  tobicb  tbe 
JSisijop,  priests,  religious  anb  laitp  of  tbe  Biocese  tooulb  mauc  or  reneto  tbis  spirit- 
ual gift.  HMs  holiness  tbougbt  for  a  moment  tben  remarbeb:  "I9ou  babe  a  ^banbs- 
gibing  Bap  in  America  eacb  pear."  0m  JSisbop  replieb:  "ges,  ^olp  Jfatbcr, 
toe  babe."  IKhz  $ope  tben  saib:  "{Kbanusgibing  Bap  eacb  pear  sball  be  tbe  bap 
fixeb  bp  us.  <0n  tfjat  bap  eacb  pear  tbe  Pisljop  anb  priests  of  pour  Biocese  toill 
celebrate  j^olp  fflass  for  tbe  pope's  intention.  Whz  religious  anb  laitp  toill  bear 
idtass  anb  receibc  ?£o!p  Communion  for  our  intention,  namelp,  a  greater  faitb 
in,  anb  a  more  arbent  lobe  for  SfeSus  Cbrist  among  tbe  noble,  generous  people 
of  america-tbat  America  tobicb  is  so  arbentlp  anb  so  beeplp  lobeb." 

How  our  hearts  did  throb  on  that  blessed  day  in  the  Vatican !  Our  Bishop 
had  sensed  the  situation,  therefore,  had  interpreted  the  mind  of  our  Supreme 
Pontiff.  Yes,  our  Bishop  understands  Rome  and  the  heart  of  Christ's  Vicar, 
therefore  by  his  spiritual  bouquet  he  knotted  the  heartstrings  of  his  Diocese 
with  those  of  the  great,  the  saintly  Pontiff,  Pope  Pius  XI. 

Bishop  Griffin's  "Work  for  the  World 
War  Veterans 

It  seems  nothing  escapes  the  trained  eye  of  Bishop  Griffin !  Take  for 
example  the  work  of  finding,  reporting,  and  tabulating  the  names  of  the 
Catholic  boys  who  answered  their  country's  call  in  the  hour  of  danger,  joined 
the  colors,  crossed  the  ocean,  went  to  the  front,  entered  the  trenches,  fought 
and  died — gave  the  supreme  test  of  their  loyalty  and  their  patriotism. 

D.  J.  Ryan,  Director  of  the  Bureau  of  Historical  Records  at  Washington, 
D.  C,  was  making  heroic  efforts  to  induce  authorities  in  the  several  Dioceses 
in  America  to  get  the  Clergy  and  laity  in  each  Parish  to  report  the  names  of 
Catholic  men  and  women  who  had  served  their  country  during  the  World 
War.  This  was  a  most  important  work,  a  duty  which  we  all  owe  to  future 
generations  of  Catholics  who  may  be  called  upon  by  bigots  yet  unborn  to  prove 
by  facts  and  figures  their  patriotism  during  the  World  War. 

38 


THE   BISHOP 

The  Western  Catholic  had  been  doing  its  utmost  to  secure  a  satisfactory 
list  for  this  Diocese,  but  its  success  was  limited  until  April,  1924,  when  Bishop 
Griffin,  through  his  Chancellor,  sent  a  strong  letter  to  the  editor  in  which  it 
was  plainly  stated  that  the  Bishop  desired  to  see  every  Parish's  War  Record  in 
the  Diocese  properly  executed  and  forwarded  to  Washington. 

Let  us  here  quote  a  portion  of  that  letter:  "The  Bishop  is  pleased  that  you 
have  so  persistently  kept  after  this  record  and  earnestly  hopes  that  every  pas- 
tor in  this  Diocese  will  aid  fully  in  its  completion.  Every  effort  made  towards 
this  end  is  an  effoi't  made  for  the  good  of  Holy  Church,  and  the  protection  of 
Catholic  citizens  in  the  future." 

That  letter  brought  immediate  results.  Within  a  month  every  Parish  in 
the  Diocese  had  made  a  complete  report  to  the  Western  Catholic  Office  and 
that  Office  had  made  a  complete  report  to  Washington,  D.  C.  The  Bulletin, 
official  organ  of  the  National  Catholic  Welfare  Conference,  Washington,  D.  C, 
in  its  issue  of  June,  1924,  praised  Bishop  Griffin  because  through  his  efforts  the 
editor  of  the  Western  Catholic  had  received  complete  war  records  for  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois,  one  of  the  first  Dioceses  in  the  United  States 
to  report  an  exact  list,  proving  it  had  furnished  more  than  its  quota  of  soldier 
boys  during  the  World  War. 

On  September  4,  1924,  the  following  telegram  was  received  by  the  editor 
of  the  Western  Catholic: 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois  now  over  quota.  Additional  names  and 
records  are  pouring  in  so  that  Bishop  Griffin's  Diocese  will  go  far  beyond  its 
quota  of  soldiers  in  the  World  War.     Congratulations. 

(Signed)    D.  J.  Ryan,  Director  of  Historical  Records. 

Due  to  the  Bishop's  interest  in  this  patriotic  work,  his  Diocese  held  an 
envied  place  of  honor  on  the  Roll  Call  of  Catholic  Service  Men  in  Washington, 
D.  C,  during  the  National  Holy  Name  Convention  in  September,  1924.  During 
that  Convention  there  took  place  a  patriotic  pilgrimage  of  the  Holy  Name  dele- 
gates to  the  Tomb  of  the  Unknown  Soldier  in  the  National  Cemetery  at  Arling- 
ton, Virginia.  Thousands  of  Holy  Name  Men  from  all  over,  the  United  States 
gathered  around  that  historic  shrine  to  observe  a  simple  ritual — a  roll  call  of  the 
Catholic  Service  men  in  the  World  War.  On  that  proud  occasion  it  was  ob- 
served that  Bishop  Griffin's  Diocese  had  gone  away  above  its  quota.  The  names 
of  all  Catholic  World  War  veterans  were  then  placed  upon  the  Tomb  of  their 
unknown  comrade  as  a  sacrificial  offering  to  the  traditional  patriotism  of  our 
Catholic  manhood  in  every  War,  on  every  battle  field  and  in  every  naval  en- 
gagement of  our  country 's  history. 

Typical  Reception  Accorded  to  the  Bishop  at  Quincy 

Sunday,  May  4th,  1924,  will  live  in  the  memory  of  Quincy 's  residents,  as 
long  as  that  memory  functions. 

The  Bishop  visited  Quincy  on  that  day  and  as  the  reception  extended  to 
him  was  typical,  we  here  devote  a  little  space  to  its  description.     When  his 

39 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

train  reached  the  Wabash  depot  all  Quincy  seemed  there  in  gala  attire  to  wel- 
come him.  Between  eight  and  ten  thousand  people,  men,  women  and  children, 
were  there  to  extend  to  him  their  hearts  and  hands  in  one  grand,  glorious  wel- 
come. The  depot  was  packed  for  blocks  around,  every  foot  of  space  was  taken, 
even  the  freight  cars  all  over  the  yards  were  filled  with  typical  American  lads 
all  eager  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  their  beloved  Bishop  Griffin. 

The  Bishop's  keen  eye  twinkled  with  merriment  as  he  beheld  those  hearty, 
healthful  youngsters  and  he  waved  at  them  in  real  Griffin  fashion  which  set 
the  youngsters  wild  with  delight.  Quincy  College  Band  was  there  and  furnished 
music  that  caused  the  feet  of  the  marching  thousands  to  beat  time  on  Quincy 's 
well-paved  streets.  From  the  depot  to  St.  Peter's  Church,  the  line  of  march 
was  packed  with  other  thousands  who  gave  the  Bishop  a  glad  hand  and  a  royal 
welcome.  Fourth  degree  Knights  of  Columbus  in  full  regalia  acted  as  the 
Bishop's  bodyguard. 

Sunday,  May  4,  1924,  fell  in  Music  Week.  It  was  Music  Week  in  Quincy, 
and  all  over  the  United  States.  The  Bishop  was  escorted  into  St.  Peter's 
Church  and  because  it  was  Music  Week  he  gave  a  lecture  on  the  history  and  de- 
velopment of  music.  It  was  a  masterpiece.  A  non-Catholic  gentleman  who 
heard  the  Bishop,  said:  "I  found  pleasure  in  seeing  and  hearing  Bishop 
Griffin.  He  is  tall  and  athletic  and  possessed  of  a  smile  that  is  contagious.  He 
tells  a  story  well  and  adds  to  its  effectiveness  by  his  own  pleasant  manner.  He 
has  a  good  voice  and  a  ready  command  of  expressive  language.  His  subject 
really  was  the  influence  of  Italy  on  the  music  of  the  world.  I  do  not  know 
whether  Bishop  Griffin  is  a  musician  or  not,  but  I  do  know  that  he  has  a  won- 
derful knowledge  of  the  history  and  evolution  of  music.  He  talked  for  forty 
minutes  and  he  did  not  talk  about  anything  but  music,  chiefly  Italian  music. 
He  stuck  to  his  subject." 

"Italian  music  to  him  was  as  simple  and  as  understandable  as  anything 
could  be.  He  covered  the  whole  history  of  Italian  music  from  the  long,  long 
ago  to  the  present.  He  told  of  the  rise  of  the  opera,  both  grand  and  light. 
'Naples,'  he  said,  'is  the  home  of  light  opera.'  He  could  not  point  to  the 
present  in  Italy,  in  America,  or  anywhere  else  in  the  world  as  a  time  when 
there  is  appreciation  of  real  music.  Indeed  he  looks  upon  this  as  the  period  of 
musical  decadence.  Jazzy  music,  according  to  Bishop  Griffin,  shows  the  depths 
to  which  we  have  descended  in  this  age  of  musical  decadence.  He  is  a  believer 
in  the  uplifting  influence  of  real  music.  As  we  go  higher  the  other  admirable 
arts,  painting,  sculpture,  architecture,  etc.,  occupy  their  proper  station,  but 
outshadowing  them  all  is  music. 

' '  When  the  universe  will  be  rolled  up  like  a  scroll  and  we  are  called  home  to 
our  Father's  Mansion  up  yonder,  the  other  arts  must  hesitate  at  heaven's  gate, 
but  music  will  enter  there  and  share  in  all  the  triumphant  glories  of  the 
heavenly  Jerusalem.  Music  is  one  of  the  greatest  civilizing,  educating  and 
christianizing  forces  in  all  creation.  The  Bishop  believes  that  the  more  we 
cultivate  music,  the  more  fully  we  will  appreciate  spiritual  things,  the  things 
of  the  soul  and  of  the  Creator.     He  believes  that  the  'Wearing  of  the  Green' 

40 


THE   BISHOP 

has  done  more  for  Irish  nationality  than  all  her  orators  and  statesmen.  It  was 
a  great  address,  and  one  ever  to  be  remembered." 

An  editorial  in  Quincy  's  daily  paper  paid  him  this  compliment : 

"If  Bishop  James  Griffin  were  not  invested  with  clerical  authority  one 
would  say  that  he  was  a  'good  mixer'  and  a  soul  who  could  form  acquaint- 
ances every  minute  of  his  life.  He  impressed  all  during  his  visit  to  Quincy 
with  his  very  human  qualities. 

"The  Bishop  surprises  one  with  his  youth.  The  common  notion  of  a  high 
churchman  is  one  who  is  well  past  the  sunny  side  of  life  and  has  cultivated 
asceticism  until  he  is  well  out  of  the  beaten  path  used  by  his  fellow  men.  This 
impression  Bishop  Griffin  instantly  and  effectively  removes.  He  is  scholarly, 
dignified  and  cultured  without  being  above  a  good  joke. 

"Coming  from  Chicago  one  could  suspect  Bishop  Griffin  of  being  a  first- 
class  baseball  fan,  perhaps  a  golf  player,  and  a  follower  of  sport  the  year 
round.  Were  he  out  of  the  clergy  and  a  candidate  for  office,  he  would  be  an 
able  vote-getter. 

"The  impression  after  his  two-day  visit  is  that  being  the  See  City  and 
having  a  resident  Bishop  is  worth  considerably  more  than  any  of  us  thought." 

The  Bishop's  experience  in  Quincy  was  duplicated  quite  faithfully 
wherever  he  visited  throughout  the  Diocese,  making  due  allowance  of  course 
for  the  size  of  the  various  cities  and  communities. 

The  Bishop  visited  every  church  and  Catholic  institution  in  Quincy,  his 
invariable  custom  wherever  he  goes. 

What  Bishop  Griffin  Has  Done  for  Education 
in  His  Diocese 

With  characteristic  insight  into  the  needs  of  the  times,  Bishop  Griffin  was 
scarcely  elevated  to  the  episcopacy  when  he  began  to  co-ordinate  the  educa- 
tional system  of  the  Diocese.  The  Catholic  School  situation,  it  is  true,  was 
well  taken  care  of  and  the  Parish  Schools  were  full  to  capacity  but  there  was 
no  uniformity  of  text-books  or  curricula  and  but  little  of  that  interchange  of 
ideas  and  discussion  of  problems  that  makes  for  success  and  progress. 

As  the  first  move  in  the  solution  of  this  problem,  Bishop  Griffin  decided 
to  appoint  a  Superintendent  of  Schools,  the  first  in  the  history  of  the  Diocese. 
After  looking  about  for  a  suitable  priest,  he  appointed  the  Reverend  Edward 
J.  Cahill,  A.  M.  By  reason  of  his  being  a  native  son  of  the  city  and  Diocese  as 
well  as  a  priest  whose  training  had  been  along  scholastic  lines  he  was  admirably 
adapted  to  handle  the  situation  in  a  sympathetic  and  thorough  fashion. 

During  his  term  of  office  the  Diocese  has  been  divided  into  eight  districts 
which  hold  District  Meetings  from  time  to  time  and  there  is  an  annual  Institute 
of  all  the  Districts  at  Springfield.  Here  the  representatives  of  the  thirteen 
teaching  Orders  of  Sisters  meet  and  discuss  the  next  year's  program.  After  a 
careful  examination  of  various  texts  by  all  concerned  and  comments  on  their 
merits  and  demerits,  a  uniform  set  of  texts  for  the  whole  Diocese  was  settled 
upon  and  is  now  in  use.     Considerable  progress  has  been  made  along  the  line 

41 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

of  obtaining  proper  credits  and  recognition  by  standardizing  agencies  and 
every  Summer  a  large  number  of  the  Sisters  take  advanced  courses  at  Catholic 
Universities,  Notre  Dame,  De  Paul,  Loyola  and  St.  Louis.  As  a  consequence 
of  all  this,  the  schools  of  the  Diocese  can  be  rated  very  high  by  every  standard 
of  sound  and  modern  education  and  are  still  making  rapid  progress. 

Bishop  Griffin  makes  it  a  point  to  be  present  at  the  Annual  Meeting  or 
Institute  of  the  teachers  of  the  Diocese.     After  one  such  meeting,  he  wrote : 

"I  have  just  returned  from  the  first  session  of  the  Sisters'  Institute,  held 
at  Sacred  Heart  Academy  here  in  Springfield.  This  will  be  an  annual  affair, 
and  I  was  much  inspired  this  morning  by  the  addresses  and  the  various  papers 
read.  I  realize  now  more  than  ever  that  we  have  plenty  of  leadership  in  educa- 
tional matters,  and  a  very  responsive  body  of  teachers  represented  by  the 
various  orders  in  our  diocese." 

There  was  no  fault  finding  with  the  public  system,  or  any  other  system. 
The  keynote  was  where  lies  our  strength  and  where  our  weakness,  then  how 
to  make  our  system  ever  more  efficient  for  the  benefit  of  the  student  body  com- 
mitted to  our  care. 

The  secularization  tendency,  so  prominent  in  the  American  life  today,  was 
emphasized.  God  has  been  driven  from  the  class  room,  secular  marriage  is 
made  popular  and  religion  seems  to  exert  little  influence  upon  the  industrial, 
social  and  intellectual  life  of  our  country.  There  is  a  general  weakening  in  the 
moral  standards  of  the  American  people. 

The  Catholic  Church  views  this  tendency  with  alarm  and  has  sounded  a 
note  of  warning.  She  stands  today  four  square,  as  always  in  the  past,  in  her 
recognition  of  the  Master's  warning:  "What  doth  it  profit  a  man  if  he  gain  the 
whole  world  and  suffer  the  loss  of  his  own  soul."  The  ideals  and  the  sacrifices 
of  our  clergy  and  religious  emphasize  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  His  justice  and 
place  us  on  record  in  defense  of  the  rights  of  religion  and  its  importance  in 
daily  life. 

The  parochial  school  is  no  longer  an  experiment.  The  greatest  religious 
fact  in  America  today  is  the  parochial  school.  It  is  an  undeniable  success. 
Not  only  the  preachers  of  other  denominations,  but  the  vast  majority  of 
leaders  of  thought  in  American  public  life  today  recognize  the  importance  and 
the  necessity  of  religious  training  in  the  schools  of  our  country  if  we  are  to 
serve  well  the  succeeding  generations.  It  is  strange,  indeed,  that  in  spite  of 
this  general  recognition  of  the  necessity  of  religious  education  that  some  of  our 
snobbish  Catholics  have  not  as  yet  had  the  vision  or  the  ability  to  appreciate 
its  significance. 

Bishop  Griffin's  WoPvK  for  the  Orphans 

Elsewhere  in  this  History  you  will  find  an  excellent  article  on  the  Catholic 
Children's  Home,  or  Diocesan  Orphanage,  but  in  this  sketch  of  the  Bishop  we 
feel  obliged  to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  when  he  came  to  the  Diocese  in 
February,  1924,  he  found  our  Diocesan  Orphanage  built,  equipped  and  taking 
care  of  several  hundred  fatherless,  motherless  little  ones,  thanks  to  the  zeal  of 
his  predecessor,  the  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.  D.,  of  holy  memory. 

42 


THE   BISHOP 

But  the  Bishop  immediately  saw  the  necessity  of  establishing  a  line  of 
communication  between  the  orphans  and  the  Catholic  homes  of  the  Diocese. 
This  line  of  communication  he  established  when  he  founded  the  Diocesan 
Magazine  known  as  "Our  Orphan  Home." 

Today,  that  little  white-winged  angel  pays  a  monthly  visit  to  nigh  every 
Catholic  home  and  every  Catholic  rectory  in  the  Diocese.  It  carries  a  personal 
message  from  the  orphans,  their  teachers  and  their  Chaplain — a  message  that 
pulsates  with  living  realities — what  the  orphans  are  doing,  what  is  being  done 
to  make  them  good  boys  and  girls,  useful  members  of  society,  an  asset  to  their 
country  and  an  honor  to  their  Church. 

Today,  as  never  before,  the  Catholics  of  our  diocese,  clergy  and  laity  are 
in  touch  with  the  orphans  and  labor  for  their  welfare  all  because  Bishop 
Griffin  had  the  vision  to  build  up  a  line  of  communication  between  the 
Orphanage  and  the  Diocese. 

Bishop  Griffin  and  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Faith 

A  cause  ever  dear  and  near  to  the  Bishop's  heart  is  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Faith.  In  season  and  out  of  season  he  has  shown  by  word 
and  act  how  anxious  he  was  and  is  to  see  a  branch  of  that  great  Society  estab- 
lished in  every  parish  in  his  diocese.  Elsewhere  in  this  History,  the  reader  will 
find  a  detailed  article  on  this  society  by  the  Diocesan  Director.  However,  we 
deem  it  proper  here  to  state  that  Bishop  Griffin's  Diocese,  due  to  his  leader- 
ship, the  work  of  the  Diocesan  Director,  the  co-operation  of  the  clergy  and  the 
generosity  of  our  Catholic  people,  leads  every  archdiocese  and  diocese  in  the 
United  States  if  population  is  considered. 

Think  of  it !  Only  ten  large  archdioceses  and  dioceses  in  America  lead 
Bishop  Griffin's  diocese  in  the  amounts  donated  to  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith  because  of  their  larger  Catholic  population. 

Bishop  Griffin  and  the  Holy  Name  Society 
A  special  article  on  our  Diocesan  Holy  Name  Society  appears  elsewhere  in 
this  history.  However,  we  deem  it  proper  here  to  establish  the  fact  that  one 
of  the  first  great  works  of  the  Bishop  in  this  Diocese  was  the  establishment  of 
a  Holy  Name  Branch  in  every  Parish  in  his  Diocese.  Even  before  his  consecra- 
tion he  remarked  very  definitely  that  he  considered  the  Holy  Name  Society 
as  the  Parochial  Society  of  our  Catholic  men. 

Soon  after  his  consecration  the  Bishop  put  his  thoughts  into  execution 
by  appointing  a  Diocesan  Holy  Name  Director  with  the  results  set  forth  in 
another  article  on  this  History  on  the  Holy  Name. 

Bishop  Griffin's  Inspiring  Letter  From  Rome 
After  Bishop  Griffin's  audience  with  the  Holy  Father  in  1925,  he  wrote 
a  letter  to  his  Clergy  and  laity — a  letter  that  breathes  the  love  of  Christ  and 
is    permeated    with   filial    devotion     towards     the     Supreme     Shepherd     of 
Christendom. 

43 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

The  letter  is  in  part  as  follows:  "To  the  Clergy  the  Laity  of  the  Diocese 
of  Springfield  in  Illinois.     Greetings: 

Dearly  Beloved  in  Christ :  This  letter  is  written  in  the  City  of  the  Popes, 
the  Eternal  City,  the  most  wonderful  in  all  the  world,  the  center  of  Catholic- 
Unity,  the  source  of  Catholic  inspiration,  the  fountainhead  of  Catholic 
authority — the  Citadel  of  Christ's  kingdom  on  earth. 

Our  pilgrims  have  completed  their  visits  to  the  four  great  Basilicas  of 
Christendom;  their  faith,  piety  and  devotion  have  made  a  lasting  impression 
not  only  upon  the  natives,  but  also  upon  the  pilgrims  gathered  here  from  the 
four  corners  of  Christ's  vast  Empire,  an  Empire  which  embraces  the  earth, 
an  Empire  whose  foundations  are  faith,  love  and  loyalty,  an  Empire  on  whose 
banner,  the  cross,  the  sun  never  sets,  and  whose  beneficent  rule  is  the  admiration 
and  the  inspiration  of  all  who  look  to  the  Son  of  God  as  their  Redeemer,  and 
to  His  Mother  as  their  Mother. 

The  one  great  absorbing  desire  of  our  pilgrims  was  an  audience  with 
Christ's  Vicar,  hence  the  dawn  of  Saturday,  August  1,  the  date  set  for  that 
audience  found  them  all  keyed  up  to  a  high  pitch  of  expectancy.  We  went  to 
the  Vatican  in  a  body  on  that  ever  memorable  morning,  were  met  there  by 
prominent  officials  who  escorted  us  up  centuries  old  stairways,  along  venerable 
hallways,  on  and  on  up  into  the  Ducal  Hall  where  our  pilgrims  were  arranged 
in  order  along  the  walls  so  that  all  might  have  a  clear  view  of  the  door  leading 
into  the  Audience  Chamber.  All  hearts  beat  high  because  the  long  looked  for, 
intensely  desired  moment  had  arrived  when  we  could  feast  our  eyes  on  the 
Venerable  form  of  him  who  represents  Christ  on  earth  and  carries  on  his 
shoulders  the  burdens  and  the  responsibilities  of  the  Universal  Church.  Lo, 
there  he  stood !  Yes,  there  he  stood  before  our  very  eyes,  he,  the  Pope,  the 
Father  of  Christendom,  the  Vicar  of  Christ — the  Visible  Head  of  Holy  Church. 
That  venerable  figure  in  immaculate  white  shall  never  fade  from  our  memories 
or  from  our  Catholic  hearts.  That  figure  was  worthy  of  the  brush  of  a 
Raphael  or  the  pen  of  an  angel.  We  all  knelt  and  kissed  that  hand  which 
blessed  us  as  Christ  himself  would  have  done.  The  Holy  Father  then  ascended 
the  throne  and  told  us  all  to  come  up  close  to  him  so  that  he  might  the  more 
familiarly  talk  to  us. 

During  his  talk  he  referred  to  the  poverty  and  suffering  among  his 
spiritual  children  in  various  parts  of  the  world.  He  thanked  God  for  gener- 
ous, loyal  America,  whose  generous  hands  are  alwa.ys  open  to  help  the  needy 
anywhere  and  everywhere. 

During  our  audience  with  the  Holy  Father  we  learned  how  profoundly 
sad  the  Pope  is  when  he  is  unable  to  answer  the  cry  of  distress  which  comes 
to  him  so  oft  and  so  persistently  from  destitute  people  and  countries. 

We  further  learned  that  the  Holy  Father  looks  with  confidence  to  us,  his 
spiritual  children  in  America,  where  God  and  nature  have  been  so  bounte- 
ous to  us. 

The  Holy  Father  is  the  Almoner  of  the  world  and  to  Him,  his  spiritual 
children,  from  every  nation  under  heaven,  look  for  aid  and  for  solace.     Were 

44 


THE    BISHOP 

it  not  for  the  assistance  thus  given  by  the  Holy  Father,  religion  would  suffer, 
educational  and  charitable  institutions  in  those  countries  would  be  in  danger, 
if  not  entirely  ruined. 

During  our  private  audience  with  the  Pope,  he  informed  us  that  his 
paternal  heart  is  oft  afflicted  by  the  many  appeals  made  to  him,  how  he  gen- 
erously tells  them  to  go  ahead  with  their  work  though  he  has  no  funds  to  aid 
them,  but  our  faith  in  Divine  Providence  thus  far  has  never  failed  us. 

Our  own  land,  our  beloved  America,  is  a  land  blessed  by  God.  It  is  a 
land  of  tremendous  resources,  and  we  who  have  traveled  and  studied  in  other 
countries  cannot  fail  to  compare  conditions  at  home  with  conditions  existing 
in  foreign  lands.  Yes,  God  has  been  good,  generous  and  bounteous  to  us  here 
in  fair  Columbia.  This  fact  demands  l-ecognition  on  our  part.  The  Peter's 
Pence  collection  furnishes  us  an  admirable  opportunity  to  show  our  gratitude 
to  God  and  our  appreciation  of  His  many  benefits  to  us.  Our  loyalty  to  Him 
who  holds  the  supreme  position  of  Christ's  Vicar  on  earth  naturally  suggests 
generosity  on  our  part  in  this  matter  of  the  Peter's  Pence  collection.  Were 
you  privileged  as  were  our  pilgrims,  to  kneel  at  the  feet  of  our  Holy  Father, 
study  his  kindly  face,  listen  to  his  paternal  words,  you  would  gladly,  tri- 
umphantly make  any  sacrifice  to  help  hold  up  his  hands  in  his  Christ-like 
work  as  Almoner  of  the  whole  Christian  world.  You  have  received  generously 
from  the  hands  of  God,  therefore,  see  to  it  that  you  generously  contribute  to 
His  Vicar  remembering  that  the  history  of  our  Diocese  has  been  and  is  that 
its  clergy  and  people  have  always  been  generous  towards  the  cause  of  Christ. 

The  honor  of  your  Parish,  your  loyalty  to  Christ's  Vicar,  your  recognition 
of  God's  bounty  towards  you  and  towards  our  beloved  America — all  should 
prompt  you  to  make  a  generous  response  to  this  appeal  from  our  Holy  Father 
through  us. 

Wishing  you  and  yours  God's  blessing,  and  bespeaking  the  gratitude  of 
our  Chief  Pastor,  the  Bishop  of  Rome,  Pope  Pius  XI,  I  beg  to  remain, 

Yours  in  Christ, 

James  A.  Griffin, 
Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois. 

Dated  at  Castel  Gondolfo,  near  Rome, 

Feast  of  the  Transfiguration  of  our  Lord, 

August  6,  1925." 

Bishop  Griffin's  Work  for  Stricken  Mexico 

On  July  19,  1926,  Bishop  Griffin  asked  the  editor  of  the  Western  Catholic 
to  give  all  possible  publicity  to  a  letter  by  the  illustrious  Secretary  of  State  to 
His  Holiness. 

Accompanying  that  letter  was  one  by  Bishop  Griffin  in  which  he  said  that 
letter  places  before  the  whole  civilized  world  the  paternal  desire  of  His  Holi- 
ness that  His  spiritual  children  the  world  over  unite  with  Him  in  humble 
prayer  for  the  liberation  of  stricken  Mexico.  The  most  diabolical  religious 
persecution  in  modern  times  is  being  developed  and  enforced  in  the  Mexican 

45 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN   ILLINOIS 

Republic.  Saintly  men  and  women  are  persecuted  and  harassed  for  no  other 
reason  than  their  service  of  Christ  and  their  devotion  to  humanity.  Selfish- 
ness, greed  and  anti-clericalism  are  holding  the  reins  of  government  in  that 
unhappy  country. 

His  holiness,  Pope  Pius  XI,  in  his  Consistorial  Allocution  of  December 
14,  1925,  states  that  in  his  hour  of  sorrow  he  places  his  every  confidence  in  the 
Divine  Goodness  to  Whom  he  daily  addresses  fervent  prayers.  Most  recently 
he  charged  his  Cardinal  Vicar  that  he  ask  the  faithful  in  Rome  to  unite  with 
him  in  prayer  for  our  suffering  Mexican  brethren. 

In  unison  with  the  faithful  throughout  the  world,  I  ask  the  clergy  and 
laity  of  this  Diocese  to  offer  up  fervent  prayers  that  these  unhappy  people  may 
be  sustained  and  confirmed.  We  are  the  Church  of  the  Catacombs  and  our 
forefathers  in  the  faith  knew  how  to  suffer,  endure  and  die.  All  the  diabolical 
ingenuity  of  the  pagan  Roman  Empire  failed  to  crush  the  infant  Church.  The 
Church  has  met  with  much  persecution  adown  the  ages  and  she  has  always  tri- 
umphed through  prayer. 

The  Bishop  then  instructed  his  Clergy  to  offer  special  prayers  at  all  Masses 
on  the  Feast  of  St.  Peter  in  Chains.  He  concluded  his  splendid  pastoral  with 
these  words :  ' '  May  God  strengthen  and  confirm  the  Catholic  people  of  Mexico. 
May  He  give  us  the  vision  to  continue  faithfully  in  His  service  and  in  that 
of  our  beloved  country — America." 

(Signed)  James  A.  Griffin, 

Bishop  of  Springfield,  in  Illinois. 

Bishop  Griffin  and  Social  Work 

Nothing  worthwhile  escapes  the  keen  eye  or  sympathetic  heart  of  Bishop 
Griffin.  Like  his  Divine  Master  who  said:  "The  poor  you  have  always  with 
you,"  his  heart  goes  out  in  sympathy  to  the  poor,  the  afflicted  and  the  un- 
fortunate. 

He  had  not  been  long  in  Springfield  e'er  he  realized  that  a  rich  field  lay 
practically  untouched  in  the  Diocese;  a  field  wherein  much  good  seed  could 
be  planted  and  rich  fruit  reaped  if  properly  cared  for.  He  saw  the  necessity 
for  an  organization  whose  members  would  look  after  the  temporal  and  spiritual 
needs  of  the  poor  and  also  aid  in  financing  Catholic  Social  Work. 

On  March  1,  1925,  Miss  Elizabeth  Kuhlman,  a  Catholic  lady  and  a  trained, 
educated,  experienced  social  worker,  reported  in  Springfield  on  the  request  of 
the  Bishop,  who  appointed  her  Diocesan  Social  Worker.  The  Bishop  appoint- 
ed Rev.  J.  Straub,  Director  of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Spiritual  Director  of 
Catholic  Social  Work  in  this  Diocese. 

Miss  Kuhlman  was  instructed  to  organize  a  group  of  women  who  would 
interest  themselves  in  the  cause  of  Catholic  Social  Work  in  Springfield.  With 
the  Bishop's  approbation  the  new  organization  was  called  "The  Ladies  of 
Charity." 

The  first  formal  meeting  of  The  Ladies  of  Charity  was  held  April  3, 
1925.     In  May  of  that  same  year,  Rev.  J.  Moser,  C.  M.,  Director  of  the  Ladies 

46 


THE   BISHOP 

of  Charity  in  St.  Louis,  addressed  the  Springfield  Ladies  of  Charity  and  prom- 
ised to  get  the  local  organization  affiliated  with  the  original  and  parent  society 
in  France,  organized  by  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  himself.  With  Bishop  Griffin's 
approbation,  Father  Moser  obtained  a  charter  for  the  Springfield  organization 
affiliating  it  with  the  parent  society  in  Paris. 

The  Bishop  is  President ;  Rev.  J.  Straub,  Director ;  Miss  E.  Kuhlman  is  the 
social  worker  and  Miss  Sarah  E.  Daily,  R.  N.,  is  the  school  nurse.  It  would 
be  difficult  to  tell  the  vast  amount  of  good,  temporal  and  spiritual,  done  for  the 
afflicted,  the  poor  and  the  unfortunate  by  this  splendid  organization,  the  child 
of  Bishop  Griffin's  heart. 

Bishop  Griffin's  Work  for  the  Eucharistic  Congress 

When  His  Eminence,  George  Cardinal  Mundelein,  backed  by  the  clergy 
and  laity  of  his  Archdiocese  was  straining  every  muscle  to  make  the  Interna- 
tional Eucharistic  Congress  worthy  of  our  Eucharistic  King,  Bishop  Griffin, 
with  his  wonted  energy  and  apostolic  zeal  responded.  He  wrote  in  part  as  fol- 
lows to  his  clergy  and  laity : 

The  people  of  Chicago  are  to  be  hosts  to  our  Eucharistic  King  and  to 
thousands  of  pilgrims.  Cardinal  George  William  Mundelein  has  stated  that 
whilst  Chicago  is  to  be  the  scene  and  is  directly  charged  with  preparations 
necessary  for  this  great  event,  the  invitation  is  issued  to  all  the  world  to  come 
and  see.  As  Bishop  of  this  Diocese  and  conscious  of  our  obligations  to  the 
Catholic  Church  we  are  most  anxious  that  a  large  representative  delegation 
from  every  Parish  in  this  Diocese  will  respond  to  the  invitation  of  his 
Eminence. 

In  order  to  obtain  results  we  direct  that  Pastors  read  the  following  regu- 
lations to  their  devoted  congregations  on  two  Sundays  in  the  month  of  June, 
namely  on  the  6th  and  13th : 

First. — It  is  our  desire  that  as  many  priests  as  possible  will  assist  in  hear- 
ing confessions  in  the  various  Chicago  parishes  on  Saturday,  June  19. 

Second. — The  Sisters  of  various  Orders  are  urged  to  make  preparations  for 
their  presence  in  Chicago  during  the  week  of  the  Congress.  As  Bishop  of 
this  Diocese  we  would  indeed  grant  the  necessary  faculties  in  accordance  with 
the  respective  constitutions. 

Third — We  urge  the  laity  wherever  possible  to  ask  for  their  vacations 
during  the  week  of  the  Congress.  We  also  urge  the  officers  of  the  various 
Catholic  Societies  to  get  in  touch  with  their  membership,  either  by  mail  or 
telephone. 

Fourth. — We  urge  pastors  to  exhort  their  people  who  cannot  go  to  the  Con- 
gress to  receive  Holy  Communion  in  their  own  churches  on  the  opening  day 
of  the  Congress,  June  20,  in  order  to  ask  God's  blessing  on  our  Church 
and  country. 

Fifth. — Every  parish  in  the  Diocese  should  have  solemn  exposition  of  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  on  one  or  more  days  during  the  Congress,  with  a  sermon 
dealing  with  the  Blessed  Sacrament  or  on  the  Congress. 

47 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Sixth. — We  direct  that  after  all  the  Masses  in  every  Parish  of  this  Diocese 
on  Sunday,  June  20,  special  prayers  be  offered  for  the  intention  of  the  Holy 
Father  in  connection  with  the  Congress. 

We  request  pastors  to  kindly  add  their  own  words  of  commendation  to  the 
above  directions.  May  success  attend  you,  health  keep  you  and  God  always 
bless  you.    May  your  devoted  people  be  the  recipients  of  God's  holy  grace. 

Bishop  Griffin  Leads  Cardinals  and  Bishops 
to  Lincoln's  Tomb 

Bishop  Griffin,  while  in  Chicago  attending  the  International  Eucharistic 
Congress,  invited  several  Cardinals,  Archbishops  and  Bishops  to  come  to 
Springfield  to  be  present  at  the  Central  Verein  Convention  and  while  there 
visit  the  Tomb  of  the  Immortal  Lincoln. 

For  the  first  time  in  Springfield's  history  princes  of  the  Church  were  pres- 
ent at  church  services  when  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  cele- 
brated Pontifical  High  Mass  at  11:00  o'clock  Sunday,  June  27,  1926.  Present 
in  the  sanctuary  were  his  Eminence  Michael  Cardinal  Von  Faulhaber,  of 
Germany ;  His  Eminence  Frederick  Gustavus  Cardinal  Piffl,  of  Austria ;  His 
Grace,  Most  Reverend  Nicholas  M.  Debreccio,  D.  D.,  Jugo-Slavia ;  Right  Rever- 
end Bishop  Bahlman,  of  Brazil ;  Right  Reverend  W.  Berning,  Osnabrueck,  of 
Germany ;  Right  Reverend  Sebastian  Speyer,  Germany ;  Right  Reverend  Wartz, 
of  North  Tyrol ;  His  Excellency  Ignatius  Seipel,  Chancellor  of  Austria,  and  many 
other  notables  whose  names  we  have  been  unable  to  obtain. 

Bishop  Griffin  escorted  those  world-renowned  Churchmen  to  Lincoln's 
Tomb  and  as  they  stood  bare-headed  and  reverent  in  presence  of  that  monu- 
ment, he  said:  "The  biggest  thing  we  have  here  in  Springfield  is  the  remains 
of  Abraham  Lincoln,  his  memory  and  his  accomplishments." 

Cardinal  Von  Faulhaber  of  Germany,  replied:  "Great  men  do  not  belong 
alone  to  the  country  in  which  they  were  born.  They  belong  to  all  the  world.  What 
Abraham  Lincoln  fought  against  was  slavery  in  any  form.  We  honor  at  this 
grave  the  ideals  of  the  American  people.  Enthusiasm  for  peace  of  the  world 
and  the  liberty  of  all  nations.  We  dedicate  our  flowers  to  the  uncompromising 
character  which  was  faithful  to  his  ideals  even  to  the  grave." 

The  eminent  Monsignor  Ignatius  Seipel,  Chancellor  of  Austria,  thought 
by  many  to  be  the  greatest  statesman  in  Europe  or  in  the  world,  said:  "I  place 
my  wreath  as  a  memorial  and  as  an  expression  of  sympathy  from  Europe,  to 
the  great  American,  Abraham  Lincoln.  This  monument  is  a  wonderful  tribute 
to  the  memory  of  your  great  martyred  president.  Catholics  of  the  United 
States  are  to  be  congratulated  upon  being  here  to  join  hands  and  hearts  in 
honoring  that  great  citizen  and  expressing  their  gratitude  for  what  he  has  done 
for  America  and  for  the  world. ' ' 

Bishop  Griffin,  great  American  and  patriot  that  he  is,  was  a  happy  man 
that  day  at  the  conclusion  of  the  ceremonies  at  Lincoln's  Tomb. 

48 


the  bishop 

Bishop  Griffin  and  the  Seminary 

We  have  oft  wondered  which  diocesan  work  is  closest  to  the  Bishop's 
heart.  We  have  heard  him  preach ;  we  have  observed  his  actions  and  we  have 
read  his  Pastoral  Letters.  Really,  we  find  it  difficult  to  decide  which  diocesan 
work  is  nearest  his  heart  and  uppermost  in  his  thought. 

Now  comes  to  our  mind  one  of  his  wonderful  letters  written  early  in  April, 
1927,  published  in  the  Western  Catholic  and  read  in  every  pulpit  in  the  Diocese 
on  the  Sunday  before  Easter,  1927.  Let  us  here  quote  a  few  passages  from  that 
letter  just  to  give  the  reader  an  idea  of  how  the  Bishop  thinks  and  writes  about  the 
Seminary,  the  mother  of  young  priests,  the  priests  who  will  snatch  the  torch 
of  Faith  as  it  falls  from  the  hands  of  old  veteran  priests  who  have  lived,  dared, 
done  and  died  for  the  glory  of  God,  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the  triumph  of 
our  Church. 

Well  does  the  Bishop  realize  that  he  must  have  good,  learned,  loyal,  zealous 
young  priests  to  carry  on  to  fruition  the  splendid  work  inaugurated  by  our 
pioneer  priests.  Well  does  he  understand  that  under  God  the  future  of 
Catholicity  in  this  Diocese  is  intimately  bound  up  with  the  caliber  and  char- 
acter of  the  young  levites  whom  God  will  call  from  happy  Catholic  homes 
to  the  Seminary  to  prepare  for  the  Priesthood  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Read  these  words  from  the  Bishop 's  letter : 

"What  pen  can  adequately  picture  the  beauty,  the  grandeur,  and  the  power 
of  the  Catholic  priest?  Who  can  truly  evaluate  the  surpassing  services  of  the 
priest,  his  intimate  relations  with  God,  his  ministry  in  behalf  of  souls?  At 
the  altar  where  he  consecrates,  in  the  holy  tribunal  where  he  absolves  from  sin, 
he  is  no  longer  a  mere  frail  man,  but  an  ambassador  of  Christ,  exercising 
plenary  powers. 

"Without  the  priesthood,  the  faithful  would  be  deprived  of  the  Holy 
Sacrifice  of  the  Mass  and  nearly  all  of  the  sacraments ;  they  would  not  have 
leaders  to  teach  them  the  doctrines  of  faith ;  they  would  be  like  lambs  in  the 
midst  of  wolves.  Hence  it  is,  that  the  priesthood,  as  an  institution,  in  spite 
of  its  bitter  enemies,  will  last  till  the  end  of  time,  because  Christ  promised, 
that  the  gates  of  Hell  would  not  prevail  against  His  Church,  consequently,  they 
who  despise  or  injure  the  leaders, — the  representatives  of  the  Master — wage 
war  against  Christ  Himself,  who  said,  'Who  despises  you,  despises  me.' 

"Christian  society  from  the  very  beginning  presents  to  us  a  personage,  a 
type  that  is  the  object  of  great  love  and  consideration  on  the  one  hand,  and  of 
mortal  hatred  and  enmity  on  the  other.  From  the  very  foundation  of  Chris- 
tianity, this  pioneer  of  faith  and  civilization,  has  fought  the  battles  of  truth 
for  the  welfare  of  men  and  the  glory  of  God.  Men  in  every  age  have  culti- 
vated his  confidence  in  the  most  delicate  affairs  of  life ;  they  have  sought  his 
friendship  for  the  direction  of  their  very  consciences. 

"The  mission  of  the  priest  defined  by  St.  Paul  in  these  words,  'For  every 
high  priest  taken  from  among  men,  is  ordained  for  men,  in  the  things  that 
appertain  to  God,  that  he  may  offer  up  gifts  and  sacrifices  for  sins.'     The 

49 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

priest  concerns  himself  with  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  people,  he  is  an  inter- 
mediary between  Heaven  and  earth. 

' '  He  does  not  assume  this  position  in  society  on  his  own  initiative ;  it  is 
Christ,  the  Master,  who  has  so  ordained.  'You  have  not  chosen  me,  but  I 
have  chosen  you;  and  have  appointed  you  that  you  go,  and  should  bring 
forth  fruit;  and  your  fruit  should  remain;  that  whatsoever  you  ask  of  the 
Father  in  my  name,  He  may  give  it  to  you. '  Thus  the  fecundity  and  efficiency 
of  the  priest's  labors  become  identified  with  the  mission  of  the  Master.  History 
informs  us,  that  from  His  day  to  our  own,  the  priesthood  has  promoted  a  new 
empire — a  new  civilization. 

"I  deem  it  my  duty  here  to  remind  our  Catholic  parents  that  He  who 
drank  the  very  dregs  of  His  passion  in  the  Garden  of  Sorrow  on  the  first  Holy 
Thursday  night,  sounded  the  depths  of  every  woe,  felt  the  pang  of  every  sorrow 
and  experienced  the  torture  of  every  pain,  not  that  all  this  was  necessary  to 
redeem  the  world,  but  in  order  to  purchase  for  some  Catholic  mother's  boy 
the  infinitely  precious  jewel  of  His  own  Eternal  Priesthood,  and  for  some 
Catholic  mother's  girl  the  nigh  infinitely  blessed  call  to  His  Convent  Home  so 
that  in  time  and  in  eternity  she  might  bear  the  divinely  beautiful  title,  Bride 
of  Christ. 

' '  Happy  parents  whom  the  Master  thus  honors,  Blessed  Catholic  home  which 
Jesus  thus  visits,  thrice  blessed  boy  or  girl  thus  called  by  Christ  to  lean  his 
or  her  head,  like  the  virgin  St.  John  of  yore  on  His  love  throbbing  bosom  and 
thus  in  time  and  eternity  enjoy  the  privilege  of  loving  the  glorified  Risen 
Christ." 

On  another  occasion  the  bishop  paid  this  tribute  to  the  Nuns : 

"Their  devotion  and  sacrifice  have  made  possible  the  great  works  of  charity 
and  education  supported  by  the  church  in  America.  The  parochial  school  is 
no  longer  an  experiment.  It  is  an  undeniable  success,  and  today  we  are  reaping 
the  good  results  from  the  decision  of  our  forebears  in  keeping  God  in  the  class 
room.  Whilst  life  outside  of  the  Church  is  being  secularized,  thanks  to  our 
schools,  Christ  is  still  master  in  the  class  room,  and  marriage  is  still  maintained  as 
a  sacrament. 

"Moreover  many  of  the  leading  welfare  workers  are  generous  in  their 
praise  of  the  fine  work  being  accomplished  in  our  charitable  institutions.  The 
state  and  combined  sectarian  organizations  may  build  larger  and  install  more 
expensive  instrumentalities,  but  they  can  never  create  that  lovely  sympathetic 
spirit  and  peace  of  mind  which  is  characteristic  of  our  institutions.  Without  the 
nuns  the  charity  work  of  the  church  would  be  negligible  and  would  be  scarcely 
more  than  a  gesture.  As  long  as  this  spirit  of  sacrifice  and  devotion  is  found  in 
the  church  we  need  have  no  fear  of  the  future. ' ' 

An  Appreciation  of  the  Laity 

' '  On  the  occasion  of  my  recent  interview  with  the  Holy  Father  I  stated  most 
emphatically  that  our  American  Catholic  laity  had  no  superiors,  and  but  few 
equals.    For  the  most  part  they  love  the  Church  and  the  priesthood,  and  on  our 

50 


THE   BISHOP 


part  there  is  no  sacrifice  too  great  in  acknowledgement  of  their  lovely  sentiments. 
Other  countries  have  long  Catholic  traditions,  and  one  would  have  to  hare  an 
abundance  of  courage  and  certainly  would  have  little  excuse  for  falling  away 
from  the  Faith.  In  America  our  traditions  do  not  reach  over  a  great  period,  and 
Catholic  life  has  been  largely  a  battle.  I  am  happy  to  state  that  in  most  cases 
our  people  have  been  faithful  and  devoted.  In  most  parishes  the  laity  have  been 
called  upon  for  heavy  sacrifices  for  the  building  of  churches,  schools,  hospitals 
and  other  institutions.  They  have  given  of  their  poverty,  but  their  blessing  and 
their  good  will  was  always  in  the  donation.  Is  there  any  wonder,  therefore,  that 
we  have  developed  a  devoted,  loyal  and  virile  type  of  American  Catholic  man- 
hood?" 

Bishop  Griffin's  Work  as  a  Builder 

During  the  Bishop's  first  tour  of  his  Diocese  he  closely  observed  con- 
ditions—material, moral,  intellectual  and  spiritual — wherever  he  went.  Like 
an  able  general  he  saw  at  a  glance  where  the  weak  points  lay  along  his  battle 
front  and  he  was  not  slow  in  applying  a  remedy.  Not  a  city,  town  or  hamlet 
in  the  Diocese  escaped  his  attention  or  failed  to  receive  benefit  from  his  visits. 
Here,  there  and  everywhere  his  Diocese  showed  unmistakable  signs  of  new  life 
and  increased  energy. 

Here  he  ordered  a  new  church  built,  there  he  advised  the  building  of  a 
combination  church  and  hall,  here  a  new  school,  there  a  hall  as  a  social  center 
for  the  young  people,  here  a  Home  for  the  aged  poor,  there  a  High  School  and 
yonder  a  mission  church  for  the  accommodation  of  country  folk.  Here  a  rec- 
tory for  the  comfort  of  a  Pastor,  there  a  Home  for  the  parish  School  Sisters. 

The  following  is  a  partial  list  of  buildings  erected  during  the  administra- 
tion of  Bishop  Griffin : 

Partial  List  of  Buildings  Erected  in  Diocese 
Since  Bishop  Griffin  Took  Charge 

Location                 Name   of   Church                       Kind  of  Building  Cost 

Springfield  Blessed   Sacrament  School,  Temporary  Church   $  160,000.00 

Springfield  St.   Barbara  New   Hall    12,000.00 

Springfield  St.    Joseph    Home  Home  for  the  Aged   300,000.00 

Springfield  St.  John  Hospital  New  Isolation  Ward    200,000.00 

Alton  Ursuline  Convent  New    Convent    250,000.00 

Alton  High   School  School     175,000.00 

Carrollton  St.  John  High    School    10,000.00 

Decatur  St.    James  School  and   Auditorium    180,000.00 

Decatur  St.    Thomas  Combination  Church  and  School   100,000.00 

Effingham  Sacred  Heart  Hall      30,000.00 

Glen  Carbon  St   Cecelia  Mission   Church    12,000.00 

Granite  City  Sacred  Heart  Combination   Church   and    School    105,000.00 

Kincaid  St.  Rita  School    12,500.00 

Litchfield  St.   Francis  Hospital  Chapel     35,000.00 

Livingston  Sacred   Heart  School     25,000.00 

Madison  St.  Mary  Combination   Church   and    School    60,000.00 

Mattoon  Immacculate  Conception      Rectory    30,000.00 

Meppen  St.  Joseph  School     16,000.00 

Niantic  s*-  Am»  Church    40,000.00 

Pana  st-  Patrick  Church    150,000.00 

Quincy  St.  John  Sisters'    Residence    30,000.00 

Ste.  Marie  Assumption  Hall   15,000.00 

51 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Location                  Name  of  Church                         Kind  of  Building  Cost 

Staunton  St.   Michael  Church      120,000.00 

Tuscola  Forty    Martyrs  Church    110,000.00 

Wilsonvllle  Holy  Cross  Mission   Church    (purchased)    6,000.00 

Wood  River  St.   Bernard  School     75,000.00 

Quincy  St.  Mary  School     100,000.00 

$2,358,500.00 
Add  to  this  the  cost  of  the  New  Cathedral  Group  1,200.000.00 

and  you  have  a  grand  total  of   $:{,558,500.00 

Bishop  Griffin  came  in  February,  1924,  and  these  lines  are  written  in  Sep- 
tember, 1927,  about  three  and  one-half  years  after  the  Bishop  took  up  the  reins 
of  government  in  this  Diocese.  This  material  or  financial  wonder  spelled  out  in 
three  million  five  hundred  and  fifty-eight  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  is 
dwarfed  into  insignificance  when  compared  to  the  intellectual,  moral  and 
spiritual  wonders  accomplished  by  him. 

Bishop  Griffin's  Crowning  Work 

Let  us  recall  the  words  quoted  by  us  at  the  beginning  of  this  sketch.  It  was 
to  this  effect :  One  of  the  Bishop's  Assistants  in  St.  Mary's  Church,  Joliet, 
Illinois,  Rev.  E.  O.  Leiser,  while  conversing  with  us  at  the  breakfast  table  in  St. 
Mary 's  Rectory,  said : 

"Mark  what  I  tell  you!  Your  Bishop  will  not  jump  into  the  work  of  build- 
ing a  new  Cathedral  for  two  or  three  years  at  least.  I  know  him  and  I  under- 
stand his  methods.  He  will  first  look  after  the  material,  moral,  intellectual  and 
spiritual  welfare  of  his  Diocese  both  as  a  whole  and  in  particular  parts." 

Having  watched  the  Bishop  tour  the  Diocese  from  end  to  end,  we  saw  him 
advising,  counselling  and  correcting;  we  beheld  him  laboring  for  the  welfare  of 
the  fatherless,  homeless  waifs ;  we  saw  him  providing  care,  comfort  and  consola- 
tion for  the  aged  poor;  we  saw  him  making  provisions  for  the  better  care  of  the 
sick;  we  saw  him  building  up  grade  and  high  schools  so  that  the  youth  of  his 
Diocese  might  have  the  best  in  the  land ;  we  heard  him  champion  a  strong 
Catholic  press  and  ring  out  his  eloquent  words  in  denunciation  of  an  evil  press ; 
we  saw  him  build  churches,  schools  and  halls  like  so  many  fortresses  all  over  his 
Diocese  in  defense  of  God,  home  and  country;  we  saw  him  industriously  pro- 
viding for  the  comfort,  joy  and  pleasure  of  the  boy  scouts ;  we  saw  him  make 
provisions  for  those  unfortunate  children  who  are  deprived  of  the  blessings  of 
a  Catholic  education ;  we  saw  him  organize  Social  Workers,  who  would  go  out 
into  the  highways  and  byways  of  his  Diocese  and  furnish  aid,  comfort  and  con- 
solation to  the  poor,  the  unfortunate,  the  down-and-out !  Finally  we  saw  him  lead 
a  pilgrimage  of  his  clergy  and  laity  to  Rome,  to  the  Vatican,  to  the  feet  of 
Christ's  Vicar,  and  there  tie — yes  knot — the  heart-strings  of  his  Diocese  with 
the  heart-strings  of  Christ's  Vicar.    What  will  be  his  next  work? 

In  the  first  Book  of  Machabees  we  read  that  after  Judas  Machabeus,  leader 
of  God's  people,  and  his  valiant  men  had  defeated  the  enemies  of  God  and  of 
his  country,  he  said  to  his  followers:  "Behold  our  enemies  are  discomforted: 
let  us  go  up  now  to  cleanse  the  holy  places  and  to  repair  them."  "And  all  the 

52 


7. 


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go 


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1L  UP'«Y 
M  iti. 
HHWERSr 


THE   BISHOP 

army  assembled  together  and  they  went  up  into  the  Mount  of  Sion,  and  they 
built  up  the  holy  places  and  the  things  that  were  within  the  temple  and  they 
sanctified  the  temple.  And  they  made  new  holy  vessels  and  brought  in  candle- 
sticks and  the  altar  of  incense  and  the  table  into  the  temple,  and  they  put  incense 
upon  the  altar  and  lighted  up  the  lamps  that  Avere  upon  the  candlesticks  and 
they  gave  light  in  the  temple  and  they  offered  sacrifice  according  to  the  law  upon 
the  new  altar  of  the  holocausts  which  they  had  made.  And  all  the  people  fell 
upon  their  faces  and  adored  and  blessed,  up  to  heaven,  Him  that  had  prospered 
them.    And  there  was  exceeding  great  joy  among  the  people." 

Here  we  have  a  splendid  illustration  of  what  Bishop  Griffin  did.  He  first 
toured  his  Diocese,  counselled  and  strengthened  his  people,  laid  bare  the  tactics 
of  the  enemy;  took  care  of  the  material,  moral,  intellectual  and  spiritual  needs 
of  his  people;  drew  them  closer  and  nearer  to  the  Sacred  Heart,  built  up 
schools,  churches  and  institutions,  dotted  his  Diocese  with  so  many  spiritual 
fortresses  in  defense  of  God,  home  and  country. 

Then  and  then  only  did  he  say  to  his  Clergy  and  laity:  "Let  us  go  up 
now  to  our  Episcopal  City  and  there  build  the  head  fortress  of  our  Diocese,  the 
Mother  Church  of  all  our  churches  and  people,  a  Memorial  to  our  Immaculate 
Mother,  a  testimonial  to  the  pioneer  priests  and  laity  of  our  Diocese,  a  Home 
worthy  of  our  Eucharistic  King. ' ' 

He  gathered  around  him  his  own  priests,  drew  up  plans  for  his  Diamond 
Jubilee  Cathedral  Campaign.  He  did  not  call  in  outsiders  or  professional 
campaigners.  He,  himself,  was  the  soul,  the  inspiration  of  that  Campaign  and 
aided  by  leaders  among  the  Clergy  and  laity  that  Campaign  was  the  joy  of 
the  whole  Diocese  and  the  admiration  of  the  entire  country. 

Bishop  Griffin  himself  spoke  at  campaign  meetings  in  all  Deanery  centers 
in  the  Diocese  and  wherever  he  appeared,  or  spoke,  the  magnetism  of  his  per- 
sonality and  the  fire  of  his  words  aroused  unbounded  enthusiasm.  Pastors 
and  people;  men  and  women;  old  and  young  caught  the  spirit.  The  Cam- 
paign fire  swept  the  Diocese  from  center  to  circumference  with  the  result 
that  whereas  the  Bishop  asked  for  only  $750,000,  the  amount  donated  or 
pledged  went  near  the  million  mark.  The  priests  led  in  the  enthusiastic  cam- 
paign, marched  to  the  tune  of  a  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  their  Bishop, 
and  they  did  it  spontaneously.  The  laity  followed  and  kept  step  with  ad- 
mirable precision.     It  was  simply  glorious  to  behold. 

The  Campaign  opened  on  February  14,  1927,  with  the  Bishop's  slogan 
in  every  heart  and  on  every  tongue:  "It  is  God's  work.  God  wills  it,"  and 
closed  amid  a  blaze  of  glory  on  February  26  with  everybody  singing,  "We 
have  gone  over  the  top." 

That  Campaign  elicited  the  admiration  of  men  and  women,  princes  of  the 
Church  and  officers  of  state  everywhere.  The  writer  never  saw  such  enthusiasm 
or  such  wonderful  co-operation  or  such  whole-hearted  team-work  among  the 
rank  and  file,  clergy  and  laity.  A  non-Catholic  newspaper  man  in  the  See 
City  of  Springfield,  Campaign  Headquarters,  remarked  to  the  writer:  "Bishop 
Griffin  is  to  be  congratulated  on    his    Campaign,    not    only    because    of    its 

53 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

transcendent  success,  but  even  more  so  on  the  high-class  manner  in  which  it 
has  been  handled.  No  cheap  or  small  tactics  in  your  Bishop's  program.  It 
is  magnificent." 

The  words  of  this  non-Catholic  gentleman  expressed  the  thoughts  of  every 
fair-minded  non-Catholic  in  Springfield  and  throughout  the  entire  Diocese  as 
the  following  incident  will  prove. 

When  the  Campaign  was  only  three  days  old  a  group  of  non-Catholic 
business  men  held  a  meeting  and  then  sent  a  polite  note  to  the  Bishop  asking 
him  to  appoint  a  Committee  to  solicit  financial  aid  from  the  business  and 
professional  men  of  Springfield  irrespective  of  religious  affiliations  and 
pledging  him  their  hearty  co-operation. 

Bishop  Griffin  replied  as  follows : 

Jubilee    Cathedral    Headquarters, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  Feb.  18,  1927. 

Fellow  Citizens :  At  a  meeting  of  several  non-Catholic  business  men  of  our 
city,  held  a  few  days  ago,  it  was  agreed  to  suggest  to  one  of  our  leading 
Catholic  merchants  that  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Bishop  to  solicit  busi- 
ness men  irrespective  of  religion,  would  receive  a  cordial  welcome  and  co-opera- 
tion from  a  large  percentage  of  those  interested  in  Springfield's  progress. 

While  I  am  deeply  grateful  for  this  evidence  of  appreciation,  neverthe- 
less I  do  not  wish  to  embarrass  by  direct  request  any  who  might  entertain  a  dif- 
ferent view.  Therefore,  I  prefer  to  extend  to  all  who  feel  that  the  Cathedral 
and  allied  offices  are  a  civic  asset  to  the  city  a  cordial  invitation  to  join  us 
in  the  undertaking  now  approaching  success,  and  we  wish  to  assure  them  that 
their  words  of  commendation  and  encouragement,  as  well  as  any  donations  they 
may  feel  disposed  to  give,  will  be  welcomed  and  appreciated,  as  their  en- 
dorsement of  our  contribution  to  Springfield's  business  and  financial,  as  well 
as  religious  growth. 

Those  disposed  to  accept  this  invitation  may  call  on  me  personally,  or 
send  their  checks,  and  I  shall  personally  acknowledge  them.  Only  upon  their 
own  request  will  a  committee  call  upon  them  to  receive  their  donations. 

With  kindest  regards,  I  beg  to  remain, 

Cordially  yours, 

James  A.  Griffin, 

Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois. 

The  response  to  this  letter  from  leading  non-Catholics  in  Springfield  and 
elsewhere  in  the  Diocese  was  instantaneous  and  most  generous.  Non-Catholic 
business  and  professional  men ;  non-Catholic  firms  vied  with  each  other  in 
proving  how  completely  Bishop  Griffin  had  won  their  hearts  to  himself  and  his 
new  Cathedral  group.     One  leading  non-Catholic  wrote  this  to  Bishop  Griffin : 

' '  Dear  Bishop  Griffin :  For  fifteen  years  I  have  gone  in  on  every  worthy 
cause  in  Springfield,  but  it  seems  I  must  use  a  jimmy  to  get  in  on  your  Cam- 
paign. Please  accept  enclosed  check  as  my  contribution  to  your  Cathedral 
Fund." 

54 


THE   BISHOP 

During  the  Campaign  the  Illinois  State  Journal  said  editorially  in  its 
Sunday  issue : 

"The  enthusiasm  with  which  Catholics  of  this  Diocese  have  rallied  to  the 
support  of  their  faith  and  given  their  pledges  to  their  Bishop's  plan  for  de- 
velopment has  afforded  a  spectacle  of  religious  fervor  and  devotion  not  often 
witnessed  in  these  times.  Money  literally  has  poured  into  the  Cathedral  Fund, 
evidencing  the  faith  of  the  givers  as  no  other  outward  demonstration  could. 

"Bishop  Griffin  may  well  feel  grateful.  Not  only  has  his  appeals  been 
answered  in  gifts  of  material  things,  but  his  flock  has  shown  their  loyalty  to 
him  and  their  confidence  in  his  leadership.  There  is  no  question  that  a  per- 
sonality that  has  endeared  him  to  his  people  and  also  to  non-Catholics  has 
made  the  giving  easier  and  pleasanter." 

At  the  close  of  Bishop  Griffin's  wonderful  campaign,  the  Illinois  State 
Register  published  editorially  the  following  :  ' '  That  this  Campaign  has  proven 
such  a  wonderful  success  in  such  a  short  time  is  indeed  a  tribute  to  the  strength 
of  the  Catholic  denomination.  Only  through  such  excellent  leadership  and 
generalship  as  that  displayed  by  Bishop  James  A.  Griffin  could  this  marvelous 
success  have  been  thus  achieved." 

The  Chancellor's  Words 

A  prominent  church  official,  Right  Reverend  M.  A.  Tarrent,  Chancellor 
of  the  Diocese,  wrote  the  Bishop  thus:  "The  impression  of  your  Lordship's 
Diamond  Jubilee  Cathedral  Campaign  does  and  ever  will  hang  around  my 
memory  like  the  aroma  of  roses.  Your  Campaign  was  splendidly  planned;  was 
conducted  with  such  dignity  and  efficiency  that  it  gripped  the  souls  of  non- 
Catholics  as  well  as  Catholics  and  sent  a  wave  of  enthusiasm  across,  up  and 
down,  the  whole  Diocese." 

The  Bishop,  of  course,  was  highly  pleased,  and  sent  the  following 
message  to  the  Associated  Press:  "I  have  the  joy  and  happiness  to  inform  you 
that  our  Diamond  Jubilee  Cathedral  Campaign  is  over-subscribed.  At  this 
time  I  have  only  the  pleasantest  memories  of  the  generosity  and  encourage- 
ment manifested  by  the  public  at  large. 

"I  believe  I  am  the  happiest  man  in  America.  May  our  new  Cathedral 
be  not  only  a  house  of  prayer  but  also  a  symbol  of  lovely  friendships  and  an 
incentive  to  greater  civic  service. 

"May  God  grant  our  organization  the  strength   to  measure   up   to    our 
religious  and  civic  opportunities  always.     Will  you  kindly  convey  these  senti- 
ments to  our  patrons  ?    The  press  has  helped  in  no  small  measure. ' ' 
(Signed)  James  A.  Griffin, 

Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois. 

Campaign  Gripped  Attention  op  the  Nation 

So  great  was  the  enthusiasm  aroused  by  Bishop  Griffin's  Cathedral  Cam- 
paign and  so  general  was  the  interest  manifested  in  its  success,  that  as  the 
Campaign  neared  its  triumphal  termination  messages  of  congratulation  came 

55 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

flashing  over  the  wires  from  prominent  men  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  We 
here  mention  some  of  the  many.  The  great  and  well-beloved  Cardinal  Hayes 
of  New  York,  wired  even  before  complete  returns  had  come  in : 

"My  Dear  Bishop  Griffin:  Outside  of  your  own  Diocese  no  one  rejoices 
more  than  I  over  the  extraordinary  success  of  your  Cathedral  Campaign.  It 
is  a  worthy  tribute  to  a  shepherd  beloved  by  his  clergy  and  people.  My  sincerest 
congratulations  to  yourself,  your  zealous  priests  and  your  devoted  flock." 

(Signed)   Cardinal  Hayes. 

The  beloved  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  wired:  "Dear  Bishop  Griffin:  A 
grand  appeal.  A  generous  response.  Congratulations.  The  Cathedral  build- 
ers are  not  all  dead  yet." 

(Signed)  John  Glennon,  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis. 

The  great  Archbishop  of  Baltimore  wired:  "Just  heard  of  wonderful  suc- 
cess of  your  Cathedral  Fund  Campaign.  Permit  me  to  offer  to  yourself, 
priests  and  people  my  warmest  felicitations  and  to  wish  you  every  success  in 
your  undertaking." 

(Signed)  Archbishop  Curley. 

The  genial  and  scholarly  Archbishop  of  St.  Paul  wired:  "I  heartily  con- 
gratulate you,  especially  on  the  loyal  and  devoted  co-operation  of  your  clergy. 
That  is  an  asset  even  more  valuable  than  the  great  sum  of  money  which  has 
been  pledged  for  your  diocesan  interests.  I  hope  you  will  find  time  soon  to  pay 
a  visit  to  St.  Paul  and  do  me  the  honor  of  being  my  guest. ' ' 

(Signed)  Austin  Dowling,  Archbishop  of  St.  Paul. 

His  Eminence,  George  Cardinal  Mundelein,  was  absent  from  home  during 
the  Campaign,  but  when  he  returned  he  wrote  Bishop  Griffin  a  warm  letter  of 
congratulation. 

The  Bishop  also  received  messages  of  felicitations  and  congratulations 
from  the  leading  Bishops  of  the  country,  among  them :  Right  Rev.  P.  J.  Mul- 
doon,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Rockford,  Illinois ;  Rt.  Rev.  Joseph  Schrembs,  D.  D., 
Cleveland,  Ohio;  Rt.  Rev.  P.  R.  McDevitt,  D.  D.,  Harrisburg,  Pa.;  Rt.  Rev.  R, 
0.  Gerow,  D.  D.,  Natchez,  Mississippi;  Rt.  Rev.  John  Noll,  D.  D.,  Fort  Wayne, 
Indiana;  Rt.  Rev.  C.  E.  Byrne,  D.  D.,  Galveston,  Texas;  Rt.  Rev.  F.  C.  Kelley, 
D.  D.,  Oklahoma  City,  Oklahoma ;  Rt.  Rev.  S.  A.  Stritch,  D.  D.,  Toledo,  Ohio ; 
Rt.  Rev.  John  J.  Swint,  D.  D.,  Wheeling,  W.  Virginia ;  Rt.  Rev.  F.  J.  Tief , 
D.  D.,  Concordia,  Kansas,  and  Rt.  Rev.  F.  Kelly,  D.  D.,  Winona,  Minnesota. 
Also  the  following  monsignori :  Rt.  Rev.  E.  L.  Spalding,  V.  G.,  Alton,  Illinois; 
Rt.  Rev.  John  A.  Duffy,  D.  D.,  Newark,  N.  J.,  and  Rt.  Rev.  Joseph  Meehan, 
Jersey  City,  New  Jersey. 

The  messages  received  from  leading  members  of  the  Clergy  and  laity  all 
over  the  country  are  too  numerous  to  record  here,  hence  we  deem  it  best  to 
mention  none  since  we  cannot  name  all. 

We  must  not,  however,  omit  to  state  that  the  congratulatory  message 
which  pleased  the  Bishop  most  was  the  one  sent  him  by  his  venerable  mother, 
Mrs.  Catherine  Griffin  of  Chicago,  who  by  the  way,  was  one  of  the  first  to 
send  in  her  donation  of  a  thousand  dollars. 

56 


THE   BISHOP 

Much  more  could  be  written,  and  many  other  admirable  soul-stirring  facts 
could  be  recorded,  but  lack  of  space  forbids.  Bishop  Griffin  is  a  good  and  a 
big  subject, — so  good  and  so  big  that  we  have  had  much  difficulty  in  keeping  our 
sketch  or  pen-picture  within  its  present  bounds.  There  are  dozens  of  phases 
in  his  life  which  we  have  not  even  touched  and  there  are  other  dozens  of 
works  which  we  have  not  had  time  or  space  to  mention.  For  example :  his 
wonderful,  heart -toning  addresses  on  patriotic  subjects;  his  masterly  sermons 
on  the  occasion  of  dedication  of  schools,  churches,  halls,  etc.  His  soul  in- 
spiring words  spoken  on  the  occasion  of  Confirmation  in  hundreds  of  churches ; 
the  Reception  or  Profession  of  Nuns;  the  Consecration  of  that  magnificent 
Chapel  in  St.  John's  Sanitarium,  or  the  Jubilee  celebration  of  priests,  nuns, 
hospitals,  institutions  and  kindred  occasions. 

But  what  we  have  written  is  amply  sufficient  to  establish  the  fact  that 
Bishop  Griffin  is  a  Providential  man— a  man  ordained  of  God — a  priest  selected 
and  consecrated  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  rule  this  portion  of  the  Lord's  Vineyard  in 
an  Apostolic  manner — in  a  manner  that  has  gripped  the  hearts  of  his  clergy 
and  laity — in  a  manner  which  has  challenged  the  admiration  of  the  American 
Hierarchy  and  of  the  American  nation.  His  Apostolic  labors  and  his  well- 
balanced  bearing  are  a  joy  to  our  Church  and  to  our  Republic.  His  religious 
and  patriotic  leadership  is  an  inspiration  to  the  nation  at  large !  There  he 
stands,  a  man,  a  citizen,  a  priest,  and  a  Bishop  of  whom  we  all  feel  proud ! 
Look  at  him !  Now  you  and  we  understand  why  the  Pope  of  Rome  sceptered  him 
with  a  crozier;  why  the  President  of  our  Republic  has  commissioned  him  a 
Major  in  the  United  States  Army,  and  why  the  Governor  of  our  great  com- 
monwealth, the  State  of  Illinois,  has  appointed  him  a  member  of  the  State 
Welfare  Commission.  Bishop  Griffin,  as  a  man,  as  a  citizen,  as  a  Churchman, 
and  as  a  patriot,  we  are  proud  of  you,  and  we  gladly,  gratefully,  triumphantly 
place  this  wreath  upon  your  brow ! 

M.  J.  Foley. 

ARCHITECT'S  DESCRIPTION  OF  NEW  CATHEDRAL 

Shortly  after  the  Bishop  of  Springfield  took  possession  of  his  see,  he  ap- 
proached definitely  the  subject  of  erecting  a  cathedral. 

After  his  consecration  in  1924,  the  Bishop  had  several  informal  confer- 
ences with  his  architect  in  Chicago,  the  outcome  of  which  was  his  decision  to 
visit  Rome  during  the  Holy  Year  and  look  over  the  principal  cathedrals  of 
Europe  and  decide  on  a  style  of  architecture  most  suitable  for  his  own  cathedral 
and  its  appurtenant  buildings. 

After  viewing  many  and  beautiful  cathedrals  of  the  Old  World  his  Lord- 
ship returned  to  his  diocese  still  influenced  by  American  architecture.  Because 
of  the  close  association  of  Springfield  with  Abraham  Lincoln  and  desiring  to 
give  greater  heed  to  the  Civil  War  President's  place  in  the  heart  of  the  people 
of  Illinois,  he  selected  that  style  known  as  the  Greek  Revival.  This  is  a  true 
American  style,  if  there  is  such  a  thing.  It  was  first  introduced  by  Thomas 
Jefferson  in  the  University  of  Virginia  buildings,  and  grew  in  favor  for  pub- 

57 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

lie  and  semi-public  structures  until  it  reached  its  height  of  popularity  in  the 
time  of  Lincoln. 

The  Greek  Revival  in  America  is  simply  the  adaptation  of  Greek  Classic 
motives  to  local  problems  of  design.  The  County  Courthouse  of  Sangamon 
County,  Illinois,  wherein  Mr.  Lincoln  pleaded  many  a  case,  is  in  the  Greek 
Revival  style,  so  is  the  Roman  Catholic  Cathedral  of  Cincinnati,  built  in  the 
early  part  of  the  nineteenth  century. 

Having  reached  a  definite  conclusion  for  the  architectural  lines  of  his 
cathedral  group,  the  Bishop  next  turned  his  attention  to  the  site.  Preliminary 
sketches  were  made  for  him  by  the  architect  illustrating  a  cathedral  group 
erected  on  the  site  of  the  pro-cathedral  which  occupied  the  nortli  side  of  Mon- 
roe Street  between  Seventh  and  Eighth  Streets.  The  sketches  revealed  that 
this  property  was  not  of  sufficient  size  to  properly  solve  the  problem.  The 
architect  convinced  the  Bishop  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  secure  a  property 
of  greater  dimension  than  that  of  the  pro-cathedral  buildings.  In  accord- 
ance with  this  suggestion,  in  the  early  part  of  1926,  his  Lordship  took  title  to 
the  property  on  the  west  side  of  Sixth  Street  running  from  Lawrence  to  Cass 
Streets.  This  site  proved  to  be  well  chosen,  both  in  point  of  dimension,  accessi- 
bility, environment  and  orientation. 

Shortly  afterwards,  in  fact  in  the  Spring  of  that  year,  the  Bishop  in- 
structed his  architect  to  proceed  with  further  studies  and  final  drawings  for 
the  new  cathedral  group.  The  group  consists  of  the  cathedral,  the  rectory, 
parochial  school  and  convent,  all  of  which  are  adjoined  and  connected  and  face 
the  East  on  Sixth  Street. 

In  March  of  1926  his  Lordship,  the  Bishop  accompanied  by  his  old  friend, 
the  Reverend  Bernard  D.  Rogers,  D.  D.,  of  Chicago,  and  the  architect, 
journeyed  eastward  in  search  of  a  suitable  stone  with  which  to  enclose  and  sup- 
port the  cathedral  structures.  Granite,  limestone  and  marble  were  examined 
and  studied  in  all  their  applications  to  monumental  structures.  The  im- 
pressive Greek  structure  that  is  to  house  the  Philadelphia  Museum  of  Fine  Arts 
and  which  is  executed  in  Mankato  and  Kasota  stone,  impressed  the  party  so 
forcibly  that  a  unanimous  decision  was  reached  to  use  Mankato  stone  for  the 
Springfield  cathedral  group.  By  nature  a  marble  and  of  a  very  hard  texture 
this  stone,  quarried  in  Northern  Minnesota,  has  already  proven  its  worth  by 
its  dignified  appearance  and  attractive  color  in  its  application  to  the  Greek 
Revival.  It  should  stand  for  many  years  unaffected  by  the  processes  of 
erosion. 

Plans  and  specifications  were  prepared  and  completed,  and  in  April  of 
1927  ten  of  the  larger  Middle  Western  contracting  firms  were  invited  to  sub- 
mit estimates.  On  Saturday  night,  May  21,  1927,  in  a  small  front  room  on 
the  second  floor  of  715  E.  Monroe  Street  (the  episcopal  residence  at  that  time) 
Dr.  Griffin,  in  the  presence  of  the  architect,  awarded  the  contract  for  the  work 
to  the  lowest  bidder,  the  Math.  Rauen  Company  of  Chicago.  Work  pro- 
ceeded the  following  Monday  morning,  the  23rd  of  May,  and  in  a  few  days  the 
work  was  well  under  way. 

58 


THE   BISHOP 

The  following  brief  description  will  convey  a  fairly  clear  idea  of  the 
Springfield  Cathedral  group :  The  Cathedral  proper  will  occupy  the  center  of 
the  property  and  will,  by  reason  of  its  importance,  dominate  the  group,  both 
in  size  and  position.  It  is  a  basilican  church,  87  feet  wide  and  180  feet 
deep,  seating  a  congregation  of  about  1100.  The  entrance  is  through  a  portico 
into  a  broad  marble-lined  narthex.  A  tower  rises  over  the  main  facade  to  a 
height  of  133  feet  measured  from  the  grade  to  the  tip  of  the  golden  cross. 

The  interior  of  the  Cathedral  is  a  rectangular  Greek  hall  with  a  ceiling 
fifty  feet  above  the  floor.  The  ceiling  is  divided  into  a  number  of  symmetrical 
panels  or  coffers  richly  decorated  in  symbolic  relief.  Under  this  ceiling  there 
is  an  ornate  Ionic  cornice  supported  on  the  clerestory  which  provides  the  upper 
light.  The  clerestory  is  carried  on  each  side  on  a  row  of  eight  Greek  marble 
columns,  Ionic  in  style.  Beyond  each  of  these  colonnades  there  is  a  wide 
aisle  wainscoted  in  Tavernelle  marble,  the  upper  wall  of  which  contains  the 
principal  or  lower  windows.  Off  each  aisle  there  is  a  shrine  with  two  flanking 
recessed  confessionals.  The  sanctuary  of  the  Cathedral  is  very  large  so  as  to 
permit  the  full  ceremonials  of  Episcopal  functions;  it  is  dominated  by  the 
high  altar  built  up  of  Black  and  Gold  marble  with  an  inlaid  mosaic  altar  setting 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception  after  Murillo.  The  two  side  altars  conform  in 
style  and  material  to  the  high  altar.  On  the  gospel  side  of  the  sanctuary  is 
the  cathedral,  or  Bishop's  throne  and  on  the  epistle  side  balancing  it,  the 
pulpit,  both  of  which  are  set  behind  a  sanctuary  rail  of  finely  wrought  bronze. 
The  floor  of  the  sanctuary  is  of  Greek  marble,  set  in  patterns.  The  body  of 
the  church  is  arranged  to  comfortably  seat  a  congregation  of  1100  in  specially 
designed  pews.  The  aisles  are  of  cork  tiles.  The  narthex  or  vestibule  is 
finished  with  marble  floor,  walls  and  highly  decorated  ceiling.  Particular 
attention  has  been  paid  to  acoustical  treatment  of  this  cathedral  and  every 
precaution  in  construction  was  taken  to  produce  a  satisfactory  auditorium. 

The  stained  glass  windows  for  the  cathedral  have  been  designed  and 
executed  by  Thomas  A.  O 'Shaughnessy,  artist  of  Chicago.  They  are  made  of 
various  colored  glass,  graded  to  produce  the  essential  lights  and  shades  with- 
out painting.  On  one  side  of  the  cathedral  the  windows  illustrate  the  progress 
of  the  Church  in  Europe ;  on  the  other  side,  the  progress  in  America. 

The  parochial  school  is  a  modern  twelve  room  school  house,  built  on  the 
south  end  of  the  lot.  It  contains  the  parochial  auditorium  and  in  the  rear 
the  central  heating  plant  that  serves  all  structures  of  the  group. 

The  Convent  is  a  small  two-story  residence  built  between  the  school  and 
the  cathedral  at  the  rear  of  the  property  to  accommodate  a  teaching  staff  of 
fifteen  Nuns. 

The  cathedral  house  flanks  the  cathedral  on  the  north  and  is  set  far  back  on 
the  property  in  the  same  manner  as  the  school  and  convent  so  that  the  cathedral 
edifice  stands  out  prominently  against  the  subordinate  buildings  which  form 
this  classic  ensemble.  This  house  is  a  three-story  and  basement  building.  The 
basement  is  used  for  the  diocesan  business  or  Chancery  office ;  the  first  floor 
for  the  formal  reception  and  waiting  rooms  of  the  Bishop,  the  parochial  offices, 

59 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

the  refectory  and  the  domestic  help ;  the  second  floor  houses  the  priests  attached 
to  the  cathedral;  and  the  third  floor  is  exclusively  the  episcopal  residence.  It 
is  ordinarily  the  custom  for  the  bishop  of  a  diocese  to  erect  and  maintain  an 
episcopal  residence  in  the  suburbs  or  quieter  part  of  the  city,  the  cathedral 
being  centrally  located  in  the  city.  This  custom  has  prevailed  to  such  an  ex- 
tent in  this  country  that  it  has  become  almost  an  established  precedent.  In 
this  case,  however,  the  Bishop  of  Springfield,  in  the  interest  of  economy, 
frugality  and  accessibility,  has  elected  to  live  in  the  rectory  adjoining  his 
cathedral. 

The  buildings  are  all  of  fireproof  construction;  they  are  built  entirely  of 
Mankato  stone;  they  exemplify  the  very  best  in  modern  methods  of  construc- 
tion; and  it  is  hoped  that  they  will  be  an  ornament  to  the  City  of  Springfield 
as  well  as  a  shrine  of  great  devotion  for  the  people  of  the  diocese. 

Joseph  W.  McCarthy. 

Laying  of  the  Corner  Stone 

Sunday,  August  14,  1927,  will  long  be  remembered  in  the  Annals  of  Diocesan 
history,  for,  at  4  :30  o'clock  that  afternoon  the  corner  stone  of  the  new  Cathedral 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception  of  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois  was  laid 
with  fitting  splendor  in  the  presence  of  one  of  the  largest  and  most  enthusiastic 
gatherings  ever  seen  in  this  home  city  of  Lincoln.  The  ceremony  was  carried  out 
in  accordance  with  the  ancient  prescribed  rite,  and  with  all  the  Catholic 
solemnity  characteristic  of  such  an  important  event.  The  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois,  officiated,  and  was  assisted  by 
Monsignor  Tarrent,  chancellor  of  the  diocese,  as  archpriest ;  Reverend  J.  J.  How- 
ard, D.D.,  and  Reverend  P.  J.  O'Reilly  as  deacons  of  honor;  Monsignors  A. 
Guisti,  J.C.D.,  as  master  of  ceremonies;  E.  L.  Spalding,  M.  J.  Foley  and  W.  T. 
Sloan,  and  about  one  hundred  other  priests  from  all  parts  of  the  diocese. 

During  the  two  or  three  weeks  previous,  elaborate  preparations  had  been  in  the 
making,  and  on  Sunday  nothing  more  remained  to  be  done  (that  willing  hearts 
and  hands  could  do)  to  ensure  success.  A  number  of  organizations,  as  separate 
units,  participated.  The  Holy  Name  Society  and  the  Boy  Scouts  were  there,  and 
the  fourth  degree  K.  of  C.  wearing  dress  suits  and  insignia  of  their  order  acted 
as  body  guard  to  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop.  Messrs.  Rossiter  and  Rose— two 
dynamic  officials  of  the  K.  of  C. — marshaled  the  parade.  A  large  choir,  com- 
posed of  the  leading  singers  of  the  different  city  parishes  and  graciously  assisted 
by  the  Capitol  City  Band,  furnished  the  music  for  the  occasion. 

Written  invitations  had  been  extended  to  every  Catholic  family  in  the 
Diocese,  and  the  public  at  large,  irrespective  of  religious  affiliation,  had  been  cor- 
dially invited  to  attend.  The  Catholics  of  Springfield  were  naturally  enough 
eager  for  the  great  day,  while  the  other  principal  cities  of  the  Diocese,  Quincy, 
Tri-Cities,  and  Decatur,  chartered  special  trains  to  take  care  of  the  crowds  who 
wished  to  be  present.  And  the  smaller  cities  and  the  country  places  (for  they 
were  not  less  enthusiastic)  sent  their  proportionate  share.  A  hearty  welcome 
and  an  inspiring  sight  awaited  them  all.    There  is  an  ancient  saying,  "All  roads 

60 


THE   BISHOP 

lead  to  Rome."  On  Sunday  at  least,  it  may  be  justly  said  that  all  the  roads  of 
this  Diocese  lead  to  Springfield. 

The  function  began  with  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone.  Anent  this  cere- 
mony it  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  the  corner  stone  was  placed  and  sealed  a 
box  containing  medals  of  various  kinds,  coins,  old  and  new  and  of  different  de- 
nominations, newspapers,  and  letters  from  the  Diocesan  Consultors.  These 
things,  now  trivial  enough,  may  prove  of  great  historical  value  to  future  gen- 
erations. 

The  laying  of  the  corner  stone  was  followed  by  the  addresses  of  eloquent 
speakers :  Hon.  Emil  Smith,  the  highly  respected  Mayor  of  the  city ;  Hon. 
James  M.  Graham,  a  citizen  of  great  ability  and  far  and  favorably  known  for 
his  civic  worth  and  devotion  to  religion ;  Reverend  John  Franz,  a  boy  born  here 
in  Springfield,  and  last,  the  moving  spirit  of  the  whole  proceedings — Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.  The  addresses  were  brief  and  very  much  to  the 
point ;  each  speaker  emphasizing  in  a  different  way  the  great  asset  the  Cathedral 
will  be  to  the  Catholics  of  the  Diocese  and  to  the  people  of  Springfield  in  general. 

Since  the  ceremony  was  essentially  religious  it  was  fittingly  climaxed  by 
Benediction  of  the  Most  Holy  Sacrament. 

A  medal  commemorative  of  the  happy  event  had  been  struck.  This  medal 
bears  a  picture  of  the  Cathedral  group  on  one  side  and  that  of  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  on  the  other,  thus  making  it  a  very  desirable  souvenir. 

It  is  inspiring  to  recall  even  briefly  the  short  history  of  the  new  Cathedral. 
A  year  previous  to  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  it  was  little  more  than  a  beau- 
tiful dream  that  seemed  well  nigh  impossible  of  such  quick  realization.  But 
sometimes  beautiful  dreams  speedily  come  true.  Fortunately  it  was  so  in  this 
instance.  During  six  months  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop,  with  high  hopes  and  a 
zeal  worthy  of  such  a  noble  cause,  appealed  to  the  Diocese  for  funds  to  build  a 
Cathedral  that  would  be  in  keeping  with  the  dignity  of  the  Catholic  Church  in 
this  garden-spot  of  America,  and  at  the  same  time  in  harmony  with  the  pre- 
vailing architecture  of  this,  the  Capital  City  of  Illinois.  The  response — now  a 
matter  of  history — was  electrically  prompt,  magnificently  generous.  In  actual 
fact  it  was  far  beyond  even  the  most  sanguine  hopes  of  the  Bishop.  And  so, 
with  sufficient  funds  on  hand  and  plenty  more  in  view,  a  valuable  site  was  se- 
cured, and  work  was  immediately  begun. 

When  completed  the  group  will  undoubtedly  be  very  imposing,  and  unique 
in  this  (if  the  writer  is  correctly  informed)  that  it  will  be  the  only  group  of  its 
kind  in  this  country  in  which  all  the  buildings  were  erected  simultaneously.  Thus 
it  is  that  the  hopes  and  dreams  of  yesterday  are  being  realized  today  beyond  ex- 
pectation. 


61 


Pastor. 


Ui.  Rev.  L.  VV.  Lammeui 

St.  Anthony's  Church,  Effingham 


\'i  i:v  Rev.  Msg'b  W.  T.  Sloan 
Director,  Propayution  of  Faith 


Vi.kv  Rev.  Msg'k  A.  E.  Gn  sti, 
Pi<  e  Chancellor 


D.C. 


Vi  i;v   Rev.  Msg'h  M.  J.  Foi  i  > 
Editor,  Western  Cathol" 


Reverexd  James  Mabquette,  S.J. 

Discoverer  and  explorer,  jointly  with  Louis  Joliet,  <>f  the  Mississippi 
1  fiver  and  the  Illinois  Country  in  1673.    Founder  of  the  Catholic  Church 

in  Illinois,  April  II,   Kll'i. 


CHAPTER  HI 

THE  ILLINOIS  MISSIONS 

1.     The  Jesuit  Succession 

The  Right  Reverend  William  Ingraham  Kip,  Episcopal  Bishop  of  Califor- 
nia, a  student  and  writer  of  much  merit,  says: 

There  is  no  page  in  our  country's  history  more  touching  and  romantic  than 
that  which  records  the  labors  and  sufferings  of  the  Jesuit  Missionaries  . . .  Amid 
the  snows  of  Hudson  Bay — among  the  woody  islands  and  beautiful  inlets  of 
the  St.  Lawrence — by  the  council  fires  of  the  Hurons  and  the  Algonquins — at 
the  source  of  the  Mississippi,  where  first  the  white  men,  their  eyes  looked  upon 
the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  and  then  traced  down  the  course  of  the  bounding  river 
as  it  rushed  onward  to  earn  its  title  of  ' '  Father  of  Waters ' ' — on  the  vast  prairies 
of  Illinois  and  Missouri, — among  the  blue  hills  which  hem  in  the  salubrious 
dwellings  of  the  Cherokees — and  in  the  thick  canebrakes  of  Louisiana — every- 
where were  found  the  members  of  the  Society  of  Jesus. . .  .  Their  lives  were 
made  up  of  fearless  devotedness  and  heroic  self-sacrifice. 

It  has  ever  been  through  life  the  object  of  the  writer  to  reverence  goodness 
wherever  seen  and  by  whatever  name  it  may  be  called,  and  therefore  he  is  will- 
ing to  pay  his  tribute  to  the  fearless  devotedness  of  these  men  .  . .  even  though 
he  differs  widely  from    them  in  theology.1 

Perhaps  there  is  no  one  who  has  been  more  earnest  and  out-spoken  in  his 
praise  of  the  missionaries  than  Francis  Parkman,  who  certainly  could  not  be 
accused  of  any  partiality  to  the  Church.  Speaking  of  the  character  of  the  men 
employed  in  the  American  missions,  Parkman  says : 

These  were  no  stern  exiles,  seeking  on  barbarous  shores  an  asylum  for  a 
persecuted  faith.  Rank,  wealth,  power  and  royalty  itself  smiled  on  their  enter- 
prise and  bade  them  Godspeed.  Yet  withal,  a  fervor  more  intense,  a  self- 
devotion  more  constant  and  enduring,  will  scarcely  find  its  record  on  the  page 
of  human  history.- 

It  pleased  Parkman  occasionally  to  sneer  at  the  missionary's  faith,  but, 
he  says : 

When  we  see  them  .  .  .  toiling  on  foot  from  one  infected  town  to  another, 
wading  through  the  sodden  snow,  under  the  bare  and  dripping  forests,  drenched 
with  incessant  rains,  till  they  descried  at  length  through  the  storm  the  clustered 
dwellings  of  some  barbarous  hamlet — when  we  see  them  entering,  one  after  an- 
other these  wretched  abodes  of  misery  and  darkness,  and  all  for  one  sole  end, 
the  baptism  of  the  sick  and  dying,  we  may  smile  at  the  futility  of  the  object, 
but  we  must  needs  admire  the  self-sacrificing  zeal  with  which  it  was  pursued." 

And  of  their  lives  he  says : 

A  life  sequestered  from  social  intercourse,  and  remote  from  every  prize 
which  ambition  holds  worth  the  pursuit,  or  a  lonely  death,  under  forms  perhaps 
the  most  appalling, — these  were  the  missionaries'  alternatives.  Their  maligners 

•Kip,  "William  Ingraham,  D.  D.,  Early  Jesuit  Missions  in  North  America,  preface. 
2Parkman,  The  Jesuits  in  North  America,  p.  98. 
"Parkman,  The  Jesuits  in  No7th  America,  p.  44. 

63 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

may  taunt  them,  if  they  will,  with  credulity,  superstition  or  a  blind  enthusiasm ; 
but  slander  itself  cannot  accuse  them  of  hypocrisy  or  ambition.4 

A  more  modern  historian  and  one  who  will  not  be  charged  with  any  favor- 
able bias,  Judge  Sidney  Breese  of  the  early  Illinois  Supreme  Court  and  United 
States  Senator  from  Illinois,  says : 

When  in  the  plentitude  of  their  power  no  men  on  earth  possessed  higher 
qualifications  for  heathen  conversion  than  they,  for  there  was  added  to 
their  learning,  zeal,  fortitude  and  enthusiasm,  acute  observation  and  great  ad- 
dress, a  remarkable  faculty  for  ingratiating  themselves  with  the  simple  natives 
of  every  clime  and  winning  their  confidence.  They  were  meek  and  humble  when 
necessary,  and  their  religious  fervor  inspired  them  with  a  contempt  of  danger, 
and  nerved  them  to  meet  and  to  overcome  the  most  appalling  obstacles. 

Alike  to  them  were  the  chilling  wintry  blasts,  the  summer's  heat,  the 
pestilence  or  the  scalping  knife,  the  angry  billows  of  the  ocean  and  the  raging 
storm  ;  they  dreaded  neither. 

No  sooner  did  the  enterprising  sailor  return  to  port  from  a  newly-discov- 
ered populous  barbarian  region,  than  some  of  the  order  were  at  once  dispatched 
to  it,  to  commence  the  work  of  Christianization.  The  shores  of  India,  the  lone 
islands  of  the  ocean,  Africa,  South  America,  all  were  visited  by  them. 

Not  a  zone  of  the  earth's  surface  was  left  unexplored.  If  one  region  was 
more  barbarous  than  another,  if  access  to  it  was  more  difficult  and  dangerous, 
these  but  enhanced  the  desire  to  penetrate  into  it,  there  to  plant  the  symbol 
of  their  faith,  and  die,  if  necessary,  in  its  support.  No  spot,  however  secluded, 
could  escape  them,  for  with  falcon  glance  and  eagle  daring,  they  darted  their 
scrutiny  into  every  nook  and  corner  of  both  hemispheres,  where,  planting  the 
cross  and  erecting  rude  altars  for  the  occasion,  they  gathered  the  wondering 
savages  around  them,  remained  with  them,  and  finally  won  them.5 

With  no  weapons  but  the  crucifix  and  the  breviary,  with  no  aids  but  the 
faithful  compass  and  their  savage  guides,  with  no  hopes  to  cheer  them  in  which 
the  world  bore  part,  prompted  alone  by  religious  enthusiasm,  did  they  wander 
upon  those  then  unknown  seas,  and  gladly  meet  all  the  dangers  which  beset 
them.  Like  others  of  their  order,  whom  neither  polar  snows  nor  tropical  suns 
could  terrify,  whose  torches  had  illuminated  the  plains  of  India  and  the  icy 
Labrador,  these  devoted  men  sought  to  display  their  little  tapers  in  those  dark 
and  dreary  regions,  and  when  we  consider  the  period  at  which  they  attempted 
it,  we  are  at  a  loss  which  to  admire  most,  the  courage  and  perseverance  they 
manifested,  or  the  religious  ardor  which  animated  them  in  the  enterprise.6 

In  describing  the  trials  of  the  missionaries,  Samuel  Adams  Drake  in  The 
Making  of  the  Ohio  Valley,  states: 

The  missionary  either  was  sent  out  among  the  savages  by  his  superior  or 
went  voluntarily,  at  the  call  of  conscience.  Never,  since  the  days  of  the  Apostles, 
were  such  tasks  assumed  by  mortal  men.  Unwelcome  intruders  in  the  squalid 
wigwams  of  those  fierce  pagans,  they  were  in  turn  starved,  spit  upon  and  tor- 
tured, not  only  in  the  spirit  but  in  the  flesh  also.  Joyful  indeed  was  that  day 
on  which  the  missionary  could  claim  even  one  convert.  All  had  gone  forth  to 
a  voluntary  exile ;  some  to  martyrdom  itself.    .  .  . 

When  we  look  at  the  map  and  glance  over  the  frightful  distances  to  be 
traveled,  we  cannot  help  asking  ourselves,  what  manner  of  men  were  these,  who 


*Parkman,  The  Jesuits  in  North  America,  p.  130. 
'Breese  Sidney,  Early  History  of  Illinois,  p.  70. 
"Ibid,  Vol  I,  p.  77. 

64 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

thought  no  more  of  traversing  the  great  lakes  in  a  frail  bark  canoe  than  we 
do  today  in  a  luxurious  palace  steamer.7 

Confining  our  attention  to  the  Illinois  missions,  it  is  proper  to  state  that 
all  of  those  missions  were  established  by  the  Jesuits.  In  some  cases  priests  of 
other  orders  and  secular  priests  afterwards  labored  in  these  missions;  but  up 
to  the  time  of  their  banishment  in  1763,  the  principal  workers  in  the  Illinois 
mission  fields  were  Jesuits,  and  at  this  day  the  Jesuit  missionaries  must  be  con- 
ceded to  have  attained  the  greatest  results. 

The  voyage  of  discovery  of  Louis  Joliet  and  Father  Marquette  during  the 
summer  of  1673  and  their  visit  to  the  Kaskaskias'  village,  and  Marquette's 
promise  to  return  are  well  remembered.8 

In  faithful  compliance  with  that  promise  Marquette,  as  soon  as  his  health 
would  permit,  set  forth  on  a  return  voyage  to  the  Kaskaskias;  and  without  stop- 
ping to  dwell  upon  the  incident  of  the  voyage  prior  to  the  time  he  reached  Illi- 
nois, it  may  be  stated  that  he  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Chicago  river  on  Decem- 
ber 4,  1674;  that  he  lived  in  a  hunter's  cabin  at  a  point  within  the  present  limits 
of  the  City  of  Chicago  until  the  29th  or  30th  of  March,  1675 ;  that  during  his 
stay  in  Chicago  he  erected  an  altar,  offered  up  the  Divine  Sacrifice  whenever 
he  was  able,  made  a  novena  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  for  the  relief  of  his  illness  and 
pushed  on  towards  the  Kaskaskias'  village,  which  he  reached  on  April  8,  1675.° 

To  use  the  words  of  Father  Dablon,  he  was  received  by  the  Kaskaskias  like 
an  angel  from  heaven.  Three  days  he  spent  in  visiting  the  cabins  and  an- 
nouncing the  word  of  God.  On  the  fourth  day,  Maundy  Thursday,  April  11th, 
1675,  he  established  the  Church  in  Illinois. 

A  beautiful  prairie  near  the  town  (and  near  the  present  city  of  Utica)  was 
chosen  for  the  great  event.  It  was  adorned  in  the  fashion  of  the  country,  being 
spread  with  mats  and  bearskins ;  and  Father  Marquette,  having  hung  on  cords 
some  pieces  of  Chinese  taffeta,  attached  to  these  four  large  pictures  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  which  were  thus  visible  on  all  sides. 

The  auditory  was  composed  of  500  chiefs  and  old  men  seated  in  a  circle 
around  the  Father,  while  the  youth  stood  without  to.  the  number  of  1,500,  nol 
counting  the  women  and  children,  who  were  very  numerous,  the  town  being 
composed  of  five  or  six  hundred  fires.10 


'lb.  p.  9  et  seq. 

"Father  Marquette  compiled  a  detailed  report  of  this  voyage,  which  when  the 
Jesuits  were  suppressed  and  their  missions  closed,  was  brought  to  St.  Mary's  Convent 
in  Montreal,  where  it  lay  hidden  for  a  century  and  a  half  until  discovered  by  John  Gil- 
mary  Shea  and  published  with  an  English  translation  in  1852.  Others  have  since 
published  this  report,  and  the  reader  may  find  it  in  English  in  Shea's  Discovery  and 
Exploration  of  the  Mississippi  in  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  59  and  in  a  late  pub- 
lication by  Louise  Phelps  Kellog,  Ph.D.,  Early  Narratives,  Charles  Scribner's  Sons, 
New  York.  This  work  also  contains  the  journal  of  Marquette's  second  journey  to  Illi- 
nois, completed  by  Father  Dablon,  and  several  others  of  the  narratives  of  early  travels 
through  Illinois. 

For  an  exhaustive  and  critical  study  of  this  expedition  we  refer  the  reader  to  The 
Joliet-Marquette  Expedition,  1673,  written  by  Reverend  Francis  Borgia  Steck,  O.F.M., 
Ph.D.,  and  published  (1928)  at  Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illinois.  This  work  is  enriched 
with  numerous  maps  and  documents  in  facsimile. 

'Journal  of  Marquette's  Second  Visit  to  Illinois.  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  V.  59, 
p.  181,  Kellog,  Early  Narratives  of  the  Northwest,  pp.  262  to  269. 

'"Dablon,  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations.  V.  59,  p.  189;   Kellog,  p.  271. 

65 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Father  Marquette  spoke  to  all  this  gathering,  and : 

With  the  breathless  attention  of  the  Indian,  all  listened  to  the  pale  and 
wasted  missionary,  who  spoke  his  heart  to  them  on  the  mystery  of  the  cross ; 
and  still  their  wonder  grew  as  they  beheld  him  offer  on  his  sylvan  altar  the  holy 
sacrifice  of  the  mass  on  the  very  day  when,  more  than  sixteen  centuries  before, 
the  God  he  preached  had  instituted  it  in  the  upper-room  at  Jerusalem.11 

What  an  auspicious  day  for  the  establishment  of  the  Church  in  our  domain, 
and  with  what  righteous  pride  we  may  contemplate  this  earliest  event  in  the  ex- 
istence of  the  Church  on  our  soil ;  and  too,  what  satisfaction  there  is  in  con 
templating  that  the  Church  then  and  there  established,  as  well  as  the  particular 
organization,  the  Mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
then  and  there  instituted,  which  has  existed  without  interruption,  developed  and 
flourished  from  that  day  until  this. 

Begging  for  a  respite  of  life,  he  again  officiated  on  Easter  Sunday,  April 
14th,  1675,  and  calling  down  divine  blessings  upon  the  newly  founded  mission 
with  his  last  measure  of  strength,  he  then  bade  his  new-found  flock  a  last  fare- 
well. The  object  he  had  cherished  for  years  was  attained.  He  had  founded  the 
Church  in  Illinois.  His  work  was  done ;  he  was  ready  to  die,  and  that  he  might 
die  amongst  his  brethren,  he  began  his  homeward  journey;  but  when  only  part 
of  the  distance  was  covered,  he  disembarked  from  his  canoe,  and  upon  the  slope 
near  the  promontory  of  the  Sleeping  Bear,  on  the  banks  of  what  is  since  known 
as  Pierre  Marquette  river,  he  yielded  up  his  spirit  in  the  depths  of  the  wilder- 
ness, "thanking  the  Almighty  for  his  mercy  in  permitting  him  to  die  in  the 
Society  of  Jesus,  alone  amidst  the  forest."12 

This  gentle  soul  spent  but  a  few  months  all  told  within  the  territory  of  Illi- 
nois. He  won  no  battles,  he  conquered  no  territory,  he  achieved  no  temporal 
greatness,  but  none  since  has  left  a  more  profound  impression. 

The  church  planted,  it  is  interesting  to  trace  its  development  and  the  suc- 
cession of  missionaries  that  kept  the  holy  light  burning  in  the  darkness  and 
gloom  of  the  savage  wilderness.  To  this  end,  we  will  follow  the  record  of  the 
Mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 

Father  Marquette  was  succeeded  in  the  Illinois  Mission  by  Father  Claude 
Jean  Allouez,  another  Jesuit.  Marquette  had  promised  his  newly  found  congre- 
gation that  another  "Black  Robe"  would  be  sent  them,  and  they  eagerly  awaited 
him,  so  that  when  in  March  or  April,  1677,  Father  Allouez  reached  Chicago,  he 
found  a  large  band  of  Indians  there  who  had  come  to  meet  him,  and  who  escorted 
him  to  the  mission  established  by  Father  Marquette.  Arriving  there  on  the  27th 
of  April,  1677,  he  immediately  took  up  the  work  of  the  mission.  His  own 
words  are : 

To  take  possession  of  these  tribes  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  on  the  third 
day  of  May,  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Cross,  I  erected  in  the  midst  of  the  town,  a 
cross  35  feet  high,  chanting  the  Vexilla  Regis  in  the  presence  of  a  great  number 
of  Illinois  of  all  tribes,  of  whom  I  can  say  in  truth  that  they  did  not  take  Jesus 
crucified  for  a  folly,  nor  for  a  scandal,  on  the  contrary  they  witnessed  the  cere- 


uShea,   Catholic  Missions,  p.   407. 

"Journal.  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations.  Vol.  59,  p.  199;  Kellog  p.  275.  For  a  very 
satisfactory  sketch  of  Father  Marciuette,  read  Pioneer  Priests.  Rev.  T.  J.  Campbell,  S.  J., 
Vol.  3,  p.  165. 

66 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

mony  with  great  respect  and  heard  all  on  the  mystery  with  admiration.  The 
children  even  wanted  to  kiss  the  cross  through  devotion,  and  the  old  earnestly 
commended  me  to  place  it  well,  so  that  it  could  not  fall.13 

Though  absent  at  intervals  from  the  mission,  Father  Allouez  was  attached 
to  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life  amongst  the  Illinois,  a  period  of  eleven 
years,  in  which  he  attained  marked  success.  He  died  amongst  the  Miami  near 
the  site  of  what  is  now  Niles,  Michigan,  on  the  night  of  the  27-28  of  August, 
1689,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven.  He  is  credited  with  having  instructed  during 
his  apostolic  career  100,000  natives,  10,000  of  whom  he  baptized.  He  had  earned 
his  name  of  the  second  Xavier.  14 

On  the  death  of  Father  Allouez,  Father  Sebastian  Rale  was  selected  as  his 
successor,  and  arrived  in  the  Illinois  Mission  in  the  spring  of  1692.  Father  Rale 
was  but  two  years  in  the  Illinois  Mission  when  he  was  called  to  the  east  where 
he  gained  much  renown.  It  was  of  Father  Rale  that  Whittier  wrote  so  feelingly 
in  his  "Mogg  Magone": 

On  the  brow  of  a  hill,  which  slopes  to  meet 
The  flowing  river  and  bathe  its  feet — 
The  bare-washed  rock,  and  the  drooping  grass, 
And  the  creeping  vine  as  the  waters  pass — 
A  rude  and  unshapely  chapel  stands, 
Built  up  in  that  wild  by  unskilled  hands. 
Yet  the  traveler  knows  it  is  a  place  of  prayer, 
For  the  holy  sign  of  the  Cross  is  there ; 
And  should  he  chance  at  that  place  to  be, 
Of  a  Sabbath  morn,  or  some  hallowed  day, 
When  prayers  are  made  and  masses  are  said, 
Some  for  the  living  and  some  for  the  dead, — 
Well  might  the  traveler  start  to  see 
The  tall  dark  forms,  that  take  their  way 
From  the  birch  canoe,  on  the  river  shore, 
And  the  forest  paths,  to  that  chapel  door; 
And  marvel  to  mark  the  naked  knees 

And  the  dusky  foreheads  bending  there, — - 
And,  stretching  his  long  thin  arms  over  these 

In  blessing  and  in  prayer, 
Like  a  shrouded  spectre,  pale  and  tall, 
In  his  coarse  white  vesture,  Father  Rale  !15 

Father  Rale  was  a  remarkable  linguist  and  translated  several  Indian  dia- 
lects. During  the  time  that  he  was  in  Illinois,  the  mission  services  were  con- 
ducted with  great  regularity  and  the  Indians  attended  very  faithfully. 

The  tragic  death  of  Father  Rale  in  the  Abnaki  Mission  where  he  had  served 
so  faithfully  and  successfully  for  thirty  years  after  he  left  the  Illinois,  is  one 
of  the  saddest  chapters  in  American  history.  The  gifted  missionary  became  a 
pawn  of  war  and  a  victim  of  the  English  in  their  fight  for  supremacy  over  the 
French.     Under  the  pretext  tbat  Father  Rale  prevented    the    Abnaki    Indians 


"Shea,  Discovery  and  Explorations  of  the  Mississippi,  p.  77. 

"Campbell,  S.  J.,  Rev.  T.  J.,  Pioneer  Priests,  Vol.  3,  p.  164.,  which  see  for  satisfac- 
tory biography  of  Father  Allouez. 

"Father  Rale's  name  has  been  variously  written  Rale,  Rale,  Ralles,  Rasle,  Rasles. 

67 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

from  joining  the  British  in  their  wars,  he  was  condemned  to  death  by  the 
authorities,  and  several  attempts  were  made  to  take  his  life.  A  price  of  1,000 
pounds  sterling  was  put  upon  his  head.  At  length  in  August,  1724,  11,000 
British  and  Indian  troops  attacked  the  Abnaki  village  where  Father  Rale  was 
staying,  with  the  purpose  of  his  capture.  Father  Rale  knowing  that  he  alone 
was  the  object  of  their  search,  would  not  permit  the  fifty  defenders  of  the 
village  to  be  shot  down  in  his  defense,  though  they  were  most  willing  to  die 
for  him.  He  therefore  discovered  himself  to  the  invaders.  He  was  not  mis- 
taken. A  loud  shout  greeted  his  appearance.  The  man  they  had  so  often 
failed  to  find  was  before  them.  Their  muskets  covered  him  and  he  fell,  riddled 
with  bullets,  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  which  he  had  planted  in  the  center  of  the 
village.  They  crushed  in  his  skull  with  hatchets  again  and  again,  filled  his 
mouth  and  eyes  with  filth,  tore  off  his  scalp,  which  they  sold  afterwards  at 
Boston  and  stripped  his  body  of  its  soutane,  but  as  it  was  too  ragged  to  keep, 
they  flung  it  back  on  the  corpse.  The  murder  of  Father  Rale  was  in  part 
the  fruit  of  Puritan  bigotry,  and  was  indeed  glorified  as  the  "singular  work 
of  God."  However,  there  has  been  a  great  change  of  sentiment,  and  the  grave 
of  Father  Rale  at  Norridgewoek  Falls  in  the  Portland  Diocese  of  the  State  of 
Maine,  near  the  spot  where  he  was  so  cruelly  killed,  is  marked  by  a  granite 
shaft,  and  is  now  a  place  of  pious  pilgrimage.10 

On  the  death  of  Father  Rale  and  the  destruction  of  his  mission,  Whit- 
tier  says : 

No  wigwam  smoke  is  curling  there ; 

The  very  earth  is  scorched  and  bare ; 

And  they  pause  and  listen  to  catch  a  sound 

Of  breathing  life,  but  there  comes  not  one, 
Save  the  fox 's  bark  and  the  rabbit 's  bound ; 
And  here  and  there,  on  the  blackening  ground, 
White  bones  are  glistening  in  the  sun. 
And  where  the  house  of  prayer  arose, 
And  the  holy  hymn  at  daylight's  close, 
And  the  aged  priest  stood  up  to  bless 
The  children  of  the  wilderness, 
There  is  naught,  save  ashes  sodden  and  dank, 

And  the  birchen  boats  of  the  Norridgwock, 
Tethered  to  tree,  and  stump,  and  rock, 
Rotting  along  the  river  bank.17 

The  seed  planted  by  the  saintly  Marquette  and  tended  by  the  martyred 
Rale  and  the  eloquent  Allouez,  flourished,  and  in  1690  the  Illinois  Church 
was  of  such  importance  that  the  Bishop  of  Quebec,  Rt.  Reverend  John  Baptiste 
de  Vallier  in  selecting  a  successor,  appointed  Father  James  Gravier  and  made 


"Campbell,  S.  J.,  Rev.  T.  J.,  Pioneer  Priests,  Vol.  3,  p.  265,  which  see  for  satisfac- 
tory biography  of  Father  Rale. 
"Mogg  Megone. 

68 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

him  his  Vicar-General  for  the  Illinois  country.  In  the  letter  of  appointment, 
the  good  Bishop  said  : 

Having  recognized  since  we  took  possession  of  this  See  that  the  Fathers 
of  the  Society  of  Jesus  who  are  engaged  in  the  conversion  of  the  Indians  of  this 
country  devote  themselves  thereto  with  all  care  . .  .  and  in  particular  as  we  note 
that  for  the  last  twenty  years  they  have  labored  in  the  mission  of  the  Illinois, 
whom  they  first  discovered,  to  whom  Father  Marquette  of  the  same  society 
published  the  Faith  in  the  year  1673,  and  died  in  this  glorious  task,  and  after 
the  death  of  Father  Marquette  we  committed  it  to  Father  Allouez,  who  after 
laboring  there  for  several  years,  ended  his  life,  exhausted  by  the  great  hard- 
ships he  underwent  in  the  instruction  and  conversion  of  the  Illinois,  Miamis 
and  other  nations,  and  finally  we  have  again  the  care  of  this  Mission  of  the 
Illinois  and  other  surrounding  nations,  we  give  the  superior  of  said  mission  all 
the  authority  of  our  Vicar-General.18 

Father  Gravier  began  his  missionary  labors  in  the  Illinois  Mission  on 
March  20th,  1693.  La  Salle  had  in  1680  and  at  later  dates  passed  through 
Illinois ;  had  caused  a  fort  to  be  erected  at  Peoria  called  Fort  Crevecour  and 
another  at  the  big  rock  now  known  as  Starved  Rock  and  had  left  Henry  de 
Tonti  in  charge  as  Governor  of  all  the  Illinois  country,  a  trust  which  Tonti 
discharged  with  great  fidelity  for  a  period  of  twenty-one  years.  LaSalle  had 
also  attempted  through  the  Recollects,  a  branch  of  the  Franciscans,  to  estab- 
lish a  mission  at  Peoria,  and  later  the  same  missionaries  moved  up  the  river 
to  the  village  of  the  Kaskaskias,  where  Marquette,  Allouez  and  Rale  had  labored 
and  where  Tonti  built  the  second  fort ;  but  the  fort  at  Peoria  was  destroyed 
by  the  mutinous  men  who  were  left  to  garrison  it,  and  the  Recollects  for  various 
reasons  did  not  succeed  in  their  attempted  missionary  endeavors.  Upon  Father 
Gravier 's  arrival  at  the  village  of  the  Kaskaskias,  he  found  Tonti  in  the  fort, 
which  had  been  named  Fort  St.  Louis,  and  at  once  established  a  chapel  in  the 
fort.  For  the  convenience  of  the  Indians  he  erected  another  chapel  outside  the 
fort  and  near  the  Indian  village,  which  was  opened  with  ceremony,  and  before 
which  was  planted  a  "towering  cross  amid  the  shouts  and  musketry  of  the 
French,"  in  April,  1693.  This  was  no  doubt  the  first  dedication  of  a  church 
structure  within  the  present  State  of  Illinois.  Father  Gravier  was  absent  from 
the  mission  at  the  Rock  for  a  short  time,  and  when  he  returned  in  1694,  the 
Indians  had  moved  down  the  river  to  Peoria  Lake;  he  accordingly  joined 
them  there  and  built  a  new  chapel  which  was  blessed  about  the  end  of  April.10 

"See  as  to  appointment  letter  of  Gravier  to  Bishop  de  Lavel,  Thwait.es,  Jesuit 
Relations,  Vol.  65,  p.  53.  Letter  quoted  by  Shea  in  The  Catholic  Church  in  Colonial 
Days,  p.  535. 

"•There  is  some  confusion  and  uncertainty  as  to  the  location  of  the  French  for  about 
this  period.  A  fort  had  been  established  at  Peoria  Lake  by  La  Salle  in  1680  but  had 
been  destroyed  by  his  mutinous  soldiers.  The  fort  at  the  Rock  was  established  in  1682, 
and  tbat  was  undoubtedly  Tonti's  residence.  But  Gravier  writing  from  the  Illinois 
Mission  on  February  15,  1694,  plainly  says: 

"After  having  been  among  the  Oumiamis  during  the  winter,  on  the  ice,  I  found  the 
Illinois— who  had  some  months  before  left  the  places  we  call  Kaskaskia  and  Kouir 
Akouintauka  .  .  .  about  the  end  of  the  same  month  of  April  I  blessed  the  new  chapel 
which  is  built  outside  the  fort,  at  a  spot  very  convenient  to  the  savages."  Thwaites, 
Jesuit  Relations,  64,  p.  159.     In  a  note  to  this  paragraph  Thwaites  says: 

"The  fort  here  mentioned  was  apparently  at  the  same  place  as  La  Salle's  Fort 
Crevecouer  near  the  present  Peoria.  Here  was  located  the  village  of  the  Peorias  and 
Kaskaskias  to  whom  Gravier  ministered.  It  had  evidently  been  removed  from  its 
earlier  location  which  Marquette  visited."  Relations,  64,  p.  279. 

69 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Father  Gravier  was  one  of  the  ablest  and  most  successful  of  all  the  Illi- 
nois missionaries.  He  thoroughly  mastered  the  Indian  language  and  reduced 
it  to  grammatical  form.  He  compiled  the  great  manuscript,  "Dictionary  of  the 
Peoria  Language,"  now  at  Harvard  University,  a  literary  monument  to  the  ex- 
tinct Illinois.  He  labored  unremittingly,  traveling  from  the  Kaskaskias  to 
Peoria  and  to  the  Miami  at  St.  Joseph 's  near  what  is  now  South  Bend,  Indiana, 
and  we  even  find  him  visiting  the  Tonica  mission  on  the  Yazoo  in  Mississippi  in 
1700  to  minister  to  Father  Anthony  Davion,  a  priest  of  the  Seminary  of  For- 
eign Missions,  in  his  sickness.  He  also  experienced  much  difficulty  with  the 
Peoria  Indians,  the  chief  of  whom  at  the  time  was  a  medicine  man  and  very 
vicious  in  his  opposition  to  the  "Prayer."  A  daughter  of  the  chief  neverthe- 
less became  a  convert  and  proved  a  veritable  saint,  through  whom  Father 
Gravier  was  able  to  triumph  spiritually  over  his  enemies.20 

The  success  of  Father  Gravier 's  work  may  be  judged  from  the  fact  that 
although  Peoria  was,  so  to  speak,  an  out  mission,  visited  only  occasionally, 
"even  in  the  absence  of  their  pastor,"  the  men  assembled  in  the  chapel  for 
morning  and  evening  prayer,  and  after  they  had  left,  an  old  chief  went 
through  the  village  to  call  the  women  and  children  to  perform  the  same  duty. 
In  the  first  year  of  his  ministrations,  during  the  eight  months  of  the  year  1693, 
succeeding  his  arrival,  he  administered  baptisms  to  the  number  of  200.21 

The  Iroquois  Indians  continuing  to  make  war  upon  the  Illinois  tribes, 
pressed  them  so  hard,  that  they  removed  their  principal  village  down  the  Illi- 
nois river  in  1700  and  settled  in  what  is  now  Randolph  county  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Kaskaskia  river. 

During  the  latter  years  of  his  pastorate,  Father  Gravier  was  assisted  by 
the  Jesuit  Fathers,  Gabriel  Marest,  Pierre  Francois  Pinet  and  Julien  Bineteau. 
After  the  removal  of  the  mission  from  the  old  village  of  the  Kaskaskias  to  the 
new  on  the  Mississippi  river,  Father  Bineteau  first  took  charge  of  the  Kas- 
kaskia mission.  Father  Pinet  established  a  new  mission  at  the  Tamaroa  village, 
later  known  as  the  Mission  of  the  Holy  Family  and  located  at  what  became 
Cahokia.  Father  Gabriel  Marest  soon  after  came  to  Kaskaskia  and  Father 
Gravier  remained  much  of  the  time  in  the  village  of  the  Peorias  at  Lake  Peoria. 

In  a  letter  written  by  Gravier  to  Michelangelo  Tamburini  from  Paris  where 
Father  Gravier  went  in  1707  and  published  in  Volume  66,  Jesuit  Relations,  at 
p.  121,  Father  Gravier  gives  us  some  idea  of  the  missionary  life.    He  says : 

In  my  village  which  is  500  leagues  distant  from  Quebec,  and  which  consists 
of  about  3,000  souls, — unless,  during  the  pastor's  absence  the  flock  be  dis- 
persed for  a  time, — I  have  for  the  last  nineteen  years  lived  nearly  always 
alone  without  a  colleague,  without  a  companion,  often  even  without  a  servant. 
I  am  already  56  years  old.  Father  Gabriel  Marest  likewise  lives  alone  in  his 
mission  with  the  same  nation.  During  an  entire  day  he  has  hardly  time  to 
recite  his  breviary,  or  to  eat  or  to  take  a  short  rest  in  the  middle  of  the  night. 
His  fellow  missionary,  Father  Jean  Mermet,  can  hardly  work,  owing  to  his 
ruined  state  of  health  after  having  spent  all  his  strength  by  excess  of  zeal. 
They  have  hardly  time  to  breathe  on  account  of  the  increasing  number  of 


"Letter  of  Father  Gravier.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations.  Vol.  69,  p.  181,  et.  seq. 
"Letter  of  Father  Gravier.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  69,  p.  159. 

70 


Louis  Joliet 

Co- discoverer  and  explorer,  with  Father  Marquette,  of  tin 
Mississippi  and  Illinois  rivers  in  1613. 


BWVEKOTY  Of  It!- 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

Neophites  and  their  very  great  fervor;  for  out  of  2,200  souls  who  compose  their 
village,  hardly  forty  may  be  found  who  do  not  profess  the  Catholic  Faith  with 
the  greatest  piety  and  constancy.  We  are  separated  from  each  other  by  a  dis- 
tance of  120  leagues  and  hardly  once  every  year  have  I  time  to  visit  him. 

Despite  his  great  labors  and  many  sacrifices  on  behalf  of  the  ungrateful 
Peoria  Indians,  they  in  1706  attacked  Father  Gravier  and  cruelly  wounded 
him.  A  savage  band  of  Indians  discharged  their  arrows  at  him,  two  of  which 
struck  him  in  the  breast,  a  third  tore  his  ear,  a  fourth  struck  his  collar-bone 
while  the  fifth  became  embedded  in  his  arm  and  could  never  be  removed.22  Re- 
turning to  New  Orleans,  the  great  missionary  there  died  of  his  wounds  in 
1708.23 

The  First  Church  in  Chicago 

The  first  missionary  endeavors  of  Father  Pinet  in  Illinois  were  within  the 
present  limits  of  the  city  of  Chicago.  Here  he  established  a  mission  known  as 
the  Angel  Guardian  among  the  Indian  tribes  dwelling  about  the  region  in  1696, 
which,  with  some  interruption  continued  to  the  year  1699.  Historically,  this 
was  the  first  organized  effort  to  plant  Christianity  in  the  territory  now  em- 
braced within  the  limits  of  Chicago.  Father  Julien  Bineteau  was  with  Father 
Pinet  during  a  portion  of  his  stay  in  the  Angel  Guardian  Mission. 

The  Angel  Guardian  Mission  was  abandoned24  in  1699,  and  Father  Pinet 
removed  down  the  Illinois  river  and  established  the  first  mission  of  the 
Tamaroas,  near  what  became  known  as  Cahokia,  opposite  the  present  site  of 
St.  Louis  in  St.  Clair  County,  in  1700.  Of  this  mission  under  the  leadership 
of  Father  Pinet,  Father  Marest  says : 

It  is  a  mission  which  at  first  had  been  committed  to  Father  Pinet,  whose 
zeal  and  labors  God  blessed  to  such  a  degree,  that  I  have  been  myself  witness 
that  his  church  was  not  able  to  contain  the  multitude  of  Indians  who  resorted 
thither  in  crowds.25 

The  priests  of  the  Mission-house  of  Quebec  known  as  the  priests  of  the 
Foreign  Missions,  claimed  the  Tamaroa  Mission,  and  Marest  writing  to  Father 
Lamberville  in  July,  1702,  says  that : 

Father  Pinet,  a  very  holy  and  zealous  missionary,  has  left  the  Mission  of 
the  Tamaroa  in  accordance  with  your  directions  to  me  . .  .  and  now  has  charge 
of  the  Kaskaskias.26 

Father  Pinet  died  at  Chicago,  July  16,  1704,  and  was  succeeded  in  the 
Tamaroa  Mission  by  Father  Francis  Buisson  de  St.  Cosme,  and  Father  John 
Bergier,  priests  of  the  Seminary  of  Foreign  Missions,  and  the  Tamaroa  Mission 
was  thereafter  until  1763  conducted  under  the  care  of  that  order  of  priests. 


"In  a  letter  written  at  Paris,  March  6,  1707,  Father  Gravier  says: 

"I  traveled  by  ship  more  than  2,000  leagues,  not  with  the  intention  of  (finding) 
some  one  who  might  extract  from  the  middle  of  my  arm  the  stone  arrow-head  which  is 
riveted  there  for  the  rest  of  my  life  (the  four  other  arrows  which  the  same  barbarian 
shot  at  me  in  hatred  of  the  faith,  apart  from  piercing  my  ear,  hardly  wounded  me)  but 
I  performed  the  journey  urged  by  anxiety  to  procure  from  the  Reverend  Father  General 
workers  whom  our  missions  greatly  need."  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol  66,  p.  121. 

"Arthur  Edward  Jones,  S.  J.,  in  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  71,  p.  156. 

"Father  Gravier  states  that  Frontenac  drove  the  Jesuits  from  "the  missions  of  the 
l'Ange  Gardien  of  the  Miamis  at  Chicagua."  Letter  of  Gravier  to  Bishop  de  Laval. 
Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  65,  p.  53. 

28Marest  to  Germon.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  257. 

"Marest  to  Lamberville.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  37. 

71 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

Father  Bineteau  upon  coming  to  Illinois,  came  direct  to  the  Mission  es- 
tablished by  Father  Marquette.  His  name  is  found  on  the  l-ecords  of  the  Mis- 
sion of  the  Immaculate  Conception  in  1697,  1698  and  1699.  As  above  noted, 
after  the  Mission  was  removed,  he  was  left  in  charge  of  the  new  location  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  while  Father  Gravier  went  back  to  Peoria.  Father 
Bineteau 's  pastorate  there  was  but  a  short  one,  as  he  died  soon  after.  Father 
Marest  cites  the  circumstances  of  his  death  to  illustrate  the  hardships  to  which 
the  Missionaries  were  subject,  amongst  them  the  necessity  of  following  the 
tribes  on  their  hunts. 

There  are  particularly  two  great  hunts,  says  Father  Marest,  that  of  the 
summer,  which  scarcely  lasts  three  weeks,  and  that  which  takes  place  during 
the  winter  which  lasts  four  or  five  months.  Although  the  summer  hunt  is  the 
shortest,  it  is  nevertheless  the  most  painful,  and  it  was  this  which  cost  the  late 
Father  Bineteau  his  life.  He  followed  the  Indians  during  the  most  oppressive 
heats  of  the  month  of  July.  Sometimes  he  was  in  danger  of  being  stifled  in 
the  midst  of  the  tall  grasses,  and  then  suffered  cruelly  from  thirst,  not  finding 
anywhere  on  the  parched  up  prairies  a  single  drop  of  water  to  relieve  it.  Dur- 
ing the  day  he  was  drenched  in  perspiration,  and  at  night  was  obliged  to  take 
his  rest  on  the  bare  ground,  exposed  to  the  dews,  to  the  injurious  effects  of  the 
atmosphere  and  to  many  other  miseries  of  which  I  cannot  give  you  the  detail. 
These  fatigues  produced  in  him  a  violent  illness,  of  which  he  expired  in  my 
arms.27 

Of  Fathers  Pinet  and  Marest  we  have  a  contemporary  estimate  from  the 
pen  of  Father  Gravier : 

Father  Pinet  and  Father  Marest  are  wearing  out  their  strength;  and 
they  are  two  saints,  who  take  pleasure  in  being  deprived  of  everything  in  order, 
they  say,  that  they  may  soon  be  nearer  paradise. 

Of  Father  Bineteau,  Gravier  says : 

Father  Bineteau  died  there  from  exhaustion ;  but  if  he  had  had  a  few  drops 
of  Spanish  wine,  for  which  he  asked  us  during  his  last  illness,  and  some  little 
dainties,  such  as  sugar  or  other  things — or  had  we  been  able  to  procure  some 
fresh  food  for  him,  he  would  perhaps  be  still  alive.-8 

In  1694  Father  Gabriel  Marest  accompanied  the  expedition  of  the  re- 
nowned D 'Iberville  from  Montreal  to  Hudson  Bay,  directed  against  the  English, 
and  after  D 'Iberville's  success  began  a  mission  there.  In  1695  the  forts  were 
retaken  by  the  English,  and  Father  Marest  was  taken  a  prisoner  to  Plymouth, 
England.  He  was  in  Illinois,  however,  in  1699,  at  Peoria  first  and  afterwards 
until  1712  at  Kaskaskia. 

Father  Marest  was  a  man  of  action,  and  has  left  us  a  splendid  account  of 
the  work  of  the  missionaries  and  the  fruits  of  the  missions.  In  a  letter  written 
from  Kaskaskia,  dated  November  9,  1712,  he  gives  a  most  interesting  account 
of  the  country,  its  appearance  and  products  and  of  the  Indians  and  the  missions. 
Amongst  other  interesting  passages  are  the  following : 

They,  (the  Illinois)  are  very  different  from  those  Indians,  (other  savage 
tribes  he  has  described)  and  also  from  what  they  formerly  were  themselves. 
Christianity,  as  I  have  already  said,  has  softened  their  savage  customs,  and 
their  manners  are  now  marked  by  a  sweetness  and  purity  which  have  induced 

"Marest  to  Germon.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  253. 
"Gravier  to  Lamberville.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  25. 

72 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

some  of  the  French  to  take  their  daughters  in  marriage.  We  find  in  them, 
moreover,  a  docility  and  ardor  for  the  practice  of  the  Christian  virtues. 

The  following  is  the  order  we  observe  each  day  in  our  mission :  Early  in 
the  morning  we  assemble  the  catechumens  at  the  church,  where  they  have 
prayers,  receive  instructions  and  chant  some  canticles.  When  they  have  re- 
tired Mass  is  said,  at  which  all  the  Christians  assist,  the  men  placed  on  one  side 
and  the  women  on  the  other;  then  they  have  prayers  which  are  followed  by 
giving  the  homily,  after  which  each  one  goes  to  his  labor.  We  then  spend  our 
time  in  visiting  the  sick,  to  give  them  necessary  remedies,  to  instruct  them,  to 
console  those  who  are  laboring  under  any  affliction. 

After  noon  the  catechising  is  held,  at  which  all  are  present,  Christians  and 
catechumens,  men  and  children,  young  and  old,  and  where  each,  without  dis- 
tinction of  rank  or  age  answers  the  questions  put  by  the  missionaries.  Our 
visits  to  their  wigwams  occupy  the  rest  of  the  day. 

In  the  evening  all  assemble  again  at  the  church  to  listen  to  the  instructions 
which  are  given,  to  have  prayer  and  to  sing  some  hymns. 

On  Sunday  and  festivals  they  add  to  the  ordinary  exercises,  instructions, 
which  are  given  after  Vespers. 

The  zeal  with  which  these  good  neophytes  repair  to  the  church  at  all  hours 
is  admirable ;  they  break  off  from  their  labors  and  run  from  a  great  distance  to 
be  there  at  the  appointed  time.  They  generally  end  the  day  by  private  meet- 
ings which  they  hold  at  their  homes,  the  men  separate  from  the  women,  and 
there  they  recite  the  chaplet  with  alternate  choirs,  and  chant  the  hymns  until 
the  night  is  far  advanced. 

They  often  approach  the  sacraments  and  the  custom  among  them  is  to 
confess  and  communicate  once  a  fortnight.29 

Indeed  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  in  all  the  world  now,  a  community,  un- 
less it  be  one  of  Religious,  where  religion  is  so  strictly  observed  as  above  de- 
scribed amongst  these  children  of  the  forests,  who,  but  a  few  years  before  knew 
not  God.  Religion  had  done  even  more  for  the  Illinois  Indians.  It  had  civil- 
ized them  and  given  them  a  taste  of  domestic  life  so  that  they  cultivated  crops, 
entered  upon  manufactures  of  various  kinds  and  settled  down  to  home  life. 

Osman  says: 

It  was  no  doubt  due  to  him  (Father  Marest)  directly,  that  the  Illinois 
country  later  so  rapidly  developed  its  agricultural  resources  that  the  new  set- 
tlement became  the  source  of  the  grain  and  flour  consumed  by  the  French 
settlements  along  the  lower  Mississippi.30 

At  his  death,  September  15,  1714,  Father  Marest 's  body  was  laid  to  rest 
in  the  chapel  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  and  on  the  18th  of  December, 
1722,  his  remains  were  removed  to  the  Church.   (See  note  33.) 

The  first  labors  of  Father  Mermet  in  the  Illinois  country  were  at  the  mis 
sion  on  the  Ohio  known  as  Fort  Ascension  and  afterwards  as  Fort  Massac. 
Here  he  was  stationed  as  early  as  1702.  In  that  year,  a  band  of  the  Mascouten 
Indians  had  drifted  down  to  that  vicinity,  and  Father  Mermet  attempted  to 
minister  to  them,  but  found  them  entirely  under  the  influence  of  their  Medi- 
cine-man and  opposed  to  Christianity.  A  plague  visited  the  locality,  killing 
many  of  the  Indians  daily.  Father  Mermet  did  what  he  could  to  relieve  the 
sick,  baptising  some  of  the  dying  at  their  own  request,  but  he  was  rewarded 


"•Marest  to  Germon.    Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  241. 
"Starved  Rock,  p.  145-6. 

73 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

only  by  abuse  and  attempts  upon  his  life.  To  appease  the  "spirit  of  disease" 
the  Indians  organized  dances  at  which  they  sacrificed  some  forty  dogs,  carry- 
ing them  at  the  ends  of  poles  while  dancing.  They  were  finally  driven  to  ask 
the  aid  of  the  priest,  which  was  of  course  freely  granted.31 

Father  Mermet  came  to  the  mission  field  of  Illinois  in  1707,  and  labored 
here  until  1719.     Father  Marest  has  left  us  an  appreciation  of  him.     He  says : 

The  Father  Mermet,  with  whom  I  have  the  happiness  to  be  associated  for 
many  years,  remains  at  the  village  (when  the  Indians  go  upon  the  hunt)  for 
their  instruction,  the  delicacy  of  his  constitution  placing  it  entirely  out  of  his 
power  to  sustain  the  fatigues  inseparable  from  these  long  journeys.  Never- 
theless, in  spite  of  his  feeble  health,  I  can  say  that  he  is  the  soul  of  this  Mission. 
It  is  his  virtue,  his  mildness,  his  touching  instructions,  and  the  singular  talent 
he  has  of  winning  the  respect  and  friendship  of  the  Indians,  which  have  placed 
our  mission  in  its  present  flourishing  state.32 

At  his  death,  Father  Mermet  was  buried  in  the  Chapel,  and  his  body  was 
transferred  from  the  Chapel  to  the  Church  on  December  18th,  1727. 33 

Father  Louis  Mary  de  Ville  came  to  the  Illinois  country  in  1707,  and  was 
here  associated  with  Father  Marest  and  Father  Mermet.  Ever  since  the  Peorias 
had  attacked  and  wounded  Father  Gravier  they  had  been  left  without  a  mis- 
sionary, but  when  better  counsels  prevailed  they  eagerly  besought  Father 
Marest  to  re-establish  the  mission  amongst  them.  Upon  what  seemed  to  be  a 
sincere  repentance,  Father  de  Ville  was  sent  to  that  mission.  In  commenting 
upon  the  assignment  of  Father  de  Ville  to  the  Peoria  mission,  Father  Marest 
says: 

When  the  question  came  to  be  settled  with  regard  to  keeping  the  promise 
I  had  given  the  Peorias  to  go  and  live  with  them,  the  French  and  Indians 
there  (at  Kaskaskia)  opposed  it,  probably  because  they  were  accustomed  to  my 
ways  and  were  not  pleased  with  the  idea  of  a  change.  Father  de  Ville  was 
therefore  sent  hither  in  my  place.  This  Father,  who  had  been  but  a  short  time 
with  us,  now  makes  it  evident,  by  his  zeal,  by  the  talent  he  has  for  winning  the 
Indians,  and  by  the  progress  he  makes  among  them,  that  God  had  destined  him 
to  that  mission,  of  which  He  did  not  think  me  worthy.34 

In  1719  Father  de  Ville  went  to  Mobile  on  business  of  the  mission  and  es- 
pecially to  obtain  from  Governor  Bienville  some  restrictions  upon  the  lawless 
traders.  He  remained  six  months,  during  which  time  he  ministered  to  the 
French  and  even  accompanied  their  troops  in  the  attack  on  Pensacola.  On  his 
return  he  was  made  Superior  of  the  Illinois  mission  but  was  soon  after  at- 
tacked by  a  severe  illness,  which  compelled  him  to  spend  the  winter  in  Natchez. 
He  died  there  June  6,  1720.35 

Father  Jean  Antoine  (almost  always  called  Joseph  Ignatius)  le  Boullenger, 
S.  J.,  came  to  the  Illinois  missions  in  1719.  His  name  first  appears  in  the  parish 
records  at  Kaskaskia  in  that   year.     In    1720    the    mission    was    designated    a 


"Marest  to  Germon.  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  237. 

'"Marest  to  Germon.    Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  255. 

"Church  Records  of  the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  Kaskaskia,  now  in 
St.  Louis  University,  St.  Louis,  translated  in  part  by  E.  G.  Mason,  and  published  in 
Vol.  4,  Chicago  Historical  Collection;  also  published  in  Michigan  Pioneer  Collection, 
Vol.  5   (1882),  p.  103. 

"Marest  to  Germon.     Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  291. 

"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  341. 

74 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

church  and  the  parish  was  divided.  The  Illinois  country  was  until  1717  a  part 
of  the  Canadian  French  domain,  but  in  that  year  it  was  made  a  part  of 
Louisiana  and  in  December,  1718,  Pierre  Douge  de  Boisbriant  arrived  at  Kas- 
kaskia,  commissioned  to  govern  the  province  and  erect  a  fort,  which  he  com- 
pleted in  1720.  The  fort  was  situated  on  the  river  about  sixteen  miles  northwest 
of  the  town  of  Kaskaskia,  and  was  named  Port  Chartres.  A  village  immediately 
grew  up  near  the  fort  and  a  church  was  built  and  named  St.  Anne  du  Fort 
Chartres.  Father  le  Boullenger  became  the  first  pastor  and  he  was  assisted  by 
Father  Joseph  de  Kereben,  S.  J.  Father  Nicholas  Ignatius  de  Beaubois  came 
to  Kaskaskia  as  Vicar  General  of  Bishop  Henri  Marie  du  Breuil  de  Pontbriand 
of  New  Orleans,  and  became  pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion at  Kaskaskia.  In  1719  Father  John  Charles  Guymonneau,  S.  J.,  was  also 
at  Kaskaskia  and  attending  an  Indian  mission  six  miles  inland  from  there. 

Father  le  Boullenger  was  a  man  of  great  missionary  tact  and  wonderful 
skill  in  languages.  His  Illinois  catechism  and  instructions  in  the  same  dialect 
for  hearing  Mass  and  approaching  the  Sacraments  were  considered  by  other 
missionaries  as  masterpieces.  To  enable  the  latter  to  avail  themselves  of  his 
labors  he  added  a  literal  French  translation.  Father  le  Boullenger  was  pastor 
of  St.  Anne's  until  1726. 

Speaking  of  Father  le  Boullenger 's  work  at  the  mission,  Father  Mathurin 
le  Petit,  in  a  letter  to  d'Avaugor  dated  New  Orleans  the  12th  of  July,  1730,  said : 

You  would  be  astonished,  as  I  myself  have  been  on  arriving  at  this  mission, 
to  find  that  a  great  part  of  our  French  are  not  by  any  means  so  well  instructed 
in  religion  as  are  these  neophytes.  They  are  scarcely  unacquainted  with  the 
histories  of  the  Old  and  the  New  Testament.  The  manner  in  which  they  hear 
the  Holy  Mass  and  receive  the  sacraments  is  most  excellent.  Their  catechism 
which  has  fallen  into  my  hands,  with  the  literal  translation  made  by  Father 
Boullenger,  is  a  perfect  model  for  those  who  have  need  of  such  works  in  their 
new  missions.  They  do  not  leave  these  good  savages  to  be  ignorant  of  any  of 
our  mysteries,  or  of  any  of  our  duties,  but  attach  them  to  the  foundation  and 
essentials  of  religion,  which  they  have  displayed  before  them  in  a  manner 
equally  instructive  and  sound  .  .  .  But  their  assiduity  and  patience  is 
abundantly  recompensed  by  the  blessings  which  it  has  pleased  God  to  pour  out 
upon  their  labors.  Father  le  Boullenger  has  written  me  word  that  he  is  obliged, 
for  the  second  time,  considerably  to  enlarge  his  church,  on  account  of  great 
numbers  of  savages  who  have  each  year  received  baptism.:!tJ 

Father  Nicholas  Ignatius  de  Beaubois,  S.  J.,  was  the  first  of  the  Jesuit 
Superiors  in  the  Illinois  mission  from  the  Province  of  New  Orleans.  He  be- 
came pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  in  1710,  and  after 
Father  le  Boullenger  left  St.  Anne's  in  1726,  Father  de  Beaubois  took  charge 
there  and  so  remained  until  1735. 

After  a  stay  of  some  five  or  six  years  in  the  Illinois  missions,  Father  de 
Beaubois  became  the  central  figure  in  a  very  important  journey  to  the  old 
world.  He  was  commissioned  by  his  Bishop  to  go  to  France  and  procure  ad- 
ditional Priests  for  the  Missions  and  a  community  of  Nuns.  In  the  discharge 
of  this  important  mission  Father  de  Beaubois  took  with  him  the  Chief  of  the 
Mitchegamea   Indians,   Chicagou,   and  three   other   Indian   Chiefs,  who   were 


"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  68,  p.  211-213. 

75 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

thoroughly  civilized  and  devout  Catholics.  When  Father  de  Beaubois  appeared 
in  Paris  with  these  Indian  Chieftains  it  is  putting  it  mildly  to  say  that  he 
created  a  sensation.  They  were  presented  at  Court  and  each  received  favors  for 
keepsakes  from  the  King.  Countesses,  marchionesses  and  duchesses  bestowed 
gifts  upon  them,  and  they  were  harangued  and  feted  at  many  notable 
functions.37 

Father  de  Beaubois  discharged  his  mission  well,  in  that  he  secured  a  com- 
pany of  Ursuline  Sisters,  who  returned  with  him  and  established  the  Ursuline 
Community  in  New  Orleans  in  1727.  He  also  brought  back  with  him  seven 
young  Jesuit  Priests  to  enter  into  the  missionary  field.  Several  of  those  Jesuits 
labored  in  the  Illinois  missions,  and  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  Father  de  Beau- 
bois the  first  American  Nun  was  the  daughter  of  one  of  his  parishioners  at  Kas- 
kaskia,  Mary  Turpin,  who  joined  the  Ursulines  at  New  Orleans.38 

As  has  been  stated,  Father  Jean  Charles  Guymonneau  was  in  charge  of  an 
Indian  mission  near  Kaskaskia,  of  the  same  name.39  He  was  from  the  Province 
of  France;  was  born  March  14,1664,  entered  the  Jesuit  Order  October  3,  1704, 
arrived  in  Louisiana  in  1715,  and  died  at  the  Illinois  missions  February  6, 
1736.  In  a  letter  written  by  Father  Mathurin  le  Petit  to  Father  Francis  Retz, 
General  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  dated  New  Orleans,  June  29,  1736,  Father  le 
Petit  says: 

The  Louisiana  mission  has  this  year  been  deprived  of  two  missionaries.  On 
the  6th  day  of  February  Father  Charles  Guymonneau  of  the  Province  of 
France,  after  twenty  years  spent  in  the  Illinois  missions,  was  carried  off  by  an 
attack  of  pleurisy  that  lasted  six  days— to  the  regret  of  all,  even  of  the  Indians, 
whose  nature  he  had  already  softened  by  the  remarkable  purity  of  his  morals 
and  the  example  of  all  his  apostolic  virtues.40 

Father  Joseph  Francis  de  Kereben,  who,  we  have  seen,  came  to  the  Illinois 
missions  as  an  assistant  to  Father  le  Boullenger  at  St.  Anne 's  du  Fort  Chartres. 
and  who  later  became  Superior  of  the  Jesuit  missions  in  Illinois,  was  from  the 
Province  of  France,  born  December  20,  1683,  entered  the  Order  August  27, 
1703,  arrived  in  Louisiana  in  1716,  and  died  in  the  Illinois  mission  February 
2,  1728.41 

Father  John  Dumas,  S.  J.,  came  to  the  Illinois  missions. from  New  Orleans 
in  1727,  and  was  one  of  the  Priests  that  came  over  with  Father  de  Beaubois. 
He  was  assigned  to  the  Illinois  missions  immediately  upon  his  arrival.  Som- 
mervogel  conjectures  that  his  stay  in  the  Illinois  missions  extended  to  1740, 
when  he  returned  to  France,  where  he  taught  Hebrew  at  Lyons  for  many  years 
and  wrote  several  mathematical  and  astronomical  works.     He  died  in  1770.42 


"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  67,  p.  341. 

""Shea,  Church  in  Colonial  Days,  pp.  568,  573,  580,  582. 

3BThis  mission  has  been  a  source  of  difficulty  to  some  investigators.  Father  Watrln 
writing  in  1764,  says: 

"At  one  and  one-fourth  leagues  from  the  Illinois  Savages,  there  was  a  French 
village  also  named  Kaskaskia.  For  44  years  there  has  been  in  this  village  a  parish 
which  has  always  been  governed  by  the  Jesuits."  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol. 
70,  p.  233. 

wLe  Petit  to  Retz.    Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  68,  p.  309.     See  also  Ibid,  p.  335. 

"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol  71,  p.  126  and  164. 

"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  67,  p.  342  and  Vol.  71,  p.  168. 

76 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

Father  Rene  Tartarin,  S.  J.,  arrived  at  the  Illinois  missions  in  1729.  He 
also  was  one  of  the  missionaries  brought  over  by  Father  de  Beaubois,  and  was 
shortly  after  his  arrival  assigned  to  the  Illinois  mission.  Father  Tartarin  re- 
mained at  Kaskaskia  at  least  two  or  three  years.  He  was  from  the  Province  of 
France,  born  January  22,  1695,  entered  the  Order  August  20,  1712,  arrived  in 
Louisiana  July  23,  1727  and  died  in  the  Louisiana  mission  September  24, 
1745.43 

Father  Etienne  Doutreleau  was  another  of  the  Jesuits  who  came  to  New 
Orleans  with  Father  de  Beaubois  in  1727.  He  ministered  in  several  of  the  lower 
Mississippi  Valley  missions,  and  was  in  the  Illinois  missions  from  1735  to  1741. 
Altogether  he  was  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  twenty  years,  a  part  of  which  time 
he  was  at  Post  Vincennes  and  another  part  as  chaplain  of  the  hospital  at  New 
Orleans.     He  returned  to  France  in  1747. 

An  account  given  by  Father  Mathurin  le  Petit  in  a  letter  dated  from  New 
Orleans,  July  12,  1830,  of  the  escape  from  assassination  of  Father  Doutreleau 
is  of  great  interest  as  showing  the  dangers  to  which  the  missionaries  were  ex- 
posed. At  the  time  spoken  of,  there  were  several  missions  on  the  lower 
Mississippi,  in  one  or  more  of  which  Father  Doutreleau  was  engaged. 

While  on  a  trip  from  one  mission  to  another,  Father  le  Petit  tells  us  of  the 
tragic  happening  to  Father  Doutreleau: 

This  Missionary  had  availed  himself  of  the  time  when  the  Savages  were 
engaged  in  their  winter  occupations,  to  come  to  see  us,  for  the  purpose  of  regu- 
lating some  matters  relating  to  his  Mission.  He  set  out  on  the  first  day  of 
this  year,  1730,  and  not  expecting  to  arrive  at  the  residence  of  Father  Souel,  of 
whose  fate  he  was  ignorant,  in  time  to  say  Mass,  he  determined  to  say  it  at  the 
mouth  of  the  little  river  of  the  Yazous  where  his  party  cabined. 

As  he  was  preparing  for  this  sacred  office,  he  saw  a  boat  full  of  Savages 
landing.  They  demanded  from  them  of  what  Nation  they  were.  "Yazous, 
comrades  of  the  French,"  they  replied,  making  a  thousand  friendly  demon- 
strations to  the  voyageurs  who  accompanied  the  Missionary,  and  presenting 
them  with  provisions.  While  the  Father  was  preparing  his  altar,  a  flock  of 
bustards  passed,  and  the  voyageurs  fired  at  them  the  only  two  guns  they  had, 
without  thinking  of  reloading,  as  Mass  had  already  commenced.  The  Savages 
noted  this  and  placed  themselves  behind  the  voyageurs,  as  if  it  was  their  in- 
tention to  hear  Mass,  although  they  were  not  Christians. 

At  the  time  when  the  Father  was  saying  the  Kyrie  eleison,  the  Savages 
made  their  discharge.  The  Missionary  perceiving  himself  wounded  in  the  right 
arm,  and  seeing  one  of  the  voyageurs  killed  at  his  feet,  and  the  four  others  fled, 
threw  himself  on  his  knees  to  receive  the  last  fatal  blow,  which  he  regarded 
as  inevitable.  In  this  posture  he  received  two  or  three  discharges.  But  although 
the  Savages  fired  while  almost  touching  him,  yet  they  did  not  inflict  on  him  any 
new  wounds.  Finding  himself  then,  as  it  were,  miraculously  escaped  from  so 
many  mortal  blows,  he  took  to  flight,  having  on  still  his  priestly  garments,  and 
without  any  further  defense  than  an  entire  confidence  in  God,  Whose  particular 
protection  was  given  him,  as  the  event  proved.  He  threw  himself  into  the  water, 
and  after  advancing  some  steps,  gained  the  pirogue  in  which  two  of  the 
voyageurs  were  making  their  escape.  They  had  supposed  him  to  be  killed  by 
some  of  the  many  balls  which  they  had  heard  fired  on  him.  In  climbing  up 
into  the  pirogue,  and  turning  his  head  to  see  whether  any  one  of  the  pursuers 

"Ibid,  Vol.   67,  p.  342. 

77 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

were  following  him  too  closely,  he  received  in  his  mouth  a  discharge  of  small 
shot,  the  greater  part  of  which  were  flattened  against  his  teeth,  although  some 
of  them  entered  his  gums  and  remained  there  for  a  long  time.  I  have  myself 
seen  two  of  them  there.  Father  Doutreleau,  all  wounded  as  he  was,  undertook 
the  duty  of  steering  the  pirogue,  while  his  two  companions  placed  themselves 
at  the  paddles.  Unfortunately,  one  of  them,  at  setting  out,  had  his  thigh 
broken  by  a  musket-ball,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  has  since  remained  a 
cripple. 

You  may  well  imagine,  my  Reverend  Father,  that  the  Missionary  and  his 
companions  had  no  thoughts  of  ascending  the  river.  They  descended  the 
Mississippi  with  all  the  speed  possible,  and  at  last  lost  sight  of  the  pirogue  of 
their  enemies,  who  had  pursued  them  for  more  than  an  hour,  keeping  up  a  con- 
tinual fire  upon  them,  and  who  boasted  at  the  Village  that  they  had  killed  them. 
The  two  paddlers  were  often  tempted  to  give  themselves  up,  but  encouraged  by 
the  Missionary,  they  in  turn  made  the  Savages  fear.  An  old  gun  which  was 
not  loaded,  nor  in  a  condition  to  be,  which  they  pointed  at  them  from  time  to 
time,  made  them  often  dodge  in  their  boat,  and  at  last  obliged  them  to  retire. 

As  soon  as  they  found  themselves  freed  from  their  enemies,  they  dressed 
their  wounds  as  well  as  they  could,  and  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  their  flight 
from  that  fatal  shore,  they  threw  into  the  river  everything  they  had  in  their 
boat,  preserving  only  some  pieces  of  raw  bacon  for  their  nourishment. 

It  had  been  their  intention  to  stop  in  passing  at  the  Natchez,  but  having 
seen  that  the  houses  of  the  French  were  either  demolished  or  burned,  they  did 
not  think  it  advisable  to  listen  to  the  compliments  of  the  Savages,  who  from 
the  bank  of  the  river  invited  them  to  land.  They  placed  a  wide  distance  be- 
tween them  as  soon  as  possible ;  and  thus  shunned  the  balls  which  were  ineffec- 
tively fired  at  them.  It  was  then  that  they  began  to  distrust  all  these  savage 
Nations,  and  therefore  resolved  not  to  go  near  the  land  until  they  reached  New 
Orleans,  and  supposing  that  the  barbarians  might  have  rendered  themselves 
masters  of  it,  to  descend  even  to  the  Blaize,  where  they  hoped  to  find  some 
French  vessel  provided  to  receive  the  wreck  of  the  Colony. 

In  passing  the  Tonkias,  they  separated  themselves  as  far  as  possible  from 
the  shore,  but  they  were  discovered  and  a  pirogue  which  had  been  dispatched 
to  reconnoiter  them,  was  not  a  long  time  in  approaching.  Their  fear  and  dis- 
trust were  renewed,  and  they  did  not  decide  to  stop  until  they  perceived  that 
the  persons  in  that  boat  spoke  very  good  French,  when  they  overcame  their 
fears,  and  in  the  weak  state  they  were,  gladly  availed  themselves  of  the  oppor- 
tunity to  land.  There  they  found  the  little  French  army  which  had  been 
formed,  the  Officers  compassionate  and  every  way  kind,  a  Surgeon  and  re- 
freshments. After  recovering  a  little  from  the  great  dangers  and  miseries  they 
had  endured,  they  on  the  next  day  availed  themselves  of  a  pirogue  which  had 
been  fitted  out  for  New  Orleans. 

I  cannot  express  to  you,  my  Reverend  Father,  the  great  satisfaction  I  felt 
at  seeing  Father  Doutreleau,  his  arm  in  a  scarf,  arrive  after  a  voyage  of  more 
than  four  hundred  leagues,  all  the  clothes  he  had  on  having  been  borrowed, 
except  his  cassock.  My  surprise  was  increased  at  the  recital  of  his  adventures. 
I  placed  him  immediately  in  the  hands  of  brother  Parisel,  who  examined  his 
wounds,  and  who  dressed  them  with  great  care  and  speedy  success. 

The  Missionary  was  not  yet  entirely  cured  of  his  wounds,  when  he  depart- 
ed to  act  as  Chaplain  to  the  French  army,  as  he  had  promised  Messieurs  the 
Officers,  in  accordance  with  their  request.  He  endured  with  them  the  fatigues 
of  the  campaign  against  the  Natchez,  and  there  gave  new  proofs  of  his  zeal, 
his  wisdom  and  his  courage. 

On  his  return  from  the  Natchez,  he  came  to  recruit  himself  here  for  six 

78 


Fatheij  Marquette  Establishing  the  Chukch  at  the  Foot  ok 
the  "Rock"   (Now  Starved  Rock)  April  11,  1675 

it  was  a  beautiful  prairie,  close  to  «  village,  which  was  selected  for  the  great  Council; 
this  was  adorned,  after  the  fashion  of  the  country,  by  covering  it  with  mats  and  bear 
skms.  Then  the  Father,  having  directed  than  to  stretch  out  upon  lines  several  pieces 
of  Chinese  taffeta,  attached  to  these  four  large  pictures  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  which  were 
risible  on  all  sides.  *  *  *  He  explained  to  tin  m  the  principal  mysteries  of  our  religion, 
and  the  purpose  that  had  brought  him  to  their  country.  Above  all  he  preached  to  them, 
Jesus  Christ.  *  *  *  when  he  said  Holy  Mass,  *  *  *  and  gave  to  the  Mission  the  mime 
of  the  liu mai  uhiti  Conception  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.     (Dablon,  Jesuit  Relations.  Vol.  59.) 


Ui  UBBlttY 
BHWEESIT*  OF  HUMS 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

weeks,  which  he  found  very  long,  hut  which  appeared  to  be  very  short.  He 
was  impatient  to  return  to  his  dear  Mission,  but  it  was  necessary  for  me  to  fit 
him  out  generally  with  everything  proper  for  a  Missionary,  and  he  was  obliged 
to  wait  for  the  escort  which  was  going  to  the  Illinois.  The  risks  which  they  ran 
on  the  river  during  this  insurrection  of  the  Savages,  induced  Monsieur  the 
Commandant  to  forbid  voyageurs  going  in  separate  companies.  He  set  out, 
therefore,  on  the  16th  of  April,  with  many  others,  in  a  body  sufficiently  large 
to  relieve  them  from  all  fear  of  their  enemies.  I  learned,  in  fact,  they  had  pro- 
ceeded above  the  Akensas,  without  any  accident. 

The  pleasure  of  seeing  Father  Doutreleau  for  the  first  time,  and  seeing 
him,  too,  after  his  escape  from  such  imminent  perils,  was  much  impaired  by  the 
vivid  grief  I  felt  for  the  loss  of  two  Missionaries,  (Fathers  Souel  and  Du 
Poisson  lately  killed  by  the  Indians)  with  whose  merit  you  were  as  well 
acquainted  as  myself.  You  know  that  to  a  most  amiable  disposition,  they 
united  the  appropriate  qualifications  for  apostolic  men,  that  they  Avere  very 
much  attached  to  their  Mission,  that  they  had  already  become  well  acquainted 
with  the  language  of  the  Savages,  that  their  earliest  labors  had  produced 
great  fruits,  and  they  gave  the  promise  of  still  greater  results,  since  neither  of 
them  was  more  than  thirty-five  or  thirty-six  years  of  age.  This  deprivation, 
which  entirely  occupied  my  thoughts,  gave  me  no  time  for  thinking  of  the  loss 
we  had  sustained  of  their  Negroes  and  their  effects,  although  it  has  very  much 
deranged  a  Mission  which  had  just  commenced,  and  whose  necessities  you  know 
better  than  any  one  else.44 

Father  Philibert  Watrin,  S.  J.,  was  for  thirty  years  in  the  Illinois  missions, 
coming  in  1733  and  remaining  until  the  time  that  the  Jesuits  were  banished  in 
1763.  It  is  to  Father  Watrin  that  the  Jesuits — and  the  whole  world,  indeed — 
owe  the  splendid  vindication  of  the  Priests  of  that  Order  and  the  refutation 
of  the  groundless  charges  under  which  they  were  stripped  of  their  missions  and 
driven  from  the  country.45 

Father  Watrin  was  the  Superior  of  the  Illinois  missions  when  the  Louisiana 
Council  adopted  its  lawless  edict  confiscating  the  property  of  the  Jesuits  and 
banishing  them  from  the  country. 

Father  Alexandre  Francois  Xavier  Guyenne,  S.  J.,  was  in  the  Illinois  mis- 
sions from  1736  to  1762,  connected  with  the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception and  the  Indian  village  not  far  from  there.  He  spent  thirty-six  years 
in  the  missions  of  the  French  territory.  He  had  labored  in  the  missions  of  the 
Alabamu,  the  Quapaw  and  the  Miami.  He  was  at  Fort  Chartres,  and  was  every- 
where respected  as  a  man  of  rare  virtue,  of  singular  discretion,  and  of  an  in 
violable  attachment  to  the  duties  of  a  missionary.  Though  offered  more  honor- 
able and  easier  station,  he  remained  with  his  savages  and  by  his  constancy  did 
much  to  preserve  religion  during  the  very  unsettled  times  of  his  administration. 
He  even  did  much  to  revive  the  fervor  of  the  Christians  by  his  untiring  appli- 
cation to  all  exercises.  Four  years  before  his  death  he  was  afflicted  by  a 
partial  paralysis,  which  rendered  him  unable  to  move  about,  and  a  lung 
trouble  which  had  been  of  long  duration  developed  to  such  an  extent  that  he 
could  scarcely  speak  aloud.     Nevertheless,  he  ceased  not  receiving  at  all  times 


"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  68,  pp.  175  to  185. 

"See  Father  Watrin's  letter  in  full  in  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  70.  p.  213,  and 
in  Alvord  and  Carter,  The  Critical  Period,  111.  Hist.  Col.,  Vol.  X,  p.  62,  et  seq. 

70 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

his  devoted  neophytes,  who  came  from  far  and  near  to  be  instructed.  He 
catechised  and  exhorted  them,  heard  their  confessions,  and  prepared  them  for 
Communion,  and  in  the  capacity  of  Superior  of  the  house  he  used  his  power  to 
relieve  their  poverty.46 

Father  Guyenne  died  in  the  Illinois  missions  in  1762.47 

Father  Louis  Vivier,  S.  J.,  was  in  the  Illinois  missions  for  several  years. 
He  was  born  October  17,  1714,  and  became  a  Jesuit  novice  at  the  age  of  seven- 
teen. Coming  to  New  Orleans  about  1749,  he  was  promptly  sent  to  the  Illinois 
mission.  He  was  there  stationed  at  Kaskaskia  for  about  four  years  and  trans- 
ferred to  Vincennes  late  in  1753  or  early  in  1754.  He  died  there  October 
2,  1756. 

Father  Vivier  wrote  several  letters  which  have  been  preserved,  in  one  of 
which  he  says,  referring  to  the  Illinois  missions : 

I  usually  reside  in  this  mission  (Prairie  du  Rocher)  of  savages  with  Father 
Guyenne,  who  acts  as  my  master  in  the  study  of  the  Illinois  language.  The 
French  cure  under  Father  Watrin's  charge  is  composed  of  more  than  four 
hundred  French  people  of  all  ages  and  more  than  two  hundred  and  fifty 
negroes.  There  is  a  third  mission  70  leagues  from  here.  It  is  much  smaller. 
Father  Meurin  has  charge  of  it.48 

Father  Francois  John  Baptiste  Aubert  was  from  the  Province  of  Lyonf, 
born  March  1,  1722  entered  the  Jesuit  Order  September  7,  1739;  arrived  in 
Louisiana  in  1754 ;  came  to  the  mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  at  Kas- 
kaskia in  1758,  and  remained  until  January,  1764.  In  speaking  of  Father 
Aubert,  Father  Watrin  says : 

Three  Jesuits,  successively  Cures  of  this  parish,  Father  Tartarin,  Father 
Watrin  and  Father  Aubert,  have  employed  for  this  purpose  (the  building  of 
the  new  church  at  Kaskaskia  in  1753)  the  greater  part  of  what  they  obtained 
from  their  surplice  and  their  Mass  fees.  When  the  cures  have  the  considera- 
tion and  the  ornamentation  of  their  church  so  much  at  heart,  it  is  also  probable 
that  they  do  not  fail  in  their  other  duties.49 

Father  Julien  Joseph  Fourre,  S.  J.,  came  to  New  Orleans  in  1747  and  was 
assigned  to  the  Illinois  missions.  His  name  appears  on  the  records  of  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  at  Kaskaskia  in  1749  and  1750.  He  died 
on  his  return  voyage  to  France,  February  19,  1759. 

The  Last  of  the  Jesuits 

Father  Sebastian  Louis  Meurin  is  called  the  last  of  the  Jesuits,  meaning 
that  he  was  the  last  to  remain  after  the  order  of  banishment  consequent  upon 
the  suppression  of  the  Order,  and  it  is  fortunate  that  he  was  such  a  worthy  rep- 
resentative of  the  Order.  He  came  to  the  mission  in  1746,  stuck  to  his  post 
until  1775,  and  died  in  the  village  of  Prairie  du  Rocher  in  1777,  where  his 
remains  were  buried.50  Years  afterwards,  when  the  Jesuit  Order  had  been  re- 
established with  the  full  approval  of  the  Pope  and  another  worthy  Jesuit  had 
come  back  into  the  State  of  Illinois  and  become  the  second  Bishop  of  Chicago, 


"Watrin.    Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  70,  p.  230. 

"Ibid.  Vol.  67,  p.  342. 

"Nov.  17,  1750,  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations.  Vol.  69,  p.  101.    See  note  Ibid  290. 

"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  70,  p.  233.     See  note  Ibid  71,  p.  179. 

"Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  70,  p.  311  and  Vol.  71,  pp.  23  and  389. 

80 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

Bishop  Van  de  Velde,  the  good  Bishop  hunted  out  the  grave  of  Father  Meurin, 
took  up  his  remains  and  reverently  laid  them  to  rest  in  the  cemetery  of  the 
Jesuit  Seminary  at  Florissant,  Missouri.51  There  his  grave  is  marked  by  a 
modest  slab  which  tells  the  story  of  his  faithful  services,  and  the  admirer  of 
his  pure  life  and  persevering  endeavors  can  look  upon  the  stone  which  marks 
his  grave  and  contemplate  with  much  satisfaction  his  holy  career. 

Such  was  the  saintly  founder  and  such  the  noble  succession  of  Jesuits  that 
planted  the  Church  in  Illinois  and  nourished  it  for  the  first  hundred  years 
and  until  they  were  rudely  and  violently  torn  from  it. 

During  that  time  there  were  other  worthy  Jesuits  who  visited  the  Illinois 
country  and  ministered  to  religion  while  here,  or  encouraged  their  confreres  or 
wrote  of  the  country,  whose  memories  deserve  well  of  us;  but  here  we  can  only 
call  their  names.  Amongst  them  were :  Father  Joseph  de  Limoges,  Father 
Pierre  Francois  Xavier  de  Charlevoix,  Father  Francois  Buisson,  Father 
Michael  Guignas,  Father  Paul  Du  Boisson,  Father  Mathurin  le  Petit,  Father 
Jean  Souel,  Father  Michel  Baudoin,  Father  Jean  Aulneau,  Father  Pierre  du 
Jaunay,  Father  Antoine  Senat,  Father  Jean  Baptiste  de  la  Morinie,  Father 
Claud  Joseph  Virot,  Father  Julien  Devernai  and  Father  Nicholas  le  Febvre. 

It  should  not  be  inferred  that  the  Church  died  with  the  banishment  of  the 
Jesuits.  Its  work  was  taken  up  and  vigorously  prosecuted  by  noble  priests  of 
other  orders  and  seculars,  and  the  very  Mission  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
instituted  by  Father  Marquette  is  a  vigorous  church  at  the  present  time. 

What  can  be  said  of  the  result  of  the  Missions  in  Illinois?  According  to 
Father  Gravier  in  1707  : 

Out  of  2,200  souls  who  compose  their  village  (that  of  the  Kaskaskias  then 
under  Father  Gabriel  Marest)  hardly  forty  may  be  found  who  do  not  profess 
the  Catholic  Faith  with  the  greatest  piety  and  constancy.52 

As  indicating  that  the  Indians  persevered  in  the  Faith  to  a  late  date,  it 
may  be  pointed  out  that  on  August  13,  1803,  the  United  States  government 
made  a  treaty  with  the  Kaskaskia  Indians  which  contained  the  following  clause : 

And  whereas  the  greater  part  of  said  tribe  have  been  baptized  and  re- 
ceived into  the  Catholic  Church,  to  which  they  are  much  attached,  the  United 
States  will  give,  annually  for  seven  years,  one  hundred  dollars  toward  the  sup- 
port of  a  priest  of  that  religion,  who  will  engage  to  perform  for  said  tribe  the 
duties  of  his  office  and  also  to  instruct  as  many  of  their  children  as  possible  in 
the  rudiments  of  literature.  And  the  United  States  will  further  give  the  sum 
of  $300.00  to  assist  the  said  tribe  in  the  erection  of  a  church. 

Judge  Charles  I.  Walker  in  an  address  before  the  Michigan  Historical 
Society,  addressing  himself  to  this  subject,  and  tacitly  admitting  that  the  Mis- 
sionaries were  not  empire  builders,  said : 

But  if  they  were  not  founders  of  empires,  if  they  did  but  little  or  nothing 

"Under  the  window  at  the  Gospel  side  of  the  altar  near  the  old  Church  at  Prairie 
du  Rocher,  built  of  logs,  set  upon  a  stone  foundation,  lay  buried  the  remains  of  Father 
Sebastian  Louis  Meurin,  the  last  surviving  Jesuit  Missionary  of  the  West.  When 
i'rovincial  of  the  Jesuit  Order,  Father  James  Oliver  Van  de  Velde  had  obtained  per- 
mission to  remove  the  body.  Now  as  Bishop,  he  disinterred  the  remains.  Finding  the 
skeleton  entire,  he  placed  it  in  a  fitting  casket,  and  after  conveying  it  to  St.  Louis, 
re-interred  the  remains  at  St.  Stanislaus,  the  cemetery  of  the  restored  society  at  Floris- 
sant.    Shea,  Catholic  Church  in  the  United  States,  1808-1843.  p.  238. 

"Gravier  to  Tamburini,  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol.  66,  p.  121. 

81 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

toward  the  elevation  of  the  Indian  race  and  character,  these  men  still  have  a 
proud  place  upon  the  historical  page,  which  all  readily  concede.  As  discov- 
erers and  explorers  they  have  few  superiors.  Persevering,  self-denying,  toil 
enduring,  courageous,  no  obstacles  discouraged,  no  privations  disgusted,  no 
hardships  appalled,  no  dangers  terrified.  Contemptuous  of  threatened  evil, 
they  boldly  placed  themselves  in  the  power  of  the  untutored  and  unfriendly 
Indians,  living  with  them  in  their  dirty  camps,  partaking  of  their  inconceivably 
filthy  food,  sleeping  with  them  and  their  dogs,  annoyed  with  their  vermin, 
poisoned  with  their  stench,  submitting  meekly  to  the  contumely  of  the  haughty, 
and  the  insults  and  brutality  of  the  mean.  Calmly,  persistently  they  braved 
the  forced  toil  of  paddling  the  canoe,  or  over  sharp  stones  dragging  its  weight 
up  foaming  rapids,  often  wading  waist  deep  in  the  water  or  plunging  through 
ice  and  snow.  Piercing  winds,  bitter  cold,  dire  want,  and  terrific  danger  were 
among  their  common  trials,  yet  they  persevered  with  a  ceaseless  assiduity  and 
untiring  energy  that  no  suffering  could  subdue.  Industriously  they  traveled, 
anxiously  they  inquired,  carefully  they  observed,  and  minutely,  under  every 
disadvantage,  by  the  light  of  the  glimmering  camp  fires,  they  committed  the 
result  of  their  travels,  inquiries  and  observations  to  writing.  They  opened  to 
France  and  the  world  a  knowledge  of  the  great  Northwest,  of  these  mighty 
lakes,  noble  rivers,  beautiful  prairies  and  extensive  forests. 

They  were  not  only  discoverers  but  they  were  pioneers  in  the  pathway  of 
civilization.  Following  in  their  footsteps  came  the  trader,  the  voyager,  the 
soldier,  and  ultimately  the  mechanic,  the  farmer,  the  merchant  and  the  gentle- 
man. Delightful  French  hamlets  sprang  up  by  the  side  of  the  mission  station, 
and  there  was  reproduced  in  the  forest  recesses  of  the  Northwest  a  new  and 
delightful  edition  of  rural  life  amid  the  sunny  vales  and  vine  clad  hills  of 
France. 

But  the  chiefest  claim  to  admiration  lies  in  their  personal  character,  their 
apostolic  zeal,  their  sublime  and  heroic  virtues.  Actuated  by  no  love  of  glory, 
inspired  by  no  hope  of  self  aggrandizement,  but  panting  with  an  earnest  desire 
to  save  souls  for  whom  Christ  died,  and  open  the  pathway  to  heaven  to  be- 
nighted heathen,  they  faced  the  untold  horrors  of  a  missionary  life  among  wild, 
wandering,  irreverent,  brutal  savages,  and  here  developed,  in  the  midst  of 
trials  the  most  severe,  those  Christian  graces  of  character  to  which  our  atten- 
tion has  been  called,  and  that  entitles  them  to  rank  among  the  Christian  heroes 
of  the  world.  Success  could  have  added  nothing  to  the  rich  fragrance  of  their 
virtues. 

It  becomes  us  now  who  occupy  the  soil,  enriched  and  made  sacred  by  their 
tears,  their  toil,  their  suffering  and  their  death  not  only  to  revere  their  mem- 
ories, but  to  perpetuate  them.53 

The  order  of  the  Superior  Council  of  New  Orleans  under  which  the  Jesuits 
were  torn  from  their  congregations  in  Illinois,  Indiana  and  Michigan,  pre- 
ceded by  ten  years  the  actual  suppression  of  the  Society  by  Pope  Clement  XIV, 
which  was  brought  about  by  fraud  and  force  August  16th,  1773.  But  when 
prejudice  and  passion  against  the  Jesuits  (now  conceded  to  have  been  aroused 
by  unworthy  people  with  more  unworthy  motives)  subsided,  the  order  was 
completely  restored  by  a  decree  of  Pope  Pius  VII  of  the  date  of  August  7th, 
1814.  The  Jesuit  Province  of  St.  Louis  was  established  by  Father  Charles  Van 
Quickenborne,  S.  J.,  in  1823.  Father  Quickenborne  himself  was  a  missionary 
and  made  frequent  missionary  visits  to  Illinois.     Father  Victor  Pallaison,  who 


"Judge  Charles  I.  Walker,  President  of  the  State  Historical  Society  of  Michigan  in 
Michigan  Pioneer  Collections,  Vol.  8  (1885)  p.  391. 

82 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

in  1830  was  pastor  of  Immaculate  Conception  at  Kaskaskia — the  very  organi- 
zation founded  by  Marquette — a  few  years  later  became  a  Jesuit.  Rev.  G. 
Walters,  S.  J.,  and  Rev.  Felix  Verreydt,  S.  J.,  ministered  to  the  faithful  at 
Alton  in  1837  and  1838,  and  Father  Verreydt  to  those  at  Grafton  in  1838.  On 
February  11th,  1849,  James  Oliver  Vandevelde,  S.J.,  former  Provincial  of  the 
Province  of  St.  Louis,  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Chicago.  The  first  Jesuit 
Church  in  Illinois  after  the  restoration  was  the  Holy  Family,  West  Twelfth 
Street,  Chicago,  established  in  1857,  and  the  first  pastor  was  the  venerated 
Arnold  Damen,  S.  J.  Since  that  time  the  Jesuits  have  filled  an  important  place 
in  the  Church  ministry  of  the  state. 

THE    ILLINOIS   MISSIONS 

2.     Missionaries  Contemporary  With  the  Jesuits 

While  the  Jesuits  must  be  credited  with  having  established  all  the  early 
Illinois  missions  (all  missions  established  before  the  year  1763)  there  were  a 
number  of  able  and  more  or  less  successful  missionaries  in  the  Illinois  mission 
field  contemporaneously  with  the  Jesuits. 

The  First  Franciscans 

The  earliest  priests  other  than  Jesuits  to  come  to  Illinois  were  three 
Franciscans  who  accompanied  La  Salle  on  his  first  voyage  through  Illinois. 
They  were  Fathers  Gabriel  de  la  Ribourde,  Zenobius  Membre  and  Louis  Hen- 
nepin. These  three  Franciscans,  then  known  by  the  name  of  Recollects,1  accom- 
panied La  Salle  with  the  avowed  purpose  of  establishing  missions  in 
the  Illinois  country.  They,  with  La  Salle  and  Tonti  arrived  at  Kas- 
kaskia (as  first  located  in  what  is  now  La  Salle  County  near  Utica)  on  the  first 
day  of  January,  1680.  Here  they  found  the  village  abandoned,  as  the  Indians 
of  the  Illinois  tribes  who  made  their  homes  there  had  gone  to  winter  elsewhere. 
Father  Claud  Jean  Allouez,  S.  J.,2  who  was  then  in  charge  of  the  Mission  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception,  was  at  the  time  absent  with  the  Miamis.  Finding  no 
one  in  the  village  and  being  much  in  need  of  supplies,  La  Salle  and  his  party 
took  corn  from  the  Indian  caches  and  proceeded  upon  their  journey.  Four 
days  later,  on  January  4,  1680,  they  arrived  at  Peoria  Lake,  where  they  found 
the  Indians  encamped  in  large  numbers.3 

Here  La  Salle  established  a  fort,  Fort  Crevecoeur,  and  the  first  white  set- 
tlement on  the  soil  of  Illinois. 

From  here  he  dispatched  Father  Louis  Hennepin4  with  two  aides,  one  of 

'The  Recollects  or  Recollets,  a  branch  of  the  Franciscans  or  Friars  Minor.  See 
Catholic  Encyclopedia,  Vol.  VI,  p.  289. 

2See  Jesuit  Succession  in  Illinois  Catholic  Historical  Review  for  July,  1918,  p.  42. 

3See  Tonti's  Memoir  in  Eellog's  Early  Narratives  of  the  'Northwest,  p.  289. 

'See  as  to  Father  Hennepin,  Parkman,  La  Salle  and  the  Discovery  of  the  Great 
West,  consult  index. 

83 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

whom  was  Michael  Accou5  on  an  exploring  expedition  which  they  pursued 
down  the  Illinois  to  the  Mississippi  and  up  the  Mississippi  as  far  as  the  Falls 
of  St.  Anthony. 

Leaving  Tonti  in  charge  of  the  fort  and  settlement,  and  the  other  two 
Franciscans,  Fathers  de  la  Ribourde6  and  Membre7  to  establish  a  mission, 
La  Salle  returned  to  learn  the  cause  of  the  non-arrival  of  "The  Griffin,"  a  ship 
which  he  had  built  and  loaded  on  the  upper  lakes. 

This  venture  proved  unfortunate.  The  garrison  mutinied  and  destroyed 
the  fort  and  the  Franciscan  fathers  found  themselves  unable  to  make  any  im- 
pression upon  the  Indians,  due  largely,  no  doubt,  to  their  prejudice  against 
De  La  Salle. 

Tonti  with  three  members  of  the  garrison  who  remained  faithful,  and  the 
two  Franciscan  priests  pushed  up  the  river  to  the  Kaskaskia  village  and  estab- 
lished themselves  there,  but  they  were  hardly  more  than  located  when  the 
Iroquois  tribes  made  fresh  war  upon  the  Illinois.  The  experience  of  Tonti  and 
the  Franciscan  fathers  in  connection  with  the  attacks  of  the  Iroquois  upon  the 
Illinois  fills  an  interesting  chapter  in  our  history,  and  has  been  made  the  sub- 
ject of  story  and  song.  In  his  Memoir,  Tonti  tells  the  story  simply  but  force- 
fully.   He  says : 

Iroquois  Treachery 

The  Islinois  were  greatly  alarmed  at  seeing  a  party  of  600  Iroquois.  It  was 
then  near  the  month  of  September.  The  desertion  of  our  men  and  the  journey 
of  M.  de  La  Salle  to  Fort  Frontenac  made  the  savages  suspect  that  we  were  be- 
traying them.  They  severely  reproached  me  respecting  the  arrival  of  the 
enemies.  As  I  was  recently  come  from  France  and  was  not  then  acquainted 
with  their  manners,  this  embarrassed  me  and  determined  me  to  go  to  the  enemy 
with  necklaces  to  tell  them  I  was  surprised  they  had  come  to  make  war  upon  a 
nation  dependent  on  the  Governor  of  New  France,  and  that  M.  de  La  Salle, 
whom  he  esteemed,  governed  these  people.  An  Islinois  accompanied  me,  and  we 
separated  ourselves  from  the  body  of  the  Islinois,  who  were  400  in  number, 
and  were  already  fighting  the  enemy.  When  I  was  within  gun-shot  the  Iroquois 
fired  a  great  volley  at  us,  which  compelled  me  to  tell  the  Islinois  to  retire.  He 
did  so.  When  I  had  come  up  to  them,  these  wretches  seized  me,  took  the  neck- 
laces from  my  hand,  and  one  of  them,  reaching  through  the  crowd,  plunged  a 
knife  into  my  breast,  wounding  a  rib  near  the  heart.  However,  having  recog- 
nized me,  they  carried  me  into  the  midst  of  their  camp  and  asked  me  what  I 
came  for.  I  gave  them  to  understand  that  the  Islinois  were  under  the  protec- 
tion of  the  King  of  France  and  of  the  Governor  of  the  country,  and  that  I  was 
surprised  that  they  wished  to  break  with  the  French,  and  to  postpone  peace. 

All  this  time  skirmishing  was  going  on  on  both  sides,  and  a  warrior  came 
to  give  notice  to  the  chief  that  their  left  wing  was  giving  way,  and  that  they 
had  recognized  some  Frenchmen  among  the  Islinois,  who  were  shooting  at  them. 


"Michael  Akau,  a  native  of  Poitiers,  was  the  nominal  leader  of  the  Hennepin  voyage. 
After  the  rescue  of  the  Hennepin  party  by  Duluth,  Akau  returned  to  Peoria  and  married 
the  pious  Indian  girl  converted  by  Father  Gravier  as  related  in  Thwaites,  Jesuit  Re- 
lations, Vol.  64,  p.  179  et  seq,  and  became  the  father  of  Pierre  Akau  or  Aco,  whose 
name  leads  the  list  of  baptized  persons  in  the  parish  records  of  the  first  Immaculate 
Conception  Mission.  See  translation  of  Parish  Records  by  Rev.  C.  J.  Eschmann  of 
Prairie  du  Rocher,  and  published  in  Pub.  9,  111.  Hist.  Library,  p.  394  et  seq. 

'Parkman,  La  Salle  and  the  Discovery  of  the  Great  West,  consult  index. 

'Ibid. 

84 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

On  this  they  were  greatly  irritated  against  me  and  held  a  council  concerning 
what  they  should  do  with  me.  There  was  a  man  behind  me  with  a  knife  in  his 
hand,  who  every  now  and  then  lifted  up  my  hair.  They  were  divided  in 
opinion.  Tegancouti,  chief  of  the  Tsonnontouan,  wished  positively  to  have  me 
burnt.  Agonstot,  chief  of  the  Onontagues,  as  a  friend  of  M.  de  La  Salle, 
wished  to  have  me  set  at  liberty.  He  carried  his  point.  They  agreed  that,  in 
order  the  better  to  deceive  the  Islinois,  they  should  give  me  a  necklace  of  porce- 
lain beads  to  show  to  them  that  they  also  were  children  of  the  Governor,  and 
that  they  all  ought  to  unite  and  make  a  good  peace. 

They  sent  me  to  deliver  their  message  to  the  Tslinois.  T  had  much  diffi- 
culty in  reaching  them  on  account  of  the  great  quantity  of  blood  T  had  lost, 
both  from  my  wound  and  from  my  mouth.  On  my  way  T  met  the  Fathers 
Gabriel  de  la  Ribourde  and  Zenoble  Membre,  who  were  coming  to  look  after  me. 
They  expressed  their  joy  that  these  barbarians  had  not  put  me  to  death.  We 
went  together  to  the  Islinois,  to  whom  I  reported  the  sentiments  of  the  Iroquois, 
adding,  however,  that  they  must  not  altogether  trust  them.  They  retired 
within  their  village,  but  seeing  the  Iroquois  present  themselves  always  in 
battle  array  they  felt  obliged  to  rejoin  their  wives  and  children,  three  leagues 
off.  They  left  us  there :  namely,  the  two  Recollect  Fathers,  the  three  French- 
men, and  myself. 

The  Iroquois  made  a  fort  in  the  village  and  left  us  in  a  cabin  at  some 
distance  from  the  fort.  Two  days  later,  the  Islinois  appearing  on  the  hills  near 
the  Iroquois,  the  Iroquois  thought  that  we  had  had  some  conference  together, 
which  led  them  to  bring  us  inside  their  fort.  They  pressed  me  to  go  and  find 
the  Islinois  and  induce  them  to  come  and  make  a  treaty  of  peace.  They  gave 
me  one  of  their  own  nation  as  a  hostage.  I  went  with  Father  Zenoble.  The 
Iroquois  remained  with  the  Islinois,  and  one  of  the  latter  came  with  me.  When 
we  got  to  the  fort,  instead  of  mending  matters,  he  spoilt  thein  entirely  by  say- 
ing to  the  enemy  that  they  had  in  all  only  400  men  and  that  the  rest  of  their 
young  men  were  gone  to  war,  and  that  if  the  Iroquois  really  wished  to  make 
peace  with  them  they  were  ready  to  give  them  a  quantity  of  beaver  skins  and 
some  slaves  which  they  had.  The  Iroquois  called  me  to  them  and  loaded  me 
with  reproaches ;  they  told  me  that  I  was  a  liar  to  have  said  that  the  Islinois 
had  1,200  warriors  and  several  tribes  of  allies  who  had  given  them  assistance. 
Where  were  the  sixty  Frenchmen  who,  I  had  told  them,  were  at  the  village,  I 
had  much  difficulty  in  getting  out  of  the  scrape. 

The  same  evening  they  sent  back  the  Islinois  to  tell  his  nation  to  come  the 
next  day  to  within  half  a  league  of  the  fort  and  that  they  would  there  con- 
clude the  peace,  which  in  fact  was  done  at  noon.  The  Tslinois  having  come  to 
the  meeting-place,  the  Iroquois  gave  them  presents  of  necklaces  and  merchan- 
dise. The  first  necklace  signified  that  the  Governor  of  New  France  was  not 
angry  at  their  having  come  to  molest  their  brothers ;  the  second  was  addressed 
to  M.  de  La  Salle  with  the  same  meaning,  and  by  the  third,  accompanied  with 
merchandise,  they  bound  themselves  by  oath  to  a  strict  alliance,  that  hereafter 
they  should  live  as  brothers.  They  then  separated  and  the  Islinois  believed, 
after  these  presents,  in  the  sincerity  of  the  peace,  which  induced  them  to  come 
several  times  into  the  fort  of  the  enemies,  where,  some  Islinois  chiefs  having 
asked  me  what  I  thought,  I  told  them  they  had  everything  to  fear,  and  that 
there  was  among  these  barbarians  no  good  faith,  and  that  I  knew  that  they 
were  making  canoes  of  elm  bark  and  that  consequently  they  were  intending  to 
pursue  them,  and  that  they  should  take  advantage  of  the  time  to  retire  to  some 
distant  nation,  for  they  were  most  assuredly  betrayed. 

The  eighth  day  after  their  arrival,  on  the  10th  of  September,  they  called 
me  and  Father  Zenoble  to  council,  and  having  made  us  sit  down,  they  placed 

85 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

six  packets  of  beaver  skins  before  us  and  addressing  me  they  said  that  the 
two  first  packets  were  to  inform  M.  de  Frontenac  that  they  would  not  eat  his 
children  and  that  they  should  not  be  angry  at  what  they  had  done ;  the  third 
was  to  serve  as  a  plaster  for  my  wound ;  the  fourth  was  oil  to  rub  on  my  own 
and  the  Recollect  father's  limbs,  on  account  of  the  journeys  we  had  taken;  the 
fifth,  that  the  sun  was  bright;  the  sixth,  that  we  should  depart  the  next  day 
for  the  French  settlements.  Murmurs  arose  among  them.  Some  of  them 
answered  me  that  they  would  eat  some  of  the  Islinois  before  they  went  away ; 
upon  which  I  kicked  away  their  presents,  saying  that  there  was  no  use  in 
making  presents  to  me,  I  would  have  none  of  them,  since  they  designed  to  eat 
the  children  of  the  governor.  An  Ambenakis  who  was  with  them,  and  who 
spoke  French,  told  me  that  the  men  were  irritated,  and  the  chiefs  rising  drove 
me  from  the  council. 

The  Proto-Martyr  of  Illinois 

We  went  to  our  cabin,  where  was  passed  the  night  on  our  guard,  resolved 
to  kill  some  of  them  before  they  should  kill  us,  for  we  thought  that  we  should 
not  live  out  the  night.  However,  at  daybreak  they  directed  us  to  depart,  which 
we  did.  After  making  five  leagues  in  the  canoe,  we  landed  to  dry  some 
peltries,  which  were  wet.  While  we  were  repairing  our  canoe,  Father  Gabriel 
told  me  he  was  going  aside  to  pray.  1  advised  him  not  to  go  away,  because  we 
were  surrounded  by  enemies.  He  went  about  1,000  paces  off  and  was  taken  by 
forty  savages  of  the  nation  called  Kikapous,  who  carried  him  away  and  broke 
his  head.  Finding  that  he  did  not  return,  I  went  to  look  for  him  with  one  of 
my  men.  Having  discovered  his  trail,  I  found  it  cut  by  several  others,  which 
joined  and  ended  at  last  in  one. 

I  brought  back  the  sad  news  to  Father  Zenoble,  who  was  greatly  grieved 
at  this.  Towards  evening  we  made  a  great  fire,  hoping  that  he  might  return; 
and  we  went  over  to  the  other  side  of  the  river,  where  we  kept  a  good  lookout. 
Towards  midnight  we  saw  a  man  appear,  and  then  many  others.8 

But  though  they  searched  diligently  and  waited  long,  Father  de  La 
Ribourde  was  not  found. 

Thus  was  the  first  life  offered  up  for  the  Faith  on  Illinois  soil  on  the  19th 
day  of  September,  1680,  and  not  far  from  the  present  city  of  Morris.  This  sacred 
spot  should  be  marked  with  a  cross  or  a  grotto  whei'e  passersby  might  offer 
their  supplications  with  those  of  the  aged  and  sainted  Father  Gabriel  who  gave 
up  a  life  of  ease  and  affluence  and  abandoned  high  station  that  he  might  spread 
the  gospel,  and  in  his  extreme  old  age  undertook  this  difficult  and  perilous  voy- 
age into  the  wilderness. 

As  to  his  companion,  Father  Membre,  it  may  be  said  that  he  was  spared 
many  years  for  a  useful  career  in  the  course  of  which  he  made  other  visits  to 
Illinois  and  accompanied  La  Salle  on  still  further  voyages.  He  was  also  the 
ambassador  of  La  Salle  at  the  French  court  and  became  the  historian  of  La 
Salle's  journey  to  the  Gulf." 

Perhaps  the  career  of  none  of  the  missionaries  is  better  known  than  that 
of  the  third  of  this  earliest  band  of  Franciscans,  Father  Louis  Hennepin,  who  in 
spite  of  his  boastful  utterances  was  really  a  great  explorer  and  historian. 
Though  the  evidence  seems  conclusive  that  in  some  of  his  later  writings  there 


'Kellogg's  Early  Narratives  of  the  Northwest,  pp.  291-294. 

•Translated  in  Shea's  Discovery  and  Exploration  of  the  Mississippi  Valley. 

86 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

were  some  mis-statements,  yet  his  writings  carefully  examined  and  considered 
are  of  great  historical  value.10 

In  so  far  as  missionary  work  was  concerned,  nothing  came  of  this  attempt 
on  the  part  of  the  Franciscans  to  establish  missions  in  Illinois. 

Abbe  Jean  Cavelier  and  His  Companions 

In  order  to  have  a  correct  sequence  it  should  be  noted  that  the  next  priests 
other  than  Jesuits  to  visit  the  Illinois  country  were  Abbe  Jean  Cavelier,  a 
Sulpician  and  the  brother  of  Robert  Cavelier  Sieur  de  La  Salle  the  great  ex- 
plorer, and  Father  Aanastasius  Douay,  a  Franciscan  and  nephew  of  Father 
Cavelier  and  of  La  Salle,  who  accompanied  La  Salle  on  his  voyage  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico  in  1684,  and  who,  on  their  return  after  La  Salle's  death  stopped  at 
Ft.  St.  Louis  on  the  Rock  (now  Starved  Rock).  Tonti  in  his  Memoir  tells  of  this 
visit,  and  of  his  disappointment  and  chagrin  at  the  failure  of  Abbe  Cavelier 
to  tell  him  of  de  La  Salle's  death.    Upon  Tonti 's  return  to  Ft.  St.  Louis,  he  says  . 

There  I  found  M.  Cavelier,  a  priest,  his  nephew,  and  the  Reverend  Father 
Anastasius  (Douay)  a  Recollect,  and  two  men.  They  concealed  from  me  the 
assassination  of  M.  de  La  Salle,  and  upon  their  assuring  me  that  he  had  re- 
mained at  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  in  good  health,  I  received  them  as  if  they  had 
been  M.  de  La  Salle  himself,  and  lent  them  more  than  700  francs.  M.  Cavelier, 
brother  of  M.  de  La  Salle,  departed  in  the  spring,  1687,  to  give  an  account  of 
his  voyage  at  court.11 

The  record  of  Abbe  Cavelier,  as  we  read  it  in  the  contemporary  accounts 
and  even  in  the  semi-fiction  books  is  not  attractive.  He  is  made  disagreeable 
and  avaricious,  and  possibly  without  entirely  just  cause.  The  circumstances  of 
this  voyage  afford  some  evidence  that  he  acted  somewhat  in  self-protection. 
Apparently  all  the  means  of  the  family  was  embarked  in  de  La  Salle's  under- 
taking, and  by  the  large  numbers  of  the  family  participating  in  this  last  ex- 
pedition, the  de  La  Salle  ventures  take  on  the  appearance  of  a  family  concern. 
There  was  de  La  Salle  himself,  his  brother  Jean  Cavelier  the  Sulpician  Priest, 
Father  Anastasius  Douay  the  Franciscan,  a  nephew,  and  a  nephew  another 
Cavelier  and  his  relative  M.  Crevel  de  Morange.  And  while  the  inference  of 
Tonti  and  the  direct  charges  of  other  writers  is  that  he  was  grasping  in  his  at- 
tempts to  secure  de  La  Salle 's  property  and  effects,  these  facts  serve  to  indicate 
that  he  may  have  been  discharging  a  duty  to  his  family  and  relatives  in  so  seek- 
ing some  slight  return  of  the  means  they  had  advanced  for  de  La  Salle's 
enterprises. 

Abbe  Cavelier  made  his  way  to  Canada  and  from  thence  to  France  where 
he  applied  to  the  court  to  fit  out  a  new  expedition  to  America.  Failing  in  this 
he  retired  to  Rouen,  the  home  of  his  sister,  Mary  Magdalene  Cavelier,  wife  of 
the  Sieur  Fortin  or  le  Forestier,  Secretary  to  the  King,  and  died  there 
after  1717. 

Father  Anastasius  Douay  had  a  more  lasting  connection  with  the  Illinois 
country  in  that  he  became  the  historian  of  the  voyage  of  La  Salle  through 
Illinois  in  1686.    After  his  return  to  France  with  Father  Cavelier,  he  wrote  an 


,0See  Parkman. 

"Kellogg's  Early  Narratives,  p.  311. 


87 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

account  of  the  expedition  which  was  published  in  Christien  Le  Clercq's  Premier 
Establissemcnt  de  la  Foy  dans  la  Nouvelle  France  (Paris,  1691.)  He  afterwards 
returned  to  Louisiana  as  Chaplain  for  de  Iberville. 

The  Priests  of  the  Seminary  of  Foreign  Missions 

The  next  missionaries  other  than  Jesuits  to  visit  Illinois  were  Fathers 
Fran§ois  Jolliet  Montigny,  Francois  Buisson  de  Saint  Cosine  and  Anthony 
Davion,  all  priests  of  the  Seminary  of  Quebec,  which  was  a  companion  institu- 
tion of  the  Seminary  of  Foreign  Missions  in  Paris. 

This  Seminary  was  so  intimately  connected  with  the  affairs  of  the  Church 
in  Illinois  for  so  many  years  that  it  deserves  some  particular  mention.  Its  es- 
tablishment was  entirely  due  to  Bishop  Francois  de  Montmorency  de  Laval,  the 
first  bishop  of  Quebec.  Bishop  Laval  studied  under  the  Jesuits  at  La  Fleche 
and  in  the  college  of  Clermont,  Paris.  At  the  latter  place  he  joined  a  group 
of  young  men  directed  by  Father  Jean  Bagot,  S.  J.  This  group  was  the  germ 
of  the  Seminary  of  Foreign  Missions.  The  Seminary  at  Quebec  was  founded  by 
Bishop  Laval  in  1663.  In  1668  Bishop  Laval  also  founded  a  preparatory  sem- 
inary like  the  home  institution  in  Paris.  The  purpose  of  the  seminary  at 
Quebec  was,  as  the  name  implies,  to  furnish  priests  for  foreign  missions. 

The  evangelization  of  the  Indians  was  one  of  the  dearest  objects  of  Bishop 
Laval's  solicitude,  and  Abbe  Gosselin  in  his  great  work,  Life  of  Monsignor  de 
Laval,  says  that  the  foundation  of  the  Mission  Tamarois  was  due  to  Bishop 
Laval. 

It  was  from  this  seminary  that  all  the  priests  of  the  Tamaroa  mission  of 
the  Holy  Family  of  Cahokia  came,  from  its  first  occupancy  by  Father  St.  Cosme 
in  1699  or  1700  to  1763.  And  it  was  at  this  seminary  that  Father  Pierre 
Gibault,  who  later  became  the  Vicar-General  of  the  Bishop  of  Quebec  in  Illinois, 
was  educated  and  his  education  was  paid  for  out  of  the  rents  of  the  property  of 
the  Holy  Family  mission  at  Cahokia. 

Father  Montigny  and  his  companions  were  sent  out  by  Bishop  John  Baptist 
de  la  Croix  de  St.  Valier,  the  immediate  successor  of  Bishop  Laval,  and  Father 
Montigny  was  made  superior  of  the  mission  and  Vicar-General. 

Out  of  the  journey  of  these  three  missionaries  came  one  of  the  best  of  the 
early  narratives  of  travel,  that  of  St.  Cosme,  relating  to  the  Illinois  country  and 
the  state  of  the  missions  at  that  time.  Father  St.  Cosme  tells  in  more  or  less  de- 
tail of  their  embarkation  and  the  company  in  which  they  sailed.  After  a  de- 
scription of  the  earlier  part  of  the  voyage  he  tells  of  reaching  Chicago  and 
landing  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Michigan. 

Visit  to  Chicago 

It  is  from  this  letter  and  at  this  point  in  the  narrative  that  we  gain  most  of 
our  information  about  the  first  mission  established  within  what  is  now  Chicago. 
In  describing  their  visit  to  Father  Pinet's  Mission  of  the  Angel  Guardian,  which 
has  been  noted  before,  Father  St.  Cosme  says : 

We  went  by  land,  Mr.  de  Montigny,  Davion  and  myself,  to  the  house  of  the 
Reverend  Jesuit  Fathers,  our  people  staying  with  the  baggage.  We  found  there 

88 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

Reverend  Father  Pinet  and  Reverend  Father  Binateau,  who  had  recently  come 
in  from  the  Illinois  and  were  slightly  sick. 

I  cannot  explain  to  you,  Monseigneur,  with  what  cordiality  and  marks  of 
esteem  these  reverend  Jesuit  Fathers  received  and  caressed  us  during  the  time 
that  we  had  the  consolation  of  staying  with  them.  Their  house  is  built  on  the 
banks  of  a  small  lake,  having  the  river  on  one  side  and  a  fine  large  prairie  on 
the  other.  The  Indian  village  is  of  over  150  cabins,  and  one  league  on  the  river 
there  is  another  village  almost  as  large.  They  are  both  of  the  Miamis.  Rev- 
erend Pinet  makes  it  his  ordinary  residence  except  in  winter,  when  the  Indians 
all  go  hunting,  and  which  he  goes  and  spends  at  the  Illinois.  We  saw  no  Indians 
there,  they  had  already  started  for  their  hunt.  If  we  may  judge  of  the  future  by 
the  little  while  that  Father  Pinet  has  been  on  this  mission,  we  may  say  that  God 
blesses  the  labors  and  zeal  of  this  holy  missionary.  There  will  be  a  great  number 
of  good  and  fervent  Christians  there.  It  is  true  that  little  fruit  is  produced 
there  in  those  who  are  grown  up  and  hardened  in  debauchery,  but  the  children 
are  baptised  and  even  the  medicine  men,  most  opposed  to  Christianity,  allow 
their  children  to  be  baptised.  They  are  even  very  glad  to  have  them  instructed. 
Many  girls  already  grown  up  and  many  young  boys  are  being  instructed,  so 
that  it  may  be  hoped  that  when  the  old  stock  dies  off  there  will  be  a  new  Chris- 
tian people.12 

Father  St.  Cosme  then  describes  in  more  detail  than  any  of  the  early  narra- 
tives the  passage  of  the  portage  and  the  conditions  and  surroundings  of  Mon 
Jolly  (Mount  Jolliet).  They  finally  arrived  on  the  15th  of  November  at  the  old 
fort  (now  Starved  Rock),  but  found  it  abandoned,  the  Indians  having  gone  to 
stay  about  twenty-five  leagues  lower  down.  The  next  stop  was  at  Peoria  Lake, 
where  they  again  saw  Father  Pinet,  who,  though  starting  later  from  Chicago 
than  they,  had  arrived  several  days  earlier  at  Peoria,  due  to  the  fact  that  Father 
St.  Cosme 's  party  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  a  boy  that  accompanied  the  party 
in  the  tall  grasses  and  remained  searching  for  him.13 

Here,  besides  Father  Pinet,  who  was  on  a  temporary  visit  only,  they  found 
Father  Gabriel  Marest,  S.J.,  and  Father  Julien  Bineteau,  S.J.,  and  Father  St. 
Cosme  says  that : 

The  Reverend  Fathers  gave  us  all  possible  welcome.  Their  only  regret  was 
to  see  us  start  out  so  soon  on  account  of  the  frosts.14 

Here  we  have  a  proof  of  the  success  of  the  Illinois  Missions  which  has  been 
so  frequently  brought  into  question.    Father  St.  Cosme  says : 

This  Illinois  Mission  seems  to  me  the  finest  that  the  Jesuit  Fathers  have  up 
here,  for  without  counting  all  the  children  who  were  baptized,  there  are  many 
grown  persons  who  have  abandoned  all  their  superstitions  and  live  as  perfectly 
good  Christians,  frequenting  the  sacraments  and  are  married  in  the  Church.1"' 

The  First  High  Mass  in  Illinois 
It  was  at  this  time,  November  21,  1699,  that  another  great  event  in  the  early 
history  of  the  Church  occurred. 

We  sang  High  Mass  there  (at  Peoria  Lake)  with  deacon  and  subdeacon  on 
the  day  of  the  Presentation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.10 

"Ibid,  p.  347. 
"Ibid,  p.  347. 
"Ibid,  p.  350. 
"Ibid,  p.  351. 
"Ibid,  p.  351. 

89 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

So  far  as  writings  show,  that  was  the  first  High  Mass  ever  celebrated  on  the 
soil  of  Illinois. 

Father  St.  Cosme  and  his  companions  arrived  at  the  village  of  the  Tamarois. 
the  seat  of  the  future  activities  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Seminary,  on  the  7th  of 
December,  1699,  and  celebrated  their  Masses  on  the  8th,  the  Feast  of  the  Immacu- 
late Conception,  and  departed  from  there  for  the  lower  Mississippi  on  the  same 
day,  whither  it  is  not  now  necessary  to  follow  them.17 

At  the  conclusion  of  their  southern  voyage,  Father  St.  Cosme  returned  and 
established  himself  at  the  village  of  the  Tamarois  which  De  la  Source  said  was 
the  largest  village  they  had  seen,  with  about  three  hundred  cabins.  "There  are 
as  many  people  at  the  Tamarois  as  at  Quebec."18 

Holy  Family  Mission  Established 

Father  Jean  Francois  Buisson  de  St.  Cosme  was,  therefore,  the  first  of  the 
Fathers  of  the  Foreign  Missions  to  have  charge  of  the  Mission  of  the  Tamarois, 
known  since  as  the  Holy  Family  and  located  in  what  afterwards  became  and 
still  remains  Cahokia.  Later  he  became  a  victim  of  the  Indians,  being  killed 
while  descending  the  Mississippi  by  a  party  of  Sitimaches.  St.  Cosme  did  not 
remain  long  at  the  Tamarois  Mission,  but  removed  soon  to  the  Natchez  on  the 
lower  Mississippi. 

Reverend  John  Bergier,  another  priest  of  the  Seminary  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, succeeded  St.  Cosme  at  the  Tamarois,  and  upon  the  departure  of  Father 
St.  Cosme,  Father  Bergier  became  the  Superior  of  the  Secular  Missionaries  in 
the  Mississippi  Valley.19 

Through  the  great  charity  of  Father  Gabriel  Marest,  S.  J.,  we  have  been 
able  to  learn  more  of  Father  Bergier  than  of  any  of  the  other  priests  of  the 
Seminary.  In  one  of  his  letters  Father  Marest  gives  a  very  interesting  account 
of  Father  Bergier 's  labors  and  of  his  death,  and  incidentally  discloses  some  of 
the  trials  of  the  missionary.     Father  Marest  says : 

About  twenty-five  leagues  from  here  is  the  village  of  the  Tamarouas.  This 
is  a  mission  which  was  at  first  intrusted  to  Father  Pinet,  whose  zeal  and  whose 
labors  were  so  greatly  blessed  by  God  that  I  myself  am  witness  that  his  church 
could  not  contain  the  multitude  of  savages  who  came  to  it  in  crowds.  This 
Father  had  as  his  successor  Monsieur  Bergier,  a  Priest  from  the  Seminary  of 
the  Missions  Etrangeres.  Having  learned  that  he  was  dangerously  sick,  I  im- 
mediately went  to  assist  him.  I  remained  eight  entire  days  with  this  worthy 
Ecclesiastic  the  care  that  I  took  of  him  and  the  remedies  which  I  gave  him, 
seemed  gradually  to  restore  him,  so  that,  believing  him  better,  and  knowing,  be- 
sides, how  necessary  my  presence  was  to  my  own  Mission,  on  account  of  the  de- 
parture of  the  Savages,  he  urged  me  to  return  to  it.  Before  leaving  him,  I  admin- 
istered to  him,  by  way  of  precaution,  the  holy  Viaticum ;  he  instructed  me 
as  to  the  condition  of  his  Mission,  recommending  it  to  me  in  case  that  God 
should  take  him  away.    I  charged  the  Frechman  who  took  care  of  the  patient 

"Ibid,  p.  355.  It  should  be  noted  that  the  passages  quoted  from  St.  Cosme's  letter 
are  really  from  Shea's  translation  published  in  his  Early  Voyages  Up  and  Down  the 
Mississippi,  but  as  that  volume  is  so  rare  I  have  cited  Kellogg.  There  are  some  slight 
differences  in  the  language. 

"See  letter,  Shea's  Early  Voyages  Up  and-  Down  the  Mississippi,  p.  84. 

"Shea,  The  Catholic  Church  in  Colonial  Days,  p.  541. 

90 


Memorial  to  Marquette,  Joliet  and  Algonquin  Indians, 
erected  from  tin  Ferguson  Fund  at  Harrison  Technical  Hign 
School,  Chicago. 


Treaty  at  Cahokia 

George  Rogers  Clark,  and  Reverend  Peter  Gibault  (Black  Robed) 
treating  with  Indians  in  August  and  September,  1T7'8. — From  a  painting 
over  the  grand  stair  case  on  west  interior  wall  of  the  State  House  at 
Springfield,  Illinois. 


THE    ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

to  inform  us  at  once  if  he  were  in  danger;  and  I  retraced  the    way    to    my 
Mission.20 

After  leaving  Father  Bergier,  Father  Marest  spent  several  days  in  visit- 
ing the  sick  and  afflicted  on  his  homeward  route,  preparing  several  sick  persons 
for  death,  and  administering  to  them  the  sacraments.  Arriving  at  home  again 
he  says : 

As  soon  as  I  reached  our  village,  I  wished  to  See  Monsieur  Bergier ;  but  the 
people  opposed  this,  alleging  as  a  cause  that,  no  one  having  brought  news  of 
him, — as  had  been  promised  in  case  he  were  worse, — they  could  not  doubt  that 
his  health  was  re-established.  I  yielded  to  this  reasoning;  but  a  few  days 
afterward,  I  felt  genuine  regret  for  not  having  followed  my  first  plan.  A  young 
slave  came,  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  to  appraise  us  of  his  death,  and 
beg  us  to  go  to  the  funeral  rites.  I  set  out  forthwith.  I  had  already  gone  six 
leagues  when  night  overtook  me;  a  heavy  rain  which  had  fallen  did  not  per- 
mit my  taking  a  few  hours'  rest.  Therefore  I  walked  until  daybreak,  when, 
the  weather  having  cleared  a  little,  I  lighted  a  fire  to  dry  myself,  and  then 
continued  my  way.  I  arrived  at  the  village  toward  evening,  God  having  given 
me  strength  to  make  these  fifteen  leagues  in  a  day  and  a  night.  The  next  day 
at  dawn  I  said  Mass  for  the  deceased,  and  buried  him. 

The  death  of  Monsieur  Bergier  was  somewhat  sudden,  according  to  what 
was  told  me  by  the  Frenchman  who  was  with  him ;  he  felt  it  coming  on  all 
at  once,  and  said  that  it  would  be  useless  to  send  for  me,  since  he  would  be 
dead  before  my  arrival.  He  merely  took  in  his  hands  the  crucifix,  which  he 
kissed  lovingly,  and  expired.  He  was  a  missionary  of  true  merit  and  of  a 
very  austere  life.  At  the  beginning  of  his  Mission  he  had  to  bear  rude  attacks 
from  the  Charlatans,  who,  availing  themselves  of  his  slight  knowledge  of  the 
Savage  language,  every  day  took  away  from  him  some  Christians ;  but  eventu- 
ally, he  learned  how  to  make  himself,  in  his  turn,  feared  by  those  imposters. 
His  death  was  for  them  a  cause  of  triumph.  They  gathered  around  the  cross 
which  he  had  erected,  and  there  they  invoked  their  Manitou,  each  one  dancing, 
and  attributing  to  himself  the  glory  of  having  killed  the  Missionary,  after 
which  they  broke  the  cross  into  a  thousand  pieces.  I  learned  this  with  grief 
some  time  after.21 

Father  Bergier 's  death  occurred  on  November  9,  1707.  He  was  succeeded 
in  the  Cahokia  Mission  by  Dominic  Mary  Varlet,  another  of  the  Seminarian 
fathers,  who  was  beyond  doubt  a  brilliant  man,  but  who  in  his  lifetime  became 
a  Jansenist.  Great  were  the  hopes  that  were  built  up  on  the  Reverend  Dominic 
Mary  Varlet,  who  is  said  to  have  been  a  man  of  ability  and  energy  and  of 
high  repute  and  a  priest  of  virtue  and  piety.  On  the  6th  of  October,  1717, 
Bishop  St.  Vallier,  recognizing  his  learning,  energy,  probity  and  other  virtues, 
appointed  him  Vicar-General  for  Fort  la  Mobile  or  Fort  Louis  and  the  places 
and  missions  near  and  along  the  river  Mississippi,  with  jurisdiction  over  all 
priests,  secular  or  regular,  except  priests  of  the  Society  of  Jesus,  who  were 
subject  to  their  own  superior,  and  renewed  letters  granted  to  former  Vicars- 
General  in  1698.  Father  Varlet  is  said  to  have  spent  six  years  on  the  missions, 
and  returning  to  Europe  was  in  1718  appointed  Bishop  of  Ascalon  and  Coadju- 
tor of  Babylon.  Soon  after  his  appointment,  news  reached  Rome  that  Mgr. 
Varlet  was  an  active  adherent  to  the  doctrines  of  Jansenius,  whereupon  the 


"Marest  to  Germon  Thwaites  Jesuit  Relations,  V.  66,  257. 
"Ibid,  pp.  261  to  265. 

91 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Sovereign  Pontiff  recalled  him;  but  he  went  to  Utrecht  in  Holland,  where  he 
took  part  in  establishing  the  schismatical  Jansenist  Church,  consecrated  four 
successive  pretending  archbishops,  and  died  near  that  city  in  1742  at  the  age 
of  sixty-four,  after  having  been  excommunicated  by  several  popes.22 

The  Mission  Plantation 

In  1718  Reverend  Dominic  Anthony  Thaumur  de  la  Source  and  Reverend 
John  le  Mercier  were  sent  to  take  charge  of  the  Mission  of  the  Tamarois  at 
Cahokia  and  Father  de  la  Source  remained  in  the  mission  until  1728.  The 
first  act  of  these  two  missionaries  was  to  secure  from  Pierre  Dougue  de  Bois 
briant  the  Commandant,  and  Mark  Anthony  de  la  Loere  des  Ursins  Commis- 
saire  a  tract  of  land  four  leagues  square,  a  quarter  of  a  league  above  the  little 
river  Cahokia,  to  be  conceded  in  legal  form  to  the  Seminary  of  Quebec23  This 
property  has  been  variously  known  as  the  property  of  the  Mission  of  St.  Sul- 
pice  and  of  the  Missions,  and  as  will  appear  hereafter,  became  the  subject  of 
much  controversy.  The  land  was  granted  out  to  settlers,  and  a  prosperous 
community  grew  up,  mills  and  other  works  of  general  use  being  established  by 
the  Seminary  Priests. 

Father  G.  Galvanin,  also  of  the  Seminary  of  Foreign  Missions,  was  here 
during  a  portion  at  least  of  this  period. 

In  1728  Father  de  la  Source  returned  to  Canada  and  Reverend  Joseph 
Courrier  and  Reverend  Joseph  Gaston  were  sent  on  to  the  Tamarois  Mission. 
Father  Gaston  was  killed  by  Indians  soon  after  reaching  the  Tamarois,  another 
Illinois  martyr  to  the  Faith,  but  Father  Courrier  labored  at  the  post  for  several 
years  and  was  regarded  as  a  man  of  extraordinary  sanctity.  Broken  in  health, 
he  went  to  New  Orleans  for  medical  treatment  and  died  among  the  Capuchin 
Fathers  in  the  fall  of  1753.24 

Father  Mercier,  who  came  in  1718  and  remained  through  all  the  changes, 
was  now  alone  in  the  mission  with  the  exception  of  Abbe  Joseph  Gagnon,  of 
whose  coming  we  have  no  specific  information,  but  who  at  this  date  was  aged 
and  infirm.25 

In  1739  Abbe  Nicholas  Laurenz,  a  priest  of  Chartres  in  France,  was  sent  to 
the  mission  and  had  charge  there  until  the  date  of  his  death  in  1758. 26 

The  last  of  the  Priests  of  the  Seminary  of  Quebec  was  Reverend  Francis 
Forget  Duverger,  who  came  in  1754  and  industriously  tended  the  mission  un- 
til 1763.  It  was  in  1763  that  the  Superior  Council  at  New  Orleans  passed  the 
outrageous  edict  for  the  banishment  of  the  Jesuits,  of  which  Judge  Edward 
Osgood  Brown,  after  having  examined  all  the  evidence  that  has  come  to  light 
with  respect  to  this  proceeding,  said : 

By  virtue  of  an  infamous  decree  of  the  Superior  Council  of  Louisiana,  an 
insignificant  body  of  provincial  officers  who  undertook  in  1763  to  condemn  the 
Society  of  Jesus,  and  to  suppress  the  order  within  Louisiana,  he  (Father  de 

"Shea,  The  Catholic  Church  in  Colonial  Days,  pp.  555,  557. 
"Shea,  The  Catholic  Church  in  Colonial  Days,  pp.  567-7. 
"Ibid,  p.  577. 
"Ibid,  p.  577. 
"Ibid,  p.  578. 

92 


THE   ILLINOIS    MISSIONS 

la  Morine,  one  of  the  Jesuit  Missionaries)  was  seized,  although  upon  British 
soil,  and  with  other  priests  from  Kaskaskia  and  Vineennes  taken  to  New 
Orleans  and  sent  from  there  to  France  with  orders  to  present  himself  to  the 
Due  de  Choiseul.-7 

Not  only  were  the  Jesuits  thus  banished,  hut  their  property  was  de- 
stroyed.-8 

Father  Duverger,  noting  this  treatment,  and  without  full  knowledge  of 
the  cause  or  pretext,  assuming  that  his  turn  would  come  next,  made  ready  to 
quit  the  country  before  he  was  driven  out,  and  Laving  sold  the  mission  property 
to  Jean  Lagrange  and  Antoine  Girard,  wealthy  Frenchmen,  proceeded  to  New 
Orleans  and  sailed  for  France  on  the  same  ship  with  the  banished  Jesuits  and 
never  returned.29 

Thus  ended  the  succession  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Seminary  of  Quebec  in 
the  Mission  of  the  Holy  Family  at  Tamarois  or  Cahokia  as  it  has  since  been 
called.  The  mission  or  parish,  as  it  became,  did  not  end  here,  however,  but,  as 
will  be  seen,  was  afterwards  and  to  the  present  day  tended  by  able  priests.  The 
lands  and  property  of  the  mission  were  made  the  subject  of  controversy  which 
involved  the  good  faith  not  alone  of  Father  Duverger  but  gave  the  new 
Prefect-Apostolic,  afterwards  Bishop  Carroll,  a  bad,  if  false,  impression  of 
Father  Pierre  Gibault,  which  exercised  some  influence  to  prevent  Father 
Gibault  from  being  taken  into  Bishop  Carroll's  confidence.''0 


"Brown,  The  Parish  Registers  at  Miehilimackinac,  p.  47. 

a8Thwaites  Jesuit  Relations,  V.  71,  pp.  37,  38. 

2,See  account  of  sale  in  letter  of  Father  Meurin  to  Bishop  Briand,  Thwaites  Jesuit 
Relations,  V.  71,  p.  37.  Also  Court  Records  published  in  Illinois  Historical  Collections, 
Alvord,  Vol.  2,  pp.  55  and  223  and  letters  published  in  Illinois  Historical  Collections, 
Vol.  Y'  Alvord,  Kaskaskia  Records,  p.  560  et  seq. 

3"See  letters  of  Bishop  Carroll  to  Father  Gibault  and  others  published  in  Kas- 
kaskia Records,  Vol.  V,  Illinois  Historical  Collections,  p.  590  et  seq. 


93 


CHAPTER  IV 

The  Church  in  the  Transition  Period 

The  Change  from  French  to  English  and  from  English  to 
American  Jurisdiction. 

When  in  1763  the  Superior  Council  of  Louisiana  had  executed  its  decree 
of  banishment  against  the  Jesuits,  and  Father  Forget  Duverger,  the  last  of 
the  Priests  of  the  Foreign  Missions,  had,  as  he  thought,  anticipated  the  illegal 
decree  by  disposing  of  the  mission  property  at  Cahokia  and  had  left  the  coun- 
try, there  seems  to  have  been  no  priests  left  within  the  boundaries  of  what  is 
now  Illinois,  except  Fathers  Luke  and  Hyppolite  Collet,1  two  Franciscan  priests, 
who  were  brothers,  and  who  labored  alone  in  the  field  until  good  old  Father 
Sebastien  Louis  Meurin  of  the  Jesuits,  who  had  been  dragged  down  to  New  Or- 
leans under  the  decree  of  banishment,  was,  upon  the  earnest  solicitation  of  both 
the  Indians  and  French  in  Illinois,  permitted  to  return.  But  this  privilege 
was  granted  only  upon  Father  Meurin 's  first  pledging  himself  to  the  unholy 
coterie  at  New  Orleans,  to  recognize  only  the  jurisdiction  they  assumed  to  set 
up.2  Father  Meurin  returned  to  the  Illinois  country  in  1764,  did  the  best  he 
could  to  serve  all  of  the  Illinois  Missions  and  those  on  the  Spanish  side  of  the 
river  as  well,  and  struggled  along  until,  in  response  to  his  earnest  pleas,  the 
Bishop  of  Quebec  sent  Father  Pierre  Gibault  as  his  Vicar-General  to  the  Illi- 
nois country. 

Father  Gibault  arrived  in  the  Illinois  country  in  September,  1768,  and  for 
twenty-one  years  was  the  leading  spirit  of  the  entire  Middle  West  on  both  sides 
of  the  Mississippi.  He  was  a  brilliant  man,  highly  educated,  eloquent  and  well 
informed.     He  kept  abreast  of  the  times    and    was    from    the    very    earliest 


'Leonard  Philibert  Collet,  who  took  in  religion  the  name  of  Luke,  was  chaplain 
at  the  French  posts  in  Pennsylvania,  Presquile  and  Riviere  Aux  Boeufs.  He  was  born 
November  3,  1715,  ordained  1753.  He  died  September  10,  1765,  and  was  buried  at  St. 
Ann's  of  Fort  Chartres  and  his  remains  and  those  of  Abbe  Joseph  Gagon,  F.M.,  also 
buried  there,  were  removed  to  St.  Joseph's  at  Prairie  du  Rocher  by  Fr.  Meurin,  S.  J., 
in  1768.  The  Fathers  Collet  were  both  at  St.  Ann's  du  Fort  Chartres.  Father  Hippo- 
lyte  had  been  there  in  May,  1759,  and  Father  Luke  since  May  1761.  They  attended  St. 
Ann's  at  Fort  Chartres,  the  Visitation  at  St.  Philippes,  and  St.  Joseph's  at  Prairie  du 
Rocher.     Father  Hippolyte  left  in  1764. — Shea,  Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  pp.  112,  113. 

2Father  Sebastian  Louis  Meurin,  born  in  Champagne  in  1707,  became  a  Jesuit  in 
1729,  came  to  New  Orleans  in  1741,  to  Illinois  in  1742,  died  at  Prairie  du  Rocher  in 
1777,  remains  removed  by  Bishop  of  Chicago,  Rt.  Rev.  James  Oliver  Vandeveld,  S.  J., 
to  the  Jesuit  cemetery  in  Florisant,  Missouri,  and  there  reinterred  September  3,  1849. 
Upon  the  execution  of  the  decree  of  banishment,  petitions  were  sent  to  the  authorities 
to  permit  at  least  Father  Aubert  to  remain  (letter  of  Philibert  Watrin,  S.  J.,  translated 
and  published  in  Alvord  and  Carter  Illinois  Historical  Collections,  Vol  X,  p.  107).  See 
as  to  Father  Meurin,  lb.,  p.  118  and  pp.  73  and  74.  See  also  letter  of  Father  Meurin  to 
Bishop  Briand,  Thwaits  Jesuit  Relations,  71,  73  et  seq.  See  also  Shea,  Life  of  Arcf» 
bishop  Carroll,  p.  114,  J15. 

95 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

champion  of  the  American  cause,  of  which  he  was  well  informed  before  George 
Rogers  Clark  conceived  the  conquest  of  the  Northwest ;  and  when  Clark,  under 
authority  of  the  Assembly  of  Virginia  and  Governor  Patrick  Henry  under- 
took the  conquest  of  the  Northwest,  he  became  the  central  figure  in  the  events 
which  led  to  the  espousal  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  Northwest  of  the  American 
cause.  He  was  not  only  one  of  the  ablest  and  most  successful  priests  that  had 
yet  been  in  the  Illinois  country,  but  the  greatest  patriot  of  the  Northwest  in 
Revolutionary  times. 

In  the  confusion  of  political  and  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  which  resulted 
from  the  short-lived  English  occupation,  Father  Gibault  was  caught  in  the 
vortex,  condemned  by  the  Canadian  Bishop  under  whose  jurisdiction  he  was 
originally  bound  for  his  espousal  of  the  American  cause,  and  looked  upon  with 
suspicion  by  the  Prefect-Apostolic  Carroll  of  the  United  States  by  reason  of 
false  reports  which  British  enemies  had  spread  concerning  him,  and  was,  in 
his  old  age,  driven  from  the  ministry  in  the  field  of  his  labor,  to  the  Spanish 
Dominion  where  he  died  in  obscurity.'5 

Veky  Reverend  John  Carroll,  Prefect-Apostolic  and  Bishop 

When  the  newly  created  Prefect-Apostolic,  the  Very  Reverend  John  Car- 
roll, afterwards  Bishop  and  Archbishop,  found  himself  (in  1790)  clothed  with 
jurisdiction  over  the  vast  territory  composing  the  then  United  States  of 
America,  he  exerted  every  effort  to  supply  priests  to  the  numerous  settlements, 
which  in  number  were  greatly  out  of  proportion  to  the  supply  of  prists.  Under 
such  circumstances,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  if  the  Prefect- Apostolic  was  will- 
ing to  take  almost  any  ecclesiastic  who  presented  himself  and  expressed  a  will- 
ingness to  penetrate  into  the  western  wilds,  as  the  Illinois  country  was  considered 
by  those  on  the  Atlantic  seaboard. 

The  first  priest  to  volunteer  for  such  service  was  a  Discalced  Carmalite, 
Paul  de  Saint  Pierre,  who  had  been  a  chaplain  in  Rochambeau's  army,  fight- 
ing with  the  Americans  in  the  Revolutionary  War.4  De  Saint  Pierre  applied 
to  Father  Carroll  in  1784,  was  given  faculties,  although  the  Prefect-Apostolic 
was  not  fully  convinced  of  his  rights  to  the  same,  and  proceeded  to  Kentucky 
where  he  visited  twenty-five  families  who  had  immigrated  from  Maryland  to 
Pottinger's  Creek  in  1785.  From  there  he  went  to  Louisville,  making  a  brief 
stay,  but  arrived  in  the  Illinois  country  in  1785  and  ministered  at  Cahokia 
and  Vincennes  from  1785  to  1790. 

Though  Bishop  Carroll  expressed  some  misgivings  relative  to  St.  Pierre, 
and  though  Father  La  Valiniere  who  came  later,  sought  a  quarrel  with  him, 
de  St.  Pierre  made  a  good  record  in  this  part,  and  comes  down  to  us  as    a 


3For  extended  account  of  the  life  and  works  of  Father  Gihault  see  articles  in  Illi- 
nois Catholic  Historical  Review  beginning  with  the  July,  1918,  number  entitled  "Illinois' 
First  Citizen,  Pierre  Gibault,"  by  Joseph  J.  Thompson. 

4See  letter  of  De  St.  Pierre  to  Tardiveau,  translated  and  published  in  Illinois  His- 
torical Collections,  Vol.  V.  Alvord,  p.  568,  and  note  76  Illinois  Historical  Collections, 
Vol.  II,  p.  630.    Father  De  St.  Pierre  was  a  native  of  Germany  or  Holland,     lb. 

96 


Early  Non-Resident  Bishoi's  of  Illinois 

Most  Reverend  John  Carroll,  D.D.,  Archbishop  of  Baltimore,  first  Bishop 
in  the  United  States;  Right  Reverend  Benedict  Joseph  Flaget,  D.l>..  first 
Bishop  of  Bardstown;  Right  Reverend  Joseph  Rosati,  Bishop  of  St.  Louis; 
Right  Reverend  Simon  William  Gabriel  Brutd,  Bishop  of  Vincennes. 


Tfc£  LIBBAHY 
MHSVERSITY  OF  ILL 


THE    CHURCH   IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

faithful  and  devoted  priest,  who  ministered  well  to  the  Catholics  of  the  Illinois 
country  on  both  sides  of  the  Mississippi  and  in  turn  was  loved  and  admired 
by  them. 

In  this  period  appears  one  of  the  strangest  ecclesiastics  that  ever  visited 
Illinois:  a  French  Canadian,  Reverend  Peter  Huet  de  la  Valiniere.  In  a 
note  in  Shea's  Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  the  author  says: 

This  good  but  strange  and  restless  priest  came  to  Canada  in  1755  with  the 
famous  Abbe  Picquet.  He  rescued  from  the  state  a  Mrs.  0 'Flaherty  and  her 
daughter,  paid  for  the  education  of  the  child  and  for  her  profession  when  she 
became  a  sister  in  Mme.  d'Youville's  Community.  He  was  driven  from  Can- 
ada at  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution  for  his  sympathy  with  the  Ameri- 
cans, labored  in  New  York,  Philadelphia  and  Illinois,  went  to  New  Orleans, 
Havana,  Florida,  Charleston,  Stonington,  New  York,  Montreal,  Split  Rock, 
N.  Y.,  and  was  killed  at  Repentigny,  Canada,  June  29,  1806,  by  falling  from  a 
wagon.5 

Receiving  what  he  considered  commendation  of  Father  Valiniere  from  the 
Bishop  of  Quebec,  Dr.  Carroll  made  him  his  Vicar-General  for  the  Illinois 
country,  and  sent  him  west,  where  he  began  his  labors  in  1785,  taking  up  his 
residence  at  Kaskaskia,  from  whence  Father  Gibault  had  recently  removed  to 
Vincennes.  Valiniere  proved  as  stormy  in  Illinois  as  elsewhere,  and  after  a 
few  years,  in  which,  though  he  led  an  exemplary  life  and  showed  the  firmest  at- 
tachment to  the  Church,  he  quarreled  with  almost  everybody  else  interested  in 
the  Church,  laymen  as  well  as  clerics.  He  gave  out  bad  reports  of  both  Fathers 
de  St.  Pierre  and  Gibault,  and  in  general  created  turmoil.0 

About  this  time  Dr.  Carroll's  earnest  appeal  to  the  old  world  for  help 
was  responded  to  by  the  Sulpicians,  who  established  a  house  in  Maryland. 
Amongst  the  Sulpician  fathers  who  came  at  Dr.  Carroll's  invitation  were  Rev- 
erend Michael  Levadoux  and  Reverend  Gabriel  Richard. 

Bishop  Carroll  sent  Father  Levadoux  to  Kaskaskia  where  he  officiated 
from  February,  1793  to  May,  1797,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Father  Richard 
who  remained  until  1798. 7 

Father  Charles  Leander  Lusson,  a  Franciscan,  was  sent  by  Bishop  Carroll 
to  Cahokia  in  1798  but  abandoned  the  parish  soon  afterwards  and  removed  to 
the  Spanish  side  of  the  Mississippi.8 

Fathers  Levadoux  and  Richard  were  very  distinguished  priests,  Richard 
becoming  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the  west  of  that  early  day.  After 
leaving  the  Illinois  Missions  in  1798  he  was  stationed  at  Detroit  as  assistant 
and  afterwards  as  pastor  and  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  making  of  Detroit 
and  Michigan.  He  brought  the  first  printing  press  into  the  State  of  Michigan, 
published  the  first  paper  in  that  state,  organized  several  industries,  and  was 


'Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll  op.  cit.  432. 

"For  the  troubles  of  La  Valinier  see  Alvord's  introduction  to  the  Kaskaskia  Records, 
Illinois  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  V.  Rev.  J.  B.  Culemans  of  Moline,  111.,  contributed  to 
the  Illinois  Catholic  Historical  Review  an  exhaustive  article  on  the  life  of  La  Valeniere. 

'Shea,  Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  p.  483. 

•Ibid. 

97 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

not  only  a  spiritual  but  a  civic  leader.  He  was  elected  to  the  Federal  Con- 
gress, being  the  only  Catholic  priest  ever  elected  to  Congress.9 

In  February,  1799,  Fathers  John  and  Donatien  Olivier  arrived  in  Illinois. 
Father  John  was  stationed  at  Cahokia  and  Father  Donatien  at  Kaskaskia  and 
Prairie  du  Rocher.10 

Father  Donatien  Olivier  for  more  than  thirty  years  was  the  leading 
spirit  and  the  principal  proponent  of  the  Christian  religion  in  the  states  of 
Illinois,  Indiana  and  Missouri.  He  became  the  Vicar-General  of  Bishop 
Carroll  in  the  Illinois  country  and  inducted  Bishop  Flaget  into  his  See.  He 
was  the  Tribune  of  the  people  and  the  Herald  of  the  Bishop  upon  all  functions 
and  visitations  a  man  of  singular  piety  and  great  eloquence,  and  most  active 
in  all  of  this  difficult  period  in  the  experience  of  the  Illinois  Church. 

The  Reverend  Donatien  Olivier  was  one  among  the  most  pious,  zealous  and 
efficient  priests  who  ever  labored  in  the  missions  of  the  Mississippi  valley.  He 
was  universally  esteemed  and  beloved;  by  the  French  Catholics  he  was  rever- 
enced as  a  saint.  His  name  is  still  held  in  benediction  among  them.  He 
was  for  many  years  Vicar-General  of  the  Bishop  of  Baltimore,  for  all  the 
missions  extending  over  the  present  States  of  Indiana  and  Illinois.  He  usually 
resided,  it  appears,  at  Prairie  du  Rocher,  but  he  visited  Kaskaskia,  Cahokia, 
Vincennes,  and  the  other  Catholic  settlements.  He  was  admired  for  his  child- 
like simplicity  and  unaffected  piety,  which  traits  he  continued  to  exhibit,  in 
the  midst  of  his  apostolic  labors,  till  old  age  compelled  him  to  abandon  the 
field  and  seek  solace  and  prepare  for  death  in  retirement.  He  died  on  the 
29th  of  January,  1841,  at  the  Seminary  of  the  Barrens,  in  Missouri,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  ninety-five  years.1 1 

Governor  Reynolds,  who  had  personal  knowledge  of  Father  Olivier,  said 
of  him : 

One  of  the  ancient  pioneer  clergymen  was  the  celebrated  Mr.  Olivier  of 
Prairie  du  Rocher,  Randolph  County.  This  reverend  divine  was  a  native  of 
Italy,  and  was  a  high  dignitary  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  for  more  than 

•At  the  outset  of  the  war  of  1812  Detroit  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British  and 
Father  Richard  was  carried  off  and  confined  as  a  prisoner  in  Sandwich,  Canada.  Shea, 
Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  p.  657.  For  an  excellent  sketch  of  Father  Richard  see 
Life  and  Times  of  Rev.  Gabriel  Richard,  by  J.  A.  Girardin,  Michigan  Pioneer  Collec- 
tions, Vol.  1,  p.  481.  See  Father  Gabriel's  record  in  Congress  in  A  Catholic  Priest  in 
Congress,  by  Hon.  Thomas  A.  E.  Weadock,  M.C.,  Michigan  Pioneer  and  Historical  Col- 
lections, Vol.  21,  p.  432.  Father  Richard  was  also  a  member  of  the  elected  territorial 
legislature  of  Michigan  from  1823  to  1825.  Michigan  Pioneer  Collections,  Vol.  6,  p.  380. 
He  was  also  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  University  of  Michigan. 

Father  Levadoux  was  recalled  to  Baltimore  in  1801  and  then  to  France.  Shea, 
Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  p.  489. 

10Shea,  Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  p.  483. 

Rev.  Donatien  Olivier  came  to  America  from  France  in  1794  in  company  with  Rev. 
William  Louis  du  Bourg,  afterwards  Bishop  of  New  Orleans;  Rev.  John  Rivet,  after- 
wards the  great  patron  of  education  at  Vincennes,  and  Rev.  John  Moranville.  Shea, 
Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  p.  408. 

Father  John  Olivier  left  Cahokia  in  1803  and  went  to  New  Orleans  as  chaplain 
of  the  Ursuline  Convent.  Bishop  Carroll  made  him  Vicar-General  of  Louisiana.  Shea, 
Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  pp.  594-595. 

"See  accounts  of  Father  Donatien's  activities  in  Indiana  while  Vicar-General  of 
Bishop  Carroll  for  the  Illinois  country.  The  Diocese  of  Vincennes,  Rev.  H.  Alerding, 
pp.  76  et  seq.  An  obituary  of  Father  Olivier  appeared  in  the  Catholic  Advocate,  Vol. 
VL  p.  23. 

98 


THE   CHURCH    IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

half  a  century.  He  acquired  a  great  reputation  for  his  sanctity  and  holiness, 
and  some  believed  him  possessed  of  the  power  to  perform  small  miracles,  to 
which  he  made  no  pretentions.12 

A  Period  of  Severe  Trial 

During  the  years  succeeding  the  banishment  of  the  Jesuits,  the  Church  in 
Illinois  was  most  severely  tried.  For  a  government  to  have  done  everything 
conceivable  in  the  deepest  malice  to  discredit  the  Church  through  the  humilia- 
tion of  its  most  successful  ministers,  was  a  blow  that  was  hard  to  survive ; 
and  when  added  to  that  came  the  changes  of  the  political  and  ecclesiastical 
jurisdiction,  bringing  in  their  train  the  persecution  of  the  leading  churchman 
of  the  territory,  Father  Gibault,  and  the  quarrels  fomented  by  Father  de  La 
Valiniere,  it  would  seem  strange  that  the  Church  was  not  completely  destroyed. 
It  is  apparent,  however,  that  though  there  were  losses,  yet  the  prestige  of  the 
Faith  was  maintained.  It  was  during  this  very  period  that  William  Morri- 
son,13 the  leading  merchant  of  Illinois,  and  John  Hay,14  one  of  the  most  widely 
informed  men  of  Illinois,  and  Mrs.  Robert  Morrison,15  the  most  highly  edu- 
cated woman  to  appear  in  Illinois  up  to  her  time,  were  converted  to  the  Church. 

It  was  of  this  period,  too,  that  Judge  Sydney  Breese  wrote  the  twentieth 
chapter  of  his  Early  History  of  Illinois  entitled  "The  Roman  Catholic  Church: 
The  Author's  Estimate  of  It,"  in  the  course  of  which  he  pointed  out  the 
equalizing  influence  of  the  Church  which  made  for  democracy  and  human 
progress. 

At  the  same  altar  knelt  the  rich  man  and  the  poor  man,  the  same 
ordinances  and  sacraments  were  administered  to  each,  and,  dying  the  same 
rites  performed,  and  the  same  "Miserere"  and  "De  profundis"  chanted.  Even 
in  the  merriments  of  Shrovetide,  or  "Mardigras"  as  it  was  termed,  in  the  mad- 
cap frolics  of  the  Guillone,  or  in  the  noisy  charivari,  no  other  sentiment  pre- 
vailed than  that  home-bred  American  sentiment  "I  am  as  good  as  you  are," 
that  is  to  say,  the  rights  and  privileges  of  everyone  of  the  mass  of  the  com- 
munity were  just  as  great  and  no  greater  than  those  of  another. 

The  church  edifice  of  the  early  day  "with  its  tall  spire  and  gable  sur- 
mounted by  the  emblem  of  the  religion  to  which  it  was  dedicated,  with  its  coarse 
architecture,  its  ample  portals,  its  little  font,  its  rudely  carved  and  latticed 
confessional,  its  unsculptured  altar  and  rude  paintings  awakened  *  *  *  a  feel- 
ing akin  to  reverence"  in  the  learned  non-Catholic  jurist  in  his  boyhood  days.10 

"My  Own  Times,  p.  116-117. 

"See  appreciation  of  William  Morrison  Reynolds,  Pioneer  History  of  Illinois,  pp. 
160  to  165.  Reynolds  says:  "After  due  reflection  he  joined  the  Roman  Catholic  Church. 
He  devoted  much  of  his  attention  to  the  Church  before  his  death  and  performed  all 
the  duties  enjoined  upon  him  with  sincere  devotion.  He  died  in  the  arms  of  the  Church 
praying  to  God."  p.  164-5. 

"At  mature  age,  he  read,  reflected  and  became  a  Catholic.  Reynolds'  Pioneer 
History  of  Illinois,  p.  230. 

"She  entered  thoroughly  into  the  investigation  of  the  various  religious  systems. 
She  became  a  Presbyterian,  but  on  further  research  and  much  reflection  she  entered  the 
Roman  Catholic  Church  and  became  a  very  warm  and  zealous  member.  *  *  *  By  her 
example  and  influence  almost  all  who  came  within  her  circle  became  Roman  Catholics 
and  joined  the  Church.  Reynolds,  Pioneer  History  of  Illinois,  p.  166.  Reynolds  was 
not  a  Catholic. 

"Page  210. 

99 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

In  speaking  of  the  civilizing  influence  of  the  Church  the  learned  judge  in 
another  chapter  says : 

How  could  the  simple  forest  children  resist  the  influence  which  is  shed  over 
almost  everyone  who  witnesses  the  nuptial,  the  baptismal  or  the  funeral  rites 
of  that  Church? 

Judge  Breese  spoke  from  experience,  for  though  he  was  not  a  Catholic  he 
had  been  present  at  weddings,  baptisms  and  funerals,  as  his  signature  on  the 
parish  records  attests,  as  witness  or  otherwise. 

"Or,"  he  proceeds,  "the  imposing  ceremonies  of  the  Mass,  the  Illuminated 
altar  with  the  officiating  priest  in  full  canonical  vestments — -the  silver  chalice, 
which,  with  so  many  genuflections  and  solemn  obeisances,  he  places  to  his  lips 
— the  solemn  song  going  to  the  heart  and  ravishing  one  sense,  while  the  incense, 
widely  diffused  by  its  bearer,  regales  another,  all  in  combination  with  the 
carved  crucifix  exhibiting  our  Saviour  in  his  suffering." 

The  Mission  op  Our  Lady  op  Good  Help-Monk's  Mound 

Besides  the  missions  heretofore  noted  there  was  another  of  much  later 
origin  but  of  peculiar  interest.  It  was  the  mission  of  Our  Lady  of  Good  Help, 
established  on  the  great  mound  near  Cahokia  since  called  Monk's  Mound.  This 
mission  was  established  in  1810  upon  grounds  donated  by  a  distinguished 
Catholic  Frenchman,  Nicholas  Jarrot,  who  offered  the  domain  to  the  Trappist 
monks.  Accepting  the  kind  offer  the  community  bought  also  two  of  the  great 
mounds  adjoining  and  upon  the  smallest  of  them  erected  twenty  houses  made 
of  logs.  The  highest  and  largest  of  the  buildings  erected  in  the  center  was 
the  Church,  another  the  Chapter  Room,  another  the  Refectory,  all  constituting 
the  monastery  and  dwellings  of  the  community.18 

This  early  religious  community  was  severely  scourged  by  sickness  as  was 
also  all  of  the  inhabitants  of  Illinois  at  that  time,  so  much  so  that  the  terri- 
torial legislature  passed  a  law  postponing  the  holding  of  court  in  Cahokia  and 
by  reason  of  the  scarcity  of  priests  in  the  Illinois  country  Father  Urbain  fur- 
nished two  members  of  his  community  as  assistants  to  Father  Donatien  Olivier, 
then  resident  pastor  of  the  Kaskaskia  country  and  Vicar-General  of  Bishop 
Carroll,  to  assist  in  the  onerous  Church  work  of  the  day.  These  priests  were 
Father  Joseph  and  Father  Bernard.  Father  Bernard  had  for  his  task  St. 
Louis  and  the  two  borders  of  the  Mississippi.  He  was  an  old  man,  and,  becom- 
ing exhausted,  died  in  February,  1811.  From  thence  the  suffering  of  the  com- 
munity was  extreme.  All  sacred  vessels  except  a  single  one  were  sold  one  after 
another  for  sustenance.  The  religious  and  the  lay-brothers  fell  victims  of  the 
epidemic  until  there  was  left  scarcely  a  sufficient  number  to  bury  the  dead.  The 
few  survivors  by  the  help  of  their  surrounding  neighbors    removed    to    Pitts- 


"McAdams,   The  Archeology   of  Illinois.     Publication   No.   12,    Illinois    State    His- 
torical Library,  p.  35. 

100 


THE    CHURCH    IN    TILE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

burgh  in  1813.     Monk's  Mound,  their  monument,  remains,  however,  and  has 
made  Cahokia  world  renowned.19 

The  Diocese  of  Bardstown 

It  was  while  Father  Olivier  had  the  spiritual  guidance  of  the  Illinois 
country  that  the  diocese  of  Bardstown  was  erected,  the  date  of  that  important 
event  being  April  8,  1808,  and  what  are  now  the  states  of  Illinois,  Indiana,  Ohio, 
Michigan  and  Wisconsin  were  made  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  that  diocese. 
Reverend  Benedict  Joseph  Plaget,  who  had  formerly  been  pastor  at  Vincennes, 
was  made  the  first  bishop  and  was  consecrated  November  4,  1810.  Bishop 
Flaget's  first  journey  from  Baltimore  to  the  West  as  a  missionary  priest  is  of 
much  interest  to  us,  especially  in  view  of  the  fact  that  through  a  letter  of 
introduction  written  by  General  (Mad  Anthony)  Wayne  to  General  George 
Rogers  Clark,  so  prominent  in  the  records  of  Illinois,  the  good  priest  was  met 
by  General  Clark  at  Louisville,  who  escorted  him  in  an  armed  batteau  to 
Vincennes.20 

The  jurisdiction  thus  having  been  transferred  from  Bishop  Carroll,  the 
succeeding  activities  of  the  Church  in  Illinois  were  for  a  time  under  the  guid- 
ance of  Bishop  Flaget,  who,  almost  as  soon  as  he  was  located,  began  a  visitation 
of  his  very  extended  diocese. 

The  first  visitation  extended  over  the  years  of  1813  and  1814,  and  his 
account  of  it  gives  us  a  quite  clear  idea  of  the  condition  of  the  Church  in  Illi- 
nois, Missouri  and  Indiana  as  well,  at  that  time. 

Vincennes  was  without  a  resident  priest,  depending  upon  occasional 
visits  from  Reverend  Stephen  Theodore  Badin,  who  was  the  Apostle  of  Ken- 
tucky, and  the  first  priest  ordained  in  the  United  States,  and  Reverend  Dona- 
tien  Olivier,  stationed  at  Kaskaskia.  Cahokia  had  been  without  a  priest  for  a 
time,  but  Bishop  Flaget  at  once  sent  Father  Savine  there.  The  first  point 
visited  in  this  journey  was  Vincennes,  and  we  are  told  that: 

As  he  approached  the  old  French  town,  a  large  cavalcade,  headed  by 
Reverend  Donatien  Oliviere,  came  down  to  meet  him,  and  conducted  him  to 
the  Church  with  much  pomp.21 

While  in  Vincennes  upon  this  occasion,  Bishop  Flaget  blessed  and  exhorted 
a  company  of  Rangers  setting  out  for  the  seat  of  war  to  check  the  English  on 
the  Frontier.  On  this  visit,  too,  good  Bishop  Flaget  confirmed  eighty-six 
persons  whom  Father  Olivier  had  prepared  for  the  reception  of  the 
Sacrament.22 


"This  remarkable  pile  of  earth  is  the  greatest  artificial  structure  in  the  world.  It 
stands  102  feet  high.  Its  longest  axis  is  998  feet;  the  shortest,  721  feet.  It  covers  more 
than  sixteen  acres.  The  great  pyramid  of  Cheops  in  Egypt  is  716  feet  square.  The 
temple  mound  of  the  Aztecs  in  Mexico  is  680  feet  square.  In  volume  the  Cahokia  pyra- 
mid is  the  greatest  structure  of  its  kind  in  the  world.  McAdams,  The  Archeology  of 
Illinois,  Publication  No.  12,  Illinois  State  Historical  Library,  p.  46. 

"Bishop  Plaget  had  a  letter  of  introduction  from  Bishop  Carroll  to  General  Wayne, 
then  at  Pittsburg,  and  General  Wayne  gave  him  a  letter  to  General  George  Rogers 
Clark.  He  met  General  Clark,  Father  Levadoux  and  Father  Richard  at  Louisville,  and 
was  escorted  by  Clark  to  Vincennes.     Shea,  Life  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  pp.  484,  485. 

"Shea,  The  Church  in  the  United  States,  1808-15  to  1843,  p.  277. 

"Ibid,  278. 

101 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

From  Vincennes  he  proceeded  to  Cahokia,  where  he  found  Father  Savine 
reaping  excellent  results. 

Everything  Avas  in  fine  order.  The  congregation  was  free  from  debt  and 
had  a  surplus  in  the  treasury.  What  was  still  more  consoling  was  the  spirit 
which  animated  the  people  and  the  knowledge  of  their  religion  and  duties 
which  they  displayed.23 

On  the  26th  of  June,  1814,  he  confirmed  118  persons.  After  visiting  St. 
Louis  at  the  request  of  Bishop  Dubourg  of  New  Orleans,  Bishop  Flaget  re- 
turned to  Illinois  and  visited  Father  Donatien  Oliviere's  parish  at  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  where  he  confirmed  sixty-five.24  By  September  14th  he  was  in  Kas- 
kaskia. 

That  old  post  had  a  fine  Church,  80  feet  by  40  feet,  with  a  handsome 
steeple  and  a  bell  dating  back  to  the  days  of  French  rule. 

He  confii-med  110  there  at  that  time  and  in  a  subsequent  visit  thirty-six 
more.25 

During  this  visitation,  Bishop  Flaget  wrote  Archbishop  Carroll  from  the 
American  settlement  in  Missouri  as  follows : 

My  visit  through  the  French  settlements  has  been  very  laborious,  but  a 
hundred  times  more  successful  than  T  would  have  expected ;  T  have  confirmed 
about  twelve  hundred  people,  though  I  confirm  none  but  those  who  have  made 
their  first  communion.  At  least  eight  or  ten  priests  are  wanting  in  these  im- 
mense countries,  and  if  some  could  be  put  among  the  Indians  who  would  be 
willing  to  receive  them,  ten  more  would  scarcely  do.  Pray  that  God  may  send 
me  proper  ministers  to  convert  or  support  so  many  souls  that  run  to  perdition 
for  want  of  assistance.26 

From  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Flaget  the  Church  in  Illinois  may  be 
said  to  have  been  placed  under  local  jurisdiction  and  subject  therefore  to 
greater  supervision. 

An  examination  of  such  church  records  as  still  exist  would  show  periods 
of  occasional  absence  of  priests  from  some  of  the  missions  or  churches,  but 
there  was  no  time  from  the  year  1673  forward  that  the  Church  was  not  alive 
and  active,  or  when  it  was  not  ministered  to  by  one  or  more  devoted  priests. 

It  appears  also  that  just  as  fast  as  a  little  knot  of  Catholic  settlers  ap- 
peared anywhere  in  the  territory,  a  priest  from  Illinois,  Kentucky,  Indiana, 
Missouri  or  somewhere  found  them  out  and  established  a  station  amongst  them, 
where,  though  it  was  necessary  they  should  ride  on  horseback  or  tramp 
through  the  woods  for  miles  to  reach  them,  he  said  Mass,  heard  confessions  and 
administered  the  sacraments.27 

The  Diocese  of  St.  Louis 

Bishop  Flaget  continued  in  charge  of  the  whole  of  Illinois  until  the  erec- 
tion of  the  See  of  St.  Louis,  to  which  Pope  Leo  XII  appointed  Reverend  Joseph 
Rosati  on  March  20,  1827,  who,  by  arrangement  with  the  Bishop  of  Bardstown, 


"Ibid. 

uIbid. 

"Ibid. 

"Ibid,  279. 

"See  accounts  in  Illinois  Catholic  Historical  Review. 

102 


THE    CHURCH    IN    THE    TRANSITION    PERIOD 

administered  the  western  half  of  Illinois,  and  also  the  northern  part,  especially 
Chicago.  During  the  summer  of  1830  Bishop  Rosati  visited  all  of  the  churches 
in  the  western  part  of  Illinois. 

It  was  in  1833  that  the  first  colony  of  sisters  came  to  Illinois.  Seven 
nuns  of  the  Visitation  from  Georgetown,  headed  by  Mother  Agnes  Brent,  left 
their  monastery  on  the  Potomac,  May  3,  1833,  to  establish  an  academy  in  the 
ancient  town  of  Kaskaskia.28  Mother  Brent  was  succeeded  in  1839  by  Mother 
Seraphine  Wickham,  who  raised  the  academy  to  a  high  degree  of  efficiency, 
but  the  floods  of  the  Mississippi  in  1844  drove  the  nuns  from  their  convent, 
and  they  were  removed  by  Bishop  William  Quarter,  the  first  bishop  of  Chicago, 
with  the  young  ladies  attending  the  convent,29  to  St.  Louis  by  a  boat  chartered 
by  the  bishop.30 

It  was  during  Bishop  Rosati 's  tenure  that  Reverend  Charles  Felix  Van 
Quickenborne,  S.  J.,  re-evangelized  the  Indians  of  Illinois  and  made  numerous 
visitations  amongst  the  white  settlers  at  Springfield  and  in  all  the  settlements 
in  the  northwestern  portions  of  the  state. 

Bishop  Rosati  was  a  most  zealous  prelate  and  spared  no  toil  for  his  church 
and  diocese.  He  visited  all  parts  of  his  jurisdiction,  however  difficult  of  ac- 
cess, and  was  found  frequently  on  the  Illinois  side.  One  interesting  function 
in  Illinois  in  which  the  good  bishop  was  the  central  figure  was  the  baptism  of 
Louis  Joseph  Kane,  son  of  United  States  Senator  Elias  Kent  Kane,  in  1830. 
He  administered  confirmation  at  Kaskaskia  annually  from  1830  to  1840,  and 
again  in  1842. 

An  important  extension  of  the  Church  occurred  in  Bishop  Rosati 's  time 
through  the  organization  by  Rev.  John  Mary  Iranaeus  Saint  Cyr  of  St.  Mary's 
Church  at  Chicago  in  1833. 

The  Diocese  op  Vincennes 

Simon  William  Gabriel  Brute  was  appointed  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of 
Vincennes  erected  in  1834  by  the  Holy  See,  and  accordingly  became  the  Bishop 
of  Indiana  with  jurisdiction  over  the  eastern  portion  of  Illinois.  This  great 
ecclesiastic  made  four  journeys  through  Illinois.  Setting  out  from  Louisville, 
Kentucky,  in  the  middle  of  October,  1834,  accompanied  by  Bishop  Flaget  and 
Bishop  Purcell,  the  party  crossed  the  Ohio  and  proceeded  directly  towards 
St.  Louis  over  the  prairies  of  Illinois.  On  this  memorable  visit,  a  stop  was 
made  in  Salem,  half  way  between  Vincennes  and  St.  Louis,  where  the  three 
prelates  warmed  themselves  by  the  inn  fire  and  the  good  Bishop  Flaget  en- 
deavored to  restore  the  legibility  of  his  breviary,  which  had  been  watersoaked 
during  the  bishop's  exposure,  by  drying  it  before  the  hearth.'51  On  the  26th  of 


"Shea,  The  Church  in  the  United  States,  p.  430  and  683. 

"Ibid,  p.  683. 

'"Bishop  Quarter's  diary  contained  the  following  entry:  "I  found  the  nuns  at  Colonel 
Menard's  being  obliged  to  quit  their  convent,  the  water  being  as  high  as  the  second 
story.  The  inhabitants  of  the  village  were  crowded  along  the  bluff  to  witness  much 
destruction  of  property  and  of  animals  by  the  water.  Chartered  the  boat  Indiana  and 
took  the  nuns  and  young  ladies   (boarders)   to  St.  Louis." 

"Op.  cit,  p.  74,  Life  of  Bishop  Brute-Bayley. 

103 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

October  they  were  in  St.  Louis  and  assisted  Bishop  Rosati  at  the  dedication 
of  his  new  cathedral : 

A  large  body  of  militia  and  even  the  United  States  troops  from  the  bar- 
racks near  St.  Louis  assisted  at  the  ceremony. 

On  the  28th  of  October  Bishop  Brute  was  consecrated  by  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Flaget,  assisted  by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishops  Rosati  and  Pur- 
cell.  This  was  an  occasion  of  great  activity,  and  there  were  sermons  each  morn- 
ing and  evening  preached  by  the  bishops  or  some  of  the  Jesuit  fathers  who  had 
a  large  and  flourishing  college  at  St.  Louis  at  the  time.32 

Retracing  his  steps  with  Bishop  Flaget,  Bishop  Purcell,  Reverend  Abel, 
Reverend  Hitzelberger  and  Father  Petit,  the  good  bishop  again  crossed  Illi- 
nois and  was  met  some  miles  from  Vincennes  by  a  cavalcade  on  horseback 
and  duly  installed  as  Bishop  of  Vincennes  on  the  5th  of  November,  1834. 

Taking  a  little  time  to  look  about,  Bishop  Brute  began  his  episcopal  visita- 
tions, and  besides  other  places  visited,  he  says  in  his  letter  to  the  Leopoldine 
Association : 

I  visited  another  Congregation  in  Edgar  county  (in  the  present  Diocese  of 
Springfield,  in  Illinois)  on  the  Illinois  side  of  the  Diocese,  about  seventy  miles 
from  Vincennes.  It  is  an  American  Settlement,  from  Kentucky,  with  some 
Irish  families  among  them.  There  are  perhaps  fifty  or  sixty  families  within  a 
circuit  of  fifteen  miles,  and  I  found  them  as  at  St.  Mary's  truly  zealous  for 
their  religion,  and  talking  of  the  Church  which  they  would  soon  build,  and 
the  Priest  that  would  soon  be  sent  to  them.33 

After  the  beginning  of  the  New  Year,  he  set  out  upon  another  visitation, 
and  tells  the  members  of  the  Leopoldine  Association  that: 

After  Easter,  in  company  with  an  honest  and  pious  man  of  Vincennes,  I 
went  through  Illinois,  visiting  again  Edgar  County  for  the  Paschal  duty,  and 
then  proceeded  north  as  far  as  Chicago  on  Lake  Michigan.  Mr.  St.  Cyr  had 
arrived  there  from  St.  Louis  and  enabled  the  Catholics  to  make  their  Easter 
communions,  so  I  gave  only  a  few  confirmations,  and  three  instructions,  one 
on  Saturday  and  two  on  Sunday,  to  encourage  the  rising  Catholic  Congrega- 
tion of  that  most  important  point.  It  is  now  composed  of  about  400  souls  of  all 
countries — French,  Canadians,  Americans,  Irish,  and  a  good  number  of  Ger- 
mans. The  garrison  of  the  Fort,  the  Commandant,  and  part  of  the  staff  and 
band  of  musicians  attended.  In  general,  it  may  be  said  that  the  military  are 
always  friendly  to  the  Catholics  and  their  services,  which  they  are  free  to 
attend  if  they  choose.34 

The  Diocese  of  Chicago  was  erected  November  28,  1843,  and  Right  Rev- 
erend William  Quarter  appointed  Bishop,  whereupon  the  administration  of 
the  Church  in  Illinois  by  Bishops  Rosati  and  Brute  came  to  a  close. 

Keeping  Pace  With  Settlement 

The  manner  in  which  the  Church  kept  pace  with  the  settlement  of  Illinois 
during  the  years  succeeding  the   English   occupation   and   the   Revolutionary 

"Ibid,  pp.  74  and  74. 
"Ibid,  p.  80. 
"Ibid,  p.  83. 

104 


Makquis  DeLafayette 

Great  French  Champion  of  the  American  cause  who  visited  Illinois 
in  1825. 


Iki  LIBfUUY 
OF  Tht 
BUHVERSITY  OF  It1 


THE    CHURCH   IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

War  is  perhaps  best  illustrated  by  following  the  activities  of  the  priests  who 
labored  in  the  territory.35 

Such  a  review  covering  the  period  between  the  suppression  of  the  Jesuits 
and  the  organization  of  the  State  into  a  diocese  is  found  very  interesting,  due 
to  the  fact  that  though  through  much  of  that  period  there  was  a  certain 
amount  of  control  through  organized  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction,  nevertheless, 
the  priests  exercised  an  extended  discretion  and  regardless  of  boundaries  and 
limitations  sought  out  the  people  wherever  they  were  and  carried  to  them 
the  benefits  and  consolations  of  religion. 

During  this  period,  besides  maintaining  the  old  missions  at  Kaskaskia, 
Cahokia  and  Prairie  du  Rocher,  visits  were  made  and  stations  established 
wherever  a  settlement  existed. 

In  this  period  also,  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  labors  of  the  big  missionary 
leaders.  Though  there  were  in  the  neighborhood  of  one  hundred  priests  who 
ministered  in  Illinois  from  1765  to  1844,  the  period  which  we  are  here  con- 
sidering, and  though  all  were  zealous  and  effective  workers,  the  names  of  some 
stand  out  in  the  records.  Besides  Bishops  Flaget,  Rosati  and  Brute,  who  mads 
frequent  and  numerous  missionary  visits  in  Illinois,  there  may  be  mentioned 
as  notable  examples,  among  the  clergy,  Very  Reverend  Pierre  Gibault,  whose 
territory  was  practically  boundless ;  Reverend  Gabriel  Richard,  who  became 
one  of  the  most  progressive  citizens  of  the  Northwest  and  served  with  distinc- 
tion in  the  Federal  Congress ;  Very  Reverend  John  F.  Rivet,  perhaps  the  great- 
est educator  of  the  West  in  his  time ;  Very  Reverend  Donatien  Olivier,  the  fore- 
most man  in  the  territory  from  1799  to  1833 ;  Reverend  John  Timon,  C.  M., 
who  later  became  the  distinguished  Bishop  of  Buffalo ;  Reverend  Stephen 
Theodore  Badin,  the  Apostle  of  Kentucky  and  for  thirty  years  a  leading 
ecclesiastic  of  the  Northwest;  Reverend  Charles  Felix  Van  Quickenborne,  S.  J., 
who  established  the  Jesuit  Vice-Province  of  St.  Louis,  re-evangelized  the 
Indians  and  covered  all  western  Illinois  in  his  missionary  journeys;  Reverend 
John  Francis  Regis  Loisel  from  St.  Louis,  who  evangelized  the  whole  neighbor- 
ing territory  east  of  the  river ;  Reverend  Vitalis  Van  Cloostere,  who  served  long 
and  faithfully  in  all  the  settlements  of  western  Illinois,  Reverend  John  Mary 
Iraneus  St.  Cyr,  whose  first  appointment  after  ordination  was  Chicago  where 
he  organized  the  Church,  and  who  afterwards  evangelized  all  central  Illinois; 


"The  population  of  Illinois  in  1800  was  2,358.  Father  John  and  Donatien  Olivier 
were  here  then.  Father  John  remained  until  1803  and  Father  Donatien  until  1833.  By 
1810  the  population  had  increased  to  12,282.  Several  visiting  clergymen  were  here,  in- 
cluding Bishop  Flaget,  notably  on  November  10,  1814,  when  the  bishop  baptized  and  was 
Godfather  to  Pierre  Menard's  daughter  Emilie.  Father  Joseph  and  Bernard  of  the 
Trappists  and  Father  Rivet  of  Vincennes  also  ministered  in  Illinois  during  that  time. 
Father  Desmoulins  came  to  reside  at  Kaskaskia  in  November,  1818,  and  was  in  Illinois, 
traveling  to  missions  and  stations  until  1833.  By  1820  the  population  had  increased  to 
55,162  and  there  were  here  then  permanently  Fathers  Oliviere  and  Desmoulins  and  several 
priests  from  the  surrounding  states  visited  the  settlements  in  Illinois.  In  1822  Father 
Hercule  Brassac  came  to  reside  in  Illinois;  in  1824  came  Father  Francis  Celleni;  in 
1825  Father  F.  X.  Dahmen;  in  1826  Father  John  Timon;  in  1827  Father  Pierre  Vergani; 
in  1828  Father  Peter  Doutreluingue.  Besides  these  Father  Vincent  Baden  and  Father 
Charles  Van  Quickenborne  worked  in  Galena  in  1828.  There  were  in  1826  twenty  mis- 
sions in  Illinois.  From  1830  the  priests  multiplied  rapidly  as  will  be  seen  from 
the  text. 

105 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Reverend  James  Corbe  from  Kentucky,  who  made  a  wide  circuit  in  southern 
Illinois;  Reverend  Samuel  Charles  Mazzuechelli,  0.  P.,  the  Missionary  of  the 
Dominicans  and  the  Apostle  of  Minnesota  and  Iowa,  who  extended  his  ministra- 
tions so  effectively  to  Galena  and  the  surrounding  country ;  Reverend  Timothy 
Joseph  Conway  of  St.  Louis,  the  Missionary  of  the  State  Capital  at  Springfield 
and  the  faithful  attendant  of  many  other  places  in  central  Illinois;  Reverend 
John  Blasius  Raho,  CM.,  the  leader  of  the  Lazarists  and  perhaps  the  most  active 
of  all  the  later  day  missionaries;  Reverend  Peter  Paul  Lefevre,  afterwards 
Bishop  of  Detroit  and  joint  founder  with  Bishop  Martin,  J.  Spalding  of  the 
American  College  of  Louvain ;  Reverend  John  Lutz,  Reverend  John  Kenny, 
Reverend  Louis  Muller,  Reverend  Remigius  Petiot,  Reverend  Hyppolyte 
Dupontavice,  Reverend  Patrick  McCabe,  Reverend  II.  Tucker  and  Reverend 
Joseph  Kuenster. 

With  the  certainty  of  being  very  much  understated,  the  following  will 
illustrate  the  development  of  the  Church  in  Illinois  during  this  period: 

Missionaries  and  Their  Fields  of  Labor36 
1763-1844 

Reverend  Sebastian  Louis  Meurin,  S.  J.,  Kaskaskia,  1746  to  1768 ;  Cahokia 
and  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1768  to  1777. 

Reverend  Hypolite  Collet,  Franciscan,  1757  to  1764.  St.  Anne  du  Fort  de 
Chartres. 

Reverend  Luke  Collet,  Franciscan,  1762-65,  St.  Anne  du  Fort  de  Chartres. 

Reverend  Pierre  Gibault,  V.-G.,  Bishop  of  Quebec,  1768  to  1792,  Kaskaskia, 
Cahokia,  Vincennes,  Detroit,  St.  Genevieve,  New  Madrid,  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
1770-92. 

Reverend  Paul  de  St.  Pierre,  Cahokia,  Vincennes,  St.  Genevieve,  Prairie 
du  Rocher,  1785  to  1788. 

Reverend  Peter  Huet  de  la  Valiniere,  V.-G.,  (Prefect  Apostolic)  Carroll, 
Kaskaskia,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1785  to  1788. 

Reverend  Jacobin  le  Dru,  Dominican,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1789-92. 

Reverend  Michael  Levadoux,  Sulpician,  Kaskaskia,  1792-3,  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  1792. 

Reverend  Gabriel  Richard,  Kaskaskia  and  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1793-1798. 

Reverend  Bernard  de  Limpach,  Capuchin,  Kaskaskia,  1793-94. 

Reverend  Louis  Payet,  Kaskaskia,  1793-94. 

Reverend  Peter  Janin,  Kaskaskia,  1795-97. 


3<This  list  is  made  up  from  data  heretofore  appearing  in  this  article  and  from  the 
church  directories  and  parish  records  of  the  early  churches.  "Official"  church  direc- 
tories have  been  published  since  an  early  day  (first  in  1817)  tabulating  churches  and 
missions  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  United  States.  Lucas  and  Meyers  were  early 
publishers  of  such  directories,  and  there  are  a  few  volumes  of  the  earlier  ones  extant. 
The  data  here  given  is  taken  in  large  part  from  these  directories.  These  publications 
are  mostly  out  of  print  and  rare.  Miss  Catherine  Schaefer  of  Belleville,  111.,  has,  how- 
ever, worked  over  the  materials  of  them  for  Illinois  and  in  revised  form  they  were 
published  in  the  Illinois  Catholic  Historical  Review  beginning  with  the  July,  1918, 
number. 

106 


THE   CHURCH    IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

Reverend  Dom  Peter  Joseph  Didier,  Benedictine,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1798. 

Reverend  John  T.  Rivet,  V.-G.,  Residence  Vincennes,  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
1798-99.     Dedicated  new  church  at  Cahokia,  September  4,  1799. 

Reverend  Charles  Leander  Lusson,  Cahokia,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1798. 

Reverend  John  Olivier,  Cahokia,  1799  to  1803. 

Reverend  Donatien  Olivier,  1799-1833.  Kaskaskia,  Prairie  du  Rocher. 
Pastor  1798  to  1827.     Cahokia,  Vincennes,  0 'Haras,  1820. 

Reverend  Father  Des  Moulins,  Kaskaskia,  1818-33  0 'Haras,  1818-20. 

Reverend  Hercule  Brassac,  Kaskaskia,  Drury,  1822. 
"  "Reverend  Francis  Cellini,  C.  M.,  Kaskaskia,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1827-30. 

Reverend  Francis  Xavier  Dahmen,  Kaskaskia,  1825-6;  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
1829-30 ;  Pastor  of  St.  Genevieve,  Mo.,  1822-40. 

Reverend  Pierre  Vergani,  C.  M.,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1827-28. 

Reverend  John  Timon,  CM.,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1826-27;  Kaskaskia, 
1827-29. 

Reverend  Vincent  Baden,  Galena,  1828. 

Reverend  Charles  Felix  Van  Quickenborne,  S.J.,  Galena,  1828;  Sangamon 
County,  1835. 

Reverend  Peter  J.  Doutreluingue,  CM.,  Kaskaskia,  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
1829-30;  Cahokia,  1830-36;  French  Village  near  Cahokia,  1833;  Centerville 
Station,  1857-72. 

Reverend  G.  Lutz,  Galena,  1830. 

Reverend  P.  Borgna,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1830. 

Reverend  Stephen  Theodore  Baden,  Sulpitian,  Chicago,  1830. 

Reverend  Victor  Pallaisson,  S.  J.,  Kaskaskia,  1830-31 ;  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
1830-31 ;  Visitation  Convent,  Kaskaskia,  1833. 

Reverend  A.  Mascaroni,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1830-31. 

Reverend  John  Francis  Regis  Loisel,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1830;  Cahokia, 
1838 ;  resident  pastor,  1839 ;  French  Village  near  Cahokia,  1838 ;  La  Cantine, 
near  Cahokia,  1838 ;  Village  Francais  St.  Clair  Co.,  St.  Philipe,  Church  built  by 
1839 ;  Belleville,  St.  Barnabas  Apostle,  1839. 

Reverend  Vitalis  Van  Cloostere,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1830-1854;  English 
Settlement,  Prairie  du  Long,  Monroe  County,  1833 ;  Harrisonville,  1833-34 ; 
O'Harasburg,  1834;  St.  Augustine,  1838;  James'  Mill,  Monroe  County,  1838; 
Kaskaskia,  1844-46. 

Reverend  J.  N.  Odin,  C  M.,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1832. 

Reverend  E.  Dupuy,  C.  M.,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1832. 

Reverend  Mathew  Condamine,  Kaskaskia,  1832-35;  Sangamon  County, 
1836;  Cahokia,  1837. 

Rt.  Reverend  Joseph  Rosati,  Portage  aux  Sioux,  1835;  Kaskaskia,  1835; 
Quincy,  1835 ;  Columbia,  1835 ;  Crooked  Creek,  1835 ;  Cahokia,  1836. 

Reverend  John  McMahon,  Galena,  1833. 

Reverend  John  Mary  Iraneus  St.  Cyr,  1839-44;  Chicago,  1833-37;  Peoria, 
1835-39;  Quincy  once  a  month,  1838;  Crooked  Creek,  Hancock  County,  Resi- 
dent Pastor,  1839 ;  Marseilles,  St.  Lazarus  Congregation,  1839 ;  St.  Augustine, 

107 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Fulton  County,  1839;  Commerce  at  the  Rapids,  Hancock  County,  Savior's  Con- 
gregation, 1839;  Kaskaskia,  1840-43. 

Reverend  P.  Lefevre,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  1833 ;  Hancock  County,  1838 ; 
McDonough  County,  1836;  Adams  County,  1836;  Pike  County,  1836. 

Reverend  L.  Picot,  1834,  English  Settlement;  Grand  Prairie  visited  four 
times  a  year ;  dwelt  at  Vincennes,  1834 ;  Raccoon  River,  French  Settle- 
ment, 1834. 

Reverend  Charles  F.  Fitsmaurice,  Galena,  1835. 

Reverend  B.  Roux,  Kaskaskia,  1835-38. 

Reverend  Joseph  N.  Wiseman,  Kaskaskia,  1836. 

Reverend  Francis  B.  Jamison,  Kaskaskia,  1836. 

Reverend  Elisha  Durbin,  Resident  in  Kentucky,  Shauneetown,  1836-41 ; 
Carmi,  1836-41 ;  Albion,  1836. 

Reverend  G.  Walters,  S.  J.,  Alton,  1837. 

Reverend  Bernard  Shaffer,  Chicago,  1837. 

Reverend  J.  B.  Healy,  Kaskaskia,  1837. 

Reverend  James  Corbe,  located  at  Vincennes,  Coffeetown,  1837-38-39 ; 
Lawrenceville,  1837;  Albion,  1838-39;  Carmel,  1840;  New  Harmony,  1840;  St. 
Francisville,  1839. 

Reverend  George  Hamilton,  Upper  Alton,  1837;  Springfield,  1840. 

Reverend  Samuel  Charles  Mazzuechelli,  0.  P.,  Galena,  1837-38-39-41 ; 
DuBuque  Mines,  1837 ;  Irish  Grove,  Stephenson  County,  1842. 

Reverend  Stanislaus  Buteaux,  Paris  Prairie,  Edgar  County,  1837-38-39; 
Thrawl's  Station,  1837;  Riviere  Au  Chat,  1837;  Darwin,  1839;  York,  1839; 
Edgar  County,  1841. 

Reverend  Felix  Verreydt,  S.  J.,  Alton,  1838 ;  Grafton,  1838. 

Reverend  Ambrose  G.  Heim,  Kaskaskia,  1844;  Cahokia,  1838;  English 
Settlement,  Prairie  du  Long,  1843 ;  Melville,  1843 ;  New  Design  near  Tap- 
town,  1843. 

Reverend  Timothy  Joseph  Conway,  Kaskaskia,  1838;  Springfield,  1839; 
Crooked  Creek  in  Hancock  County,  1840 ;  located  in  St.  Louis,  Commerce  at 
the  Rapids,  Hancock  County,  1840. 

Reverend  Louis  Aloysius  Parodi,  CM.,  La  Salle,  1838;  Peoria,  1843;  As- 
sistant to  Father  Raho  residing  at  La  Salle  and  visiting  most  of  the  places 
visited  by  Father  Raho. 

Reverend  Hilary  Tucker,  Quincy,  1838-44. 

Reverend  Augustus  Brickweddie,  Quincy,  1838-43. 

Reverend  John  Blasuis  Raho,  CM.,  La  Salle,  1838  to  1843 ;  in  Springfield 
Diocese  (Virginia)  1838;  Centerville,  1838;  Ottawa,  1838-40;  Peru,  1839-40; 
Beardstown,  1839;  Peoria,  St.  Philomena,  1839;  La  Salle  Prairie,  1839;  Pekin 
1839-44;  Kickapoo,  St.  Patrick's,  1839-44;  Peoria,  1840-41-42-44;  in  Diocese  of 
Springfield,  Jacksonville,  1840;  Shelbyville,  1840-41;  Marseilles,  1840-41; 
Black  Partridge,  ten  miles  above  Pekin,  1840  to  1844;  Lincoln,  1840; 
Lacon,  1843. 

Reverend  Charles  Meyer,  German  Settlement,  1838-39;  St.  Thomas    near 

108 


THE   CHURCH    IN    THE    TRANSITION    PERIOD 

Columbia,     1838-40;     other     scattered     German     settlements     in     St.     Clair 
County,  1839. 

Reverend  M.  0  'Reilly,  Mt.  Carmel,  1839. 

Reverend  M.  Ward,  of  Kentucky,  Shauneetown,  1839 ;  Carmi,  1839. 
Reverend  G.  H.  Tochmann,  Kaskaskia,  1839. 
Reverend  Richard  Bole,  Kaskaskia,  1839. 
Reverend  Father  Gandafo,  Kaskaskia,  1839. 
Reverend  F.  Czakert,  Picquet,  German  settlement,  1839-40. 
Reverend  James  O'Mera,  Chicago,   1837;  Mt.  Juliet     (Joliet),    occasional 
visits,  1837;  Grand  Calumet,  occasional  visits,  1839;  Small  Fork,  1837;  Illinois 
Canal,  1837. 

Reverend  John  Kenny,  Prairie  du  Long,  Resident  Pastor,  1839;  St.  Thomas 
near  Columbia,  1839;  Silver  Creek,  1839;  O'Harasburg,  1840;  James'  Mills, 
1840;  Galena,  1843. 

Reverend  John  Plunket,  Mt.  Juliet  f Joliet),  1840;  Illinois  Canal,  1840. 
Reverend  Caspar  H.  Ostlangenberg.  Shoal  Creek,  St.  Clair  County,  1839; 
Libory,  St.  Clair  County,  1840;  Galena,  1843-44. 

Reverend  John  B.  Escourrier,  C.  M.,  Peru,  1840. 
Reverend  TJbaldus  Estang,  C.  M.,  Peru,  1840. 
Reverend  N.  Stehle,  C.  M.,  Kaskaskia.  1840 ;  Peoria,  1843. 
Reverend  Constantine  Lee,  Galena,  1840. 

Reverend  Henry  Fortmann,  Shoal  Creek  now  Germantown,  1840;  New 
Switzerland  (Highland),  1844.     (In  Diocese  of  Springfield.) 

Reverend  Louis  Muller,  Mt.  Carmel.  1840;  Picquet  Colony,  Jasper  county, 
(in  Diocese  of  Springfield),  1840;  Lawrenceville,  1841;  Vincennes,  1842. 
Reverend  Louis  Dueourday,  Coffeetown,  1841 ;  Francisville,  1841. 
Reverend  Francis  Joseph  Fischer,  Chicago,  1841. 
Reverend  Maurice  de  St.  Palais,  Chicago,  1841. 
Reverend  de  Marchi,  C.  M.,  La  Salle,  1841. 

Reverend  Remigius  Petiot,  Galena,  1841-44;  Dixon's  Ferry,  1841;  Free- 
port,  1841;  Carys  Mill,  1841;  Irish  Grove,  Stevenson  County,  1842. 

Reverend  Hippolyte  Dupontavice,  Mt.  Juliet,  1841 ;  Dresden,  1842 ;  Cork- 
town,  1842. 

Reverend  Joseph  Masquelet,  Teutopolis,  1841;  Picquet,  German  Settle- 
ment, Jasper  County,  1843. 

Reverend  Joseph  Paquin,  C.  M.,  Kaskaskia,  1842. 

Reverend  John  Guguen,  Small  Fork,  1842;  Little  Fork,  Little  Port,  Lake 
County,  and  four  other  towns,  1844. 

Reverend  Patrick  McCabe,  C.P.,  Kaskaskia,  1842;  Alton,  1843;  English  Set- 
tlement, Prairie  du  Long,  1844;  Harrisonville,  1844;  James'  Mills,  1844. 
Reverend  M.  Cereos,  C.  M.,  Springfield,  1843. 
Reverend  B.  Rolando,  C.  M.,  Springfield,  1843-44. 
Reverend  Michael  Carroll,  Upper  Alton,  1844. 
Reverend  H.  Tucker,  Versailles,  1844;  Mt.  Sterling,  1844;  Pittsfield,  1844. 

109 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Reverend  Joseph  Kunster,  German  Settlements,  Teutonio,  1844;  St. 
Thomas  near  Columbia,  1844;  Belleville,  1844. 

Reverend  Father  Montuori,  C.  M.,  Peoria,  1844. 

Reverend  N.  Mullen,  Picquet,  German  Settlement,  Jasper  County,  1844. 

Such  is  the  roster  of  priests  and  the  field  of  their  activities  in  Illinois  from 
1763  to  1844  as  disclosed  by  the  records. 

If  it  may  be  said  that  part  or  all  the  records  are  from  biased  sources  we 
may  turn  to  a  Protestant  source  for  information  as  to  the  condition  of  the 
Catholic  Church  near  the  end  of  this  period.  The  Home  Missionary  Society  in 
June  1842,  published  the  following  warning  to  its  readers  and  co-workers : 

Foreign  Papists  are  planting  our  fairest  territories  thick  with  their  schools, 
colony  after  colony  of  men  of  a  strange  tongue  and  stranger  associations  are 
possessing  themselves  of  our  soil  and  gathering  around  our  ballot  boxes.  In 
Missouri,  Illinois  and  Arkansas  there  are  seventy-four  priests  with  literary  in- 
stitutions of  every  grade  in  which  at  least  a  thousand  youths  are  now  training.37 

The  great  bulk  of  these  were  in  Illinois  and  as  above  shown  there  were 
even  more  "Papists"  than  the  Missionary  thought. 

Introduction  of  Protestantism 

At  the  time  that  the  Protestant  sects  were  introduced,  about  1800,38  and 
thereafter  for  many  years  their  ministers  attacked  the  Catholic  Church  and 
circulated  as  publicly  as  possible  from  their  pulpits  and  their  press  all  of  the 
stock  slanders  which  had  been  invented  up  to  that  time  and  added  new  ones 
which  it  was  thought  might  serve  the  purpose  of  injuring  the  Catholic  Church 
and  perhaps  assist  their  own  particular  organization  or  belief.  The  books, 
tracts  and  leaflets  prepared  by  the  representatives  of  the  Protestant  denomina- 
tions in  this  period,  and  indeed  up  to  the  last  quarter  of  the  nineteenth  century, 


"Annual  Report  of  the  Home  Mission  Society  (Protestant),  June,  1842,  quoted 
by  Carrie  Prudence  Kofoid  in  Publication  No.  10  of  the  Illinois  Historical  Library, 
p.  323. 

38The  first  non-Catholic  meeting  house  ever  erected  in  Illinois  was  a  log  house  for 
camp-meeting  purposes  at  Shiloh,  six  miles  northeast  of  what  is  now  Belleville.  It  was 
built  at  the  direction  of  Bishop  William  McKendree,  Methodist,  in  the  summer  of  1807. 
John  Mason  Peck  in  Reynolds'  Pioneer  History  of  Illinois,  p.  267. 

In  1814  Samuel  J.  Mills,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  sent  out  from  Connecticut  by  the 
Missionary  Society  of  Connecticut,  reported:  "In  this  whole  territory  (Illinois)  is  not 
a  solitary  Presbyterian  minister,  though  there  are  several  families  of  this  denomina- 
tion in  the  different  settlements.  *  *  *  *  The  Baptists  have  four  or  five  small  churches 
consisting  of  not  more  than  120  members.  The  Methodists  have  five  itinerants  besides 
some  local  preachers  and  perhaps  600  members  in  their  society."  Carrie  Prudence 
Kofoid  in  Publication  No.  10  of  the  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  273. 

"Before  1825  but  few  congregations  (Protestant)  owned  houses  of  worship,  their 
public  services  being  held  in  barns  or  private  residences."  Patterson,  Robert  W.,  D.D., 
Early  Society  in  Southern  Illinois,  p.  31,  published  by  the  Chicago  Historical 
Society,  1881. 

"It  was  not,  however,  until  1816  that  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  what  is  now 
Illinois  completed  its  organization  under  the  leadership  of  Reverend  James  McGready, 
a  missionary  from  Kentucky,  and  this  little  rural  church  at  Sharon,  in  what  is  now 
White  County,  had  to  wait  eight  years  until  (in  1824)  it  had  a  minister  of  its  own 
in  the  person  of  Reverend  Benjamin  Franklin  Spilman,  justly  called  'The  Father  of 
Presbyterianism  in  Illinois.'  "  H.  D.  Jenkins,  D.  D.,  The  History  of  Presbyterianism  in 
Illinois,  Publication  No.  19,  Illinois  State  Historical  Library,  p.  61. 

110 


THE    CHURCH    IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

contain  many  of  the  irresponsible  calumnies  that  the  "ex-priest,"  the  "escaped 
nun,"  the  anti-Catholic  agitators  and  the  publications  have  always  made 
use  of.39 

Early  activities  of  the  Protestant  sects  in  Illinois  were  too,  of  a  more  or 
less  ludicrous  character.  The  ministers  were  quite  generally  men  of  no  educa- 
tion and  less  culture.40  Their  followers  "got  religion"  in  the  shape  of  "jerks" 
and  spasms.  A  camp  meeting  was  more  barbarous  than  an  Indian  dance,  and 
it  was  more  than  fifty  years  from  the  time  that  Protestantism  was  introduced 
into  Illinois  until  the  sects  took  on  reasonable  and  decent  dignity  and  decorum. 
A  Protestant  of  ordinary  culture  of  today  would  disown  his  Methodist,  Baptist 


3,A  few  quotations  from  non-Catholic  sources  will  illustrate  this  paragraph.  "The 
Apocalyptic  Beast  is  watching  with  intense  anxiety  and  straining  his  eyehalls  for  a 
favorable  moment  to  spring  upon  us  with  one  immense  bound  and  make  us  his  prey. 
Rome  has  more  men,  more  money,  more  cunning  and  more  perseverance  than  we  have. 
Rome  never  stops  short  of  universal  victory  or  universal  defeat."  From  address  delivered 
in  Plainsville,  Ohio,  and  published  in  the  Home  Missionary,  June,  1844.  Cited  in  Publi- 
cation No.  10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  325. 

"Romanism  was  classed  with  intemperance  and  slavery  as  an  evil  threatening  the 
country."  Ibid.  "Rome  and  despotism  are  pouring  in  the  materials  of  which  mobs  are 
made."  Home  Missionary,   November,   1845. 

"The  West  is  the  arena  where  the  contest  is  to  be  carried  on  between  Infidelity, 
Romanism,  Mormonism  and  Satanism  on  one  side  and  Christianity  on  the  other."  Cited 
in  Publication  No.  10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  326. 

The  first  preacher  to  arrive  at  Chicago,  Jeremiah  Porter,  wrote  immediately  upon 
landing,  "A  papal  priest  reached  this  place  from  St.  Louis  a  fortnight  since  and  I  hope 
Providence  has  sent  a  counteracting  influence  here  just  in  season."  See  publication  No. 
10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  287. 

Professor  Park  of  Andover,  was  afraid  the  Pope  would  come  over  here  at  that 
early  day  and  wrote:  "Send  our  armies  to  the  great  valley  (of  the  Mississippi)  where 
the  Pope  will  reign  unless  Puritanism  he  triumphant."  Home  Missionary,  September, 
1845,  quoted  in  publication  No.  10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  325. 

This  bigotry  was  common  to  the  early  non-Catholic  promoters  as  will  be  apparent 
from  published  utterances  of  such  early  "Missionaries"  as  John  Mason  Peck  where  he 
ridicules  the  Pope  as  "an  old  man  who  sits  in  Rome"  and  speaks  of  priests  as  encour- 
aging ignorance  and  violence.     See  Babcock's  Memoirs  of  Peck. 

4nIn  the  view  of  the  native  preacher,  "the  man  filled  with  learning  was  so  much 
less  filled  with  spiritual  power."     Publication  No.  10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  304. 

Peter  Cartwright,  the  great  apostle  of  Methodism  in  Illinois,  was  opposed  to  educa- 
tion and  took  occasion  to  ridicule  the  educated.  Saying  in  a  "powerful"  sermon  at 
Jacksonville,  "I  have  never  spent  four  years  of  my  life  rubbing  my  back  against  the 
walls  of  a  college."  Julian  M.  Sturtevant,  An  Autobiography,  quoted  in  Publication  No. 
10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  305. 

"The  ministers  were  often  unable  to  read  the  Bible  without  making  gross  blunders. 
Many  of  the  anti-mission  Baptist  ministers  could  not  speak  three  sentences  together 
without  violating  the  most  familiar  rules  of  grammar."  Patterson,  Robert  W.,  D.  D., 
Early  Society  in  Southern  Illinois,  p.  24. 

"In  regard  to  calls  to  the  ministry,  the  most  singular  fancies  used  to  be  put  for- 
ward. In  one  case,  as  was  repeated  to  me  at  the  time  by  credible  witnesses,  a  minister 
stated  to  his  congregation  that  he  knew  he  was  called  to  the  ministry,  from  the  fact 
that  on  a  certain  occasion  he  dreamed  that  he  swallowed  a  wagon,  and  the,  tongue  pro- 
jected out  of  his  mouth,  which  he  took  as  an  indication  that  he  was  to  use  his  tongue 
in  preaching  the  Gospel.  The  story,  in  substance  was  published  a  few  years  ago  in 
Harper's  Magazine."  Patterson,  Robert  W.,  D.D.,  Early  Society  in  Southern  Illi- 
nois, p.  29. 

The  years  1800  and  1801  were  distinguished  by  an  uncommon  religious  excitement 
among  the  Presbyterians  of  Kentucky.  This  excitement  began  in  Logan  County,  and 
soon  extended  all  over  the  state,  and  into  neighboring  states  and  territories.  Besides 
increased  attention  to  the  usual  and  ordinary  seasons  and  modes  of  worship,  there  were 
during  the  summer  of  these  years,  large  camp-meetings  held,  and  four  or  five  days  and 
nights  at  a  time  were  spent  in  almost  incessant  religious  exercises.  At  these  meetings 
hundreds,  and  in  some  cases,  thousands  of  people  might  have  been  seen  and  heard  at 
one  and  the  same  time,  engaged  in  singing  and  prayer  and  exhortation,  and  preaching 

111 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

or  Presbyterian  forebears  could  he  see  them  in  the  "throes"  of  a  "Protracted 
Meeting"  of  any  time  from  1805  to  1880  or  even  somewhat  later.41  As  might  be 
expected,  there  was  not  complete  harmony  amongst  the  Protestant  sects,  nor 
even  in  any  single  sect  in  the  early  days,  but  there  was  one  thing  upon  which 
they  all  agreed  and  that  was  a  violent  opposition  to  the  Catholic  Church. 


and  leaping,  and  shouting,  and  disputing,  and  conversing.  It  was  in  meetings  and  in 
exercises  of  this  kind  that  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  had  its  origin.  Prom  "An 
Outline  of  the  History  of  the  Church  in  the  State  of  Kentucky  during  a  period  of  forty 
years,  containing  the  memoirs  of  Reverend  David  Rice  and  sketches  of  the  origin  and 
present  state  of  particular  churches,  and  of  the  lives  and  labor  of  a  number  of  men 
who  were  eminent  and  useful  in  their  day.  Corrected  and  arranged  by  Robert  H. 
Bishop,  Professor  of  History  in  Transylvania-Lexington  (1824).  Conditions  were  sim- 
ilar in  Illinois. 

4,J.  F.  Schermerhorn  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  one  of  the  agents  sent  West 
by  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  in  1812.  speaks  of  the  "religious  revival"  talked 
about  as  setting  in  at  the  beginning  of  the  19th  century.  "The  Methodists  say  there 
has  been  a  very  great  revival  of  religion  among  them  as  also  do  the  Baptists.  From 
the  best  information  that  we  could  obtain  from  eye  witnesses  of  this  work,  there  is 
great  reason  to  believe  that  it  was  principally  terror  and  fear  which  induced  members 
to  join  those  societies:  for  their  work  began  and  ended  with  the  earthquakes  in  those 
countries  and  the  whole  strain  of  preaching  by  the  Baptists  and  Methodists  was,  that 
the  end  of  all  things  was  at  hand,  and  if  the  people  were  not  baptized  or  died,  not 
joining  a  society,  there  was  no  hope  for  them."  This  was  said  in  1812.  In  1852  the 
conditions  are  said  to  be  the  same.  "The  effect  of  the  senseless  haranguers  and  conse- 
quent spurious  revivals  with  which  we  are  cursed  and  of  which  the  people  are  every  fond, 
is  similar  to  the  raging  of  fire  that  sweeps  through  the  forest,  deadening  and  blacken- 
ing everything  which  it  leaves  unconsumed."  See  Publication  No.  10,  Illinois  Historical 
Library,  pp.  304-305. 

Referring  to  a  camp-meeting  held  in  the  same  year  as  that  spoken  of  in  Note  10 
above,  Governor  Reynolds  says:  "The  first  camp-meeting  that  was  ever  held  in  Illinois 
was  commenced  on  the  premises  of  Mr.  Good,  about  three  miles  south  of  the  present 
Edwardsville.  This  meeting  convened  in  the  spring  of  1807,  and  I  attended  it.  At 
the  meeting,  many  persons  were  curiously  exercised  by  the  jerks  as  it  was  called.  It 
seemed  an  involuntary  exercise,  and  made  the  victims  sometimes  dance  and  leap  until 
they  were  entirely  exhausted,  and  would  fall  down  helpless  on  the  ground.  When 
they  were  in  these  furious  motions,  the  parties  would  generally  shout  and  cry  aloud 
on  the  Lord.  It  was  supposed  to  be  contagious  by  sympathy.  These  jerks  remained 
with  the  people  for  many  years,  but  at  last  they  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  it  and  it  ceased 
among  the  people."    Reynolds,  My  Own  Times,  pp.  64,  65. 

The  preachers  who  produced  or  induced  "jerks"  at  this  camp-meeting  and  another 
at  Shilo,  St.  Clair  County,  held  the  same  year,  both  of  which  were  attended'  by  Reynolds, 
were  the  Reverend  William  McKendree,  afterwards  Bishop,  and  leading  Methodist 
churchman  in  early  Illinois,  and  Reverend  Jesse  Walker,  afterwards  presiding  elder 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  several  other  preachers.  Reynolds,  My  Own  Times,  p.  120. 

In  a  later  work,  Col.  Wm.  Stone,  of  New  York,  thus  speaks  of  this  "great  revival": 

"About  thirty  or  thirty-five  years  ago,  there  was  an  extensive  revival  of  religion 
(so  called)  in  Kentucky,  characterized  by  the  greatest  fanaticism,  accompanied  by  a 
great  variety  of  bodily  affections,  and  running  into  many  painful  excesses.  The  fancies 
were  reducible  to  various  classes,  some  of  which  were  affected  by  'falling  exercises' 
and  others,  by  what  was  called  'the  jerking  exercise';  others  were  moved  by  the 
Spirit  to  propose  'the  running  exercise';  and  others  again  'the  climbing  exercise' — all  of 
which  exercises  are  sufficiently  indicated  by  their  names.  It  was  a  frequent  occurrence 
for  a  number  of  people  to  gather  round  a  tree,  soma  praying  and  others  imitating  the 
barking  of  dogs,  which  operation  was  called,  in  familiar  parlance  among  them,  'treeing 
the  devil.'  (!)  It  was  stated  also  concerning  the  same  people  that  in  their  religious 
assemblies,  or  other  places  of  worship,  religious  professors  of  zeal  and  standing  would 
get  out  into  the  broad  aisle,  and  go  down  upon  their  knees  together,  playing  marbles 
and  other  childish  games,  under  the  notion  of  obeying  the  saying  of  the  Saviour — I 
'Except  ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little  children,  ye  cannot  enter  into  the  king- 
dom of  heaven;'  others  would  ride  up  and  down  the  aisle  of  the  church,  on  sticks,  etc." 

Parkman  and  other  historians  have  indulged  in  some  levity  anent  the  childlike 
simplicity  of  the  early  Catholic  missionaries,  who  on  various  occasions  prayed  for  sick 
people  or  applied  relics  or  holy  articles  in  the  hope  of  relief.  The  antics  of  ministers 
and  others  as  here  noted  would  seem  to  be  much  less  rational. 

112 


THE    CHURCH    IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

These  remarks  are  not  intended  as  a  reflection  upon  our  non-Catholic  fel- 
low-citizens. They  are  interjected  only  for  the  purpose  of  noting  the  difficul- 
ties under  which  the  Catholic  Church  and  Catholics  labored.  The  common 
opposition  to  the  Catholic  placed  him  at  a  considerable  disadvantage,  and  un- 
doubtedly succeeded  in  discrediting  the  Church  in  the  eyes  of  many,  to  such 
an  extent  that  many  weak  men  and  women  gave  up  their  deligion.  There 
could  be  no  possible  doubt  as  time  passed  but  that  the  non-Catholic  had  signal 
advantages  in  temporal  concerns  over  his  Catholic  neighbor  and  fellow  citizen. 
The  seed  of  prejudice  being  sown,  flourished  to  such  an  extent  that  in  many 
places  Catholics  were  ostracized,  were  denied  business  advantages  and  could 
not  secure  public  preferment  either  in  the  shape  of  offices  or  legitimate  ad- 
vantages which  accrue  from  public  recognition.  The  Know  Nothing  and 
American  Protective  Association  organizations,  whose  activities  were  directed 
against  the  Catholic  Church  and  Catholics,  were  very  active  and  quite  power- 
ful in  Illinois.  These  facts  help  to  account  for  the  greater  material  prosperity 
of  the  average  non-Catholic  than  his  fellow  citizen  of  the  Catholic  Church  and 
to  explain  the  disparity  of  numbers  between  Catholics  and  non-Catholics  in 
places  of  distinction. 

Catholic  Tolerance  and  Forbearance 

It  can  truthfully  be  said  for  the  Catholic  Church  as  an  organization  and 
for  individual  Catholics,  however,  that  they  have  never  retaliated  in  kind. 
Twenty  or  more  years  ago,  if  one  were  to  go  into  ten  or  more  Protestant 
churches  of  different  denominations  and  listen  to  the  sermon  in  each  church, 
it  would  be  strange  if  he  did  not  in  each  sermon  hear  the  Pope,  the  priests  and 
some  dogma  of  the  Catholic  Church  assailed.  The  writer  has  been  a  member 
of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  a  reasonably  diligent  attendant,  since  childhood, 
and  does  not  recall  ever  having  heard  a  Protestant  sect  or  doctrine  abused  or 
misrepresented.  Neither  has  he  ever  known  an  individual  Catholic  to  make  a 
distinction  on  account  of  religion  either  in  his  business  dealings  or  in  his  voting 
for  public  offices. 

Catholics  are  in  a  sense  philosophers;  they  know  the  manner  in  which 
their  non-Catholic  neighbors  and  associates  have  been  raised;  that  Catholics 
have  been  represented  to  them  as  monsters  of  iniquity  and  the  Church  as  the 
mother  of  iniquities.  They  know  that  such  teachings  and  beliefs  are  untrue, 
and  have  an  abiding  confidence  that  men  of  intelligence  will  discover  the  un- 
truth. Therefore,  they  pursue  their  quiet  way,  and  as  a  rule  speak  only  when 
duty  demands,  trusting  the  growing  intelligence  and  the  spirit  of  fair  play 
under  God's  guidance,  Whose  affair  religion  really  is,  to  do  justice.  They  recog- 
nize as  the  best  argument  for  their  belief,  virtuous  conduct.  Example  as 
superior  to  precept. 

It  has  been  along  such  lines  and  under  such  circumstances  that  the  Church 
has  developed  in  Illinois,  and  no  better  evidence  of  its  progress  and  success  can 
be  cited  than  its  present  situation.  A  very  large  percentage  of  the  population 
of  the  State  is  Catholic.    A  great  deal  of  the  educational  work  of  the  State  is 

113 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

conducted  through  Catholic  schools  and  Catholic  educational  institutions.  An 
immense  amount  of  the  charitable  work  is  in  charge  of  Catholic  institutions, 
and  the  Catholic  Church  stands  at  the  head  of  all  other  organizations  in  the 
assimilation  of  foreign-born  populations. 

The  figures  with  reference  to  Catholic  Church  membership,  religious, 
charitable  and  educational  institutions  are  interesting :  There  are,  according  to 
the  Official  Catholic  Directory  of  1927,  1069  Catholic  churches,  chapels  and 
stations  in  Illinois;  there  are  1,598,552  communicants  or  members  of  the  Catho- 
lic Church  in  Illinois;  of  Catholic  schools  and  colleges  there  are  708  in  the 
State  with  students  and  pupils  aggregating  274,762.  There  are  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Illinois,  120  charitable  institutions,  amongst 
which  there  are  fifty-nine  hospitals.  There  are  homes  for  the  aged,  refuges  for 
fallen  women,  schools  for  the  deaf  and  blind,  and  lodgings  for  the  down  and 
out ;  infant  and  orphan  asylums  and  training  schools  for  the  poor  and 
abandoned.  No  form  of  charity  which  has  shown  itself  a  necessity  has  been 
neglected  or  overlooked  by  the  Catholic  Church.42 

In  addition,  the  Catholic  Church  even  in  the  State  of  Illinois  has  shown 
itself  the  strongest  bulwark  of  order  and  the  greatest  proponent  of  respect  for 
constituted  authority. 

The  Catholic  Church  of  today  stands  at  the  head  of  all  religious  institu- 
tions in  the  State  of  Illinois  in  the  number  of  members  and  number  of  Churches 
and  schools  and  in  the  extent  of  its  charities.  It  seeks  no  public  favor,  it 
desires  no  alliance  with  government,  it  excludes  no  human  being  from  its 
pale,  it  coerces  no  man's  judgment  and  violates  no  man's  rights. 

As  early  as  1842  a  characterization  of  and  challenge  to  the  Catholic 
Church  was  put  out  in  the  Home  Missions,  the  organ  of  the  Home  Missionary 
Society.    It  read : 

The  most  formidable  foe  of  the  universal  spread  of  the  gospel  is  doubtless 
to  be  found  in  the  Roman  Apostacy — where  else  coidd  the  contest  be  bloodless, 
where  so  successful  as  here  (in  the  Illinois  country),  where  no  racks  or  tortures 
forestall  the  force  of  argument — here  where  the  benighted  children  of  error 
will  be  surrounded  and  pervaded  by  the  silent  but  restless  influence  of  our 
schools  and  presses ;  here,  where  every  one  of  them  may  stand  erect  and  feel 
that  he  is  a  man  and  may  assert  his  right  to  doubt  as  well  as  to  believe ;  to  dis- 
cuss and  judge  as  well  as  to  listen  and  obey.  Instead,  therefore,  of  deprecating 
the  coming  of  so  many  foreigners  as  a  curse,  we  should  regard  it  as  the  fulfill- 
ment of  our  national  destiny.43 

"Statistics — Catholics  and  Catholic  Institutions 

Chapels  Schools  Students  Charity 

and  and  and  Inst,  and 

Churches  Communicants  Colleges  Pupils  Hospitals 

Chicago  Diocese  370  1,250,000  391  219,821  62 

Peoria  Diocese  233  116,897  101  17,320  18 

Springfield  Diocese  198  92,153  71  15,611  18 

Belleville   Diocese  152  76,573  98  13,340  11 

Rockford    Diocese   116  62,929  47  8,670  11 

1069  1,598,552  708  274,762  120 

Official  Catholic  Directory,  1927.     See  figures  under  each  diocese. 
"Quoted  in  Puritan  Influences  in  the  Formative  Years  of  Illinois  History,  by  Carrie 
Prudence  Kofoid,  Publication  No.  10,  Illinois  Historical  Library,  p.  323. 

114 


THE    CHURCH    IN    THE   TRANSITION    PERIOD 

In  other  words,  we  were  supposed  in  Illinois  to  have  started  off  in  a  fair 
field  and  no  favors.     Catholics  may  be  fairly  well  satisfied  with  the  results. 

Opinions  have  modified  since  those  early  days.  Only  defectives  talk  in  the 
strain  of  that  time.  Fifty  years  after  the  above  was  written,  a  careful  student 
of  the  religious  history  of  Illinois  unreservedly  states : 

Public  opinion  of  today  does  not  view  certain  matters,  as  for  example 
Catholicism,  in  the  same  light  as  did  the  New  Englanders  in  Illinois  forty  or 
fifty  years  ago ;  but  in  many  directions  we  must  acknowledge  the  exceeding 
excellence  of  their  ideas  and  ideals.  They  stood  for  order,  thrift,  economy  and 
enterprise.  They  looked  with  intelligence  beyond  their  own  communities  to 
the  welfare  of  state  and  nation.  They  valued  personal  integrity  above  all 
things.  To  foster  this,  churches  with  all  their  allied  organizations  were  multi- 
plied east  and  west,  north  and  south.44 

"The  latest  official  examination  of  churches  and  church  membership  by  states  is  con- 
tained in  reports  of  the  Census  Bureau  of  the  United  States  for  1916. 


115 


CHAPTER  V. 

Precursors  op  the  Parishes 

A  history  of  the  organization  and  development  of  the  parishes,  especially 
in  the  pioneer  period,  would  not  give  a  complete  understanding  of  church 
work  in  the  early  days  before  the  diocese,  but  needs  to  be  introduced  by  refer- 
ence to  the  labors  of  many  zealous  priests  who  were  in  a  sense  the  forerunners 
of  the  parishes. 

These  good  priests  were,  in  a  comprehensive  sense,  missionaries.  Some  of 
them  indeed  had  something  of  a  fixed  abode  from  which  they  radiated,  but  in 
general  they  were  holy  tramps,  constantly  on  the  move  from  place  to  place, 
seeking  out  Catholic  settlers  and  bringing  the  consolations  of  religion  wherever 
the  spirit  directed.  In  a  sense  they  were  vested  with  a  roving  commission,  and 
to  their  great  credit  they  worked  wonders  for  the  Church  and  the  salvation  of 
souls  in  the  early  days. 

It  was  not  unusual  for  the  Bishop  to  assign  a  priest  to  a  given  line  of 
railway,  whether  operating  or  only  in  course  of  construction.  One  such,  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Cusack,  who,  as  will  be  seen,  did  missionary  work  in  Illinois,  is 
described  in  the  list  of  missionaries  kept  in  the  Archives  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  St.  Louis  as  missionary  "in  via  ferratta  vaporea" — the  railroad  apostle. 

In  like  manner  did  these  early  missionaries  traverse  the  route  of  the 
Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal,  tramping  from  camp  to  camp  equipped  with 
requisites  for  saying  Mass  and  administering  the  Sacraments;  setting  up 
their  altars  in  the  shadow  of  a  convenient  tree,  or  instituting  a  confessional 
behind  some  friendly  bush,  thus  carrying  the  Church  to  the  people. 

No  better  way  of  indicating  the  character  and  extent  of  the  church 
work  independent  of  or  prior  to  the  parishes  presents  itself  than  to  sketch 
briefly  the  missionary  career  of  some  of  these  pioneer  priests. 

Very  Reverend  Stephen  Theodore  Badin,  Sulpician 
One  of  the  most  noted  of  the  missionaries  of  the  early  nineteenth  century 
was  Father  Stephen  Theodore  Badin.  Father  Badin  had  the  distinction  of 
being  the  first  priest  ordained  in  the  United  States  and  has  been  referred  to 
as  the  Apostle  of  Kentucky.  This  good  Sulpician  traveled  almost  continuously 
over  Kentucky,  Indiana  and  parts  of  Illinois. 

His  first  visit  to  Illinois  occurred  in  October,  1830.  He  had  been  minister- 
ing to  the  Potawatomi  Indians  at  the  mission  near  what  is  now  Niles,  Michigan. 
He  has  left  us  a  letter  concerning  this  visit  which  is  most  interesting.  It  reads 
as  follows : 

I  am  on  my  way  to  Chicago  or  Fort  Dearborn  on  the  west  shore  of 
Lake  Michigan  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  fifty  miles  from  here ;  no  priest  has 
been  seen  there  since  eight  (nine)  years  ago,  when  Mr.  Richard  paid  the  place 

117 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

a  visit.  (On  n'y  a  pas  vu  de  pretre  depuis  huit  ans  Lorsque  M.  Richard  y  fit 
une  visite.)  Along  the  entire  route  I  shall  not  come  across  a  single  house  or 
hut.  I  am  waiting  here  for  a  party  of  good  Catholic  Indians,  Chief  Pokegan  at 
the  head  of  them,  who  are  charged  with  the  carrying  of  my  chapel  equipment. 
I  had  started  out  without  them  in  order  to  avail  myself  of  the  company  of 
two  Canadians,  whose  services  I  engaged  as  interpreters,  and  who  must  by  this 
time  have  arrived  in  Chicago,  where  I  intended  to  celebrate  the  Divine 
Mysteries  on  Holy  Rosary  Sunday ;  but  fearing  that  my  Indians  would  not 
come  up  in  time  I  stopped  at  the  river  Calamie  (Grand  Calumet)  in  the  hope 
of  receiving  my  chapel  this  evening  or  tomorrow  morning.  Besides,  if  I  had 
continued  on  the  way  with  the  two  Canadians,  I  should  have  found  it  necessary 
to  sleep  in  the  open,  a  thing  I  thought  nothing  of  at  one  time — but  when  a 
man  is  beyond  sixty,  he  must  avoid  that  sort  of  a  thing,  unless  he  be  accustomed 
to  live  like  the  Indians  and  traders,  to  whom  it  is  all  one  whether  they  sleep 
indoors  or  outdoors. 

Man  proposes,  God  disposes.  My  party  of  Indians  arrived  three  days 
too  late,  and  I  was  put  to  the  necessity  of  spending  the  night  in  the  woods 
ten  miles  from  Chicago.  I  found  there  another  band  from  the  Kickapoo  tribe 
who  lived  in  an  immense  prairie  in  Illinois,  along  the  Vermillion  River  at  a 
distance  of  about  one  hundred  miles  from  Chicago.  Some  time  before,  these 
good  people  had  sent  their  compliments  to  Chief  Pokegan,  telling  him  at  the 
same  time  that  they  envied  him  the  happiness  of  having  a  pastor. 

We  have  very  little  information  of  just  what  Father  Badin  did  when  he 
finally  came  to  Chicago,  but  according  to  a  communication  written  by  Gordon 
S.  Hubbard  and  published  in  the  Chicago  Evening  Journal  of  April  29,  1882, 
he  baptized  Alexander  Beaubien  and  his  two  sisters,  Monique  and  Julia,  and 
also  the  Indian  Potawatomi  chief  of  mixed  blood,  Alexander  Robinson. 

Father  Badin  was  again  in  Chicago  in  1846  and  on  that  occasion  presented 
Mrs.  John  Murphy,  wife  of  a  very  worthy  settler  who  came  to  Chicago  in  1836, 
with  a  religious  book  containing  his  autograph.  Upon  the  presentation  of  the 
same  Father  Badin  is  said  to  have  remarked :  ' '  This  is  the  fiftieth  anniversary 
of  my  arrival  in  Chicago."  According  to  that  Father  Badin  would  have  been 
here  in  1796,  which  is  possible,  of  course,  as  he  was  doing  missionary  work 
at  the  time,  spending  most  of  his  time  between  1790  and  1820  in  Kentucky. 

It  has  also  been  stated  that  Father  Badin  was  in  Chicago  in  1822,  but 
this  statement  is  not  well  sustained.  It  is  very  certain  that  Father  Badin  was 
in  Illinois  in  1846.  In  the  diary  of  Bishop  Quarter  appears  an  entry  under 
date  of  June  13,  1846,  as  follows:  "Very  Reverend  Father  Badin,  ordained 
priest  in  Baltimore  by  Bishop  Carroll  the  25th  of  May,  1793,  who  in  October, 
1831,  went  on  a  visit  to  Chicago  and  found  about  two  hundred  families  then 
in  the  city  and  only  twenty  Catholic  men,  women  and  children,  and  is  now  in 
the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  age  and  fifty-third  of  his  priesthood,  left  for 
Bourbonnais  Grove  to  attend  the  French  Congregation." 

It  is  said  that  he  had  been  in  the  heart  of  Illinois  on  the  Vermilion  River 
doing  missionary  work  in  1844  and  came  to  Chicago  after  having  been  the 
guest  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Holy  Cross  at  Notre  Dame  at  their  annual  college 
commencement  in  1845. 

At  Kankakee  he  had  an  assistant,  but  he,  himself,  superintended  the  work 
and  during  the  time  that  he  was  at  Bourbonnais  he    signed    himself    Vicar- 

118 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 

general  of  the  Bishop  of  Chicago.  It  appears  that  in  the  course  of  his  mis- 
sionary career,  Father  Badin  was  viear-general  of  the  Diocese  of  Bardstown, 
of  the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati,  of  the  Diocese  of  Vincennes,  and  had  been  first  of 
all  vicar-general  of  the  Diocese  of  Baltimore  under  Bishop  Carroll.  He  had, 
therefore,  the  unusual  distinction  of  having  been  vicar-general  in  five  dioceses. 

As  is  well  known  he  was  responsible  for  the  establishment  of  the  Univer- 
sity of  Notre  Dame,  having  procured  the  ground  upon  which  that  great 
institution  is  located. 

Throughout  this  great  missionary's  career  he  had  led  a  most  exacting  life 
himself  and  was  apparently  very  exacting  to  others.  One  of  the  last  letters 
he  ever  wrote,  now  preserved  in  the  American  Catholic  Archives  in  Notre 
Dame,  contains  the  acknowledgment  that  he  had  been  too  severe  in  his  earlier 
practice  and  too  exacting  of  the  poor,  sorrowing  penitents  who  asked  God's 
pardon  through  him. 

On  April  19,  1853,  the  proto-priest  of  the  United  States  passed  from  his 
earthly  cares  in  this  world.  In  1904  the  Fathers  of  the  Holy  Cross  asked  that 
his  remains  be  transferred  to  their  institution  at  Notre  Dame  and  the  request 
was  granted.  On  the  spot  where  he  had  built  his  log  chapel  at  that  place  when 
he  was  a  missionary  among  the  Indians,  the  Fathers  caused  another  log  cabin  to 
be  raised,  the  exact  replica  of  the  first,  and  in  May,  1906,  the  last  burial  of 
Father  Badin  took  place,  and  his  bones  were  placed  in  a  tomb  in  front  of  the 
altar  near  the  middle  of  this  chapel,  and  there  lie  the  remains  of  the  Nestor 
of  the  nineteenth  century  missionaries. 

Reverend  Elisha  Durbin 

A  very  picturesque  figure  amongst  these  early  missionaries  was  Father 
Elisha  Durbin.  His  home  or  stopping  place  was  in  Union  County,  Kentucky. 
His  circuit  was  south-eastern  and  south-western  Kentucky,  a  great  part  of 
Tennessee,  Indiana  and  all  of  southern  Illinois.  At  the  time  he  labored  in  it 
it  was  first  called  Egypt,  on  account  of  the  swamps  and  dense  forests.  He  was  an 
American  of  Maryland  stock  and  is  said  to  have  suffered  through  his  family 
from  the  persecutions  which  the  non-Catholics  when  they  obtained  control  of 
Maryland  visited  upon  the  Catholics,  but  was  for  that  reason  all  the  firmer  in 
his  faith.  He  was  instructed  by  the  Venerable  Bishop  Benedict  Joseph  Flaget 
and  Bishop  John  B.  David. 

Father  Durbin  rode  horseback  as  a  mission  priest  for  over  sixty  years, 
covering  a  period  from  sometime  in  the  forties  to  near  the  end  of  the  nineteenth 
century.  At  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Louisville  in  the  last  years  of  the 
nineteenth  century  the  good  missionary  was  ninety  years  of  age. 

The  church  directories  show  that  Father  Durbin  visited  all  the  settlements 
in  southern  Illinois  especially  Shawneetown,  1836-1841,  Carmi  the  same  period, 
and  Albion  in  1836. 

Reverend  Michael  Carroll 

Few  of  the  nineteenth  century  missionaries  were  better  known  than  Rev- 
erend Michael   Carroll.     Although   Father   Carroll   made  the  circuit  like    the 

119 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

others,  he  is  always  thought  of  in  connection  with  the  city  of  Alton.  He  was 
stationed  in  Alton  for  many  years  and  built  the  Cathedral  which  was  in  course 
of  erection  but  not  finished  in  1857  when  the  new  See  of  Alton  was  created. 

Father  Carroll  was  one  of  the  gigantic  men  like  Father  John  George  Alle- 
man  and  Father  John  Ryan,  who  awed  men  by  their  height  and  physique.  A 
writer  speaking  of  Father  Carroll  draws  a  contrast  between  the  old  mission- 
aries and  later  clergymen,  and  speaking  of  the  former  says :  ' '  The  old  priests 
knew  how  to  throw  off  their  coats,  give  a  helping  hand  to  cut  a  log,  mix  mortar 
or  other  manual  labor,  to  erect  churches.  They  could  ford  and  swim  rivers 
with  their  saddlebags  taken  from  the  horses'  backs  and  put  around  their  shoul- 
ders so  their  vestments  would  not  be  wet ;  yet  these  same  priests  even  if  they 
had  to  borrow  a  broadcloth  coat  and  silk  hat  from  a  more  fortunate  clerical 
brother  (which  was  freely  loaned)  appeared  on  the  streets  as  gentlemen." 

Like  the  other  missionaries,  Father  Carroll  spent  the  week  days  traveling 
the  prairies  and  forests.  He  visited  virtually  all  the  towns  in  Jersey,  Madison, 
Macoupin  and  Montgomery  counties. 

Father  Carroll  was  attached  to  the  bishops  of  Chicago,  and  chose  to 
remain  in  the  Chicago  diocese  after  that  of  Alton  was  formed.  In  1857  in 
company  with  Father  Patrick  O'Brien  of  St.  Louis,  Father  Carroll  made  a 
trip  to  Ireland  and  upon  his  return  was  appointed  first  to  Lake  Forest,  near 
Waukegan  and  shortly  afterwards  to  St.  Mary's  at  Elgin. 

This  good  priest  crowned  a  fruitful  life  with  a  martyr's  death.  In  his  old 
age  while  visiting  a  neighboring  priest  who  was  sick,  a  night  call  came  from  a 
distance.  The  sick  priest  could  not  attend  of  course,  so  Father  Carroll  made  the 
trip  in  the  storm,  caught  cold  and  a  malignant  fever  ensued  from  which  he  soon 
after  died.    His  remains  were  buried  in  old  St.  Mary's  at  Elgin. 

Reverend  Patrick  J.  McElhearne 

Everybody  who  has  read  much  of  the  early  days  of  the  Church  in  Chi- 
cago will  remember  Father  Patrick  J.  McElhearne 's  name.  He  was  one  of 
Bishop  Quarter's  own  priests,  that  saintly  prelate  having  ordained  him  on  June 
8,  1846.  He  was  the  prop  and  support  of  the  good  Bishop  through  all  his 
days  in  Chicago,  and  it  was  Father  McElhearne  that  heard  the  death  alarm 
when  it  was  sounded  at  Bishop  Quarter's  bedside  and  who  hastened  to  his  aid 
and  administered  the  Last  Sacraments  of  the  Church  to  the  dying  prelate. 

Father  McElhearne  who  became  the  Bishop's  Vicar-General,  was  prom- 
inent in  every  church  function  in  Chicago  for  many  years  and  in  many  places 
throughout  the  state  he  became  a  familiar  figure. 

After  Bishop  Quarter's  time  Father  McElhearne  was  sent  to  Galena  where 
he  rebuilt  the  church  after  it  was  destroyed  by  fire.  After  completing  the 
Galena  church  he  was  sent  to  Springfield  and  from  there  to  Jacksonville.  From 
Jacksonville  he  was  sent  to  Quincy  to  iron  out  some  difficulties  that  had  arisen 
there.  He  served  for  a  time  in  the  new  diocese  of  Alton  but  later  returned 
to  the  Chicago  diocese  and  was  sent  to  Rock  Island. 

120 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 

Thus,  though  he  was  usually  located  in  an  established  parish,  Father 
McElhearne  covered  an  immense  amount  of  territory  during  his  priesthood. 

Father  Larmar  says  that  "Father  McElhearne  was  a  scholar  of  the  old 
school.  The  ancient  classics,  French,  and  the  standard  writings  both  of  prose 
and  poetry  were  ready  on  his  tongue.  He  served  the  principal  churches  in  his 
time  in  Illinois.  It  was  his  custom  to  write  every  sermon  (but  he  did  not  read 
them)  so  that  it  was  a  literary  treat  to  hear  him,  although  his  eloquence  was 
not  of  the  finest  sort." 

Father  McElhearne  died  about  1870  at  Apple  River,  Illinois. 

Reverend  John  Mary  Irenaeus,  Saint  Cyr 

The  name  of  the  French  priest,  John  Mary  Irenaeus  St.  Cyr  is  a  familiar 
one  in  Illinois.  He  was  the  founder  of  St.  Mary's,  the  first  church  in  modern 
Chicago.  Father  St.  Cyr  was  both  a  pastor  and  an  itinerant  missionary  and 
the  greater  part  of  his  life  was  given  to  missionary  work  in  Illinois  and 
Missouri.  It  will  be  remembered  that  immediately  upon  his  ordination  he 
came  to  Chicago  and  established  St.  Mary's.  While  he  was  still  in  Chicago  in 
1834  he  wrote  Bishop  Rosati  that  he  had  visited  Sugar  Creek,  Bear  Creek, 
Springfield  and  other  missions.  Father  St.  Cyr  left  Chicago  in  1837  and  from 
that  time  on  spent  a  great  deal  of  his  time  on  horseback  visiting  settlements 
and  ministering  to  the  early  settlers.  From  June  12,  1837,  to  May,  1839,  he 
visited  Quincy  periodically,  and  the  outlying  missions  in  Missouri  and  Iowa, 
having  St.  Augustine  in  Fulton  County,  Illinois,  as  headquarters.  He  attended 
the  French  socialists  at  Warsaw  who  had  abandoned  the  socialist,  colony  of  the 
Icarions,  founded  by  Itanen  Cabet  at  Nauvoo  in  1848,  after  the  Mormon  exodus 
from  that  place  and  succeeded  in  bringing  most  of  them  back  to  the  Catholic 
Church. 

In  the  course  of  his  wanderings  he  frequently  visited  the  home  of  Abra- 
ham Lincoln's  father  and  step-mother  and  said  Mass  there.  In  that  connection 
Archbishop  Ireland  in  his  lifetime  stated  that  Father  St.  Cyr  declared  to  him 
that  Abraham  Lincoln's  father  and  step-mother  were  both  Catholics.  In  the 
same  conversation  he  told  Archbishop  Ireland,  as  subsequently  repeated  by  the 
Archbishop,  that  Abraham  Lincoln  himself  was  not  a  Catholic,  but  that  he  as- 
sisted him  (Father  St.  Cyr)  in  preparing  for  the  celebration  of  Mass,  and  upon 
one  occasion  he,  with  his  own  hands,  made  a  number  of  chairs  for  the  use  of 
those  who  attended  Mass. 

There  are  still  a  few  priests  living  who  were  acquainted  with  Father  St. 
Cyr  in  his  lifetime,  and  these  as  well  as  all  others  who  have  written  of  him,  give 
him  a  splendid  character  and  reputation. 

Father  St.  Cyr  in  his  last  years  was  chaplain  at  the  Convent  at  Caron- 
dellett,  Missouri,  where  he  died  when  over  eighty  years  of  age  in  1882. 

Reverend  Thomas  McCabe 
Reverend  Thomas  McCabe  who  spent  many  years  of  missionary  life  in  Illi- 
nois is  represented  to  us  as  one  of  the  most  self-sacrificing  of  the  itinerary 
priests. 

121 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRTNOFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

The  manner  in  which  he  eked  out  an  existence  that  he  might  best  serve  the 
Church  has  been  described  by  an  early  priest  who  knew  him  well :  ' '  Father 
McCabe  worked  as  a  common  laborer  on  the  railroads  for  75c  a  day  paid  in 
orders  or  store  truck  and  said  Mass  on  Sundays  for  the  few  Catholics.  Jeans 
were  his  clothing,  corn  bread  baked  in  the  ashes  and  badly  cured  hog  meat,  his 
food."  Again  it  is  said  that  "Father  McCabe  would  make  his  way  from  Illinois 
once  or  twice  a  year  to  St.  Louis,  and  so  poor  was  he  that  he  would  take  out 
of  the  way  streets  to  get  to  his  house  to  borrow  a  coat  so  he  could  appear 
decently  on  the  streets."  The  priest  who  is  authority  for  this  statement, 
Father  Patrick  O'Brien,  states  incidentally  that  he  was  not  much  better  off 
himself.     "My  salary,"  said  he  "was  only  $10  a  month." 

General  Michael  Kelly  Lawler,  one  of  the  best  though  not  most  known  of 
the  Union  generals  of  the  Civil  War,  is  quoted  as  saying  that  Father  McCabe 
was  an  honest  and  faithful  priest,  that  he  "often  gave  his  last  dollar  to  poor 
unfortunate  persons  whom  he  came  across  when  traveling  in  boats  between 
Cairo  and  the  Wabash  river  on  the  Ohio." 

Old  residents  of  the  Wabash  are  authority  for  the  statement  that  Father 
McCabe  with  the  help  of  one  man  named  Welsh,  cut  the  logs  in  the  forest  and 
built  the  first  church  near  the  old  bed  of  the  Wabash. 

After  covering  virtually  the  whole  of  the  southern  end  of  Illinois  Father 
McCabe  established  a  headquarters  at  Cairo  and  as  an  evidence  of  his  good 
judgment  the  site  chosen  for  a  church  was  on  the  highest  point  available  and 
consequently  free  from  the  effects  of  the  floods. 

His  biographer  sounds  a  very  sad  note  for  Father  McCabe 's  last  years. 
When  the  new  diocese  was  created  in  southern  Illinois  the  Bishop  ordered 
Father  McCabe 's  removal  from  Cairo  and  the  order  seemed  so  unfair  and  un- 
reasonable to  the  good  old  missionary  after  the  efforts  he  had  exerted  and  the 
life  he  had  lead  that  he  remonstrated.  The  Bishop  summarily,  however,  en- 
forced his  orders  by  suspension  and  the  old  clergyman  was  obliged  to  remain 
without  faculties  of  the  priesthood  for  the  rest  of  his  life.  He  remained  a 
resident  of  Cairo,  however,  and  commanded  the  respect  of  all  who  came  in 
contact  with  him. 

Reverend  Thomas  Walsh 

Father  Thomas  Walsh  was  another  of  the  traveling  clergymen  that  made 
the  circuit  in  Illinois.  He  had  been  pastor  of  the  Cathedral  of  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
and  came  to  Illinois  and  was  appointed  pastor  at  Cairo  to  succeed  Father 
McCabe.  Although  a  parish  priest  it  was  Father  Walsh's  custom  to  saddle 
his  horse  on  Sunday  afternoon  and  with  his  saddle-bags  packed  with  the 
necessities  for  his  holy  ministrations,  ride  during  the  week  until  the  next 
Sunday,  from  settlement  to  settlement,  saying  Mass,  baptizing,  teaching 
catechism  and  attending  the  sick  and  the  dying. 

It  was  while  engaged  in  these  laborious  duties  that  he  contracted  a  con- 
tagious disease  locally  known  as  the  itch,  resulting  from  poorly  cooked  food, 
imperfectly  cured  meat  and  an  absence  of  vegetable  diet.    This  disease  infected 

122 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 

his  eyes  and  he  was  compelled  to  remain  in  a  darkened  room  for  an  entire 
year  with  his  eyes  covered,  and  although  he  recovered  to  a  certain  extent,  he 
lived  but  a  short  time,  falling  dead  on  the  altar  just  as  he  finished  a  sermon  in 
Cairo  on  St.  Patrick's  Day.  His  biographer  says  of  him:  "I  knew  Father 
Walsh  well  and  no  nobler  or  more  hospitable  priest  ever  lived.  His  position 
was  a  very  delicate  one  on  account  of  the  differences  of  the  Bishop  and  Father 
McCabe,  in  which  he  tried  to  be  neutral,  but  some  of  the  people  could  only  see 
him  as  a  partisan.  My  recollection  is  that  he  and  Father  McCabe  died  the 
same  week." 

Reverend  Thomas  Mangan 

Of  Father  Mangan,  another  of  the  early  missionary  priests,  Father  Larmer 
gives  us  this  bit  of  information:  "I  do  not  know  whether  Father  Mangan  had 
any  practical  knowledge  of  mechanical  labor  before  he  became  a  priest,  but 
he  worked  on  the  Jerseyville  church,  and  in  the  intervals  when  not  on  mission- 
ary duty  in  the  neighboring  counties,  finished  the  church  and  built  the 
altar  alone." 

The  same  author  tells  us  what  happened  after  Father  Mangan  had  finished 
the  church  and  his  words  are  so  quaint  as  to  be  well  worth  repeating :  "The  first 
time  T  saw  Father  Mangan  was  in  1858.  He  had  just  returned  from  Jersey- 
ville, Illinois,  to  Alton,  fording  the  Piasa  River,  as  the  bridge  was  swept  away, 
or,  more  likely  in  those  days,  there  was  no  bridge.  He  rode  a  piebald  Indian 
pony  and,  indeed,  he  looked  as  if  the  whole  was  not  worth  #10.  Father  Mangan 
was  of  medium  structure,  very  homely  in  the  face  and  common  in  appearance. ' ' 

Father  Mangan 's  errand  on  this  occasion  "was  to  report  to  the  Bishop 
tfiat  he  had  finished  the  Catholic  church  in  Jerseyville. "  The  Bishop  received 
the  information,  no  doubt,  with  pleasure  but  instead  of  commissioning  Father 
Mangan  as  pastor  gave  the  parish  and  the  new  church  to  a  young  French 
priest,  which  action,  his  biographer  tells  us,  very  much  disappointed  Father 
Mangan  and  "made  him  sad  when  he  would  think  of  it  even  until  a  few  days 
before  he  died,  thirty-nine  years  thereafter." 

After  being  removed  from  Jerseyville,  Father  Mangan  attended  the 
Catholics  in  Jersey,  Macoupin,  Greene  and  other  counties.  He  was  next  ap- 
pointed to  Jacksonville  and  was  soon  called  from  there  to  the  Cathedral  at 
Alton. 

From  the  Cathedral  Father  Mangan  was  sent  to  Mattoon  and  the  extensive 
prairie  missions  centered  there.  He  remained  in  Mattoon  a  number  of  years 
and  until  after  the  death  of  the  first  bishop  and  the  second  was  appointed. 

Although  Father  Mangan  had  many  trials  and  sorrows  in  the  new  diocese 
of  Alton,  he  was  adopted  into  the  Diocese  of  Chicago  by  Bishop  James  Duggan 
while  he  was  yet  administrator  after  the  retirement  of  Bishop  0 'Regan,  and 
was  by  him  appointed  to  Macomb  and  the  neighboring  missions  now  part  of  the 
Peoria  diocese.    He  was  later  sent  to  New  Dublin  and  thence  to  Freeport. 

We  meet  this  good  missionary  again  after  the  diocese  of  Chicago  had  been 
erected  into  an    archdiocese.     The    new    Archbishop,    Most    Reverend    Patrick 

123 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Augustine  Feeban,  knew  Father  Mangan  as  he  had  been  a  few  months  await- 
ing ordination  where  the  Archbishop  taught  as  professor  in  Carondelet  Sem- 
inary. "From  this  time  until  death,"  says  his  biographer,  "peace  and  honor 
was  his  lot.     Surely  he  deserved  it." 

The  Archbishop  knew  Father  Mangan  \s  scholarship  and  his  piety  under 
his  plain  and  unsophisticated  exterior,  and  honored  him  in  every  way  as  far 
as  he  did  any  priest  in  his  archdiocese.  Soon  after  Archbishop  Feehan's 
assuming  jurisdiction,  Father  Mangan  was  sent  to  Joliet  as  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's  and  made  Dean  of  that  district.  The  parish  had  a  debt  of  $40,000 
but  Father  Mangan  took  hold  vigorously  and  through  many  years  of  hard  labor 
which  he  himself  described  as  up-hill  work,  he  scored  a  success.  He  died  in 
Joliet  on  February  5,  1898. 

Reverend  Joseph  H.  Fortmann 

A  Catholic  center  in  the  diocese  of  Alton  is  Highland.  The  first  settlers 
from  1831-1842  were  nearly  all  Catholics,  at  least  in  name,  though  without 
strong  affiliations  to  the  church.  The  years  1840  and  1841  brought  more  than 
one  hundred  from  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden,  besides  a  number  of  Swiss  and  a 
few  Bavarian  Catholics.  Occasionally,  probably  twice  a  year,  a  priest  was 
sent  them  from  St.  Louis.  More  frequent  became  the  visits  since  Shoal  Creek 
(Germantown),  had  a  resident  priest  in  the  person  of  Reverend  Joseph  H.  Fort- 
mann, ordained  at  the  Barrens,  November  1,  1837,  and  since  then  pastor  of 
Apple  Creek.  He  did  his  best  to  persuade  the  Catholics  to  build  a  church  and 
in  this  he  succeeded.  The  corner  stone  was  placed  in  1844  on  the  first  day  of 
May.  The  first  Mass  was  celebrated  in  this  church  of  Highland  in  1846  by 
Reverend  Joseph  Kuenster,  pastor  of  Teutopolis.  Father  Fortmann  was  recalled 
from  Shoal  Creek  by  Bishop  Rosatti  in  1847  and  sent  as  pastor  to  St.  Joseph's 
church  of  Grosse  Point,  (Wilmette,  near  Chicago),  where  he  stayed  from 
1847  to  1853.  During  his  stay  at  Grosse  Point  he  erected  St.  Peter's  church  at 
Niles  Center.  Next  we  find  him  busily  engaged  at  St.  Mary's  of  the  Woods 
at  Highland  Park  (near  Chicago),  after  which  he  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Peter's  church  at  Teutopolis.  Here  he  worked  against  many  odds  and  diffi- 
culties from  August  5,  1857  to  January,  1858.  He  had  made  arrangements  for 
the  construction  of  a  new  parochial  residence,  for  which  purpose  he  had  col- 
lected the  sum  of  $723.  Before  he  witnessed  the  realization  of  his  plans,  how- 
ever, he  was  sent  to  Peoria  to  assume  charge  of  St.  Joseph's  church  of  that 
city.  Three  weeks  after  his  advent  to  Peoria,  Father  Joseph  H.  Fortmann 
died. 

Reverend  Thomas  Quigley,  D.D. 

Reverend  Thomas  Quigley,  was  ordained  in  1849  by  Archbishop  Kenrick  of 
St.  Louis.  He  was  a  subject  of  the  Bishop  of  Chicago,  in  whose  diocese  he  spent 
almost  his  entire  priestly  life.  Whilst  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  was  being 
constructed  Father  Quigley  made  many  trips  along  that  line  and  his  success 
with  the  poor  fellows  is  said  to  have  been  marvelous.  In  1855  he  came  to 
Springfield  as  pastor  of  the  old  St.  John's  church.     He  soon  formed  the  design 

124 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 

of  erecting  a  new  building  and  placing  it  under  the  patronage  of  the  Immacu- 
late Conception  B.  V.  M.  Dr.  Quigley  built  the  foundation  but  did  not  re- 
main to  complete  the  work.  When  leaving  he  was  replaced  by  Father  P. 
McElherne,  whilst  he  assumed  charge  of  the  parish  work  in  the  northern 
(Chicago  and  Peoria  diocese)  part  of  the  state. 

Rev.  Thomas  Quigley  was  known  in  literary  circles  as  a  writer  of 
some  note. 

It  is  interesting  to  recall  the  career  of  the  founder  of  this  now  Cathedral 
parish  and  the  projector  of  the  early  church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception, 
which  is  succeeded  by  the  new  cathedral. 

Reverend  Michael  Hurley,  Bishop-Elect  op  Peoria,  1875 
A  quondam  pastor  of  the  church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  of  Spring- 
field was  Rev.  Michael  Hurley,  having  been  appointed  to  the  pastorate  in  1854. 
He  succeeded  Reverend  Michael  Prendergast.  Owing  to  the  brevity  of  his  stay 
of  but  a  few  months,  which  were  rather  void  of  any  notable  achievements,  we 
would  be  tempted  to  be  satisfied  with  the  mere  mention  of  this  short  incumbency 
were  it  not  for  the  important  fact  that  the  erstwhile  Springfield  pastor  had 
been  chosen  by  the  Holy  See  to  become  first  Bishop  of  Peoria.  This  new  dio- 
cese was  created  in  1875,  by  a  subdivision  of  the  Chicago  diocese.  Father  Hur- 
ley was  at  the  time  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  church  of  Peoria.  He  had  been 
pastor  of  all  the  English  speaking  Catholics  of  the  city,  St.  Mary's,  since  1864, 
and  when  the  parish  was  divided  in  1868  had  chosen  the  new  St.  Patrick's 
parish  in  which  to  continue  his  labors.  While  he  was  by  virtue  of  location  and 
knowledge  of  the  new  diocese  the  most  available  candidate  for  the  position,  he 
modestly  and  humbly  signified  his  wishes  to  the  Holy  See,  at  the  same  time 
returning  the  bulls  of  appointment.  Singularly  his  declination  and  the  bulls 
never  reached  Rome,  but  went  down  off  the  coast  of  France  in  a  vessel  lost  at 
sea.  Pope  Pius  IX  and  the  Propaganda  were  advised  from  other  sources  of 
the  state  of  affairs  and  on  November  28,  1876  Reverend  John  Lancaster  Spald- 
ing was  appointed  Bishop  of  the  new  See. 

Father  Michael  Hurley  built  the  present  St.  Patrick's  church  of  Peoria  in 
1878,  and  erected  a  commodious  brick  school  house  in  1888. 

He  was  born  in  Tipperary,  Ireland,  in  the  year  1826.  His  education  was 
completed  at  Dublin,  where  he  was  raised  to  the  priesthood.  Coming  to  this 
country  he  labored  as  priest  in  Lockport,  Bloomington  and  Springfield  before 
coming  to  Peoria  as  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  church  in  1864.  His  death  occurred 
at  Peoria  on  December  11,  1892. 

Reverend  Joseph  Vahey 
Father  Vahey  was  another  of  the  nineteenth  century  missionaries.  He 
was  an  intellectual  man  of  great  literary  attainments,  whose  name  became 
familiar  to  the  world  of  letters  and  education.  His  treatise  on  "Mental 
Philosophy"  had  given  him  a  wide  reputation.  He  occupied  some  of  the  fore- 
most parishes  in  Wisconsin,  among  them  Madison,  and  built  St.  Patrick's 
church  of  Milwaukee. 

125 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

Father  Vahey  was  for  some  years  a  missionary  priest  in  Iowa  and  Central 
Illinois,  and  amongst  other  places  he  occupied  in  this  state  and  diocese  were 
that  of  Paris  in  1862  and  Vandalia  from  April  12,  1863  to  December  3,  1866. 
While  he  was  located  in  Paris  he  built  a  plain  frame  church  and  cottage  along 
the  railroad  track  and  west  of  the  town,  too  far  away  to  be  comfortable  and 
convenient  of  access. 

When  the  evening  of  life  had  set  in  Father  Vahey  retired  to  Elkhorn, 
Wisconsin.     There  he  peacefully  expired  and  his  remains  were  buried  there. 

Reverend  John  Ryan 

Reverend  jJuin  Ryan  was  one  of  Bishop  Quarter's  priests.  He  came  from 
Ireland  and  was  adopted  into  the  Chicago  diocese.  The  Bishop  sent  him  to 
Mattoon  where  his  headquarters  were  located.  His  territory  was  the  great 
prairie,  including  counties  lying  along  the  Wabash  river  and  the  eastern  state 
line.  He,  too,  was  in  a  sense  the  railroaders'  priest  and  became  the  idol  of  the 
workmen  building  the  lines  of  railway.  Added  to  his  priestly  office  we  are 
assured  that  he  was  physically  one  of  the  tallest  and  finest  looking  men  to 
be  found. 

Father  Ryan  traveled  on  foot  chiefly  from  mission  to  mission.  He  is  an 
illustration  of  the  priests  who  choose  hardships.  He  and  his  sister  brought 
with  them  considerable  wealth  from  Ireland  and  were  of  independent  means, 
and  used  sufficient  of  it  to  build  a  church  and  home  in  Mattoon.  His  biographer 
says  that  the  Bishop  was  desirous  that  he  turn  over  his  fortune  to  the  Church 
and  that  Father  Ryan's  refusal  to  do  so  caused  a  breach.  The  sister,  how- 
ever, is  said  to  have  been  clever  enough  to  avoid  serious  trouble  and  Father 
Ryan  was  permitted  to  go  on  with  his  pastoral  duties  in  Mattoon  to  the  end 
of  his  life. 

Reverend  Peter  Paul  Lefevre 

Coadjutor-Bishop  of  Detroit,  1841-1869 

One  of  the  earliest  missionary  priests  who  set  foot  on  the  virgin  soil  of 
Illinois  was  undoubtedly  Rev.  Peter  Paul  Lefevre.  It  was  in  the  beginning  of 
the  thirties  of  the  past  century  that  this  heroic  man  set  out  from  St.  Paul's  on 
the  Salt  River  in  Ralls  County,  Missouri,  to  evangelize  northern  Missouri, 
southern  Iowa  and  central  Illinois.  In  1833  he  ministered  to  the  spiritual 
wants  of  the  few  Catholics  of  Quincy,  where  he  said  Mass  in  the  private  house 
of  Adam  Schmitt.  Springfield  was  also  the  beneficiary  of  his  priestly  ministra- 
tions, yea,  most  of  the  incipient  towns  where  Catholics  were  known  to  reside, 
were  included  in  Father  Lefevre 's  itinerary.  He  was  hailed  with  unfeigned 
joy  and  delight  wherever  his  coming  was  heralded  by  the  orphaned  Catholic 
people.  This  genial  man  of  true  apostolic  spirit  was  a  native  of  Belgium, 
born  at  Roulers  in  Flanders,  April  30,  1804,  ordained  a  priest  at  the  Seminary 
of  Cape  Girardeau,  Missouri,  under  Bishop  Rosati  of  St.  Louis,  July  17,  1831, 
and  consecrated  a  bishop  November  21,  1841.     He  died  March  4,  1869. 

126 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 

Bishop  Lefevre  was  never  actively  Bishop  of  Detroit.  He  was  made  a 
titular  bishop  of  Zela  i.  p.  i.,  Coadjutor  Administrator  of  Detroit — then  em- 
bracing all  Michigan  and  Wisconsin — and  acted  as  such  during  the  mental 
incapacity  of  Bishop  Frederick  Rese,  first  Bishop  of  Detroit,  who  died  Decem- 
ber 29,  1871,  surviving  his  Coadjutor  and  Diocesan  Administrator. 

Father  Gaspar  Henry  Ostlangenberg 

A  careful  writer  in  speaking  of  the  priests  who  traveled  about  from  place 
to  place  has  said,  "They  went  forth  into  the  battle  field  of  Christ  with  holy  en- 
thusiasm and  heroically  bore  the  greatest  privations  but  the  irregularity  of  their 
lives  unfitted  them  for  the  regular  performance  of  pastoral  duties  under  nor- 
mal conditions.  In  these  early  days  the  unlimited  possibilities  of  life  in  this 
country  developed  a  great  deal  of  self-reliance  and  individuality  of  character 
both  in  clergy  and  laity.  It  brought  out  in  many  of  the  missionaries  traits  of 
eccentricity  which  exposed  them  to  misunderstandings  of  the  laity.  Under  these 
circumstances  they  did  not  always  show  the  best  judgment  and  prudence  in 
pacifying  factions  and  insuring  peace.  As  soon  as  missions  became  stable  par- 
ishes these  pioneers  failed ;  like  nomads  they  wandered  from  place  to  place  even 
from  diocese  to  diocese  until  the  infirmities  of  old  age  brought  them  to  rest  in 
some  quiet  retreat." 

Thus  does  a  good  priest  explain  the  uniformly  sad  latter  days  of  the  fine 
old  missionaries  that  braved  so  many  dangers  and  suffered  so  many  hardships 
in  the  pioneer  days  in  Illinois. 

Father  Ostlangenberg 's  first  missionary  work  in  Illinois  was  on  Little  Muddy 
Creek,  Saint  Clair  County,  where  a  few  Irish  immigrants  settled  down  some- 
what prior  to  1838  and  were  soon  joined  by  a  few  north  Germans,  mostly  from 
the  diocese  of  Paderborn.  The  Germans  seem  to  have  been  in  the  ascendency, 
for  the  settlement  took  the  name  of  "Libori  Settlement."  In  1838  a  couple  of 
German  settlers  visited  Bishop  Rosatti  in  St.  Louis,  and  asked  for  a  priest  who 
could  speak  both  English  and  German.  In  response  the  Bishop  sent  Father 
Ostlangenberg  who  said  the  first  Mass  in  the  settlement  on  August  5,  1838,  in 
the  log  house  of  Mr.  W.  Harwerth.  Father  Ostlangenberg  did  not  remain  at 
this  time  but  advised  the  settlers  to  build  a  church  which  they  proceeded  to  do. 

On  January  21,  1839,  Father  Ostlangenberg  left  St.  Louis  with  papers  of 
institution  to  the  parish  of  St.  Thaddeus  on  Silver  Creek  and  to  the  mission 
St.  Liborius  at  Fayetville,  and  to  St.  Boniface,  Shoal  Creek.  Reaching  the  ter- 
ritory he  resided  at  Libori,  but  from  there  he  served  the  missions  of  St.  Luke 
at  Fayetville  and  St.  Boniface  at  Belleville. 

In  1840  arrangements  were  made  by  which  the  Libori  settlement  was  to 
be  taken  care  of  by  Father  Joseph  H.  Fortmann  from  Shoal  Creek  and  Father 
Ostlangenberg  was  sent  on  a  roving  commission  to  serve  several  missions  in  Mis- 
souri but  was  relieved  of  those  missions  in  1841  and  sent  to  Galena,  Illinois,  to 
assist  Father  Remigius  Petiot  and  to  care  for  several  mission  stations  in  the 
vicinity.  While  living  in  Galena  he  also  attended  St.  Mathew's  church  at  Sholes- 
burg  in  Fayetville  County,  Wisconsin. 

127 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Soon  after  Bishop  Quarter  arrived  in  Chicago  he  called  Father  Ostlangen- 
berg from  Quincy  to  take  charge  of  the  Germans  in  Chicago  and  he  arrived 
August  24,  1844  on  the  day  that  Father  Fisher  of  the  Vincennes  diocese  left. 

As  soon  as  Father  Ostlangenberg  surveyed  the  field  he  recommended  the  es- 
tablishment of  two  churches  for  the  Germans,  one  on  the  north  and  one  on  the 
south  side,  which  was  done  a  short  time  thereafter,  but  not  by  Father  Ostlang- 
enberg. 

Bishop  Quarter  was  not  able  to  keep  Father  Ostlangenberg  long  in  Chi- 
cago due  to  the  fact  that  a  strong  personality  was  needed  to  deal  with  the  Ger- 
mans of  Belleville  who  had  gotten  into  a  serious  quarrel.  Proceeding  to  Belle- 
ville Father  Ostlangenberg  who  was  just  to  all,  succeeded  in  establishing  peace 
and  put  the  church  in  Belleville  upon  a  sound  financial  basis. 

His  appointment  to  Belleville  did  not  relieve  him  of  the  character  of  travel- 
ing missionary.  While  there  he  visited  nearly  all  the  missions  in  St.  Clair  County. 
In  1845  and  1846  he  was  frequently  sent  to  Cahokia  where  the  parish  was 
vacant  for  some  time.  He  also  went  to  St.  Thomas  church  in  the  Johnson 
Settlement  and  the  German  settlement,  Teutonia,  near  Prairie  du  Long.  He 
visited  Mascoutah,  Fayetville  and  the  French  village  St.  Philippe. 

Again  the  services  of  the  solid  missionary  were  needed  as  a  peace  maker. 
Due  to  the  removal  of  St.  Peters  church  in  Chicago  to  Polk  street  a  quarrel 
arose  amongst  the  parishioners,  and  Bishop  0 'Reagan  knowing  Father  Ost- 
langenberg's  capability  sent  for  him  to  take  charge  of  St.  Peter's.  In  this 
juncture  he  does  not  seem  to  have  been  quite  so  successful,  but  after  another 
attempt  at  pacification  in  the  parish  of  St.  Francis  Assissi  in  Chicago,  Father 
Ostlangenberg  gave  up  in  some  disgust  and  left  the  Chicago  diocese,  eventually 
attaching  himself  to  the  diocese  of  Vincennes.  The  rest  of  his  life  was  spent  in 
Indiana  and  Kentucky  and  his  death  occurred  on  August  9,  1883. 

Reverend  Michael  Prendergast 

Father  Prendergast  was  born  at  New  Park,  County  Wexford,  Ireland  in 
the  year  1810.  He  studied  for  the  priesthood  at  Carlow  College.  There  he 
was  ordained  for  the  Archdiocese  of  Dublin.  For  some  time  he  was  in  the 
Mission  of  Anklow,  County  Wicklow.  After  spending  ten  years  on  the  mis- 
sion in  Ireland,  he  came  to  the  United  States,  affiliating  himself  with  the  dio- 
cese of  Chicago,  and  was  sent  at  once  as  an  assistant  to  Reverend  Michael  Car- 
roll of  Alton.  This  was  in  1853.  In  the  following  year,  1854,  Father  Prender- 
gast was  sent  to  Decatur  to  become  the  first  resident  rector  of  St.  Patrick's.  He 
remained  two  years  at  Decatur,  from  where  he  attended  Winchester,  Pittsfield 
and  other  places,  till  replaced  by  Reverend  Thomas  Cusack.  Next  we  find  him 
starting  the  congregation  of  Winona,  Minnesota.  In  1868  he  was  at  Danville, 
Illinois,  which  he  left  to  take  charge  of  Batavia,  attending  at  the  same  time 
Geneva  and  St.  Charles.  He  died  at  Batavia,  March  3,  1875  and  was  buried  in 
Calvary  Cemetery,  Chicago. 

Being  a  man  of  considerable  means  he  left  a  goodly  portion  to  relatives  liv- 
ing near  New  Douglas,  devoted  larger  sums  to  charitable  purposes  and  be- 
queathed the  remainder  to  Bishop  Foley  of  Chicago  for  diocesan  uses. 

128 


precursors  of  the  parishes 

Reverend  Joseph  Kuenster 

Father  Joseph  Kuenster  is  hardly  entitled  to  be  classed  as  a  missionary  in 
the  sense  of  traveling  about  from  field  to  field,  but  in  the  sense  of  bearing 
privations  he  ranks  amongst  the  most  -worthy  of  them. 

Father  Kuenster 's  childlike  simplicity  was  his  outstanding  characteristic 
and  this  is  best  told  in  the  language  of  Father  Larmar,  who  knew  him  very  in- 
timately.    Father  Larmar  says : 

Father  Kuenster  was  located  at  Teutopolis.  Effingham  County,  Illinois. 
Many  curious  but  harmless  stories  the  old  priests  used  to  tell  about  him.  He 
was  a  German  of  the  old  but  practical  type.  I  have  always  had  a  profound 
admiration  for  the  simple  German  character.  Odd  as  it  may  appear  to  us,  in 
early  days  it  was  allied  with  industry,  piety,  thrift  and  economy.  All  these 
were  necessary  in  a  new  country,  and  they  brought  spiritual  and  temporal  re- 
wards. The  German  priests  in  our  sense  could  not  be  called  missionaries,  at- 
tending many  settlements.  Indeed,  the  German  character  is  one  of  fixity — 
will  not  cover  much  ground,  but  what  it  does  is  solid  and  lasts.  The  German 
priests,  no  matter  how  small  the  settlement  they  were  appointed  to.  went  about 
increasing  it,  and  left  the  rest  of  the  country  to  look  out  for  itself. 

Hence  the  German  settlements  became,  from  the  start,  places  of  com- 
parative comfort,  even  for  a  priest,  and  the  German  priests,  with  few  excep 
tions,  never  experienced  in  Illinois  the  hardships  of  the  Catholic  missonaries. 
It  is  true,  had  other  Catholic  priests  pursued  the  local  improvement  course  of 
the  German  priests,  few  congregations  would  now  exist  in  Illinois;  but  each 
people  had  its  task  to  fulfill,  and  we  must  believe  all  was  in  the  order  of 
Providence. 

When  Father  Kuenster  went  to  the  prairies  of  Effingham  County  he 
found  a  few  poor  Germans.  Like  them  he  turned  in  to  help  himself  and  make 
the  building  of  church  and  school  light  for  his  poor,  but  pious  people. 

Father  Kuenster  had  his  little  piece  of  cultivated  land,  his  garden  and 
his  fowls  and  geese,  and  I  was  told  once  he  was  called  on  to  pay  his  cathedrati- 
cum  or  cathedral  tax  for  the  support  of  the  Bishop.  He  astonished  all  by 
paying  his  cathedraticum  or  cathedral  tax  with  a  goose  and  a  gander,  carried 
by  his  own  hands  across  the  prairie.  The  good  priest  saw  nothing  funny  about 
it,  as  he  got  only  pay  in  kind,  as  there  was  little  or  no  money  in  his  settlement. 
As  time  passed,  Father  Kuenster 's  flock  of  fowls  and  geese  increased  and  so 
did  the  worldly  possessions  of  his  thrifty  Germans.  Even  in  their  poverty  they 
were  exacting  on  the  priest  for  his  services,  which  he  gave  with  satisfaction  to 
all.  His  success  did  not  escape  the  authorities  of  Chicago,  and  he  was  removed 
to  take  charge  of  the  annoying  parish  of  Quincy.  His  quaint  rural  ways  from 
the  prairies  caused  irreverent  laughter  from  the  young  German  Americans,  but 
many  of  his  ways  put  the  old  people  in  mind  of  rural  life  in  the  old  country, 
and  they  rather  liked  him.  He  was  faithful  and  zealously  demonstrative  in 
the  discharge  of  his  priestly  duties. 

But  the  diocese  being  divided  and  a  new  bishop  taking  charge  gave  the 
restless  a  chance  to  make  some  complaint  about  him.  His  life  had  been  so 
regular  in  Quincy  that  the  complainants  thought  they  must  inquire  at  Teu- 
topolis about  him.  They  found  a  charge  that  stuck  and  was  the  laughing 
stock  of  Quincy  outside  the  German  church.  The  charge  was  this:  When 
Father  Kuenster  was  removed  to  Quincy,  instead  of  selling  his  geese,  of  which 
he  had  a  goodly  number,  he  divided  them  into  lots  and  arranged  with  his  for- 
mer parishioners  to  board  them  each  for  a  cent  a  month.    They  declared,  with 

129 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

emphasis,  to  the  Bishop,  such  a  worldly  priest  should  not  he  allowed  to  officiate 
in  Quincy. 

Poor  Father  Kuenster  was  removed.  This  hroke  his  heart,  and  he  did 
not  live  long  after. 

There  is  a  nice  illustration  of  the  fickleness  of  men  in  the  life  of  Father 
Kuenster.  As  has  been  seen  a  faction  of  the  Germans  in  Quincy  opposed  and 
baited  him.  In  seeking  to  make  out  a  case  against  him  they  had  gone  to  such 
length  that  the  Bishop  of  the  diocese  was  impressed  and  taking  the  word  of 
Father  Kuenster 's  enemies  the  Bishop  came  to  Quincy  and  publicly  disap- 
proved of  the  good  old  German  priest.  "This,"  says  Father  Larmar,  quoting 
Father  McElhearne,  "exasperated  the  people  who  had  had  him  removed.  They 
went  around  and  gathered  money,  saying  the  Bishop's  severity  hastened  Father 
Kuenster 's  death,  and  put  up  a  monument  to  his  memory." 

Father  Thomas  Cusack 

Father  Thomas  Cusack  was  a  near  relative  of  Father  Patrick  McCabe 
whom  we  have  seen  in  service  and  out  of  service  at  Cairo.  Father  Larmar  tells 
how  he  happened  to  come  to  Illinois.  Quoting  Father  Cusack,  Father  Lar- 
mar says : 

I  called  on  Bishop  Kenrick  on  some  business.  After  transacting  it  we 
had  a  social  talk.  Among  other  things,  the  Bishop  said,  "You  know  Illinois  is 
under  my  jurisdiction.  The  Illinois  Central  Railroad  and  other  improvements 
are  going  on.  I  am  written  to  frequently  to  send  one  or  more  priests;  yet  I 
have  not  one  to  send,  and  really  I  do  not  know  what  to  do."  I  replied,  "Bishop, 
if  you  wish,  I  will  go."  The  Bishop,  with  surprise  said,  "Well,  I  could  not  ask 
you,  but  if  you  go  over  there  among  these  poor,  neglected  people,  it  will  be  a 
great  charity. ' ' 

Father  Cusack  at  once  went  to  Illinois  where  he  made  his  home  in  Deca- 
tur, but  tramped  everywhere  along  the  railroads  and  prairies  attending  the 
workmen  and  settlers.  As  he  said  himself  he  had  an  eye  for  every  place  which 
might  be  a  permanent  settlement  and  put  up  a  modest  church  in  keeping  with 
the  slender  means  of  the  Catholics.  He  continued  as  a  traveling  missionary 
until  the  diocese  of  Chicago  was  divided.  When  the  division  occurred  the  new 
Bishop  objected  to  Father  Cusack 's  holding  some  small  property  he  had  ob- 
tained and  as  a  result  of  the  disagreement  Father  Cusack  was  suspended  for 
a  time. 

On  being  restored  to  the  exercise  of  the  ministry  he  went  to  Pana,  Illinois, 
and  started  a  mission,  but  it  was  during  the  Civil  War  and  he  found  it  very 
difficult  to  maintain  it  and  would  have  been  unable  to  continue  the  work  ex- 
cept for  outside  assistance.  Father  John  Larmar  says  he  doesn't  know  how 
many  churches  Father  Cusack  built  on  the  prairies  but  that  "everywhere  he 
built  a  church  was  the  founding  of  a  parish  which  at  this  day  has  a  resident 
priest  likely  with  a  Catholic  school." 

From  Pana  Father  Cusack  went  to  Brimfield  in  Brown  County  where  he 
remained  for  the  rest  of  his  days. 

130 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 


Reverend  Louis  A.  Lambert 


A  very  able  priest  who  did  missionary  work  in  Illinois  during  the  nine- 
teenth century  was  Rev.  Louis  A.  Lambert,  best  known  in  this  part  of  the 
country  at  least  from  his  trenchant  answers  to  the  infidel  doctrines  of  "Bob" 
Ingersoll,  published  under  the  title  "Notes  on  Ingersoll." 

Father  Lambert  was  born  at  Allanport,  Pennsylvania,  Feb.  11,  1835,  and 
died  at  Newfoundland,  New  Jersey,  Sept.  25,  1910. 

Father  Lambert  did  missionary  work  in  Cairo,  Shawneetown  and  various 
places  in  southern  Illinois  before  and  after  the  war.  In  speaking  of  him  Father 
Larmar  says:  "Father  Lambert  without  exception  has  the  reputation  of  being 
the  best  polemical  writer  in  the  English  speaking  world.  His  works  against 
infidelity  were,  as  I  was  told  by  a  preacher,  published  by  the  half  millions 
by  the  Methodist  Book  Concern  and  distributed  in  eastern  workshops  and  in 
Canada." 

In  1894  Father  Lambert  became  the  editor  of  the  Freeman's  Journal  and 
remained  in  that  work  until  his  death.  In  this  position  he  had  been  preceded 
by  James  W.,  and  John  E.  White,  envoys  of  Gerald  Griffin  the  Irish  novelist; 
Eugene  Casserly  and  John  T.  Devereux;  Rev.  James  Roosevelt  Bailey,  after- 
wards Archbshop  of  Baltimore ;  Orestes  A.  Brownson ;  James  A.  McMaster 
and  Maurice  Francis  Egan.  Prior  to  becoming  editor  of  the  Freeman's  Jour- 
nal, Father  Lambert  had  held  a  similar  position  on  the  Catholic  Standard  and 
Times. 

Reverend  F.  J.  Fischer. 

We  know  that  prior  to  the  erection  of  the  Diocese  of  Chicago,  in  1843,  the 
eastern  part  of  Illinois  was  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of  Vincennes, 
Monsignor  Brute,  whilst  the  western  portion  was  ruled  over  by  Bishop  Rosati 
of  St.  Louis. 

Even  after  the  formation  of  the  former  diocese  priests  from  Vincennes 
continued  to  look  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  many  parishes,  such  as  Ste. 
Marie,  Paris,  Teutopolis,  and  others.  Among  the  priests  of  Teutopolis  who 
originally  hailed  from  Vincennes  was  Reverend  F.  J.  Fischer,  who  in  1847, 
had  built  the  first  brick  building  at  Ste.  Marie.  He  administered  its  parish  af- 
fairs for  several  months  in  1850  after  Father  Joseph  Kuenster  left. 

Before  coming  to  Teutopolis,  Father  Fischer  had  been  rector  of  Piquet's 
Settlement,  (Ste.  Marie),  and  previous  to  that  for  several  years  an  assistant 
to  Reverend  Celestin  De  St.  Palais,  who  a  few  years  later  became  Bishop  of 
Vincennes.  When  Chicago's  first  priest,  Reverend  John  Mary  Iranaeus  St.  Cyr 
was  recalled  by  Bishop  Rosati  from  St.  Mary's  of  Chicago,  Father  St.  Palais 
succeeded  him  in  1837,  bavins  Father  Fischer  as  assistant.  These  were  the  only 
priests  in  Chicago  when  Bishop  Quarter  arrived  there  May  5,  1844.  In  August, 
1844,  Father  Fischer  was  recalled  by  Bishop  Brute  to  Vincennes.  A  few  years 
later,  in  1850,  he  presided  for  several  months  over  the  parish  of  Teutopolis. 
Reverend  Charles  Joseph  Count  Von  Marogna. 

Charles  Joseph  Marogna,  a  scion  of  an  old  and  illustrious  Catholic  family, 
was  born  September  17,  1802,  in  the  ancestral  castle  of  Villa  Legrima,  near 

131 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

Trent  in  the  Tyrol.  While  yet  very  young  he  was  ordered  to  repair  to  the  Court 
of  Florence  to  act  as  page,  and  there  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  Pope  Pius 
VII  on  his  way  to  Pisa.  After  completing  his  classical  course  he  was  sent  to 
Mayence,  where  he  studied  Theology  under  the  famous  Liebermann.  Raised  to 
the  priesthood  March  30,  1824,  he  labored  first  as  an  assistant  and  then  as  par- 
ish priest  at  Algaeu,  diocese  of  Augsberg,  until  1846,  at  which  time  he  had  de- 
termined to  devote  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  the  promotion  of  the  material 
and  spiritual  welfare  of  the  immigrants  in  America. 

In  due  time  he  reached  Chicago  where  for  two  years  he  faithfully  labored 
in  St.  Joseph's  parish.  Thence  he  was  sent  to  Germantown  and  Highland  in 
1840.  He  seems  to  have  spent  much  of  his  time  at  Highland  in  the  early  part 
of  1840,  after  which  he  left  for  Germany,  whither  he  repaired  in  quest  of  alms 
for  his  poor  congregation  and  where  he  spent  six  months.  On  his  return  he  sup- 
plied his  church  with  plate  and  vestments.  He  expended  the  money  he  ob- 
tained in  improving  the  church  and  securing  forty  acres  of  land  for  burial 
purposes. 

Political  convulsions  in  Europe  at  about  this  time  brought  to  America  an 
increased  number  of  immigrants,  Highland  receiving  its  share  of  them.  Father 
Marogna  persuaded  Bishop  Van  de  Velde  to  send  to  Highland  a  permanent 
pastor.  In  consequence  Father  Paul  Limacher  was  appointed  pastor  whilst 
Father  Marogna  went  to  St.  Vincent's,  Pennsylvania,  there  to  enter  the  Bene- 
dictine Order.  In  1852  he  was  admitted  into  the  Order,  and  on  August  21, 
1853,  he  made  the  profession  of  solemn  vows,  receiving  the  name  of  Demetrius. 
For  awhile  he  was  employed  as  professor  and  prior.  Later  on,  at  the  request 
of  the  Bishop  of  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  he  was  sent  to  the  Northwest  to  start  an 
institution  of  the  Benedictine  Order  which  afterwards  became  St  John's 
Abbey.  Father  Marogna  died  March  27,  1860,  at  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  and  was 
buried  in  the  cemetery  belonging  to  the  Abbey. 

He  was  another  example  of  complete  surrender  of  all  temporal  affairs,  in- 
cluding wealth  and  station  for  the  love  of  God. 

Reverend  Hilary  Tucker, 

After  having  been  attended  as  one  flock  by  Father  Lefevre,  the  future 
Bishop  of  Detroit,  from  1833-1837,  the  Catholics  of  Quincy  found  themselves 
divided,  the  Germans  speaking  under  their  resident  pastor,  Reverend  Augus- 
tine Brickwedde,  and  the  English  speaking  under  Reverend  John  Mary  Ire- 
naeus  St.  Cyr  (residing  at  St.  Louis,  and  afterwards  at  St.  Augustine).  Rev- 
erend Hilary  Tucker,  a  native  Missourian,  who  had  been  sent  together  with 
Reverend  George  A.  Hamilton,  by  Bishop  Rosati  to  Rome,  there  to  prepare 
themselves  for  the  priesthood,  became  the  resident  priest  of  the  English  speak- 
ing people  of  Quincy  in  1839.     This  was  his  first  appointment  since  ordination. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  Father  Tucker  succeeded  in  collecting  the  sum  of 
$2,000  in  cash.  Obtaining  from  Mr.  Whitney,  a  convert,  a  corner  lot  for  build- 
ing purposes,  he  erected  a  church  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Lawrence,  with 
the  hope  of  having  it  ready  for  divine  services  by  the  feast  of  the  Assumption. 
Unfortunately  the  Northern  Cross  railroad,  for  the  construction  of  which  many 

132 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE  PARISHES 

Irish  laborers  had  gathered  at  Quincy,  became  bankrupt  and  by  reason  of  the 
resulting  financial  stress  the  building  of  the  church  ceased.  The  building  was 
sold  under  the  hammer  before  its  completion,  but  it  was  afterwards  recovered 
for  the  use  of  the  congregation. 

Father  Hilary  Tucker  remained  in  Quincy  for  seven  years,  1839 — 1846, 
then  for  some  years  was  in  Chicago  and  Batavia,  and  ultimately  he  and  Father 
G.  A.  Hamilton,  whose  headquarters  were  then  at  Springfield,  both  left  for  the 
East,  joining  the  clergy  of  the  Boston  diocese.  Father  Tucker  died  at  Boston 
as  pastor  of  one  of  that  city's  parishes. 

Reverend  Augustine  Florent  Brickwedde. 

The  first  German  Catholic  parish  established  along  the  entire  course  of 
the  Mississippi  River  was  that  of  the  "Ascension" — " Christi Himmelfahrt's Ge- 
meinde"  of  Quincy.  This  name  was  given  it  by  the  small  band  of  Catholic 
settlers  who  as  early  as  1834  had  been  gathered  into  a  congregation  by  the  oc- 
casional visitor,  Reverend  Peter  Paul  LeFevre  (subsequently  Bishop  of  De- 
troit). To  this  struggling  young  community,  which  chiefly  was  composed  of 
German  Catholic  emigrants,  Reverend  Florent  Brickwedde  was  appointed  by 
Bishop  Rosati  of  St.  Louis,  as  first  resident  pastor.  The  name  "Ascension 
parish"  was  retained  until  the  present  large  brick  structure  was  erected  in 
1848,  and  the  patronal  name  of  "St.  Boniface"  became  substituted  for  the 
titular  "Ascension." 

Reverend  Augustine  Florent  Brickwedde  was  born  June  24,  1805,  at 
Fuerstenau  in  the  then  kingdom  of  Hanover.  His  father  was  a  lawyer  of 
repute  who  afterwards  became  a  judge  at  Barsenbruck.  The  future  Quincy 
priest  completed  his  classical  studies  at  the  Carolinum  of  Osbnabruck  and  the 
theological  course  at  the  universities  of  Muenster  and  Bonn.  He  was  made  a 
sub-deacon  September  20,  1828,  a  deacon  September  19,  1829,  and  ordained  to 
the  priesthood  in  the  Cathedral  of  Hildesheim  by  Bishop  Godehard  Joseph, 
September  20,  1830. 

In  his  native  city  of  Fuerstenau  the  young  priest  acted  as  Vicar  until  his 
departure  for  America  in  May,  1837.  At  this  time  it  happened  that  quite  a 
number  of  Catholics  had  determined  on  emigrating  to  Missouri  and  Illinois, 
which  had  become  known  for  healthfulness,  plentiful  labor,  and  cheap  farm 
lands.  He  was  induced  to  join  some  of  these  emigrating  families  to  become 
their  pastor  and  counsellor  in  the  new  world.  God  inspired  him  to  follow  them 
and  to  aid  them  in  their  spiritual  needs  and  necessities,  for  far  and  near  there 
was  no  German  priest  to  be  found  to  minister  to  the  colony  of  immigrants  from 
the  fatherland.  After  a  long  and  tedious  journey  which  lasted  more  than  eight 
weeks,  the  young  priest  landed  in  New  York  on  July  4,  1837,  and  reached 
Quincy  a  few  weeks  later. 

The  hardships  of  the  pioneer  life  may  be  imagined.  The  climate  was 
severe,  the  way  of  living  new  and  accommodations  rather  primitive.  And  yet 
he  faced  these  conditions  smilingly.  He  remained  in  Quincy  where  some  of  the 
early  German  settlers  had  located,  and  at  once  set  to  work  to  build  a  small 
frame  church  with  additional  two  rooms  for  a  l-esidence  and  another  large  one 

133 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

to  serve  as  temporary  school.  Having  said  Mass  in  private  dwellings  since 
August  15,  1837,  Father  Brickwedde  now  was  happy  to  say  Mass  and  adminis- 
ter the  Sacraments  in  a  church  building  proper,  although  humble  and  lowly  in 
appearance;  it  measured  but  28x18  feet.  Solemn  Benediction  in  this  first 
church  of  Quincy  took  place  on  Pentecost  Sunday,  1838. 

By  this  time  his  own  private  personal  resources  were  well  nigh  exhausted. 
Twice  he  re-crossed  the  ocean  for  the  purpose  of  gathering  funds  for  his  parish 
and  outlying  missions  of  Sugar  Creek  and  Ft.  Madison,  Iowa.  Not  only  were 
his  friends  and  relatives  asked  to  contribute;  he  solicited  even  at  the  courts  of 
Vienna  and  Munich,  bringing  with  him  not  only  the  much  needed  cash,  but 
beautiful  sacred  vessels  and  vestments,  even  an  organ,  the  gift  of  his  sister. 

Of  his  periodical  visits  to  Iowa  settlements  in  and  around  Ft.  Madison, 
Father  Zaiser  says  in  his  Diamond  Jubilee  edition  of  St.  Joseph's  Church  of 
Ft.  Madison:  "In  1837  Father  August  Brickwedde,  the  first  pastor  of  Quincy, 
took  charge  of  the  missions  in  this  territory  and  for  several  years  visited  Fort 
Madison,  West  Point  and  Sugar  Creek,  to  give  the  few  Catholics  a  chance  to 
perform  their  Easter  duties.  He  celebrated  High  Mass  in  Fort  Madison,  at  J. 
H.  Dingman's  log  cabin  in  1839.  Great  must  have  been  the  joy  and  consola- 
tion of  the  good  pioneers.  From  here  he  went  to  Sugar  Creek  settlement,  now 
St.  Paul,  where  he  held  Divine  Service  in  the  new  log  barn  of  J.  H.  Kempker, 
May  13,  1838.  Sugar  Creek  deserves  the  distinction  of  having  erected  the 
first  temple  of  God  in  Lee  County,  and  in  all  the  surrounding  region.  In  1839 
a  few  Catholic  farmers  got  together,  cut  down  some  of  the  tallest  trees  in  the 
forest  of  Sugar  Creek  valley  and  built  a  log  church.  They  sent  for  Father 
Brickwedde,  who  came,  celebrated  Holy  Mass  for  them,  and  dedicated  the  lit- 
tle church  in  honor  of  St.  James. 

After  the  building  of  the  present  church,  St.  Boniface  of  Quincy,  Father 
Brickwedde  had  to  encounter  the  spirit  of  dissension  which  rent  the  parish  in 
twain.  The  seeds  of  discontent  had  been  adroitly  sown  by  a  discharged  teacher 
and  his  obnoxious  following.  Poisoned  shafts  of  slander  were  levelled  against 
the  hard  working  priest,  his  priestly  character  was  attacked  and  besmirched, 
his  life  even  threatened.  In  the  midst  of  his  trials  he  had  the  consolation  of  be- 
ing upheld  not  only  by  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience,  but  also  by  the  sup- 
port of  his  own  Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  Oliver  Van  de  Velde,  who  em- 
phatically decided  in  his  favor  and  twice  closed  the  church  and  placed  the  clerical 
villifiers  under  the  ban  of  excommunication.  Though  the  Bishop  of  Chicago 
intervened  (Quincy  since  1844  had  come  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop 
of  Chicago),  yet  peace  would  not  be  restored,  and  as  Quincy  was  one  of  the 
largest  and  oldest  German  Catholic  congregations  and  the  city  was  then  serious- 
ly thought  of  for  a  new  episcopal  see,  the  division  of  the  people  and  the  fac- 
tionalism in  the  parish  caused  a  great  deal  of  adverse  comment  that  hurt  the 
city  and  ultimately,  no  doubt,  had  an  influence  in  causing  the  change  of  loca- 
tion of  the  new  See  to  Alton.  Father  Brickwedde  resigned  and  left,  sick  at 
heart  ,in  March,  1849. 

To  restore  unity  and  harmony  among  the  opposing  factions,  the  Provincial 

134 


PRECURSORS  OF  THE   PRRISHES 

of  the  Jesuits  of  St.  Louis  was  appealed  to  by  the  Bishop  of  Chicago  "to  send 
a  learned  and  prudent  priest  to  Quincy. ' '  But  the  Jesuit  priest  was  but  a  short 
time  there  when  opposition  turned  also  against  him.  When  this  was  reported 
to  the  Provincial  at  St.  Louis,  he  became  indignant,  withdrew  the  priest,  and 
left  the  Catholics  of  Quincy  to  themselves.  The  cholera  at  that  time  decimated 
the  ranks  of  the  rebels. 

"When  Father  Brickwedde  left  Quincy,"  says  Reverend  John  Larmer  in 
"Lives  of  Early  Catholic  Missionaries  of  the  Nineteenth  Century  in  Illinois," 
he  was  so  discouraged  that  he  determined  to  take  a  rest.  He  went  into  the 
forest  where  Government  land  was  from  twelve  cents  to  $1.25  per  acre,  about 
twenty-five  miles  from  St.  Louis.  He  selected  forty  acres  for  church  purposes 
and  a  school.  Not  another  human  being  was  near  the  location.  When  settled, 
he  went  over  to  St.  Louis,  found  three  poor  German  immigrants  on  the  river 
bank,  not  knowing  where  to  go  nor  what  to  do.  They  were  humble,  God-fear- 
ing Catholics  of  the  innocent  peasant  type.  He  told  them  if  they  would  come 
with  him  he  would  give  each  forty  acres  of  land.  The  only  condition  he  im- 
posed w^s  that  they  were  to  help  the  next  settlers  he  found  to  build  homes  and 
get  started.  That  was  the  way  Father  Brickwedde  settled  Columbia,  in  Monroe 
County,  Illinois,  from  St.  Libory,  whither  he  was  sent  as  pastor  after  leaving 
Quincy.  When  the  good  old  priest  related  his  first  start  in  getting  settlers, 
says  Father  Larmer,  tears  came  to  his  eyes.  Columbia  soon  grew  into  promi- 
nence and  counted  within  a  few  years  numerous  families. 

At  St.  Libory  or  Mud  Creek,  as  it  was  then  generally  known,  it  was  his 
habit,  though  now  advanced  in  years,  to  drive  to  and  from  St.  Louis  in  search 
of  necessary  supplies.  In  the  middle  of  November,  1865,  as  he  was  on  his  way 
home  from  St.  Louis,  he  felt  unwell  and  was  compelled  to  stop  at  Belleville, 
where  after  two  days  of  sickness,  he  died  on  the  21st  day  of  November,  1865. 

At  first  funeral  service  was  held  in  the  Belleville  church,  attended  by  the 
people  and  clergy  of  the  neighborhood,  all  eager  to  cast  their  eyes  on  the  noted 
victim  of  persecution  and  pray  for  the  repose  of  his  soul.  On  the  next  day  the 
same  was  repeated  at  St.  Libory,  Father  Bartels  sang  the  Requiem  Mass,  and 
Father  Baltes  (soon  to  be  the  second  Bishop  of  the  Diocese)  gave  the  Absolu- 
tion.   The  remains  of  good  Father  Brickwedde  were  interred  at  Mud  Creek. 

The  deceased,  says  Father  Larmer,  was  a  man  of  great  height  and  pos- 
sessed a  rather  homely,  yet  benevolent  countenance.  As  a  business  man,  and 
a  cautious  financier,  he  would  be  an  example  even  in  these  days  of  careful  cal- 
culation. This  venerable  servant  of  God  was  moreover  a  man  of  learning  allied 
with  solid  piety.  He  was  liberal  in  all  his  views  and  practical  in  all  the  affairs 
of  life.    He  died  as  he  had  lived,  a  true  servant  of  his  Divine  Master. 

Reverend  John  G.  Alleman,  O.P. 
The  third  resident  priest  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul  parish  of  Collinsville,  Illi- 
nois, was  Reverend  John  G.  Alleman,  a  Dominican  Friar  from  the  Monastery  of 
Somerset,  Ohio.     He  presided  over  the  destinies  of  that  young  congregation, 
1859—1860.     Prior  to  his  coming  to  Collinsville  he  had  been  for  years  an  in- 

135 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

defatigable  missioner  in  Lee  County,  Iowa,  especially  in  and  around  Fort  Madi- 
son, contemporaneous  with  Father  Brickwedde  of  Quincy.  He  is  justly  styled 
the  "Apostle  of  Lee  County." 

Reverend  John  George  Alleman,  says  Reverend  G.  J.  Zaiser.  (in  his  Dia- 
mond Jubilee  edition  of  St.  Joseph's  church,  Fort  Madison,  1915),  was  born 
near  Strassburg,  in  Alsace,  probably  in  1806.  He  spoke  both  German  and 
French  with  equal  fluency,  hence  he  was  sometimes  regarded  as  a  German, 
sometimes  as  a  Frenchman.  When  twenty-six  years  old  he  entered  the  Order 
of  St.  Dominic  at  the  Convent  of  St.  Rose,  Springfield,  Kentucky,  where  he  was 
clothed  with  the  white  and  black  mantle  of  the  Friar  Preachers,  and  began  his 
noviate  in  the  fall  of  1832.  On  March  7,  1834,  the  young  religious  made 
solemn  profession  of  vows.  As  his  course  of  divinities  had  mostly  been  made 
previous  to  his  religious  profession,  the  young  aspirant  to  the  priesthood  was 
ordained  by  Bishop  John  B.  Purcell  in  St.  John's  church,  Zanesville,  Ohio, 
June  1,  1834. 

He  began  at  once  his  missionary  labors  in  the  churches  of  Ohio,  traveling 
through  its  northern  part  as  an  itinerant  priest  until  his  departure  for  the 
farther  west  in  the  summer  of  1840.  He  came  to  Fort  Madison,  Sugar  Creek 
and  West  Point,  in  Lee  County,  Iowa,  where  in  1834-37,  Father1  Lefevre  had 
already  performed  missionary  duties,  likewise  Father  Brickwedde,  of  Quincy, 
from  '37- '39.  However  Father  Alleman  located  in  1840  at  Fort  Madison,  and 
thus  became  the  first  resident  priest  in  that  section  of  the  State.  He  spoke  four 
modern  languages  fluently  (including  his  own  vernacular,  English,  German 
and  French),  was  missionary  to  the  Winnebago  Indians,  an  intimate  friend  of 
Chief  Keokuk  and  other  Indian  chiefs.  He  introduced  the  first  cultivated 
grapevines  into  Lee  County.  Many  of  the  present  orchards  in  that  vicinity  had 
their  origin  in  the  pioneer  nursery  conducted  by  him  near  his  little  church.  In 
1841-42,  he  organized  the  first  total  abstinance  society  in  Lee  County.  He  was 
saintly,  generous,  kind-hearted  and  charitable  to  a  fault,  always  sharing  his 
last  farthing  with  any  one  in  need,  enduring  and  zealous,  displaying  a  re- 
markable devotion  to  his  calling. 

Father  Alleman  left  Fort  Madison  in  1851  for  Rock  Island  (and  Moline,  at 
both  of  which  places  he  built  the  first  churches),  where  he  was  pastor  until  1859. 
Leaving  Rock  Island,  this  pioneer  missioner  became  pastor  of  Collinsville  in 
the  diocese  of  Alton  in  1859-60.  On  account  of  premature  age  and  infirmities, 
both  physical  and  mental,  brought  on  by  overwork  and  deprivations  in  his  dif- 
ficult missionary  labors,  he  entered  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  at  St.  Louis,  Nov- 
ember 26,  1863,  suffering  from  melancholia.  His  death  occurred  July  14,  1865, 
and  he  was  buried  from  St.  Vincent's  chapel  in  Calvary  Cemetery,  St.  Louis. 
There  beneath  the  shadow  of  a  great  granite  cross,  beside  archbishops  and 
priests,  awaiting  the  resurrection  morn,  lie  the  remains  of  this  good  and  noble 
priest. 


136 


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CHAPTER  VI 

The  Pioneer  Parishes,  1675  to  1844. 

It  will  be  seen  that  some  of  the  parishes  treated  of  in  this  chapter  are  not 
now  within  the  diocese  of  Springfield.  Most  of  them  now  lie  in  the  diocese  of 
Belleville,  but  all  of  them  were  at  one  time  (when  the  diocese  was  known  as 
the  Alton  Diocese)  a  part  of  the  Greater  Diocese,  which  covered  the  entire 
southern  half  of  the  State. 

Of  course,  several  of  the  parishes  here  described  were  in  existence  long 
before  any  of  the  present  dioceses  were  created.  This  history  would  not,  how- 
ever, be  complete  without  some  reference  to  them. 

It  is  of  much  interest  to  note  the  important  part  played  by  the  Germans 
in  the  development  of  the  church  and  church  work  in  southern  Illinois.  In 
most  localities  it  is  usual  to  find  the  Irish  predominating,  but  here  after  the 
French  the  Germans  and  German  priests  were  unusually  prominent  and  very 
effective.  It  is  true,  the  home  rule  or  lay  rule  sentiment  was  strong  in  the 
German  laity  and  was  the  cause  of  many  contentions,  but  the  net  result  of  the 
Church  effort  on  the  part  of  the  Germans  was  gratifying.  Indeed,  Southern 
Illinois,  the  dioceses  of  Springfield  and  Belleville,  owe  the  German  priests  and 
people  a  debt  of  gratitude  and  appreciation  which  can  never  be  overpaid. 

In  treating  of  the  parishes,  the  chonology  of  establishment  is  followed. 
It  is  not  pretended  that  priority  is  accurately  fixed  in  every  case  as  it  is  a 
matter  of  considerable  difficulty  in  many  cases  to  determine  the  exact  time  of 
the  beginning  of  Church  work  in  some  localities. 

The  plan  of  taking  the  parishes  in  their  order  of  establishment  and  then 
carrying  the  history  through  to  the  present  has  been  adopted  for  the  purpose 
of  preserving  the  reader's  interest,  and  while  separate  periods  have  been 
designated  by  the  reign  of  the  bishop,  the  story  of  the  parishes  is  given  in 
continuity. 

It  is  due  the  pastors  and  clergy  of  the  several  churches  of  the  present  time 
to  give  them  the  credit  of  research,  study  and  preparation  of  the  parish 
sketches.  In  many  cases  it  was  a  task  of  much  difficulty  for  the  present  pastor 
to  delve  into  the  past  of  his  parish  and  produce  a  satisfactory  record.  The 
painstaking  labors  in  this  respect  are  highly  appreciated  and  it  may  truthfully 
be  said  that  the  writers  and  compilers  of  the  parish  data  have  admirably  dis- 
charged their  tasks. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION 
Kaskaskia,  1675 

As  has  been  seen,  Father  James  Utica,  in  LaSalle  County,  Illinois, 
Marquette,  S.J.,  established  the  first  and  the  site  was  retained  until  1699. 
mission  or  church  organization  in  While  the  Mission  of  the  Immac- 
what  is  now  the  State  of  Illinois,  on  ulate  Conception  was  located  at 
the  11th  of  April,  1675.  He  named  Utica,  it  was  tended  first  by  Father 
the  foundation  "The  Mission  of  the  James  Marquette,  (1675);  after- 
Immaculate  Conception  of  the  Bles-  wards  by  Father  Claude  Jean  Al- 
sed  Virgin  Mary."  The  site  of  the  louez,  S.J.,  (1675-1689);  Father  Se- 
mission  was  a  plain  near  what  is  now  bastien      Rale,      S.J.,      (1692-1694) ; 

137 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Father  Jacques  Gravier,  S.J.,  (1693- 
1700)  ;  Father  Pierre  Francois  Pinet, 
S.J.,  (1697-1699)  ;  Father  Julian  Bin- 
eteau,  S.J.,  (1697-1699)  ;  Father 
Pierre  Gabriel  Marest,  S.J.,    (1699). 

Late  in  the  year  1699,  the  Mission 
was  removed  to  the  northwest  part 
of  what  is  now  Randolph  County, 
and  relocated  on  the  banks  of  a  river 
about  six  miles  from  the  Mississippi. 
Here  the  village  established  and  the 
river  also  took  the  name  of  Kaskas- 
kia.  Here  a  new  church  was  built, 
the  first  being  a  temporary  structure 
which,  with  perhaps  renewals  and 
improvements  did  service  until  1714, 
when  a  stone  church  was  built.  In 
1720  the  mission  was  raised  to  a 
parish,  but  the  stone  church  did 
service  until  1744,  when  it  was  re- 
placed by  another  of  similar  ma- 
terial, but  larger.  This  church  was 
seriously  damaged  by  floods  and  was 
taken  down  in  1801,  and  the  fourth 
building  erected,  which  lasted  until 
1838.  In  1843  a  new  church  was 
built  which  did  service  until  1894, 
when  the  present  edifice  was  built 
and  which  now  stands  a  considerable 
distance  south  of  the  original  church 
site. 

The  Jesuits  who  ministered  in  the 
mission  and  parish  after  the  removal 
of  the  mission  and  before  their  ban- 
ishment, were  Father  Pierre  Gabriel 
Marest,  who  superintended  the  re- 
moval and  who  had  charge  until 
1715;  Father  Jean  Mermet,  (1702- 
1716)  ;  Father  Louis  Marie  Deville, 
(1707-1720)  ;  Father  Jean  Charles 
Guymoneau,  (1719-1736)  ;  Father 
Joseph  Francis  de  Kereben,  (1719- 
1728)  ;  Father  Jean  Antoine  le  Boul- 
lenger,  (1719-1740)  ;  Father  Nicholas 
Ignatius  de  Beaubois,  (1719-1735) ; 
Father  Jean  Dumas,  (1729-1739); 
Father  Rene  Tartarin,  (1729-1745); 
Father  Philibert  Watrin,  (1733- 
1763)  ;  Father  Etienne  Doutreleau, 
(1735-1741)  ;  Father  Alexis  Xavier 
Guyenne,  (1736-1762) ;  Father  Louis 
Vivier,  (1750-1754)  ;  Father  Julian 
Joseph  Fourre,  (1749-1750)  ;  Father 
Jean  Baptiste  Aubert,    (1758-1764)  ; 


Father  Sebastien  Louis  Meurin, 
(1746-1777). 

These  missionaries  were  not  all  of 
the  time  at  Kaskaskia,  but  were  lo- 
cated at  some  of  the  other  Illinois 
missions  at  various  times  as  well. 
The  dates  indicate  the  period  during 
which  they  were  in  the  Illinois  mis- 
sion and  not  specifically  the  time 
spent  at  Kaskaskia.  They  all  min- 
istered in  Kaskaskia,  however,  at 
various  times. 

Since  the  days  of  the  Jesuits,  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion has  been  tended  as  follows: 

Father  Pierre  Gibault,  secular, 
(1768-1785);  Father  Paul  de  St. 
Pierre,  Carmelite,  (1785-1786); 
Father  Pierre  Huet  de  la  Valiniere, 
secular,  (1786-1789)  ;  Father  Gabriel 
Richard,  Sulpician,  (1793-1798); 
Father  Pierre  Janin,  secular,  (1795- 
1797)  ;  Father  Donatien  Olivier,  sec- 
ular, (1799-1833)  ;  Father  Francis 
Xavier  Dahmen,  secular,  (1825- 
1826)  ;  Father  Hercules  Brassac,  secu- 
lar, (1822-1833)  ;  Father  John  Timon, 
CM.,  (1827-1829)  ;  Father  Francis 
Cellini,  CM.,  (1824-1828);  Father 
Victor  Pallaisson,  secular,  (but  be- 
came a  Jesuit  later),  (1830-1831)  ; 
Father  Vital  Van  Cloostere,  secular, 
(1832)  ;  Father  Mathew  Condimine, 
secular,  (1832-1834);  Father  B. 
Roux,  secular,  (1835-1838) ;  Fathers 
Joseph  N.  Wiseman  and  Francis  B. 
Jamison,  both  secular,  (1836)  ; 
Father  J.  B.  Healy,  secular,  (1837)  ; 
Father  Timothy  Joseph  Conway, 
secular,  (1838)  ;  Fathers  G.  H.  Toch- 
man,  secular,  Richard  Bole,  secular, 
Peter  J.  Doutreluingue,  CM.,  Hipo- 
lyte  Gandolpho,  secular,  and  John 
Mary  Iraneaus  St.  Cyr,  secular,  came 
and  went  from  1839  to  1844 ;  Father 
N.  Stehle,  CM.,  (1840)  ;  Father  Pat- 
rick McCabe,  C.P.,  and  Father 
Joseph  Paquin,  CM.,  (1842)  ;  Father 
Vital  Van  Cloostere,  secular,  (1844- 
1846)  ;  Father  Patrick  J.  Donahue, 
secular,  (1846)  ;  Father  James 
Flynn,  secular,  (1847)  ;  Father  John 
Fahy,  secular,  (1848)  ;  Father  Nich- 
olas   Perrin,    secular,     (1849-1859); 


138 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Father  Wenceslaus  J.  B.  Repis,  sec- 
ular, (1859-1860)  ;  Father  Jean 
Adolphe  Jacque,  secular,  (1860- 
1862)  ;  Father  C.  G.  Magnee,  secular, 
(1862-1863)  ;  Father  Jean  Adolphe 
Jacque,  again,  (1863-1867)  ;  Father 
P.  J.  Bedard,  secular,  (1867-1869)  ; 
Father  Joannes  Schiff,  secular, 
(1869)  ;  Father  Aloysius  Wiewer, 
O.S.F.,  (1870)  ;  Father  J.  D.  Klein, 
secular,  (1870-1871)  ;  Father  Vin- 
centius  Nagler,  secular,  (1871-1872)  ; 
Father  Joseph  Lucas,  secular, 
(1872)  ;  Father  Frederick  Metzger, 
secular,  (1873-1880)  ;  Father  H.  J. 
Hoven,  secular,  (1880)  ;  Father  Jo- 
seph Finnegan,  secular,  (1881-1882)  ; 
Father  H.  Hegeman,  secular,  (1882- 
1883)  ;  Father  Henry  Becker,  sec- 
ular, (1883-1884)  ;  Father  L.  W.  Fer- 
land,  secular,  (1884-1893)  ;  Father 
H.  Goosens,  secular,  (1893-1903)  ; 
Father  Joseph  Duenn,  secular,  (1903- 
1908)  ;  Father  Joseph  A.  Reinhardt, 
secular,  (1908-1913)  ;  Father  John 
Grootens,  secular,  (1913-1916)  ; 
Father  John  Oberlinkels,  secular, 
(1916-1920).  Thus  we  trace  the 
Marquette  foundation  in  the  partic- 
ular church  organization  established 
by  him. 

In  connection  with  this  foundation 
a  record,  one  of  the  most  noteworthy 
in  existence  in  America,  may  be  ex- 


amined in  the  original  at  the  St. 
Louis  University,  where  it  is  at  pres- 
ent kept.  The  existing  record  begins 
with  1695,  some  years,  of  course, 
after  Marquette's  time,  but  during 
the  time  of  Father  James  Gravior, 
S.J.,  who  was  third  in  succession  to 
Father  Marquette,  and  who  minis- 
tered in  the  upper  Illinois  region, 
where  the  mission  was  first  located. 
From  that  time  until  1729  the  record 
is  continuous,  but  from  June  7,  1729, 
until  January  3,  1741,  all  of  the  par- 
ish registers  have  been  lost.  Baptis- 
mal records  are  missing  from  1741 
to  1759,  and  death  and  burial  rec- 
ords, which  began  January  4,  1721, 
are  missing  from  1727  until  1764, 
and  marriage  records  are  lost  from 
June  7,  1729  to  January  3,  1741. 
These  lost  records  are  unaccounted 
for,  and  there  is  a  bare  possibility 
that  some  or  all  of  them  may  some- 
time come  to  light. 

There  is  abundant  evidence,  how- 
ever, to  establish  that  the  present 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, located  near  the  former  site  of 
Kaskaskia  (for  the  center  of  settle- 
ment of  the  French  days  has  been 
entirely  swept  away  by  the  changes 
in  the  course  of  the  Mississippi 
River)  is  the  identical  church  foun- 
dation established  by  Father  James 
Marquette  on  April  11,  1675. 


Holy  Family — Cahokia,  1699 


The  next  church  organization  was 
that  of  the  Mission  of  the  Holy  Fam- 
ily, established  first  by  Father  Fran- 
cois Pinet,  S.J.,  the  same  who  found- 
ed the  Mission  of  the  Angel  Guardian 
at  the  present  site  of  Chicago.  This 
mission  was  located  in  what  became 
the  village  or  town  of  Cahokia,  St. 
Clair  County,  in  the  year  1699.  Al- 
most immediately  after  its  establish- 
ment the  Fathers  of  the  Foreign  Mis- 
sions— a  name  given  to  the  priests 
trained  at  the  seminary  established  in 
Quebec  by  Bishop  Jean  Baptiste  de 
la  Croix  St.  Valier  for  training  of 
priests  for  foreign  missions — took 
charge,  and  it  remained  under  their 


jurisdiction  until  1763.  The  Fathers 
of  the  Foreign  Missions  successively 
in  charge  of  Holy  Family,  were 
Fathers  Francis  Buisson  de  Saint 
Cosme,  (1700-1701)  ;  John  Bergier, 
(1701-1707)  ;  Dominic  Mary  Varlet, 
(1707-1718)  ;  Dominic  Anthony  Thau- 
mur  de  la  Source,  (1718-1728)  ;  John 
le  Mercier,  (1718-1754)  ;  G.  Galvarin, 
(1718)  ;  Joseph  Courrier,  (1728- 
1753)  ;  Joseph  Gaston,  (1728)  ;  Abbe 
Joseph  Gagnon,  (1750)  ;  Abbe  Nich- 
olas Laurenz,  (1754-1758),  and 
Father  Francois  Forget  Duverger, 
(1754-1763).  * 

The  pastors    in    charge    since    the 
Fathers  of  the  Foreign  Missions  in- 


139 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


eluded  Fathers  Sebastien  Louis  Meu- 
rin,  S. J.,  Pierre  Gibault ;  Paul  de  St. 
Pierre ;  Michael  Levedoux,  Sulpician ; 
Gabriel  Richards,  Sulpician ;  Charles 
Leander  Lusson,  Rec. ;  Jean  Olivier ; 
F.  Savine ;  Joseph  Antoine  Lutz  von 
Odenheim ;  Peter  J.  Doutreluingue, 
CM. ;  Jean  Francis  Regis  Loisel ;  Ig- 
natz  Maes ;  Jean  Schultz ;  Jean  Mais- 
tre;  Father  Vigle;  N.  Stehle;  Timo- 
thee  Carie ;  H.  Laudry ;  J.  A.  Jacque ; 
F.  Kempin;  J.  F.  Meifiss;  N.  Died- 
rick;  L.  W.  Ferland;  A.  Vollebregt; 
F.  Mumbour;  F.  B.  Berkenbrock ; 
Robert  Hines,  and  the  present  pastor, 
J.  Wiemar. 

Holy  Family  parish,  it  is  seen,  has 
continued  uninterruptedly  from  its 
foundation  to  the  present,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  interesting  historical 
monuments  of  the  Mississippi  Valley. 

The  first  church  in  Holy  Family 
parish  was  undoubtedly  a  temporary 
structure,  such  as  was  set  up  in  those 
days,  but  nothing  very  definite  is 
known  about  church  structures  in 
the  parish  prior  to  1783.  In  that 
year  fire  destroyed  the  church  in  use, 
and  with  it  all  of  the  parish  records. 
A  few  relics  survived  the  fire,  among 
them  a  bell  which  hung  in  a  tree  in 
the  churchyard,  a  Missal  printed  in 
1668,  a  Monstrance  made  in  1717, 
and  a  new  silver  chalice  and  paten. 


Apparently  no  new  church  was  built 
until  the  last  few  years  of  the  eight- 
eenth century,  when,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Fathers  Michael  Levadoux, 
Gabriel  Richard  and  Jean  Olivier,  a 
new  church  was  built  and  is  still 
standing.  The  walls  of  the  church 
are  hewed  walnut  logs,  the  floor  is 
made  of  split  cottonwood,  and  the 
roof  of  cypress  clapboards.  The  logs 
forming  the  wall  are  set  angling  or 
leaning  inwardly,  and  the  spaces  be- 
tween them  are  filled  with  mortar. 
Sometime  after  being  built  these  walls 
have  been  covered  over  on  the  ex- 
terior by  clap-boarding  or  siding. 

Records  have  been  kept  since  the 
fire,  the  burial  record  beginning  with 
1783.  There  is  no  baptismal  record 
prior  to  1812,  and  no  marriage  record 
prior  to  1822. 

Holy  Family  parish  also  boasts  one 
of  the  earliest  educational  institutions 
in  Illinois.  While  the  Sisters  of  the 
Visitation  established  a  school  in 
Kaskaskia  in  1833,  the  Sisters  of  the 
Order  of  St.  Joseph  opened  a  school 
in  Cahokia  in  connection  with  Holy 
Family  parish  in  1836.  Mother  Mary 
Fabronie  and  Sisters  Louise  and 
Stephen  of  the  Order  of  St.  Joseph 
came  from  France  for  the  purpose  of 
opening  this  school,  and  they  and 
their  successors  conducted  a  school 
until  1860. 


Our  Lady  of  the  Visitation 
St.  Phillippe,  1720 


The  French  government  had  a 
policy  of  granting  land  to  com- 
panies or  individuals  for  the  purpose 
of  development,  and  in  dealing  with 
the  French  possessions  in  America, 
frequently  exercised  that  policy. 
The  first  such  grant,  within  what  is 
now  known  as  Illinois,  was  made  to 
Anthony  Crozat  in  1712,  but  failing 
to  profit  as  much  as  was  expected, 
Crozat  surrendered  his  grant  in 
1717,  and  another  and  more  exten- 
sive grant  was  made  to  the  Company 
of  the  West,  which  merged  with  the 
Royal  India  Company  in  1720.     One 


of  the   articles   of  this   grant  reads 
as  follows: 

As  in  the  settlement  of  the  coun- 
tries granted  to  said  companies  by 
these  presents,  we  regard  especially 
the  glory  of  God  by  procuring  the 
salvation  of  the  inhabitants,  Indians, 
savages,  and  negroes,  whom  we 
desire  to  be  instructed  in  the  true 
religion,  the  said  company  shall  be 
obliged  to  build,  at  its  expense, 
churches  at  the  places  where  it 
forms  settlements ;  as  also  to  main- 
tain there  the  necessary  number  of 
approved  ecclesiastics,  either  with 
the  rank   of  parish  priests  or  such 


140 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


others  as  shall  be  suitable,  in  order 
to  preach  the  Holy  Gospel  there, 
perform  divine  service,  administer 
the  sacraments — all  under  the  au- 
thority of  the  Bishop  of  Quebec ;  the 
said  colony  remaining  in  his  diocese 
as  heretofore,  and  the  parish  priests 
and  other  ecclesiastics,  which  the 
said  company  shall  maintain  there 
shall  be  at  his  nomination  and 
patronage. 

The  Company  of  the  West  being 
empowered  to  sublet  or  grant  to 
others,  in  1723  granted  a  large  tract 
of  land  west  of  the  Mississippi  and 
another  fifteen  leagues  square  near 
the  present  city  of  Peoria,  and  a 
third  about  five  miles  north  of  Fort 
du  Chartres  to  Phillip  Renault.  On 
this  latter  tract  Renault  established 


the  village  of  St.  Phillippe  and  set- 
tled near  there  a  large  number  of 
work  people  that  he  had  brought 
into  the  territory. 

Tn  this  settlement  was  established 
the  parish  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Visita- 
tion, no  doubt  soon  after  the  foun- 
dation of  the  village  in  1723.  The 
Visitation  was  an  out-mission  of  St. 
Anne's  at  Fort  Chartres  during  the 
existence  of  the  latter,  but  continued 
as  a  church  or  chapel  at  least  until 
1799,  as  appears  from  an  entry  on 
the  parish  register  at  St.  Joseph's 
at  Prairie  du  Rocher  of  a  baptism 
bv  Father  J.  T.  Rivet,  September  6. 
1799, ' '  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Phillippe. ' ' 

Not  a  trace  of  the  Church  of  the 
Visitation  or,  indeed,  of  the  town  of 
St.  Phillippe,  remains. 


St.  Anne  Du  Fort  De  Chartres,  1720 


The  parish  of  St.  Anne,  founded 
about  1720,  was  the  outgrowth  of 
the  establishment  of  the  French  Fort 
Chartres  on  the  Mississippi  River. 
As  soon  as  the  fort  was  established 
it  was  provided  with  a  chaplain,  and 
quite  a  number  of  people  settled 
near  by,  necessitating  a  church. 
During  the  palmy  days  of  Fort 
Chartres,  St.  Anne's  was  a  very 
prominent  church.  An  edict  of  the 
King  of  France  appears  amongst  the 
records  of  this  old  church,  governing 
the  position  of  the  officers  of  state, 
army  and  marine,  whilst  in  the 
church  or  in  religious  processions. 

The  first  pastor  of  St.  Anne's  was 
Father  Jean  Antoine  le  Boullenger, 


S.J.,  who  was  one  of  the  most  bril- 
liant of  the  early  missionaries.  So 
onerous  were  his  duties  that  he  had 
an  assistant,  Father  Joseph  Francois 
de  Kereben.  The  names  of  other 
priests  appearing  on  the  parish 
register  include  Fathers  Nicholas 
Tgnatius  de  Beaubois.S.J.,  J.Gagnon. 
F.M. ;  Nicholas  Laurenze,  F.M. ;  Phil- 
ibert  Watrin,  S.J. ;  Francis  Forget 
Duverger,  F.M. ;  Francis  John  St. 
Aubert,  S.J. ;  Hipolyte  Collet,  Rec. : 
Luc  Collet,  Rec. 

The  church  was  discontinued  in 
1765  or  thereabout,  and  the  records 
and  altar  equipment,  together  with 
some  of  the  furniture,  was  taken  to 
St.  Joseph's  at  Prairie  du  Rocher. 


St.  Joseph's — Prairie  Du  Rocher,  1722 


In  the  shelter  of  the  cliffs  three 
miles  from  Fort  Chartres  there  grew 
up  a  little  village  begun  in  1722  on 
a  grant  which  Pierre  Dugue  de  Bois- 
briant  made  to  himself  while  he  was 
commandant  at  Fort  Chartres,  and 
which  descended  to  his  nephew,  Jean 
St.  Therese  Langlois.  It  is  said  that 
this  village  was  founded  in  1722. 
Early  inhabitants  of  the  village  at- 
tended Mass  at  St.  Anne  du  Fort  de 
Chartres   three   miles   distant.     Nev- 


ertheless a  chapel  of  ease  was  soon 
built,  and  was  attended  by  priests  sta- 
tioned at  St.  Anne's. 

The  little  church  was  built  of  up- 
right logs  and  was  fifty  feet  long  and 
34  feet  wide.  The  church  at  Prairie 
du  Rocher  was  an  outmission  of  St. 
Anne 's  or  of  Holy  Family  at  Cahokia 
at  least  until  the  banishment  of  the 
Jesuits  in  1763.  Father  Sebastien 
Louis  Meurin,  who  was  the  last  re- 
maining Jesuit,  may  or  may  not  have 


141 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


taken  up  his  residence  at  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  soon  after  returning  from 
New  Orleans.  At  any  rate  on  May 
24,  1768,  he  removed  from  the  ceme- 
tery of  St.  Anne's  the  bodies  of  Rev. 
J.  Gagnon  and  Rev.  Luc  Collet  and 
re-interred  them  in  the  sanctuary  of 
St.  Joseph's,  the  former  on  the  Gos- 
pel side  and  the  latter  on  the  Epistle 
side. 

Father  Meurin  himself  died  there 
on  February  23,  1777,  and  was  also 
buried  at  the  Gospel  side  of  the  altar, 
from  whence,  as  we  have  seen,  his  re- 
mains were  disinterred  by  Bishop 
Van  de  Velde  in  1849  and  re-interred 
in  the  Jesuit  cemetery  at  Florissant, 
Missouri. 

All  of  the  noted  priests,  Father 
Paul  de  St.  Pierre,  Carmelite,  Father 
Pierre  Gibault,  Father  Pierre  Huet 
de  Valiniere  and  Fathers  Jean  and 
Donatien  Olivier  ministered  at  St. 
Joseph's. 

Prairie  du  Rocher  is  another  of  the 
French  villages  that  has  survived  and 
has  had  a  more  or  less  successful  career. 
"The  cornerstone  of  the  present  large 
church,  built  of  brick,  was  laid  July 
19,  1858,  by  Rev.  Nicholas  Perrin, 
parish  priest  of  Kaskaskia  and 
Chester,  and  administrator  of  Prairie 
du  Rocher."  It  is  located  near  the 
bluff,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  site 
of  the  old  church.  The  congregation 
now  owns  two  entire  blocks,  one  oc- 
cupied by  the  church,  pastor's  resi- 
dence and  residence  of  the  principal 
of  the  parochial  school  and  the  other 
stly  across  tin'  street,  is  occupied 
by  the  school  and  sisters'  residence. 
Improvements  were  constantly  made. 
In  1874  the  large  sanctuary  was  add- 
ed to  the  church.  In  1880  a  new 
front  and  tower  were  built  at  a  cost 
of  $3,506,  and  two  bells  were  bought 
for  $1,200.  In  1901  the  church  was 
newly  frescoed.  In  1908  a  new  main 
altar,  valued  at  $950  was  erected, 
and  the  following  year  the  pipe  organ 
was  rebuilt.  In  1910  new  pews  and 
communion  rail  were  put  in,  costing 
$1,200.  In  1912  a  steam  heating  sys- 
tem  was  installed,  and  other  improve- 


ments made  with  an  outlay  of  $1,500. 
Besides  these  items,  other  minor  im- 
provements have  been  made  con- 
tinually. ' ' 

A  parochial  school  has  existed  in 
the  parish  since  the  early  sixties. 
There  are  at  present  about  350  fam- 
ilies in  the  parish,  numbering  nearly 
1,600  souls. 

The  earliest  burial  ground  is  still 
in  use  at  the  present  day. 

The  parish  register  of  St.  Joseph's 
began  in  1765  as  an  independent  rec- 
ord, previous  entries  having  been 
made  at  St.  Anne's  and  Our  Lady  of 
the  Visitation  at  St.  Philippe.  The 
records  of  these  two  churches,  how- 
ever, are  in  the  possession  of  the  pas- 
tor of  St.  Joseph's. 

The  pastors'  names  appearing  upon 
the  register  of  St.  Joseph 's  are  as  fol- 
lows :  SebastienLouis  Meurin,  1765  un- 
til January,  1777 ;  Pierre  Gibault  ap- 
pears in  one  entry  on  January  8, 
1770,  then  continuously  from  October, 
1776,  until  September,  1784;  again 
from  August,  1790,  until  June,  1791 ; 
Paul  De  St.  Pierre,  June,  1785,  until 
April,  1786,  again  October,  1788; 
April,  1789;  December,  1790;  May 
and  August,  1791,  and  from  January 
until  November,  1792.  He  seems  to 
have  been  pastor  of  St.  Genevieve 
from  1789  until  1797 ;  Pierre  Huet  de 
la  Valiniere,  July,  1786,  to  October, 
1788 ;  Jacobin  le  Dru,  from  St.  Louis, 
June,  1789 ;  July,  1791,  and  January, 
1792;  Michael  Levadoux,  V.G.,  of 
Illinois,  from  Cahokia,  September 
and  October,  1792 ;  Gabriel  Richard, 
pastor,  February,  1793,  to  February, 
1798 ;  Charles  Leander  Lusson,  pas- 
tor, April,  1798;  H.  F.  Didier,  from 
St.  Louis,  July,  August,  October, 
1798;  J.  Fr.  Rivet,  from  Vincennes, 
V.G.  of  Bishop  of  Baltimore,  Septem- 
ber 29,  1798,  and  September  6,  1799. 
He  dedicated  the  church  at  Cahokia 
on  September  4,  1799 ;  Donatien  Oli- 
vier, pastor,  October,  1798,  until 
March,  1827;  John  Timon,  CM., 
April,  1827,  until  February,  1828; 
Francis  Cellini,  September,  1827; 
July,  1828  ;  January,  1829  ;  January, 


142 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


1830 ;  Fr.  Xavier  Dahmen,  CM.,  from 
Ste.  Genevieve,  September,  1829, 
May,  June,  July,  September,  1830. 
Pastor  of  Ste.  Genevieve,  Missouri, 
from  1822  until  1840;  P.  J.  Doutre- 
luingue,  CM.,  December,  1829;  Feb- 
ruary, April,  May,  1830;  pastor  of 
Cahokia,  July  until  August,  1836; 
Centerville  Station,  November,  1857, 
until  January,  1872;  Vital  Van 
Cloostere,  July,  1830;  February,  1832, 
to  October,  1854;  A.  Mascaroni,  Sep- 
tember, December,  1830;  January, 
March,  1831 ;  John  Francis  Regis 
Loisel,  March,  1830;  P.  Borgna,  Oc- 
tober, 1830 ;  Victor  Paillaisson,  April, 
August,  October,  1830;  April,  July, 
October,  November,  December,  1831 ; 


J.  N.  Odin,  CM.,  and  E.  Dupuv, 
CM.,  same  day,  October,  1832;  P. 
Lefevre,  October,  1833;  N.  Perrin, 
pastor  of  Kaskaskia  and  administra- 
tor of  Prairie  du  Rocher,  January, 
1855,  to  September,  1859 ;  Francis 
Recouvreur  from  Ruma,  April,  1860 ; 
November,  1862 ;  J.  A.  Jacque,  June, 
1861,  until  October,  1862;  Henry 
Frederick  Frohboese,  February,  1864, 
to  May,  1876;  Anthony  Vogt,  from 
Ruma,  August,  September,  1876 ; 
Charles  Krewet,  November,  1876,  un- 
til February,  1902;  Charles  Eschnabb, 
March,  1902,  until  February,  1911; 
William  Van  Delft,  since  February 
28,  1911. 


Our  Lady  of  Good  Help — Monk's  Mound,  1810 


A  most  interesting  item  in  the 
Catholic  history  of  Illinois  is  the 
story  of  the  Trappist  establishment 
at  what  is  known  as  Monk's  Mound. 

This  earth  formation  is  what  is 
generally  considered  to  be  a  struc- 
ture built  up  by  some  people  who 
inhabited  the  region  before  white 
men  knew  anything  of  it — whether 
Indians  of  other  tribes  than  those 
found  here  or  ancestors  of  the 
natives  found  by  Avhite  men,  or  an 
entirely  different  race,  sometimes; 
called  Mound  Builders. 

Monk's  Mound  is  one  of  a  group 
of  large  mounds  still  existing  in  St. 
Clair  County  not  far  from  East  St. 
Louis,  and  it  was  upon  one  of  this 
group  of  mounds  that  a  band  of 
Trappists  established  a  church, 
school,  community  houses  and  refec- 
tories in  the  year  1810. 

The  story  of  the  representatives 
of  this  somewhat  strange  order  in 
America  is  quite  interesting:  "When 
the  French  revolution  broke  out  the 
Cistercians,  located  at  La  Trappe, 
France,  were  scattered  over  Europe. 
Dom.  Augustoine  de  Lestrange,  who 
was  the  master  of  novices,  decided  to 
send  a  colony  of  Cistercian  Trappists 
to  America,  where  he  believed  a  field 
for  much  good  work  existed.  In 
1802  he  commissioned  Dom.  Urbain 


Guillet  to  proceed  to  America  with 
twenty-four  religious,  lay  brothers 
and  members  of  the  order.  They 
sailed  from  Amsterdam  on  May  24, 
1802,  on  the  Dutch  vessel  Salley, 
which  flew  the  American  flag  to 
escape  attack  from  the  English, 
since  Holland  was  an  ally  of  France, 
then  in  conflict  with  England. 

On  September  25th  the  party 
landed  in  the  port  of  Baltimore. 
They  were  kindly  received  by  the 
Sulpicians  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary, 
Baltimore.  The  little  colony,  through 
the  kindness  of  the  Sulpicians,  lo- 
cated on  a  plantation  about  fifty 
miles  from  Baltimore,  known  as 
Pigeon  Hill.  They  soon  abandoned 
this  location  for  the  state  of  Ken- 
tucky, where  the  great  apostle  of  the 
West,  their  devoted  friend,  Father 
Stephen  Theodore  Badin,  secured  for 
them  temporarily,  a  plantation  near 
Louisville,  until  they  acquired  a  site 
about  sixty  miles  from  that  city, 
called  Casey  Creek,  or  Potinger's 
Creek. 

In  the  meantime  Dom.  Augustoine 
Lestrange  sent  out  another  company 
of  Trappists,  under  the  guidance  of 
Father  Marie  Joseph,  which  con- 
sisted of  seven  priests,  seventeen  lay 
brothers  and  twenty-four  young 
people  of  the  third  order. 


143 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


In  1809  sixty  acres  of  land  were 
cleared,  the  grain  sown  and  many 
trees  planted,  when  a  fire  destroyed 
all  temporary  buildings.  Discour- 
aged, Dom.  Urbain  abandoned  the 
idea  of  a  permanent  settlement 
there,  and  decided  to  go  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Mullanphy  of  St.  Louis,  whom 
he  had  met  at  Baltimore,  offered  him 
a  grant  near  the  city  of  St.  Louis. 
Fathers  Urbain  and  Joseph  inspected 
it,  were  pleased,  and  removed  their 
colony  to  the  Mullanphy  grant,  near 
Florissant,  Mo.,  and  located  on  a 
hill  sloping  to  the  Missouri  River. 

Then  Mr.  Nicholas  Jarrot  of  Ca- 
hokia,  a  former  procurator  of  the 
Seminary  of  the  Sulpicians  of  Balti- 
more, offered  a  site  about  eleven 
miles  northeast  of  Cahokia,  upon 
which  was  located  a  wonderful 
group  of  Indian  mounds,  among 
them  the  largest  of  the  world.  He 
purchased  this  site  in  January,  1809. 

A  chapel,  charter-house,  refectory 
and  several  smaller  cabins,  in  all 
more  than  twenty,  were  immediately 
built  on  the  smaller  of  the  two 
mounds,  probably  the  elevation  lying 
west  of  Monk's  Mound,  the  base  of 
which  meets  the  base  of  the  former. 
The  larger  mound,  then  called  Indian 
Mound,  was  intended  for  the  abbey 
church  and  monastery.  The  location 
offered  splendid  advantages.  The 
land  built  up  of  the  deep  alluvial 
deposits  of  the  Mississippi  River, 
was  part  of  the  world's  richest  soil, 
the  famous  American  bottoms.  Vast 
prairies,  easy  to  cultivate,  reached 
beyond  the  horizon  to  the  south ; 
timber  existed  in  abundance,  and  the 
streams,  says  Father  Urbain,  "are 
so  full  of  fish  that  a  blind  man  could 
not  help  but  spear  a  big  fish,  if  he 
tried."  The  city  of  St.  Louis,  within 
the  distance  of  about  seven  miles, 
offered  a  ready  market.  Although 
the  Indians  made  frequent  excur- 
sions, the  monks  were  not  molested 
by  them. 


Since  Illinois  at  that  time  was  only 
a  territory  and  the  title  to  lands  in 
the  old  French  settlements  gave  rise 
to  disputes  of  ownership,  Dom. 
Urbain,  appealed  to  Congress  for  a 
confirmation  of  title,  which  was 
granted  in  March,  1810.  He  sought 
also  to  acquire  four  thousand  acres 
of  land  in  the  vicinity  of  Monk's 
Mound.  The  president  and  some 
members  of  Congress  favored  the 
grant,  but  it  failed  to  pass  Congress. 

Father  Urbain  gave  to  the  chapel 
and  settlement  the  name  of  Notre 
Dame  de  Bon  Secours — Our  Lady  of 
Good  Help. 

Breckenridge,  the  noted  traveler 
and  writer,  visited  the  settlement  in 
1811,  and  writes  that  "he  learned 
that  the  family  of  the  Trappists  con- 
sists of  about  eighty  persons,  a  con- 
siderable number  of  whom  are  not 
at  home.  The  boys  are  generally 
American,  the  men  probably  German 
and   French." 

At  that  time  there  was  much  sick- 
ness in  the  Mississippi  Valley  Settle- 
ments and  there  was  but  one  priest 
in  the  entire  territory,  namely. 
Father  Donatien  Olivier.  Realizing 
the  situation.  Father  Urbain  as- 
signed one  of  his  priests  to  St.  Louis 
and  another  as  a  traveling  mission- 
ary to  assist  Father  Olivier.  One  of 
these  succumbed  to  the  fever  and 
died  in  the  same  year.  In  the  next 
year  a  plague,  probably  typhoid  or 
malaria,  visited  the  bottoms  and  the 
settlement  was  largely  depleted  by 
it.  The  crops  failed  and  distress  was 
general.  In  such  circumstances  the 
monks  sold  all  their  belongings  and 
abandoned  the  mound  in  March, 
1813,  and,  after  temporary  settle- 
ments in  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia, 
returned  to  France  in  1814. 

Thus  has  the  most  notable  relic  of 
antiquity  in  Illinois  become  a  mon- 
ument to  a  religious  order. 


144 


Revehenu  Peter  Gibault 

"The  Patriot  Priest"    in    mid-America    who   served    in    the   Illinois 
country  from  1768  to  180!t. 


Alton — Rev.  Francis  B.  Kchoe.  Pastor,  St.  Patrick's  Church,  School  .  .  .  Alton — St. 
Mary's  Chun  h,  Rev.  J.  Meckle  {Dec'd),  former  Pastor,  School,  Sisters  Residence,  Rectory. 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


St.  Patrick's— Ruma,  1818 


One  of  the  earliest  settlements 
other  than  French  in  Randolph 
County  was  the  O'Hara  Settlement 
at  what  is  now  known  as  Ruma.  As 
early  as  1818  priests  came  from 
Kaskaskia  and  said  Mass  in  the  home 
of  Henry  O'Hara. 

A  log  church  was  built  on  the 
land  donated  by  Henry  O'Hara  in 
1827,  and  a  church  and  parish  has 
existed  there  from  then  until  the 
present  time.  Amongst  the  priests 
who  have  ministered  in  the  settle- 
ment and  parish  may  be  named  Rev- 
erend   Victor    Pallaison,    who    was 


chaplain  of  the  Visitation  Convent 
at  Kaskaskia  in  1836 ;  Rev.  John 
Kenny,  the  first  resident  pastor  from 
1839  to  1842 ;  Reverend  Patrick  Mc- 
Cabe,  1842  to  1850 ;  Rev.  James  A. 
Keane  from  1850  to  1852 ;  Rev.  Tim- 
othy Conway  from  1852  to  1854; 
Rev.  John  W.  Gifford  from  1854  to 
1859. 

Since  the  territory  was  cut  off 
from  the  Chicago  Diocese  a  number 
of  able  pastors  have  officiated. 

The  parish  records  of  this  early 
church  date  from  January  31,  1831. 


St.  Augustine  op  Canterbury 
Heckner,  1824 


This  is  another  of  the  very  early 
churches  and  its  history  up  to  the 
division  of  the  diocese  is  appropriate 
for  insertion  here. 

In  the  year  1816  several  families 
who  had  immigrated  from  the  coun- 
ty of  Lancashire,  England,  in  1812, 
and  had  established  their  first  abode 
in  the  state  of  Maryland,  settled  on 
the  banks  of  Prairie  du  Long  Creek. 

This  settlement  was  known  as 
Phiglish  Settlement,  and  as  Prairie 
du  Long,  St.  Clair  County,  and  we 
find  it  thus  entered  in  earliest  Cath- 
olic directories.  From  the  same 
source  we  learn  that  these  settlers 
were  attended  once  a  month  by  Rev. 
Vital  Van  Cloostere  of  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  from  1833  until  1838. 

A  log  church  was  built  about  the 
year  1824,  and  we  may  assume  that 
the  first  twelve  families  were  at- 
tended earlier  than  1833,  and  very 
probably  from  Prairie  du  Rocher. 

A  grant  of  land  of  sixty  acres  was 
made  to  Bishop  Rosati  of  St.  Louis, 
March  5,  1834,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
parish  by  Edward  Newsham  of  the 
county  of  Monroe  and  John  Win- 
stanley  of  the  county  of  St.  Clair. 
The  county  line  passes  through  this 
grant  twenty  acres  of  which  are  lo- 


cated in  Monroe  County  and  forty 
in  ^t.  Clair  County. 

The  church,  rectory,  school  and 
cemetery  were  located  on  the  St. 
Clair  County  side.  The  log  church 
was  replaced  by  one  of  stone  in 
1837,  which  was  consecrated  by 
Bishop  Rosati  of  St.  Louis,  Novem- 
ber 11,  1838.  A  very  detailed  nar- 
ration of  the  events  was  entered  on 
the  chnrch  records. 

There  were  present  on  this  oc- 
casion Very  Rev.  John  Timon,  CM., 
Vicar-General  of  St.  Louis;  Rev. 
Hipolyte  Gandolpho,  CM.;  Rev. 
Peter  Doutreluingue,  CM. ;  Rev. 
Caspar  Ostlangenberg ;  Rev.  Regis 
Loisel ;  Rev.  Felix  Verheyden,  S.J. ; 
Rev.  John  Kenny,  pastor ;  Rev.  Peter 
Paul  Lefevre;  Rev.  Jodocus  Van 
Zweeveldt,  S.J. ;  Rev.  Timothy  Con- 
way and  Rev.  Henry  Meyer.  Six 
orphan  boys  from  St.  Louis  assisted 
in  the  sanctuary. 

The  relics  placed  in  the  altar  on 
the  day  of  the  consecration  were  of 
the  martyrs,  Felicissimus,  Corona 
and  Columbia. 

This  rock  church  was  poorly  con- 
structed and,  in  1854,  under  the 
pastorate  of  Rev.  John  W.  Gifford, 
the  church  was  razed  to  the  ground 


145 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


and  a  new  stone  church  arose  on  the 
same  foundations. 

The  first  resident  pastor,  Rev. 
John  Kenny,  arrived  in  1838,  and 
remained  until  1842.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  Timothy  Conway  and 
Rev.  Ambrose  G.  Heim  in  1842 ;  Rev. 


Patrick  McCabe,  1842-1849;  Rev. 
James  A.  Keane,  1849-1851;  Rev. 
John  W.  Gifford,  1854;  Rev.  Felix 
Carel,  1858-1862. 

St.  Augustine's  is  still  a  flourish- 
ing parish. 


St.  Patrick — Alton,  Madison  Co.,  1883 


Geographically  speaking,  Alton  is 
a  city  of  many  "ups  and  downs." 
Perched  beautifully  and  airily  on  the 
bluffs  that  skirt  the  eastern  banks  of 
the  Mississippi,  about  thirty  miles 
north  of  St.  Louis,  it  is,  in  many 
ways,  a  grand  old  city  that  has  long 
since  ceased  to  experience  growing 
pains.  In  its  infant  days  it  did  in- 
deed bid  fair  to  keep  the  pace  set 
by  its  fast-stepping  sister  on  the 
Missouri  side  of  the  Father  of 
Waters,  but  in  the  course  of  time, 
the  Mound  city,  favored  by  the 
leaders  of  industry  and  politics,  so 
far  out-distanced  its  Illinois  rival, 
that  today  Alton,  as  viewed  by  the 
impartial  on-looker,  seems  little 
more  than  a  substantial  suburb  of  St. 
Louis.  Anent  the  early  history  of  Al- 
ton,  it  may  be  of  interest  to  quote  a 
passage  from  an  article  from  the  pen 
of  John  E.  Vaughn  in  the  Illinois 
State  Journal. 

Discussing  recent  references  to  Illi- 
nois capitals,  which  have  appeared  in 
the  State  Journal,  Superintendent  of 
Insurance  George  Huskinson  directs 
attention  to  the  historical  fact  that 
the  capital,  by  popular  vote,  was  once 
located  in  Alton.  That  city  failed  to 
get  it  for  the  reason  that  the  legisla- 
ture did  not  choose  to  obey  the  popu- 
lar vote  mandate. 

In  1833  there  was  a  strong  agita- 
tion in  favor  of  removing  the  capital 
from  Vandalia  to  some  point  farther 
north.  A  vote  on  the  question  was  or- 
dered, and  six  locations  were  entered 
in  the  competition — Vandalia,  Alton, 
Springfield,  Peoria,  Jacksonville  and 
the  geographical  center  of  the  state  at 
a  point  near  Illiopolis. 

Alton  was  first  in  the  balloting, 
with  8,157  votes,  Vandalia,  with  7,730, 


was  second.  Springfield  ran  third, 
with  7,075.  The  vote  for  the  other 
locations  was  insignificant,  but  so  far 
as  results  were  concerned,  they  fared 
as  well  as  the  winner.  No  canvass  of 
the  vote  was  made  by  the  general  as- 
sembly, and  it  was  ignored  when  the 
legislature,  in  1837,  finally  decided  to 
move  the  capital  from  Vandalia.  On 
the  fourth  legislative  ballot,  when  the 
location  was  decided  on,  Alton  re- 
ceived only  six  votes.  Springfield, 
thanks  to  Sangamon  county's  able 
delegation  which  has  become  histori- 
cal as  the  Long  Nine,  received  sev- 
enty-three votes  on  the  final  ballot. 

Alton,  at  the  period  when  it  was 
popularly  favored  as  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment, was  one  of  the  most  promis- 
ing of  the  cities  in  Illinois.  It  was 
advantageously  located  and  was  the 
best  town  on  the  Mississippi  above  St. 
Louis.  In  time  it  was  expected  to 
outstrip  St.  Louis  as  a  commercial 
center.  In  all  the  plans  for  the  de- 
velopment of  Illinois,  Alton  figured 
prominently. 

The  clash  of  political  enmities 
checked  the  development  of  Alton.  It 
had  a  bitter  and  tragic  taste  of  the 
civil  strife  which  later  divided  the 
nation,  long  before  the  country  was 
plunged  into  war.  Civic  enterprise 
was  discouraged  and  eastern  capital 
was  frightened  away  at  the  period 
when  the  city's  natural  advantages 
most  strongly  appealed  to  enterpris- 
ing industrialists.  Nowhere  has  the 
baleful  effects  of  unreasoning  politi- 
cal hate  been  better  illustrated  than 
in  Alton. 

But  for  politics,  Alton  might  have 
been  the  center  of  the  wonderful  de- 
velopment which  has  since  occurred 
south  of  it.     Undoubtedly,  it  would 


146 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


have  drawn  from  St.  Louis  and  at- 
tracted enterprises  that  located  else- 
where. Despite  politics,  it  has  sur- 
vived as  a  substantial  city,  has  over- 
come its  early  handicaps,  and  has  a 
most  promising  future. 

Alton  has  had  quite  a  number  of 
factories  from  its  earliest  days,  but 
by  no  means  so  many,  as  its  fine  loca- 
tion justified.  The  famous  Illinois 
glass  factory,  its  most  representative 
industry,  settled  here  years  ago,  and 
is  perhaps  the  finest  of  its  kind  in  the 
whole  country.  Of  late  years,  how- 
ever, Alton  is  experiencing  a  long  de- 
layed growth, — a  kind  of  second 
Spring.  Many  new  factories  (and 
old  ones  that  heretofore  passed  it  by), 
are  now  making  their  homes  here  with 
a  consequent  increase  in  trade  and 
population.  With  its  fine  natural 
location  on  one  of  the  greatest  water 
arteries  of  the  world  together  with 
its  splendid  railway  facilities,  Alton 
with  its  thirty  thousand  inhabitants 
may  justly  vision  a  big  industrial 
future. 

It  is  of  more  than  passing  impor- 
tance to  note  that  Alton  is  one  of  the 
most  Catholic  cities  in  Illinois,  and 
had  for  sixty-six  years  the  distinction 
of  being  the  Episcopal  See  of  what  is 
now  the  diocese  of  Springfield,  in  Illi- 
nois. 

About  1880  the  Catholics  of  the 
Eastern  section  of  Alton,  thinking 
the  distance  too  great  to  St.  Mary 's  or 
the  Cathedral,  began  to  consider  the 
erection  of  a  new  church.  Such  at 
least  was  the  wish  of  those  speaking 
the  English  language. 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop,  Peter  J.  Bal- 
tes,  D.D.,  at  first  considered  the  move- 
ment ill  advised  but  finally  consent- 
ed to  persistent  solicitation.  The  Rev. 
David  Moroney,  then  an  assistant  at 
the  Cathedral  on  State  street,  was 
commissioned  to  look  over  the  ground. 
But  before  making  a  report  he  was 
promoted  to  a  pastorate,  and  the  Rev. 
James  A.  Cassidy,  his  successor  at  the 
Cathedral,  was  assigned  the  duty. 

In  a  very  short  time  Father  Cassidy 
was  able  to  report,  that  the  eighty  or 


more  families  of  that  district  were 
unanimous  in  their  desire  for  a 
church.  In  the  meantime  Father  Cas- 
sidy was  appointed  pastor  with  per- 
mission to  organize  a  parish  at  once. 
The  majority  of  the  residents  being 
of  Irish  birth  or  lineage,  St.  Patrick 
was  chosen  the  patron  saint  of  the 
new  church. 

Father  Cassidy  set  himself  to  his 
new  and  difficult  task  with  great 
earnestness.  His  congregation,  al- 
though for  the  most  part  belonging 
to  the  poor  laboring  classes,  were  en- 
thusiastic and  generous  in  their  co- 
operation. The  Corner-stone  of  the 
new  building  was  laid  in  September 
of  1883  and  construction  was  rushed 
so  rapidly  that,  in  all  probability, 
it  was  ready  for  occupancy  by  the  end 
of  that  same  year,  as  the  first  bap- 
tism recorded  in  the  new  church  is 
dated  December  2,  1883.  The  dedica- 
tion took  place  in  the  spring  of  1884 
— this  fact  is  inferred  from  a  record 
in  the  cash  book  of  a  collection  taken 
up  on  that  occasion. 

The  church  was  simply  furnished 
at  first,  and  remained  so  until  Rev.  P. 
J.  O'Reilly  purchased  the  present 
splendid  altars  and  frescoed  the 
walls,  thereby  improving  its  appear- 
ance. An  inexpensive  reed  organ 
did  service  until  May,  1921,  when 
Rev.  Francis  B.  Kehoe,  who  is  now  in 
charge,  installed  the  present  pipe 
organ. 

In  the  meantime  Father  Cassidy, 
tired  of  a  rented  house,  erected  the 
present  substantial  residence  in  the 
summer  of  1886.  A  hot  water  fur- 
nace was  installed  in  1909,  the  build- 
ing until  then  being  heated  by  stoves. 
The  appointment  of  the  first  assistant 
at  this  time  necessitated  the  building 
of  two  additional  rooms  to  assure 
the  convenience  and  comfort  becom- 
ing a  priest's  house. 

Previous  to  the  institution  of  the 
parish,  the  Catholic  children  of  this 
section  were  pupils  of  the  Cathedral, 
St.  Mary's  and  Ursuline  Academy. 
Some  also  attended  the  public  schools. 
The  zeal  of  Father    Cassidy    moved 


147 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


him  to  build  a  school — a  small  frame 
structure  at  the  rear  of  his  residence, 
and  westward  from  the  sacristy  of  the 
church.  Mother  M.  Clare  of  the  Ur- 
suline  Academy  was  first  and  sole 
teacher  from  the  opening  in  Septem- 
ber in  1886  until  her  transfer  to 
Saints  Peter  and  Paul  in  September, 
1888.  The  departure  of  the  Brothers 
of  the  Holy  Cross  from  the  Cathedral 
school  gave  the  Bishop  an  oppor- 
tunity to  install  the  Ursulines  in  their 
place.  This  occasioned  a  shortage  of 
teachers  at  the  Academy,  hence  St. 
Patrick's  was  taught  by  lay  teachers 
for  two  years.  A  Miss  Moran  taught 
the  school  year  1888-1889,  and  Miss 
Carde  the  following  year.  Upon  the 
return  of  the  Sisters  in  the  fall  of 
1890,  land  was  purchased  across  Wal- 
nut street  (Central  Avenue),  and  the 
school  building  moved  across  the 
street  in  1891. 

The  number  of  pupils  continuing  to 
increase,  Father  O'Reilly  bought  a 
room  from  St.  Mary's  congregation 
and  joined  it  to  the  new  school.  Father 
O'Reilly's  energy  eventuated  in  the 
present  substantial  brick  building. 
Upon  its  dedication  in  1905,  St.  Pat- 
rick's could  point  to  the  finest 
parochial  school  in  the  city.  To  prop- 
erly accommodate  the  increasing 
number  of  pupils  it  was  found  neces- 
sary in  later  years  (1923-1924)  to 
partition  off  a  portion  of  the  hall  in 
the  second  story,  into  class  rooms. 

St.  Joseph's  Hospital  has  been  at- 
tended from  St.  Patrick's  from  the 
very  beginning  to  the  present  time. 
For  some  years  previous  to  October, 
1909,  the  priests  from  Saint  Mary's 
(when  possible)  aided  in  saying  Mass. 

In  1906  the  Standard  Oil  Company 
located  at  what  is  now  Wood  River. 
The  extensive  construction  works 
brought  a  number  of  workmen  to  the 
locality,  among  whom  were  to  be  found 
many  Catholics.  In  the  following 
year  the  prospects  looked  good  for  an 
independent  parish.  The  first  move 
was  made  by  the  Poles,  who  sent  to 
the  Bishop  a  petition  with  over  160 
signatures.       Reverend     Francis     B. 


Kehoe  was  sent  to  investigate,  and  re- 
ported the  need  of  religious  admini- 
strations, but  recommended  a  church 
for  all  nationalities.  Father  Kehoe 
was  officially  commissioned  to  organ- 
ize the  parish.  A  meeting  was  called, 
to  discuss  plans  for  a  new  parish.  A 
short  time  later  a  hall  over  Reith's 
lumber  yard  was  procured,  where 
Mass  was  said  henceforth  for  some 
years  until  a  better  hall  in  the  Senglar 
building  was  rented.  This  hall  was  a 
center  of  Catholic  activity  until  the 
erection  of  the  present  combination 
church  and  school.  There  being  no 
assistant  at  St.  Patrick's,  Father 
Kehoe  said  Mass  for  the  new  congre- 
gation on  week  days  until  the  ap- 
pointment of  Reverend  D.  J.  O'Brien, 
in  the  fall  1889,  after  which  Mass 
was  celebrated  every  Sunday.  Thus 
Wood  River,  from  its  beginning,  was 
attended  continuously  from  St.  Pat- 
rick's until  Reverend  E.  J.  Douglas 
was  appointed  first  pastor  in  1920. 

In  1915  a  new  Hospital  for  Insane 
was  located  at  Alton,  the  religious 
care  of  which  was  committed  to  St. 
Patrick's  by  the  Bishop.  This  chap- 
laincy was  continued  until  July,  1924, 
when  it  was  assumed  by  the  chaplain 
of  the  Nazareth  Home,  now  St.  An- 
thony's Infirmary.  The  removal  of 
one  assistant  from  St.  Patrick's  made 
this  transfer  necessary. 

The  country  parish  of  St.  Michael's 
at  Beltrees  in  Jersey  County,  was  also 
attended  by  St.  Patrick's  for  a  short 
time.  The  infirmities  incident  to  old 
age,  made  it  necessary  to  relieve 
somewhat  the  venerable  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's,  Father  Joseph  Meckel.  To 
enable  the  assistant  of  St.  Mary's  to 
remain  at  home  on  Sundays,  the  par- 
ish was  taken  in  charge  by  St.  Pat- 
rick's. Reverend  P.  J.  Molloy  was 
appointed  pastor  of  Brighton,'  from 
which  place  he  continued  to  minister 
to  St.  Michaels. 

Succession  of  Priests : 

Pastors:  James  A.  Cassidy,  1882- 
1887;  P.  A.  Fallon,  1887-1896; 
Thomas  McGrath,  1896,  Januarv, 
July;  P.  J.  O'Reillv,  1896-1907;  F.  B 


148 


M      »> 

o  e 

fa  s 


e 

■S 

e 


IK  UBR&fiY 
OP  Tht 
BWVERSITY  !>t 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Kehoe,  1907  to  the  present.  Assist- 
ants :  Reverends  D.  J.  0  'Brien,  1909- 
1910;  B.  N.  Manning,  1910-1918;  D. 
Daly,  1918-1922;  P.  J.  Molloy,  1921- 
1924 ;  J.  L.  Marley,  1922-1924 ;  A.  J. 
Van  Speybroeck,  1924-1924;  Phil  J. 
O'Reilly,  1924  to  the  present. 

The  parish  is  growing  with  the  pass- 
ing years.  It  has  at  present  446  fam- 
ilies and  a  school  enrollment  of  264 
grade  and  33  high  school  children.  It 
has  also  the  following  active  societies : 
the  Holy  Name  Society,  Sodality  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  St. 
John  Berchman's  Altar  Boys'  So- 
ciety. 

St.  Patrick's  parish  has  an  en- 
viable War  Record.     The  use  of  the 


school  hall  was  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Red  Cross  and  the  ladies  of  the  parish 
were  ever  willing  to  lend  their  hand 
to  the  good  work  during  those  hectic 
days.  The  pastor,  too,  was  one  of  the 
Pour  Minute  Men  on  weekly  duty 
during  Loan  Drives,  and  was  also  a 
member  of  the  speakers'  bureau  to 
bid  God  speed  to  the  various  con- 
tingents as  they  left  for  camp.  Nine- 
ty-five bojTs  from  the  parish  heard 
their  country's  call  and  most  of  them 
served  overseas.  It  is  interesting  to 
note  that  among  them,  were  two  ne- 
groes who  since  their  return  tell  the 
most  extraordinary  and  amusing  tales 
of  their  overseas  experiences — real  or 
imaginary. 


THE  CHURCH  IN  QUINCY 

The  first  permanent  settlement  on  the  present  site  of  Quincy,  Illinois,  was 
made  by  John  Wood  in  1821,  when  he  took  possession  of  lands  alloted  to  him 
for  his  services  in  the  war  of  1812.  The  city  was  named  after  Quincy  Adams, 
then  President  of  the  United  States. 

Michael  Mast,  the  first  German  Catholic  settler,  arrived  in  Quincy  in  1829, 
and  in  1834  he,  with  other  trustees,  signed  the  application  for  the  incorporation 
of  the  city  consisting  of  six  hundred  residents. 

Soon  other  Catholics  arrived  and  in  1833  Reverend  Peter  Paul  Le  Fevre, 
then  in  charge  of  Catholic  settlements  of  Missouri,  Illinois  and  Iowa,  paid 
flying  visits  to  Quincy  to  provide  for  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  people. 

It  is  generally  conceded  that  Father  Le  Fevre,  later  Bishop  of  Detroit,  was 
the  first  Catholic  priest  to  set  foot  in  Quincy,  and  that  his  first  Holy  Mass 
celebrated  here  was  said  in  the  home  of  Adam  Schmitt,  now  Klene's  Cigar 
Store,  127  South  4th  Street. 

In  1834  the  Catholics  of  Quincy,  then  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Bishop 
Rosati  of  St.  Louis,  applied  for  a  resident  priest,  but  their  request  could  not 
be  granted  owing  to  a  scarcity  of  priests. 

The  Catholic  population  had  grown  to  about  fifty  families  in  1836,  and 
they  appointed  five  "trustees"  to  raise  funds  to  build  a  church. 

On  June  12,  1837,  Reverend  John  Mary  Irnaeus  St.  Cyr  was  ordered  by 
Bishop  Rosati  to  leave  his  mission  in  Chicago,  come  to  Quincy,  take  up  his 
residence  here,  and  assume  charge  of  the  surrounding  district.  Obedient  to 
the  orders  of  his  Bishop,  Father  St.  Cyr  started  out  for  his  new  field  of  labor, 
but  having  stopped  over  in  St.  Louis  he  met  Reverend  Florentine  Augustus 
Brickwedde,  just  arrived  from  Hanover,  Germany,  who  offered  his  services  to 
Bishop  Rosati. 

The  Bishop,  therefore,  assigned  Father  St.  Cyr,  to  the  English  speaking 
Catholics  of  that  territory  with  St.  Augustine  as  his  headquarters,  while  Father 


149 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Brickwedde  was  assigned  to  Quiney  territory  with  Quincy  as  his  headquarters. 
So  it  stands  that  Father  Brickwedde  was  the  first  resident  priest  of  Quincy, 
and  the  first  pastor  of  the  oldest  German  Catholic  parish  along  the  whole  Mis- 
sissippi River.  His  first  entry  on  the  parish  record  is  dated  August  15,  1837,  so 
that  it  is  probable  he  arrived  in  Quincy  the  week  before. 

He  took  up  residence  with  Adam  Schmitt,  who  had  just  moved  from  Fourth 
Street  to  the  northwest  corner  of  11th  and  Broadway.  The  second  story  of 
the  Adam  Schmitt  residence  was  converted  into  a  chapel,  dedicated  August  15, 
1937,  under  the  title  of  "Ascension  of  Christ,"  and  the  district  around  became 
known  as  Bethlehem. 

The  parish  was  poor,  so  the  zealous  Father  Brickwedde,  out  of  his  own 
slender  means,  built  a  frame  church,  18x28  feet,  on  Seventh  Street,  between 
York  and  Kentucky,  which  he  dedicated  on  Pentecost,  1838.  This  was  the  first 
Catholic  church  in  Quincy.  The  hill  on  which  this  church  was  built  was  pop- 
ularly known  as  "Mt.  Olivet." 

On  April  22,  1839,  Father  Brickwedde  published  his  second  annual  state- 
ment in  which  we  read  that  a  site  100x100  feet  on  Eighth  and  Maine  Streets 
had  been  donated  by  Mr.  Widney  for  a  new  church,  and  that  $90.00  was  on 
hand  to  begin  the  work.  In  May,  1839,  Father  Tucker  succeeded  Father  St. 
Cyr,  and  took  up  his  residence  in  Quincy.  The  Widney  property  was  placed 
at  his  disposal  for  a  church  for  English  speaking  Catholics,  so  the  German 
Catholics  were  without  a  site  for  a  church,  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  had  sold 
the  property  on  South  Seventh  Street  donated  by  Governor  Wood. 

On  June  17,  1839,  a  piece  of  property  was  bought  at  Seventh  and  Maine, 
and  on  August  21,  1841,  another  strip  was  added  to  it,  making  the  present  site 
of  St.  Boniface  Church  and  Rectory. 

The  records  show  that  work  on  St.  Boniface  Church  started  in  1839  and 
was  completed  that  same  year. 

Thus  we  find  that  St.  Boniface  Church  was  the  first  Catholic  church  in  or 
near  Quincy.  St.  Peter's  Church  was  the  second;  St.  Francis  Church,  third; 
St.  Mary's  Church,  fourth;  St.  John's  Church,  fifth,  and  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  sixth. 

St.  Boniface  Church,  Quincy,  Adams   County, 
Illinois,  1837 


The  History  of  the  Catholic  Church 
in  Quincy  dates  back  to  the  year  1833, 
when  Rev.  Peter  Paul  LeFevre  was 
sent  here  by  Bishop  Rosati  of  St. 
Louis.  Father  Lefevre  was  a  Mission- 
ary priest  whose  territory  covered  the 
Northeastern  part  of  Missouri  and 
reached  over  into  Illinois.  Since  Illi- 
nois at  that  time  belonged  to  the  dio- 
cese of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  it  was 
not  supposed  to  be  visited  by  priests 
from  the  St.  Louis  diooese.  Yet,  on 
account  of  the  scarcity  of  priests  in 
his  diocese,  the  bishop  of    Louisville 


gladly  consented  to  have  part  of  his 
territory  taken  care  of  by  the  Bishop 
of  St.  Louis.  Many  letters  from  the 
zealous  Father  Lefevre  to  his  Bishop 
are  preserved  in  the  archiepiscopal 
archives  of  St.  Louis.  They  tell  of 
the  rapid  growth  of  the  city  of 
Quincy  which  was  then  about  ten 
years  old. 

As  Father  Lefevre  had  many  mis- 
sion stations  to  visit,  he  soon  asked 
for  an  assistant  priest.  The  name  of 
the  young  priest  promised  him  was 
John  Mary  Iraneus  St.  Cyr.     Mean- 


150 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


while  requests  also  came  to  St.  Louis 
from  Chicago,  that  had  been  without 
a  Catholic  priest  up  to  that  time. 
Hence  the  appointment  of  Father  St. 
Cyr,  instead  of  being  made  for 
Quincy,  was  made  for  Chicago, 
Quincy  continuing  under  Father  Le- 
fevre  who  gave  it  as  much  time  as  he 
could  spare. 

In  1837  a  young  priest  arrived  here 
from  Germany  among  a  number  of 
emigrants,  whom  he  had  known  in 
Europe,  having  been  for  several  years 
their  assistant  priest.  He  knew  well 
that  all  these  emigrants  needed  spir- 
itual assistance  in  their  new  home, 
and  accordingly  he  made  up  his  mind 
to  leave  everything  in  order  to  be  at 
their  service.  His  name  was  Brick- 
wedde,  the  first  resident  priest  of 
Quincy,  Illinois.  He  came  from 
Fuerstenan,  Hannover,  of  a  prom- 
inent family.  He  affiliated  with  the 
St.  Louis  diocese  and  was  subsequent- 
ly sent  to  Quincy,  in  1837.  He  im- 
mediately set  to  work  and  rented  two 
rooms  in  a  private  house  on  Eleventh 
Street  and  Broadway,  one  for  a 
church,  the  other  for  a  residence.  As 
the  settlers  were  poor  he  had  to  draw 
on  his  own  resources  for  subsistence. 
He  gathered  the  Catholics  in  and 
around  Quincy.  A  steady  flow  of 
German  emigrants  towards  the  city 
so  increased  the  number  of  his  con- 
gregation that  he  had  to  make  prepa- 
rations for  the  erection  of  a  church. 

John  Wood,  the  founder  of  Quincy, 
donated  a  church  site  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Seventh  and  York  Streets. 
Here  a  small  frame  church  was  erect- 
ed in  1838.  This,  however,  was  soon 
found  to  be  too  small,  and  standing 
on  a  high  elevation  it  was  rather  in- 
accessible, especially  during  the  win- 
ter season.  The  name,  "Oelberg" 
(Mount  Olive)  given  to  this  place  by 
the  people,  gives  us  a  fair  descrip- 
tion of  how  the  place  must  have 
looked.  Meanwhile  a  site  had  been 
offered  at  Eighth  and  Maine  streets, 
where  Father  Brickwedde  contem- 
plated putting  up  a  large  brick  edi- 
fice.    In     1839     Reverend   Hillary 


Tucker  came  to  Quincy  as  first  resi- 
dent priest  of  the  English  speaking 
Catholics,  and  as  this  site  had  been 
given  by  a  man  of  Irish  descent, 
Father  Brickwedde  ceded  this  proper- 
ty to  Father  Tucker.  Father  Brick- 
wedde then  bought  a  lot  on  Seventh 
and  Maine  Streets,  where  St.  Boni- 
face Church  is  located  today,  and 
here  he  erected  the  first  brick  church 
in  1840.  The  present  St.  Boniface 
was  built  in  1847  by  Father  Brick- 
wedde and  was  solemnly  dedicated  in 
the  following  year  by  the  illustrious 
Right  Reverend  Richard  Kenrick, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 
In  1849  Father  Brickwedde  resigned 
his  position  at  St.  Boniface  and  began 
to  labor  at  the  place  now  known  as 
Columbia,  in  Monroe  County,  Illi- 
nois. 

He  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Joseph  Kuenster,  whose  first  entry  in 
the  church  books  is  dated  August  15, 
1850.  He  began  his  pastorate  in 
Quincy  with  a  devotion  to  the  victims 
of  the  cholera  that  was  nothing  short 
of  heroic  and  soon  won  the  hearts  of 
all  his  subjects.  Oftentimes  for  weeks 
he  would  not  lay  aside  his  clothes,  in 
order  to  be  ready  at  a  moment's  no- 
tice to  come  to  the  aid  of  a  troubled 
soul  that  had  to  be  prepared  for 
eternity  and  was  anxiously  awaiting 
him. 

In  the  fall  of  1851  the  illustrious 
Father  S.  J.  Weniger  was  called 
upon  to  hold  a  mission  at  St.  Boni- 
face, which  lasted  from  November  17 
to  24th,  and  during  which  over  1,400 
people  received  the  sacraments,  and 
the  last  vestiges  of  an  unfortunate 
disturbance  in  the  parish  was  wiped 
out.  On  November  30  a  meeting  was 
called  by  Father  Kuenster,  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  out  the  sugges- 
tion of  the  missionary  that  an  orphan 
society  be  organized  to  provide  for 
the  many  children  left  parentless 
through  the  ravages  of  the  cholera, 
and  the  result  of  this  meeting  was  the 
St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Society  of  St. 
Boniface  Congregation,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois. 


151 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


In  the  early  spring  of  1852  Con- 
tractor Lichtendahl  was  engaged  to 
complete  the  tower  of  the  church, 
which  was  to  rise  180  feet  above  the 
roof.  About  the  same  time  a  contract 
was  signed  with  the  firm  of  George 
Hanks  of  Cincinnati,  to  furnish  three 
bells  for  the  tower,  the  largest  to  be 
pitched  in  D,  the  medium  one  in  F,and 
smallest  in  A.  These  are  the  same 
bells  that  call  the  parishioners  of  St. 
Boniface  Church  to  divine  service 
and  though  many  rivals  have  ap- 
peared on  the  scene  since  then,  they 
are  still  regarded  by  many  as  the 
finest,  sweetest-toned  bells  in  the  city. 

After  the  demise  of  good  Father 
Kuenster,  September  15,  1857,  there 
was  an  interregnum  of  about  a  year, 
during  which  Fathers  J.  Reis,  B.  Bar- 
tels  and  Father  Ratte  conducted  serv- 
ice in  St.  Boniface  Church.  Father 
Herman  Joseph  Schaefermeyer,  how- 
ever, was  installed  as  the  third  per- 
manent Rector  of  St.  Boniface.  When 
he  assumed  his  duties  at  St.  Boniface 
the  congregation  had  become  so  large 
that  the  church  was  taxed  to  its  ut- 
most capacity.  In  1859  the  Francis- 
cans, at  the  invitation  of  Bishop 
Juncker  and  the  efforts  of  Father 
Schaefermeyer,  came  to  Quincy, 
thereby  Father  Schaefermeyer  was 
released  of  a  great  burden  and  could 
devote  more  time  to  organizing  other 
parishes.  In  December  of  the  same 
year  he  induced  the  School  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame  to  come  to  Quincy  and 
assume  control  of  the  girls  of  St. 
Boniface  School.  He  was  also  instru- 
mental in  inducing  the  Sisters  of  St. 
Francis  from  Aix-la-Chapelle  to  open 
a  hospital  in  the  city.  The  building 
of  St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Home  was 
his  work  and  for  several  years  shel- 
tered boys  of  a  larger  growth — the 
students  of  St.  Francis  College.  He 
was  a  true  and  constant  friend  of  the 
College.  Above  all  Father  Schaefer- 
meyer loved  the  beauty  of  God's 
House.  He  spent  over  twenty  thou- 
sand dollars  in  enlarging  and  beauti- 
fying the  church.  It  was  he  who  en- 
larged the  sanctuary,  built  the  Bap- 


tismal Chapel,  and  reconstructed  the 
interior  of  the  church.  It  was  he  who 
had  the  walls  and  ceiling  beautifully 
frescoed  and  adorned  with  artistic 
sacred  pictures  and  statuary.  It  was 
he  who  replaced  the  three  old  Altars 
with  three  imposing  Altars  which  are 
so  much  admired  to  this  day. 

To  pay  for  these  improvements  St. 
Boniface  Society,  St.  Joseph  Young 
Men's  Society,  the  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  and,  in  particular,  St.  Eliza- 
beth 's  Ladies  Society  assisted  by  gen- 
erous contributions.  Too  much  can- 
not be  said  in  praise  of  the  generous 
spirit  shown  by  the  members  of  the 
Ladies'  Societies  towards  the  church 
throughout  its  history.  When  all  his 
plans  for  the  beautifying  of  the 
church  had  been  carried  out  Father 
Schafermeyer  quietly  slipped  away 
from  Quincy  to  join  the  Franciscan 
Order  at  Teutopolis,  where  he  became 
known  as  Father  Liborius. 

When  Father  Ostrop  was  sent  to 
succeed  Father  Schaefermeyer  at  St. 
Boniface  in  September,  1872,  it  was  a 
parish  of  brightest  prospects  for  the 
future.  The  number  of  families  was 
500,  children  at  school  460,  baptisms 
123,  burials  62,  marriages  20,  net 
debt  #5,000.  Father  Ostrop  was  pas- 
tor at  St.  Boniface  but  five  years,  but 
in  that  short  period  accomplished 
wonders  and  planned  still  greater 
ones  when  he  was  recalled  by  his 
superior  and  given  charge  at  St. 
Joseph's  Church,  Carlinville,  Illinois. 

The  genial  vicar-general  of  the  Dio- 
cese, the  Very  Rev.  John  Jansen  who 
later  became  Bishop  of  Belleville, 
Illinois,  was  sent  as  pastor  to  St. 
Boniface.  The  actual  debt  of  the 
parish  was  placed  by  Father  Jansen 
at  $81,639.36.  He  bent  all  his  energy 
to  reduce  this  debt  and  succeeded  ad- 
mirably. But  he  was  foremost  and 
always  the  priest,  the  man  of  God. 

The  principal  aim  of  Father 
Bruener  during  his  sojourn  of  eight 
years  at  St.  Boniface,  was  to  continue 
the  good  work  of  his  predecessor  in 
reducing  the  enormous  debt  of  the 
parish.     On  December  6,  of  the  year 


152 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


1884  Father  Bruener  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  celebrating  with  his  parishion- 
ers the  25th  anniversary  of  his  first 
Mass.  The  occasion  was  fittingly  ob- 
served both  in  church  and  in  the 
school  hall.  On  July  18th,  1886, 
Father  Tolton,  who  had  been  or- 
dained priest  April  24  by  Cardinal 
Paroehi  in  Rome,  celebrated  his  first 
Holy  Mass  in  Quincy,  at  St.  Boniface 
Church,  where  formerly  he  had 
served  as  an  altar  boy.  He  was  the 
son  of  slave  parents  and  the  first 
negro  priest  in  the  United  States. 

The  principal  event  of  the  year 
1887  was  the  celebration  of  the 
Golden  Jubilee  of  the  parish  which 
occurred  in  August.  It  was  a  three 
days'  celebration,  the  equal  of  which 
had  never  before  been  seen  in  Quincy. 
It  was  on  the  occasion  of  the  Golden 
Jubilee  that  Father  Bruener  pub- 
lished his  famous  "Church  History  of 
Quincy,"  a  record  of  Catholic  activ- 
ity throughout  the  city  from  its 
origin  to  his  own  day.  But  whilst 
the  joyful  jubilee  celebration  was  go- 
ing on  Father  Bruener  was  harboring 
other  thoughts,  which  he  carefully 
concealed,  however,  from  even  his 
most  intimate  friends.  Introducing 
Father  Michael  Weis,  the  new  pastor 
appointed  by  the  Bishop,  he  sets  out 
that  very  night  for  Teutopolis  where 
under  the  name  of  Father  Leo  he 
assumes  the  habit  and  becomes  a 
humble  son  of  St.  Francis. 

A  great  reduction  had  already  been 
made  in  the  debt  of  the  church 
through  the  strenuous  efforts  of 
Fathers  Jansen  and  Bruener.  A  con- 
tinuance of  this  good  work  was  one  of 
the  principal  issues  that  confronted 
Father  Weis  when  he  became  their 
successor.  And  so  bravely  did  he  un- 
dertake the  work,  so  successfully  did 
he  carry  it  through,  that  in  the  course 
of  only  five  years  he  had  cancelled 
over  half  of  the  debt,  and  in  spite  of 
the  many  costly  improvements  which 
he  was  compelled  to  make  since  then, 
he  left  only  $7,023.40  to  be  paid  by 
his  successor,  thus  meriting  the  title 
which  he  well  deserved  "The  Finan- 


cier of  St.  Boniface."  Father  Weis 
was  pastor  of  St.  Boniface  church  for 
fully  22  years  until  his  death,  Novem- 
ber 9,  1909.  The  kind  reader's  atten- 
tion is  called  to  the"  Diamond  Jubilee 
Souvenir"  of  St.  Boniface  Congrega- 
tion. 1827-1912  an  Historical  sketch 
compiled  and  published  by  Rev.  A.  J. 
Kunsch.  This  splendid  "Souvenir" 
does  full  justice  to  Father  Weis' 
activities  and  tireless  labors. 

Reverend  Henry  B.  Degenhardt 
the  eighth  pastor  of  St.  Boniface 
Church,  was  born  at  Alton,  Illinois, 
May  16,  1855.  After  graduating  from 
St.  Mary's  and  the  Cathedral  schools 
he  was  sent  to  Teutopolis  and  Ruma 
to  pursue  classical  studies.  After 
finishing  a  two  years  course  in  Phil- 
osophy he  took  a  three  years  course 
of  Theology  at  St.  Francis,  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  and  was  ordained  priest 
by  Bishop  Baltes  at  the  Alton  Cathe- 
dral on  August  15,  1879.  After  cele- 
brating his  First  Mass  two  days  later 
at  the  parish  church  of  his  boyhood 
days,  he  was  assigned  to  the  congre- 
gation at  Collinsville,  where  during 
the  thirty-one  years  of  his  pastorate 
he  built  a  magnificent  church, a  school 
and  convent.  After  the  death  of 
Dean  Michael  Weis,  Father  H.  B. 
Degenhardt  was  appointed  pastor  of 
St.  Boniface  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois, 
and  still  continues  to  govern  the 
parish  with  great  success  in  spite  of 
advancing  years  and  feeble  health. 

St.  Boniface,  at  present  writing  has 
380  families,  practically  all  of  Ger- 
man descent.  The  school  has  an  en- 
rollment of  220  pupils  with  the  Sis- 
ters of  Notre  Dame  in  charge.  The 
following  Catholic  societies  and 
Branch  organizations  are  proving 
very  useful  to  the  healthy  life  of  the 
parish : 

Society  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
St.  Elizabeth,  St.  Agnes  and  Orphan 
Society,  Holy  Name,  Western  Catho- 
lic Union,  Apostleship  of  Prayer,  and 
Third  Order  of  St.  Francis. 

The  condition  of  the  parish,  spiritu- 
ally and  materially,  is  gratifying  to 
those  who  have  its  interest  at  heart. 


153 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Assumption  Sainte  Marie,  Jasper  Co.,  1837 


What  is  now  Sainte  Marie  was 
settled  by  Joseph  Picquet  in  1837, 
under  the  name  of  Colonie  Des 
Freres,  (Colony  of  the  Brothers). 
About  July  18,  1837,  Mr.  Picquet  ar- 
rived from  Alsace  at  Vincennes,  In- 
diana ;  two  days  later  he  went, 
accompanied  by  Rev.  De  la  Halan- 
diere,  to  St.  Francisville,  Illinois, 
where  Rev.  Francis  Corbe  was 
pastor.  There  he  purchased  a  small 
farm  as  a  temporary  shelter  until  he 
could  select  a  permanent  place. 
About  August  20,  1837.  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Brute,  D.D.,  accom- 
panied by  Father  Corbe.  came  to 
visit  the  new-comers  at  their  farm, 
about  three  miles  from  St.  Francis- 
ville. At  the  arrival  and  departure 
of  the  Bishop  they  fired  their  guns 
as  a  mark  of  respect  to  the  Bishop, 
and  bestowed  upon  him  all  the  honor 
circumstances  permitted.  In  front 
of  one  of  the  log  houses  they  erected 
an  altar.  The  crucifix  and  candle- 
sticks on  that  altar  were  brought 
from  France,  also  the  vestments, 
which  are  part  of  those  used  to  the 
present  time  at  Sainte  Marie.  The 
saintly  Bishop  gave  them  a  warm 
welcome  to  the  land  of  their  adoption, 
with  his  blessing  and  best  wishes  for 
their  enterprise. 

Ferdinand  Hartrich,  Elienne  Lauer 
and  Joseph  Picquet  left  the  farm 
about  September  22  to  go  to  Pales- 
tine, Illinois,  and  from  there  to 
Newton,  and  thence  they  came  to 
what  is  now  Sainte  Marie,  and  after 
remaining  there  a  few  days  they  re- 
turned to  their  farm.  About  Octo- 
ber 1  they  left  St.  Francisville  and 
came  to  begin  the  new  settlement. 
They  boarded  with  a  Mr.  Price  who 
lived  a  short  distance  west  of  what 
is  now  Joseph  Picquet 's  residence. 
October  12  they  went  to  Palestine 
and  entered  in  one  day  about  ten 
thousand  seven  hundred  acres  of 
land.  Returning  to  Mr.  Price's  they 
immediately  made  arrangements  to 
put  up  a  shanty.  About  the  28th  of 
October  the  new   colonists,  namely, 


Joseph  Picquet,  Ferdinand  Hartrich, 
Charles  Guthneck,  Jean  Baptiste 
Bernhardt,  John  Weiss,  Mr.  Lemuel, 
Xavier  Kapps,  and  Etienne  Lauer, 
most  of  them  mounted  on  their 
horses,  rode  with  guns  in  hand,  from 
their  boarding  place  over  to  the 
knoll  where  they  intended  to  take 
formal  possession.  Here  they  placed 
the  colony  under  the  protection  of 
her  whose  name  it  still  bears,  (Sainte 
Marie).  After  appropriate  prayers 
and  the  chanting  of  the  Salve  Regina 
they  fired  their  guns.  Mrs.  John 
Weiss,  Miss  Frances  N.  and  Miss 
Barbara  Irr  belonged  to  the  colony 
also.  In  remembrance  of  this  solemn 
act  a  statue  of  Italian  marble,  a 
piece  of  art  of  first  class,  represent- 
ing the  Queen  of  Heaven,  has  been 
placed  in  the  new  church  as  crown 
piece  of  the  new  altar. 

During  the  first  years  of  the  new 
settlement,  priests  from  Vincennes, 
Indiana,  visited  Sainte  Marie  from 
time  to  time  attending  to  the  reli- 
gious needs  of  the  colonists,  until  in 
1839,  Reverend  P.  Chakert,  a  Redemp- 
torist  Father,  was  given  them  as 
residing  pastor.  He  was  sent  from 
Vienna,  Austria,  with  the  instruc- 
tion to  see  what  chance  there  was 
here  for  the  establishment  of  a  reli- 
gious community.  Mass  was  said  in 
a  room  of  Joseph  Picquet 's  present 
residence  until  1842  when  a  frame 
chapel  was  erected  (about  thirty 
feet  east  of  what  is  now  Barthelme's 
store)  and  blessed  by  Reverend 
Stephen  Theodore  Badin,  a  French- 
man, who  was  the  first  priest  or- 
dained in  America. 

From  September,  1840,  the  settle- 
ment received  spiritual  attendance 
by  priests  from  Vincennes  until 
July,  1842,  when  Reverend  F.  M. 
Masquelet  came  who  resided  there 
until  October,  1842.  From  October, 
1842-46,  Eudist  Fathers  from  Vin- 
cennes attended  the  mission,  viz: 
Fathers  Mullin,  Bellier  and  Vabret. 
They  had  as  resident  successors  from 
November,  1846  to  April,  1847,  Rev- 


154 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


erend  J.  Griffith;  from  May,  1847, 
to  September,  1847,  and  also  from 
January,  1848,  until  June,  1843,  Rev- 
erend J.  G.  Schaeffer;  from  Septem- 
ber, 1847,  until  December,  1847,  Rev- 
erend G.  H.  Plathe.  During  all  these 
years  many  attempts  had  been  made 
to  get  some  religious  order  to  locate 
here.  The  Redemptorists,  whose 
temporary  mother  house  was  at 
Rochester,  New  York,  gave  up  the 
country  missions  and  decided  to  seek 
a  field  of  labor  in  larger  cities,  and 
thus  Father  Chackert  was  called 
away  from  here  in  1840.  Then  an 
agreement  was  attempted  with  the 
Jesuits  from  Bardstown,  Kentucky, 
where  they  had  a  college ;  then  with 
the  Lazarists  from  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, whose  Superior  was  at  that 
time  Reverend  John  Timon,  after- 
wards Bishop  of  Buffalo,  New  York, 
and  finally  with  the  Eudists  in  1845, 
but  all  to  no  avail. 

Sainte  Marie  and  the  whole  East- 
ern half  of  Illinois  belonged  to  the 
Diocese  of  Vincennes,  Indiana,  until 
1844,  when  Bishop  Quarter  had  the 
promise  of  the  Benedictine  Fathers 
of  Mettenin,  that  they  would  settle 
in  his  Diocese.  It  was  his  intention 
to  place  them  here,  but  when  they 
arrived  in  Pennsylvania  from  Bav- 
aria under  Abbot  Wimmer  as  their 
leader,  Bishop  O'Connor  of  Pitts- 
burg kept  them  in  his  Diocese,  plac- 
ing them  at  St.  Vincent,  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

In  1837  also  an  attempt  was  made 
to  bring  to  Sainte  Marie  the  Sisters 
of  Providence,  who  had  large  com- 
munities in  Alsace.  Their  Superior 
in  Alsace  was  Father  Ignatius  Mer- 
tian,  a  grand-uncie  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Picquet.  Father  Mertian  promised 
50,000  francs  ($10,000.00)  towards 
the  erection  of  a  house  for  the  Sis- 
ters here.  Father  De  la  Halandiere, 
Vicar  General  of  Bishop  Brute  of 
Vincennes,  whose  successor  he  be- 
came afterwards,  anticipating  that 
Eastern  Illinois  would  be  cut  off 
from  the  Diocese  of  Vincennes, 
sought    to    secure    them    for    Vin- 


cennes. But  when  the  Sisters  from 
Alsace  finally  gave  up  the  intention 
of  going  into  the  North  American 
Missions,  he  engaged  Sisters  of  Prov- 
idence from  Rennes  in  France,  and 
placed  them  at  what  is  now  called 
St.  Mary's  of  the  Wood's,  Vigo 
County,  Indiana.  Of  the  promised 
50,000  francs  he  received  only  one- 
half  as  the  promise  had  been  made 
in  favor  of  the  Alsace  Sisters,  who 
though  having  the  same  name  as 
those  from  Rennes,  were  a  different 
religious  order  and  having  no  con- 
nection whatever  with  the  latter. 

Taking  up  again  the  record  of 
resident  or  visiting  priests  at  Sainte 
Marie,  I  find  Father  J.  B.  Chasse 
from  Vincennes  mentioned  in  Aug- 
ust, 1848.  Until  November,  1855, 
Father  Fisher  was  pastor  here.  He 
returned  to  Alsace  where  in  1888, 
he  still  had  charge  of  a  parish. 
Under  Father  Fisher  the  former 
brick  church  (35x60  feet,  plus  sanc- 
tuary of  18  feet  depth)  was  com- 
menced in  1849,  and  blessed  in  1850. 
It  served  as  a  place  of  worship  until 
1891,  when  for  the  last  time  High 
Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  on  Easter 
Monday,  after  which  it  was  stripped 
of  all  furniture  and  taken  down,  to 
make  room  for  the  present  church. 
At  least  two-thirds  of  the  bricks  of 
the  old  church  were  used  to  advan- 
tage in  the  foundation  of  the  new 
church. 

From  1856  to  1872  Sainte  Marie 
was  attended  successively  by  the  fol- 
lowing priests :  Fathers  Engeln, 
Doyle,  and  Chase  (all  from  Vin- 
cennes, Indiana),  Heimerling,  Fort- 
mann,  Beckwith,  W.  Engeln,  J. 
Moshal,  B.  Bartels,  J.  H.  Petit,  and 
Father  Sandrock  who  continued  in 
charge  for  thirteen  years.  Father 
Sandrock,  during  his  time  here,  was 
assisted  by  Fathers  Laughran  who 
died  and  lies  buried  in  the  Sainte 
Marie  Cemetery,  John  Vahey,  H.  J. 
Hoven,  Charles  Raphaelz,  and  L. 
Quitter. 

From  September,  1872,  till  June, 
1873,  the  congregation  was  left  with- 


155 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


out  a  resident  priest.  During  this 
time,  Father  Meckel,  then  stationed 
at  Olney,  attended  the  spiritual 
needs  of  Sainte  Marie  and  then  came 
Father  S.  Wegener  who  remained 
only  a  year.  He  built  the  west  wing 
of  the  parsonage  at  a  cost  of 
$2,200.00.  His  successor,  the  distin- 
guished Father  Pennartz,  assumed 
the  pastoral  office  of  Sainte  Marie 
in  1874  which  he  administered  with 
success  until  1881  in  which  year 
Father  C.  J.  Virnich,  the  writer  of 
this  sketch,  succeeded  him. 

In  the  early  years  of  this  settle- 
ment Mt.  Carmel,  Bridgeport,  Fair- 
field, St.  Peter's,  Newton,  St.  Wen- 
dell, Olney,  and  at  times  also  St. 
Francisville,  received  spiritual  at- 
tendance from  Sainte  Marie.  When 
the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  Railroad 
was  being  built,  the  Sainte  Marie 
priests  went  all  along  the  line  to 
attend  to  the  religious  wants  of  the 
Catholic  workmen. 

In  the  course  of  time  the  Catholic 
congregation  of  Sainte  Marie  had 
grown  too  large  for  the  old  church 
and  so  the  erection  of  a  new  and 
more  spacious  building  became  an 
imperative  need.  After  much  prep- 
aration, the  corner-stone  of  the  new 
church  was  laid  on  May  13,  1891,  by 
Very  Rev.  Father  Hickey  who  was 
then  Vicar  General  of  the  Alton 
Diocese  and  pastor  of  the  Immac- 
ulate Conception  Church,  Spring- 
field. The  dedication  took  place  on 
May  24,  1894,  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Ryan  officiating.  By  that  time 
the  building,  unfrescoed  and  unfur- 
nished, had  cost  about  $25,000.00, 
excavations  and  sand  having  been 
furnished  by  the  congregation.  Since 
then  the  sanctuary  has  been  com- 
pletely and  richly  furnished  to  the 
amount  of  over  $6,000.00.  A  beau- 
tiful marble  altar,  the  work  of 
Schrader  &  Son,  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
costing  $2,300.00,  and  a  statue  of 
Cararian  marble  representing  the 
Queen  of  Heaven,  a  fine  piece  of  art 
and  made  in  Munich,  Bavaria,  cost- 
ing $1,000.00  are  memorial  donations 


of  Mr.  Joseph  Picquet.  Others  who 
helped  to  beautify  the  church  by 
their  donations  in  the  line  of  stat- 
uary, windows,  pulpit,  etc.,  were  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Severine  Laugel,  John 
Kraus,  Jacob  Rennier,  Joseph  Miller, 
Joseph  Huber,  Joseph  Kaufman, 
Mrs.  N.  Reis,  Lizzie  Hahn,  and  Car- 
oline Picquet.  The  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  St.  Mary  and  Martha  So- 
ciety, and  the  Young  Men's  Sodality 
also  helped  materially  in  this  direc- 
tion. 

The  building  is  110x52  feet,  in- 
side measure,  plus  a  sanctuary  24x26 
feet.  It  easily  accommodates  the  180 
families  of  Sainte  Marie  congregation. 
It  is  strong  in  structure  and  quite 
imposing  in  style,  being  of  the  Roman- 
esque type. 

To  complete  this  sketch  I  must  hark 
back  once  more  to  the  year  1861.  In 
that  year,  through  the  mediation  of 
the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Juncker, 
D.D.,  of  Alton,  the  St.  Joseph  Sisters 
of  Carondolet,  Missouri,  took  charge 
of  the  Sainte  Marie  district  school. 
The  Sisters  worked  well  here  until 
1871,  when  they  were  recalled  to 
Carondolet.  Thereupon  the  school 
was  placed  in  charge  of  a  layman,  Mr. 
George  Hubert,  who  for  a  number  of 
years  has  been  principal  of  the  Paro- 
chial school  at  Holy  Trinity  Church 
at  Evansville,  Indiana. 

In  the  home  vacated  by  the  Sisters, 
an  infirmary  was  established  in  the 
year  1880  by  Father  Pennartz  which 
was  placed  under  the  care  of  Hospital 
Sisters  from  Springfield,  Illinois.  In 
1890  they  were  recalled  to  Spring- 
field as  they  could  be  of  more  prac- 
tical use  in  cities.  We  hated  to  lose 
the  good  Sisters  of  Charity,  but  what 
first  seemed  to  be  a  great  loss  proved 
to  be  a  blessing,  in  as  far  as  it  ren- 
dered the  necessary  establishment  of 
a  strictly  Catholic  Parochial  School 
easier.  In  the  autumn  of  1893  the 
Catholic  school  started  under  the 
charge  of  Mr.  H.  Schlemmer.  In  the 
following  autumn  the  Ursuline  Sis- 
ters from  Alton,    Illinois,    were    en- 


156 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


gaged.     The  school  is  a  blessing  for 
the  congregation  in  every  way. 

The  only  boy  of  the  parish  to  be- 
come a  priest  was  Father  Guthneck, 
who  was  born  in  1848,  ordained  in 
1878,  and  died  in  1921  at  Madison, 
Indiana. 

The  following  nineteen  young 
ladies  of  Sainte  Marie  have  dedi- 
cated their  lives  to  God  in  the  Sis- 
terhood :  Louise  Miller,  Josephine 
Ostheimer,  Genevieve  Kaufman, 
Anna  Kaufmann,  Magdalen  Schneider, 
Ellen  Pictor,  Mary  Pictor,  Alice  Pic- 
tor,  Magdalen  Althaus,  Zita  Lamotte, 
Amelie  Merceret,  Mary  Frichtle,  Phil- 
ipine  Bolander,  Mary  Guthneck,  Em- 
ma Guthneck,  Julia  Kaiser,  Marie 
Hartrich,  and  Louise  Kessler. 

From  1905  to  1918  Father  Virnich 
had  for  assistants  Fathers  Neveling, 
1905-07;  Prost,  1907-15;  Meyer, 
1916-18.  Since  then  he  has  been  un- 
assisted in  the  administration  of  the 
parish. 

The  parish  records  of  Sainte  Marie 
show  that  the  first  couple  to  be  mar- 
ried was  Miss  Louisa  Mildenberger 
and  Michael  Karst.  The  marriage 
took  place  February  11,  1839,  in  the 
home  of  Mr.  Joseph  Picquet  with 
Father  Chakert  officiating  and  Joseph 
Picquet  and  Ernestina  Karst  as  wit- 
nesses. 

The  first  funeral  was  that  of  an  in- 
fant child  named  Philipina  Sirg,  and 


is  dated  December  21,  1847.  The  first 
adult  funeral  was  of  Mary  Ann 
O'Neill,  January  30,  1848.  Father 
Schafer  officiated  at  the  obsequies  of 
both. 

The  first  baptism  on  record  is  dated 
July  8,  1838.  Richard  Van  Meter 
was  the  recipient  and  Father  Vabret 
the  minister  of  the  Sacrament.  Joseph 
Kaufman,  while  the  second  on  the 
register,  was  really  the  first  baby  of 
Sainte  Marie  to  be  baptized. 

The  Assumption  parish  has  at  pres- 
ent two  hundred  families  and  an  en- 
rollment of  one  hundred  fifteen  chil- 
dren in  school  under  the  care  of  the 
Ursuline  Sisters. 

During  the  past  year  there  were 
36  baptisms,  5  marriages,  and  three 
funerals. 

A  synopsis  of  the  annual  account 
for  1922  shows  that  the  total  expendi- 
tures for  that  year  were  $20,488  84, 
while  the  total  income  was  $21,059.14. 
The  last  parish  debts,  amounting  to 
$12,635.90  were  totally  wiped  out  in 
1922.  In  that  same  year  improve- 
ments were  made  at  a  cost  of  $1,000, 
and  a  special  diocesan  subscription 
taken  up  which  amounted  to  $14,- 
648.66.  Spiritually  and  materially 
then,  the  Assumption  Parish  is  in  a 
healthy  condition,  and  its  present 
status  foreshadows  a  still  brighter 
future. 


St.  Thomas  the  Apostle,  near  Millstadt,  1837 


On  November  26,  1837,  a  log  church 
was  built  on  the  farm  of  Thomas 
Laughlin  and  dedicated  by  Bishop 
Rosati  of  St.  Louis  in  honor  of  St. 
Thomas,  Apostle. 

The  history  of  the  building  of  this 
little  church  as  it  appears  on  the 
parish  register  of  Holy  Family 
Church  at  Cahokia,  over  the  signature 
of  Rev.  John  Francis  Regis  Loisel,  is 
very  interesting.  It  reads  as  follows : 
"November  17,  1836,  I  said  Mass  the 
first  time  at  the  house  of  James  Pow- 
ers for  the  new  congregation  of  St. 
Thomas.  About  twenty-five  persons 
were  present,  and  six  received  Com- 


munion. We  spoke  to  them  about 
building  a  little  chapel,  and  we  con- 
cluded that  on  the  next  Wednesday, 
the  23rd  of  the  month,  the  parishion- 
ers should  assemble  to  cut  down 
trees  for  the  construction  of  the 
chapel,  to  which  they  had  given  the 
name  of  St.  Thomas,  the  Apostle. 
January  24,  1837,  said  Mass  at  St. 
Thomas  the  second  time,  twenty-five 
to  thirty  persons  were  present,  and 
ten  received  Communion.  After  the 
Mass  a  subscription  was  taken  up  for 
the  new  church,  which  amounted  to 
eighty-two  dollars,  and  three  trustees 


157 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


were  elected,  John    O'Brien,    James  Meyer, 

Powers  and  Bernard  Slocy."  Kenny 

This  little  church  is  also  referred  Joseph 

to  in  the  Catholic  directories  as  the  Rev.  G 

"Johnson  Settlement."     From  1839  The 

to  1843  it  was  attended  from    Teu-  village 

tonia,  now  Paderborn,  by  Rev.  Charles  church 


and  in  1839  also  by  Rev.  John 
then  from  Belleville  by  Rev. 
Kuenster,  until  1845,  and  by 
H.  Ostlangenberg  until  1850. 
mission  was  transferred  to  the 
of  Millstadt,  when  the  brick 
there  was  completed  in  1851. 


St.  Mary's  Church,  Alton,  Madison   County, 
Illinois,  1837 


Beautifully  and  significantly  has 
some  poet  voiced  the  sentiments  of 
those  who  have  watched  the  growth 
of  St.  Mary's,  Alton,  Illinois,  in  the 
words  that  follow : 

"Be  not  amazed  at  life,  'Tis  still 
The  mode  of  God  with  His  elect, 
Their  hopes  exactly  to  fulfill 
In    times    and    ways    they    least 

expect." 
In  truth,  the  most  sanguine  hopes 
of  pastors  and  people,  both  past  and 
present,  have  been  fulfilled  "In 
times  and  ways  they  least  expect." 
It  is  interesting  and  gratifying  to 
allow  the  events  of  the  years  gone 
by  to  pass  kaleidoscopically  before 
the  mind's  eye.  In  spirit  we  revert 
to  the  early  days  of  the  missionaries 
wearing  out  their  precious  lives  in 
unselfishly  heroic  sacrifices,  and  un- 
flinching and  unparalleled  service  to 
God's  red  men  directly,  and  our 
loved  country  indirectly.  Theirs 
the  blood  that  reddened  American 
soil  making  it  richly  productive  in 
the  harvest  of  souls  won  for  Mother 
Church  and  God.  The  name  of  the 
saintly  Father  Marquette  will  ever 
be  reverenced  by  Illinoisans.  The 
hideous  figure  of  the  Indian  god,  the 
Piasa  bird,  which  Father  Marquette 
discovered  upon  the  smooth  surface 
of  the  cliff  remains  to  tell  of  the 
visit  of  the  good  and  benevolent 
missionary.  In  all  probability  the 
first  white  man  to  view  the  spot  on 
which  Alton  now  stands,  was  the 
saintly  Jesuit  Father  Marquette  who 
sailed  down  the  Mississippi  in  a 
birch-bark  canoe  in  the  year  1673. 
The  first  Catholic  family  settled  here 
perhaps  one  hundred  and  sixty  years 
later.  In  the  year  1837  the  first  sacri- 


fice of  the  Mass  was  offered  here  in 
the  house  of  Sebastian  Wise.  A  year 
later  a  very  small  frame  church, 
lightly  built  was  erected  in  Upper 
Alton.  Reverend  George  Hamilton 
was  given  charge  of  the  little  flock 
congregated  there.  In  1843  the 
directory  of  the  diocese  at  Chicago 
had  dropped  the  Upper  Alton  church 
from  its  lists  as  non-existent.  Not 
very  long  thereafter,  namely,  in  the 
year  1844,  St.  Matthew's  Church  was 
erected  on  a  commanding  elevation 
overlooking  the  great  "Father  of 
Waters"  on  Third  and  Alby  Streets. 
Historical  records  are  inaccurate  re- 
garding the  priest  to  whom  credit 
for  its  erection  is  due.  The  names 
of  Fathers  P.  M.  McCabe  and 
Michael  Carroll  arc  mentioned.  In 
all  probability  it  was  the  latter 
under  whom  the  work  was  com- 
pleted. The  Right  Reverend  P.  P. 
Lefevre,  then  Co-adjntor  and  Admin- 
istrator of  Detroit,  blessed  the  new 
church. 

No  mention  is  made  of  a  house 
having  been  built  for  the  priest 
from  which  we  conclude  that  the 
zealous  pastor  like  the  early  ped- 
agogue "boarded  and  lodged  at  the 
house"  of  a  parishioner.  These 
early  days  were  days  of  hardship, 
labor,  sacrifice  and  generous,  whole- 
hearted self-forgetfulness.  We  mar- 
vel at  the  cheerful  endurance  of  the 
Catholic  priest  in  primitive  America. 
Of  them  Kipling  might  rightly  have 
said : 

' '  And  no  one  shall  work  for  money, 

And  no  one  shall  work  for  gain." 

"All  for  the  greater  honor  and  glory 

of  God  and  the  salvation  of  immortal 

souls";  this  was  their  noble  motto. 


158 


THE  1'IONEER  PARISHES 


A  mission  was  held  in  the  new 
church  the  following  year  by  Father 
Wenniger,  S.J.,  which  proved  a 
great  success.  In  course  of  time  the 
congregation,  a  tiny  mustard  seed  at 
first  had  grown  into  quite  a  tree. 

In  the  year  1851  God  found  it  well 
to  try  His  flock.  During  the  absence 
of  the  priest  a  fire  started  in  the  rear 
of  the  church  and  in  a  few  hours  St. 
Matthew's  Church  was  a  thing  of  the 
past.  Services  were  temporarily 
held  in  a  hall  on  State  Street.  Upon 
the  suggestion  of  Father  Carroll  the 
old  site  of  the  church  was  abandoned 
;ind  with  the  consent  of  the  Bishop 
of  Chicago  a  new  site  Avas  chosen 
and  on  it  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Church,  until  recently  known  as  the 
Cathedral,  was  erected.  The  old 
church  property  was  sold  to  the 
Unitarians  who  repaired  the  old 
structure,  and  for  a  number  of  years 
held  their  gatherings  in  it.  In  due 
time  a  new  building  replaced  the 
old.  Two  stone  slabs  of  the  original 
church  bearing  the  inscription,  "One 
Lord,  One  Faith"  have  been  in- 
serted in  the  front  wall. 

The  tree  sprung  from  the  tiny 
mustard  seed  had  now  grown  con- 
siderably'' and  spread  its  branches 
quite  widely  about  the  vicinity, 
hence,  a  spacious  building  was 
planned.  In  1855  Right  Reverend 
Anthony  0 'Regan,  Bishop  of  Chi- 
cago granted  Father  Carroll  the 
desired  permission  for  building  this 
new  church.  Its  completion  was 
deferred  however,  to  the  year  1857 
when  Bishop  Damian  Juncker  was 
consecrated  first  Bishop  of  Alton. 
In  the  meantime  German  Catholic 
immigration  had  greatly  increased 
in  this  region  partly  by  immigrants 
from  Germany  directly,  and  partly 
by  settlers  from  the  eastern  colonies 
moving  westward.  Prominent  among 
the  early  settlers  are  the  following : 
Henry  Greve,  Henry  Maas,  Michael 
Lampert,  William  and  Conrad 
Budde.  Frank  Kleeschulte,  Lawrence 
Fahrig,  Barthel  Hartmann,  Henry 
Degenhardt,    Joseph    Goeken,    Fred 


and  Joseph  Gottlob,  M  i  c  h  a  e  1 
Schneider,  Martin  Boschert,  Bernard 
Schuelle,  Phillip  Gerlach,  Werner 
Kleffner,  Lawrence  Stilz,  Frank 
Struif,  Andrew  Wagner,  Casper 
Joehl,  William  Manns,  William 
Startmann,  Frederic  William  Stolz, 
Florentine  Buerkli,  Leonard  Flack- 
enecker,  Joseph  Merkle,  Matthew 
Schaup,  Christian  Walter,  Joseph 
Krug,  Conrad  Pappe. 

Some  lived  in  town ;  more  out  in 
the  country,  miles  away,  indeed, 
from  town.  Failure  to  understand 
the  English  language  had  proven  a 
source  of  much  annoyance  to  these 
poor  Germans.  Soon  after  his  ar- 
rival, Bishop  Juncker  realizing  the 
need  of  German  sermons  for  the 
German  speaking  residents,  ar- 
ranged for  separate  service  hours  in 
the  Cathedral,  one  for  the  English 
speaking  and  another  for  the  Ger- 
man. Needless  to  say,  this  wise 
move  proved  a  priceless  boon  to  the 
good  people.  Father  Menge  was 
charged  with  the  care  of  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  Germans.  This  zealous 
priest,  foreseeing  the  rapid  increase 
in  numbers,  urged  that  the  people 
petition  the  Bishop  to  allow  them  to 
build  a  church  for  German  speaking 
people  only.  Permission  was  granted. 
Leonard  Flackenecker,  Michael 
Lampert  and  Lawrence  Fahrig  were 
appointed  to  collect  funds  requisite 
for  the  erection  of  the  building. 
There  were  about  twenty-five  fam- 
ilies all  poor  and  only  a  few  living 
in  town,  the  rest  renting  farms  at 
great  distances  from  the  town.  God 
was  with  them  and  success  crowned 
their  endeavors.  In  1858,  under  the 
direction  of  Father  Menge,  the 
church  was  begun  and  when  com- 
pleted the  little  flock  was  ministered 
to  by  Father  Menge  and  Father  Os- 
trop,  who  had  been  ordained  May 
•4th,  1859.  Both  were  quartered  at 
the  Bishop's  residence  until  Father 
Ostrop  was  appointed  first  pastor. 

The  new  church  was  placed  under 
the    patronage    of    our    Immaculate 


15'J 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Mother  and  entitled  "Church  of  the 
1  mmaculate   Conception. ' ' 

The  basement  of  the  church  served 
a  double  purpose.  The  rear  was  par- 
titioned into  small  rooms  which  an- 
swered for  apartments  for  the  resi- 
dent pastor  while  the  fore-part  was 
arranged  for  school  purposes  and 
such  gatherings  as  time  and  circum- 
stances called  for. 

The  church  proper  was  small,  the 
ornaments  very  poor  but  the  debt 
heavy.  The  zeal  of  the  pastor  and  the 
eagerness  of  the  people  to  have  a 
church  of  their  own  in  which  to  sat- 
isfy the  cravings  of  their  hungry 
souls  was  a  spectacle  of  joy  to  angels 
and  of  edification  to  their  brethren 
round  about  them.  When  hopes  of 
success  and  prosperity  seemed  bright- 
est God  again  tested  the  genuineness 
and  sincerity  of  the  zeal  and  love  of 
his  children.  On  Saturday  night,  at 
8  o'clock,  June  2nd,  1869  a  tornado 
swept  over  the  town  which  demolished 
the  recently  erected  building,  pinning 
the  good  pastor  beneath  its  ruins. 
Miss  Bertha  Gottlob,  housekeeper  of 
Father  Ostrop,  shared  a  similar  de- 
plorable fate.  Thanks  to  the  efforts 
of  Messrs.  Fishbach,  Baumann  and 
McCarrol  both  were  extricated  the 
same  night,  battered,  it  is  true,  but 
fortunately,  not  seriously  injured.  In 
the  sermon  preached  on  the  occasion 
of  Rev.  W.  A.  Schmidt's  first  Mass, 
Father  Ostrop  alluded  to  this  day  of 
terror,  saying  :  ' '  On  the  exact  spot  on 
which  I  now  stand,  that  is,  under  this 
pulpit,  I  lay  under  the  ruins  and 
debris  of  our  first  church." 

The  poor  young  struggling  congre- 
gation was  in  a  sorry  plight.  With  one 
stroke  the  realization  of  their  fond- 
est hopes  had  been  shattered.  The 
church  was  gone;  the  debt  of  $4,000 
remained.  A  sad  reminder  of  the 
joy  so  short-lived.  What  was  to  be 
done?  Luckily,  Father  Ostrop  was  a 
man  of  undaunted  courage  and  im- 
mediately bethought  himself  of  start- 
ing anew.  With  God's  help,  the 
pood  will  of  his  people  and  his  own 
untiring:  efforts  and  indomitable  will 


he  felt  confident  of  success.  But  there 
were  other  factors  to  be  considered. 
The  Bishop  insisted  that  the  new 
church  could  not  be  thought  of  until 
the  debt  had  been  paid.  The  good 
pastor  thereupon  turned  mendicant 
and  courageously  started  out  on  a 
begging  tour  outside  his  congregation, 
city  and  state.  There  were  no  such 
helps  in  those  early  days  as  the  won- 
derful drives  of  today  under  the  aus- 
pices of  the  Catholic  Knights  or  some 
other  similar  benevolent  organization. 
To  the  poverty-stricken  pastor  himself 
fell  the  lot  of  visiting  house  after 
house,  repeating  over  and  over  again 
his  tale  of  woe  and  begging  alms.  Cin- 
cinnati, Dayton  and  other  cities  of 
the  East,  as  also  St.  Louis  and  Quincy 
were  visited.  God  blessed  His  min- 
ister's efforts  visibly.  The  amount 
collected  sufficed  not  only  to  cancel 
the  debt  but  also  to  lay  aside  so  great 
a  sum  as  to  enable  him  to  attempt  a 
second  more  spacious  and  more  beau- 
tiful edifice.  It  was  dedicated  on  the 
feast  of  the  Immaculate  Conception, 
December  8th,  1862.  Soon  after,  a 
rectory  was  built  and  a  frame  school 
house  fronting  Third  street. 

No  man  in  Alton  was  busier  than 
Father  Ostrop.  He  performed  his 
priestly  duties  in  church,  taught 
school  for  the  boys  while  the  girls  at- 
tended school  at  the  Ursuline  Con- 
vent, and  he  gave  private  instructions 
at  his  residence  to  boys  who  desired 
a  higher  education  than  the  common 
school  afforded.  Moreover,  being  a 
great  student,  he  devoted  much  of  his 
time  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  lan- 
guages. Astronomy,  too,  was  one  of 
his  favorite  studies.  Fortunately  the 
zealous,  untiringly  energetic  young 
priest  was  blessed  with  an  iron  consti- 
tution or  he  would  never  have  been 
able  to  withstand  the  strain  of  ever 
increasing  duties,  recurring  difficul- 
ties and  sore  privations. 

In  time  Father  Ostrop  purchased 
the  cemetery  ground  and  a  portion 
thereof  was  mapped  out  for  immedi- 
ate use. 

In  1866  he  had  built  a  brick  school 


160 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


house  intending  to  make  provision  in 
it  for  a  high  school  course.  In  this 
latter  project  the  good  priest  was  only 
partially  successful  due  largely  to  a 
deplorable  dearth  of  available  teach- 
ers. Young  students  pursuing  their 
Latin  and  the  higher  courses  with 
Father  Ostrop  were  pressed  into  serv- 
ice when  no  teacher  could  be  had. 
Following  are  some  of  the  priests  who 
boast  of  having  been  pupils  of  Father 
Ostrop :  Fathers  Bartholomew  Hart- 
mann,  A.  J.  Klein,  W.  Schmidt  and 
H.  Degenhardt.  Even  the  honorable 
Judge  Dunnegan  of  Alton  glories  in 
having  been  a  pupil  of  the  good 
priest. 

Though  a  strict,  and  at  times,  even 
a  severe  task-master,  Father  Ostrop 's 
pupils  greatly  loved  and  revered  him. 
He  was  competent,  they  knew,  and 
generous  and  zealous  in  sharing  his 
intellectual  wealth  and  they  were 
deeply  grateful.  One  of  his  pupils, 
Father  Hartmann  has  immortalized 
his  reverence  and  appreciation  of  his 
loved  teacher  by  writing  his  biog- 
raphy. It  is  an  interesting  volume, 
brimful  of  merited  ecomiums. 

Under  this  zealous  pastor  the  fame 
of  St.  Mary's  congregation  had  spread 
over  the  diocese.  In  1866  Father  Ost- 
rop planned  for  the  consecration  of 
the  church ;  however,  a  debt  of  $3,500 
proved  an  obstacle.  Dauntlessly  and 
confidently  hopeful  of  the  hearty  co- 
operation of  his  flock  he  ascended  the 
pulpit  one  Sunday,  and,  after  an  elo- 
quent and  impressive  appeal  to  his 
people,  he  called  upon  each  one  pres- 
ent to  state  publicly  how  much  he 
was  willing  to  give  to  help  liquidate 
the  debt  and  to  his  great  surprise  and 
intense  gratification  the  entire  amount 
was  promised.  The  pastor's  heart 
was  full,  too  full,  indeed,  for  words. 
The  consecration  took  place  January 
1,  1867,  Bishop  Juncker  officiating. 
Bishop  Luers  of  Fort  Wayne 
preached  the  sermon. 

In  September,  1872,  much  to  the 
regret  of  both  pastor  and  people, 
Father  Ostrop  was  assigned  to  a  new 
field  of  labor,  namely  St.    Boniface, 


Quincy.  Needless  to  say  St.  Boniface 
prospered  under  his  wise  and  zealous 
guidance  so  also  did  St.  Joseph's  at 
Carlinville  to  which  place  he  was 
later  appointed.  Father  Ostrop  died 
June  26,  1892  and  was  buried  June 
30th. 

The  new  pastor,  Reverend  John 
Sandrock,  came  from  Sainte  Marie, 
Jasper  County.  His  priestly  life  of 
twelve  or  more  years  had  been  one  of 
hard  work  and  many  hardships;  a 
regular  pioneer  priest,  he  was  inured 
to  an  austere  life.  His  exterior  did 
not  indicate  the  profound  student  he 
was.  The  members  of  his  flock  were 
early  won  by  his  impressive  and  elo- 
quent sermons.  Unfortunately  his 
labors  were  cut  short  by  a  premature 
death.  In  1873  many  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Alton  fell  victims  of  the 
small-pox  epidemic,  and  Father  Sand- 
rock,  himself  contracted  the  disease 
and  succumbed  to  it  May  10,  alone 
and  unattended  without  even  the  con- 
solations of  the  Church  for  the  dying. 
The  Father  who  sees  into  the  secrets 
of  men's  hearts  has,  we  trust,  amply 
rewarded  him. 

Father  Sandrock 's  immediate  suc- 
cessor was  Rev.  Vincent  Nagler 
who  survived  his  appointment  only 
one  year.  This  good  priest  was  sick- 
ly and  though  blessed  with  the  best 
of  good  will  to  attend  to  the  needs  of 
his  flock  he  was  physically  unable  to 
do  so.  The  spirit,  indeed,  was  will- 
ing, but  the  flesh  was  weak.  On  May 
15,  1874,  he  fell  a  victim  to  dropsy. 

Father  Peter  Peters,  former  pastor 
of  Highland,  Illinois,  was  appointed 
his  successor  that  same  year  and  ar- 
rived in  Alton,  August  15,  1874.  In 
the  twenty-two  years  of  his  boundless 
zeal  and  systematic  labors  he  effected 
a  tremendous  transformation  at  St. 
Mary's.  The  congregation  spread  to 
the  North  and  West.  He  bought  lot 
after  lot,  until  the  church  owned 
three-fourths  of  the  long  block.  He 
also  changed  the  tower  and  built  a 
very  high  one,  which  greeted  the 
strangers  on  their  way  to  Alton  from 
a  great  distance. 


161 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Acquaintance  with  and  apprecia- 
tion of  the  efficient  work  done  by  the 
School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  at  High- 
land induced  him  to  secure  Sisters  of 
this  order  for  his  new  school.  A  resi- 
dence for  them  was  erected  on  the 
west  side  of  the  church.  The  build- 
ing still  stands.  Father  Peters  loved 
children;  and  they  knew  it.  The  pic- 
ture of  Jesus  blessing  little  children 
still  to  be  seen  above  the  high  altar  is 
a  forceful  reminder  of  the  Christlike 
love  of  this  good  priest. 

The  old  St.  Mary's  church  was  fast 
becoming  unserviceable  and  Father 
Peters  began  to  think  of  building  a 
new  church.  The  work  of  preparing 
for  it  had  been  going  on  for  years. 
Our  people  still  remember  the  grad- 
ing that  had  to  be  done.  At  last  the 
time  had  come  when  Father  Peter's 
dream  of  a  new  church  was  to  be  real- 
ized. On  the  feast  of  the  Holy  Name 
of  Jesus,  1892,  it  was  decided  not  to 
add  to  the  old  church,  as  some  ad- 
vised, but  to  build  a  new  church. 
Brother  Adrian,  O.F.M.,  was  en- 
trusted with  the  drawing  of  the  plans. 
To  obtain  the  necessary  funds,  Father 
Metzler,  of  Brighton,  Father  Hart- 
man  of  Fort  Wayne  Diocese,  tem- 
porarily staying  with  his  parents  on 
account  of  an  ailment,  and  Father 
Foerster  first  assistant  at  St.  Mary's 
aided  Father  Peters  in  securing  sub- 
scriptions. At  last  the  ground  was 
broken  and  the  foundation  was  laid 
by  Mr.  Alexander  Wegener.  The 
cornerstone  was  laid  July  16,  1893,  by 
Bishop  Ryan.  Following  is  a  trans- 
lation of  the  document,  which  con- 
tains a  brief  history  of  the  church  as 
well  as  other  interesting  data: 

3n  the  pear  of  the  Ilorb  1893,  fulp 
16,  the  eighth  £>tmbap  after  fkutecost, 
on  the  feast  bap  of  our  ifflost  &olp  &e= 
beemer,  curing  tfjc  most  glorious  reign 
of  ILeo  KMS3S,  <mb  the  &t.&eb.  fames 
JXpan,  being  ihe  thirb  bishop  of  9lton, 
anb  &eberenb  ^eter  peters,  Sector  of 
this  mission:  i?is  <£xcellencp,  Prober 
Clebelanb,   bp  the  mill  of  the  people 


$resibent  of  the  Uniteb  States  of 
Jiorth  America;  €xcellencp  31ohn  $. 
Sltgelb,  <5obernor  of  the  £>tate  of  Mi- 
nois,  this  stone  toas  placeb  in  the  J^tame 
of  tlje  Jfather,  the  g>on,  anb  the  ?£olp 
(ghost. 

Mr.  Vincent  Wardein  built  the 
church,  while  Mr.  Lucas  Pfeiffen- 
berger  superintended  its  construction. 
The  progress  of  the  building  was  slow 
but  sure.  The  church  was  built, 
frescoed  and  furnished,  and  the  day 
appointed  for  the  solemn  consecra- 
tion had  come,  Thanksgiving  day, 
1895.  It  was  a  gala  day  for  the  con- 
gregation in  particular  and  the  city 
of  Alton  at  large.  Two  Bishops,  a 
great  number  of  priests  and  crowds 
of  people  were  present.  Bishop  Jan- 
sen,  a  cousin  and  friend  of  Father 
Peters  acted  as  celebrant  at  the  con- 
secration, while  Bishop  Ryan  aided 
in  the  consecration  of  the  marble 
altars.  At  the  Pontifical  Mass,  Father 
Michael,  Provincial  of  the  Francis- 
can Fathers,  preached  the  sermon. 
Bishop  Ryan  addressed  the  congrega- 
tion in  English  and  complimented 
them  on  the  successful  erection  of  this 
beautiful  temple  of  God. 

But  where  was  Father  Peters  dur- 
ing the  impressive  ceremony?  While 
a  great  number  of  priests  formed  a 
circle  around  the  officiating  Bishops 
in  the  sanctuary,  he,  the  pastor,  was 
no  where  in  evidence.  The  good 
priest's  heart  was  full,  yea,  full  well- 
nigh  unto  bursting.  Knowing  he 
should  never  be  able  to  stem  the  cur- 
rent of  pent-up  feelings  demanding 
an  outlet,  he  had  withdrawn  to  the 
organ  loft,  where  he  knelt,  humbly 
bowed  in  prayer,  pouring  forth  his 
Te  Deum  to  God  and  our  Blessed 
Mother. 

On  the  first  Sunday  of  Lent  fol- 
lowing, an  eye-witness  says,  Father 
Peters  preached  a  sermon  and  con- 
cluded saying  "A  weight,  a  crush- 
ing weight,  presses  me  down — 
DOWN  into  the  grave,"  and  tears 
streamed  down  the  worn  and  aged 
priest's     cheeks.       The     weight     to 


162 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


which  he  alluded  was  the  enormous 
debt  of  $60,000,  which  rested  on  the 
church.  Man  proposes,  but  God 
disposes.  Father  Peters'  work  was 
done.  The  Master  had  selected  him 
to  erect  the  temple ;  to  another  fell 
the  lot  of  cancelling  the  debt.  The 
next  day  the  Angel  of  Death  hovered 
over  the  anxious  pastor.  On  Thurs- 
day, March  5,  1895,  Father  Peters 
was  called  home  to  give  an  account 
of  his  stewardship.  The  summons 
had  come  after  a  short  illness. 

Father  Peters  was  a  noble,  zeal- 
ous, hard-working,  self-forgetting, 
unostentatious  priest  whose  only  aim 
was  to  serve  the  Master  in  the  flock 
entrusted  to  his  care.  For  God  and 
his  people  he  lived  and  labored  and 
loved.  Rarely  has  the  city  of  Alton 
witnessed  a  sight  as  impressive  as 
the  funeral  procession  of  Catholic 
and  non-Catholic  friends  and  ad- 
mirers, that  formed  to  do  homage 
to  the  good  priest.  All  walked  from 
the  church  to  the  cemetery,  a  dis- 
tance of  over  a  mile.  Those  who 
were  present  at  the  solemn,  mournful 
rite  tell  us  when  the  children  and 
the  Sisters  who  had  taken  the  lead 
arrived  at  the  cemetery  the  last  ones 
in  the  procession  were  still  at  the 
church. 

Reverend  Father  Foerster,  assist- 
ant to  Father  Peters,  aided  by  the 
Reverend  Franciscan  Fathers  took 
charge  of  St.  Mary's  till  the  advent 
of  the  new  pastor.  On  July  12,  1895, 
Father  Meckel  who  had  been  Father 
Peters'  successor  in  Highland  ar- 
rived as  his  successor  at  Alton.  In 
April,  1898,  Father  Foerster  was 
called  to  St.  Boniface,  Quincy,  and 
Reverend  John  B.  Wand  was  ap- 
pointed to  succeed  him. 

One  of  the  first  undertakings  of 
the  new  pastor  was  the  remodeling 
of  the  old  church  into  a  new  school 
house  of  which  the  parish  stood  in 
dire  need.  Four  beautiful,  spacious, 
well-lighted,  inviting  class-rooms 
were  laid  out  on  the  lower  floor. 
The  upper  floor  was  equipped  for 
school  and  dramatic  entertainments. 


Many,  indeed,  were  the  benefits  and 
enjoyments  derived  from  this  re- 
modeling. The  hall  has  likewise 
served  as  a  general  meeting-place  for 
the  various  societies. 

The  old  school  house  was  ren- 
ovated and  converted  into  more 
comfortable  and  more  desirable 
living  quarters  for  the  Sisters.  A 
chapel  was  installed  much  to  the  joy 
of  the  good  Sisters.  Four  rooms 
were  equipped  to  enable  the  Sisters 
to  accommodate  boarding  pupils, 
two  were  fitted  up  as  class-rooms 
and  the  remaining  rooms  were  placed 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Sisters.  Heat- 
plants  were  installed  in  the  school, 
priest's  house  and  Sisters'  house. 
To  defray  the  expenses  incurred  a 
fair  was  held.  It  is  hardly  cred- 
ible that  at  so  early  a  date  (1901) 
the  enormous  sum  of  $3,507.72  should 
have  been  realized  by  a  church  fair. 

Tremendous  though  the  achieve- 
ment above  may  seem,  when  one 
remembers  the  enormous  debt  still 
resting  on  the  congregation  and  its 
aging  venerable  head,  they  were  not 
yet  at  the  limit  of  the  latter 's  under- 
takings. The  priests  needed  a  new 
home.  In  the  year  1903  the  old 
rectory  was  converted  into  school- 
rooms. In  the  same  year  also  the 
basement  of  the  church,  which,  here- 
tofore, had  been  serviceable  for  a 
store-room  only  was  remodeled  into 
a  chapel.  This  was  not  as  simple 
a  work  as  might  at  first  mention  be 
imagined,  for  a  solid  wall  had  to  be 
removed  and  excavations  made 
which  proved  quite  a  task.  Diffi- 
culties proved  no  barrier.  Before 
long  the  chapel  was  completed  and 
the  venerable  historic  altar  of  the 
old  Cathedral  was  purchased  for 
$50.00,  and  placed  therein.  The 
children's  Sunday  Mass  was  to  be 
read  in  this  chapel  as  the  Sunday 
Masses  were  being  attended  in  such 
numbers  as  to  make  it  quite  impos- 
sible to  accommodate  people  and 
children  together.  The  first  Mass 
was  said  in  this  chapel  on  the  feast 
of  the  Holy  Innocents,   1903.     The 


163 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


iccounts  on  record  show  expenses 
by  improvments  running  as  high  as 
$10,000.00. 

Waiting  for  the  completion  of  the 
new  rectory  proved  quite  an  or- 
deal. It  was  hoped  that  by  April 
1,  1903,  the  priests  would  be  living 
in  same,  however,  the  Fates  had 
decreed  otherwise.  Only  on  Oct. 
15th,  1904,  could  they  move  in.  In 
the  meantime  the  Reverend  Fathers 
occupied  the  two  upper  rooms  of 
the  remodelled  rectory.  Meals  were 
taken  at  the  Sisters'. 

The  year  1908  has  stamped  itself 
indellibly  upon  the  mind  of  every 
member  of  St.  Mary's  congregation. 
This  was  the  50th  anniversary  of  the 
foundation  of  St.  Mary 's.  Despite  the 
burden  of  work  already  weighing 
upon  the  venerable  pastor,  he  never- 
theless, undertook  to  compile  as  a 
souvenir  of  the  occasion  our  so-called 
''Souvenir  of  the  Golden  Jubilee  of 
St.  Mary's  Church,"  of  which,  we 
trust,  each  member  of  the  congrega- 
tion owns  a  copy  and  cherishes  it  as 
a  precious  keepsake  of  the  good  priest 
who  labored  so  zealously  and  so 
wholeheartedly  among  them.  A  four- 
day  celebration  commemorated  the 
event. 

Program  of  the  Golden  Jubilee 
Celebration  of  St.  Mary's  Church, 
Alton,  Illinois. 

Sunday,  December  27th. — Pontifi- 
cal Mass  and  brief  Sermons  in  Ger- 
man and  English. 

In  the  evening  at  St.  Mary 's  Hall ; 
Jubilee  speeches,  interspersed  by 
music  and  song. 

Monday,  Dec.  28. — Solemn  Mass 
for  Benefactors. 

In  the  evening,  Children's  enter- 
tainment. 

Tuesday,  Dec.  29. — Solemn  Mass 
for  the  deceased  members  of  St. 
Mary's  Congregation. 

In  the  evening,  Entertainment  by 
St.  Aloysius  Society. 

Wednesday,  Dec.  30. — In  the  eve- 
ning, General  Jollification. 

In  the  year  1908  a  home  for  the 
aged,  known  as  the  Nazareth  Home 


was  erected.  Reverend  J.  Meckel  act- 
ed as  chief  director,  counsellor  and 
support  of  the  Venerable  Sisters, 
Adorers  of  the  Precious  Blood  who 
were  to  take  charge  of  the  institution 
after  its  completion.  Father  Meckel 
ever  looked  with  pride  upon  his  latest 
undertaking  and  hoped  one  day  to 
make  his  own  home  there. 

In  the  year  1909  Fathers  Stephen 
Schauwecker  and  John  J.  Brune,  who 
had  that  same  year  been  ordained  to 
the  Holy  Priesthood,  were  appointed 
as  assistants  to  Rev.  J.  Meckel.  The 
time  seemed  opportune  for  a  trip  to 
the  Fatherland ;  hence,  in  1910  the 
Reverend  Pastor  cast  the  cares  of  the 
congregation  upon  their  ready  and 
willing  shoulders,  and  set  sail  for 
Europe,  in  company  with  his  bosom 
friend,  Monsignor  W.  Cluse,  the  fol- 
lowing June.  The  following  October 
saw  good  Father  Meckel  back  at  his 
post,  hearty  and  hale.  His  flock  were 
now,  once  more  his  all-engrossing 
care. 

In  1918  when  the  church  celebrated 
its  60th  anniversary,  the  Reverend 
Pastor  thought  fit  to  have  the  church 
frescoed.  It  was  war-time,  and  this, 
together  with  other  difficulties,  con- 
trived to  make  this  undertaking  al- 
most a  hopeless  task.  The  price 
asked  was  about  #20,000.  The  follow- 
ing year  saw  St.  Mary 's  Church  beau- 
tifully frescoed  and  further  em- 
bellished by  the  installment  of  new 
electric  chandeliers.  The  congrega- 
tion was  evidently  much  pleased  with 
the  improvements. 

Characteristic  among  the  many 
ennobling  traits  of  the  zealous  pastor 
was  his  profound  love  for  and  his 
intense  devotion  to  our  Eucharistic 
Lord.  The  people  of  St.  Mary's 
well  remember  how  the  good  priest's 
face  glowed  and  how  tremulous 
the  venerable  pastor's  voice  became 
in  his  almost  superhuman  effort 
to  reach  the  ears  and  incidentally  the 
hearts  of  his  hearers  to  the  further- 
most corners  of  our  big  church  when 
speaking  of  Jesus  in  the  Blessed  Sac- 
rament.     Father   Meckel   loved    our 


164 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Eucharistic  Saviour.  Second  among 
his  chief  characteristics  we  place  his 
obedience  and  respect  to  higher  and 
lawful  superiors,  whether  secular  or 
ecclesiastical.  It  is  not  surprising 
then  to  find  St.  Mary's  in  the  lead 
when  the  decree  of  Pope  Pius  X, 
Pope  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  had 
gone  forth,  that  children  at  a  very- 
tender  age  should  be  brought  to  Jesus 
in  Holy  Communion.  1911  will  ever 
remain  a  memorable  year  in  the  his- 
tory of  St.  Mary's.  Class  after  class 
from  the  third  grade  to  the  eighth  re- 
ceived First  Holy  Communion  that 
blessed  year.  There  were  two  hun- 
dred First  Communions  that  year. 

In  1924  Rev.  J.  Meckel  resigned 
his  pastorship.  In  July  of  that  year 
he  again  crossed  the  ocean  and  spent 
one  year  in  Europe  visiting  friends 
and  relatives.  During  his  stay  there 
he  became  seriously  ill  and  was  taken 
to  a  hospital.  When  news  of  his  ill- 
ness reached  Rev.  J.  J.  Brune  and 
the  good  people  of  St.  Mary's,  inces- 
sant prayers  were  offered  for  the  re- 
covery and  safe  return  of  their  loved 
pastor.  As  if  in  answer  to  the  prayer 
on  August  20,  1925,  the  venerable 
priest  was  again  in  their  midst.  After 
a  short  stay  among  them  he  left  for 
Pennsylvania,  and  died  in  Januarv, 
1927. 

The  first  assistant  at  St.  Mary's 
was  Reverend  Joseph  Foerster.  for- 
mer assistant  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Springfield,  Illinois.  He  served  the 
congregation  in  this  capacity  for  six 
years.  The  various  societies  proved 
his  especial  care  and  concern.  Those 
who  have  known  Father  Foerster  re- 
member him  as  a  zealous,  painstaking, 
capable  schoolman.  Father  Foerster 
was  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  collect 
funds  for  the  building  of  the  new 
church.  After  two  years  of  service  in 
the  Master's  vineyard  at  Quincy,  he 
resolved  to  make  his  long  cherished 
dream  to  become  a  Fi-anciscan  a  re- 
ality. He  entered  the  Franciscan 
Order  and  received  the  name  of 
Father  Paschalis.  As  religious  priest 
he  labored  a  short  time  in  St.  Louis. 


Cleveland  and  Beaver  Island,  Mich- 
igan, and  in  Joliet,  Illinois. 

Father  J.  B.  "Wand  was  his  suc- 
cessor in  Alton.  Like  his  predecessor, 
he  too,  had  been  assistant  priest  at 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul 's  Church,  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  He  arrived  here  in 
April  of  the  year  1898.  Many  of  the 
parishioners  still  remember  him  as  an 
active  priest  and  exceptionally  clever 
in  arranging  festivities.  The  success 
of  the  church  fair,  to  which  allusion 
has  been  made  in  an  earlier  chapter, 
was  due  mainly  to  the  efforts  of 
Father  Wand.  An  especial  feature  of 
the  fair  was  the  so-called  chalice  con- 
test, in  which  Father  Hartmann  and 
he  cleverly  contested  for  a  chalice. 
Father  Hartmann  won  the  chalice. 

Father  Paul  Asmuth  was  successor. 
St.  Mary's  was  the  young  priest's 
first  love.  He  had  received  his  ec- 
clesiastical training  and  fervor  from 
the  Jesuits  at  the  University  of  Inns- 
bruck. Our  people  will  remember 
him  as  a  pious,  saintly  young  priest, 
a  very  Aloysius  in  manner  and  fea- 
ture. "In  few  days  he,  like  him,  ac- 
complished many  years. ' '  His  friend- 
ly ways  and  love  for  the  little  ones 
drew  them  irresistibly  to  him.  It 
was  his  delight  to  spend  the  noon- 
hour  with  them.  His  gun  invariably 
accompanied  him  on  his  visits  to 
them  in  the  yard  at  play-time,  and 
his  violin  when  he  gave  instructions 
in  the  class-room.  When  the  chil- 
dren knew  their  lessons  well  he  re- 
warded them  by  playing  for  them  on 
his  loved  instrument. 

In  the  month  of  October,  1902, 
Father  Anthony  Hochmiller  came  to 
Alton.  After  three  months  he  was 
sent  to  Pana,  to  substitute  for  the 
pastor,  Rev.  W.  Weigand,  who 
through  sickness  had  been  incapaci- 
tated. Upon  the  latter 's  recovery. 
Father  Hochmiller  returned  to  Alton 
only  to  be  recalled  after  a  short  stay 
to  replace  temporarily  Rev.  F.  Witt- 
haut,  who  in  the  hope  of  benefiting 
his  shattered  health  had  undertaken 
a  trip  to  Europe.  Upon  his  return, 
Father  Hochmiller  was  transferred  to 


165 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Quincy  where  he  substituted  as  an  as- 
sistant priest  at  St.  Mary's.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1904,  he  returned  to  St. 
Mary's,  Alton,  and  was  given  charge 
of  the  St.  Joseph's  Hospital  of  this 
city.  In  the  summer  of  1925  we 
were  notified  of  the  death  of  Father 
Hochmiller. 

Prior  to  his  coming  to  St.  Mary's, 
Father  F.  Neveling  was  assistant  at 
St.  Boniface,  Quincy,  Illinois.  Father 
Neveling  was  particularly  interested 
in  the  welfare  of  the  young  men  of 
the  parish.  His  knowledge  of  music, 
particularly  of  Church  music,  proved 
a  valuable  asset.  He  was  most  untir- 
ing and  ambitious  in  teaching  the 
children  the  plain  chant.  His  work 
was  crowned  with  considerable  suc- 
cess. Visitors  could  not  but  comment 
upon  the  improvement  in  the  singing 
of  the  children.  April  1,  1908,  Rev. 
F.  Neveling  was  appointed  Rector  of 
Kampsville,  Calhoun  county,  much  to 
the  regret  of  both  pastor  and  people. 
At  present  he  is  pastor  at  Greencreek, 
Illinois. 

For  a  short  time  Father  Schroeder, 
later  appointed  to  Brussels,  Illinois, 
made  his  home  at  St.  Mary 's.  Rev.  W. 
Pietch  too,  at  one  time  gave  his  serv- 
ices to  the  congregation  for  a  short 
time. 

Rev.  Stephen  Schauwecker  and 
Rev.  John  J.  Brune  were  immediate- 
ly upon  their  ordination  appointed  as 
assistants.  Both  priests  served  the 
congregation  for  ten  years,  when  both 
were  promoted  to  pastorships,  the 
former  to  Meppen,  Illinois,  at  which 
place  he  still  functions  in  that  ca- 
pacity, and  the  latter  to  Brussels,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  remained  for  five  years. 
At  the  expiration  of  this  time  Father 
Meckel,  upon  whom  the  hand  of  de- 
crepid  old  age  weighed  heavily,  re- 
signed his  position. 

Father  Schauwecker  has  deeply 
engraven  his  name  upon  the  hearts 
and  minds  of  the  members  of  St. 
Mary's  by  his  gentleness,  amiability 
and  readiness  to  serve.  The  children 
especially,  loved  this  well-meaning 
priest  and  missed  him  sorely  at  their 


games  when  he  had  been  recalled.  His 
punctuality  was  unparalleled.  His 
influence  on  the  boys  in  this  regard 
was  marvelous.  No  matter  how  hotly 
the  boys  played  or  how  engrossed 
they  had  become,  when  the  moment 
for  class-duty  arrived,  Father 
Schauwecker  called  a  halt  and  inex- 
orably insisted  on  "school"  and  "no 
more  play. "  He  was  firm  as  adamant 
and  unswerving  and  unrelenting 
when  duty  called,  and  absolutely  deaf 
to  even  the  loudest  and  most  tactful 
pleading  of  the  wily  little  urchins 
whom  the  love  of  play  imbued  more 
strongly  than  love  of  duty.  Father 
Schauwecker 's  gentle  firmness  pro- 
duced a  wonderful  and  highly  desir- 
able effect  on  the  boys. 

For  ten  years  Rev.  J.  J.  Brune 
proved  an  active  untiring,  perhaps 
unparalleled  worker  in  Christ's  vine- 
yard at  St.  Mary's,  Alton.  How 
deeply  he  had  written  his  name  upon 
the  hearts  of  all,  the  future  only  told. 
Rich  and  poor,  large  and  small  joined 
in  one  unanimous  lamentation  at  his 
removal.  Rev.  J.  Meckel  could  ill 
hide  the  grief  that  threatened  to 
crush  him.  Obedient  to  the  summons 
of  a  higher  authority,  Father  Brune 
removed  to  Brussels,  Illinois.  Dur- 
ing Father  Brune 's  five  years  absence 
Father  Meckel's  health  had  become 
impaired  and  he  felt  the  ever  increas- 
ing responsibilities  of  the  parish  too 
much  for  him,  so  he  resigned  his 
rectorate  and  Reverend  J.  J.  Brune 
his  former  assistant  was  appointed 
administrator. 

Father  Brune  proved  himself 
worthy  of  the  confidence  placed  in 
him  by  his  venerable  friend,  Rev- 
erend J.  Meckel.  During  his  admin- 
istration St.  Mary's  parish  has  pro- 
gressed spiritually,  materially  and 
financially. 

Fathers  Schauwecker  and  Brune 
were  replaced  by  Rev.  H.  Schnelten 
and  Rev.  G.  Faller.  The  latter 's  stay 
at  St.  Mary's  was  short.  In  1922,  he 
was  transferred  to  Kampsville,  Cal- 
houn county.  He  is  now  pastor  at 
Sigel,   Illinois.     Though   St.   Mary's 


166 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


enjoyed  the  happiness  of  Father 
Faller's  presence  and  ministrations 
but  for  a  brief  period  of  time,  he  has 
greatly  endeared  himself  to  both 
adults  and  children.  The  name  of 
Father  Faller  never  fails  to  provoke 
a  smile.  His  smile  and  laugh  were 
contagious,  his  charity  vivifying,  his 
eloquence  captivating,  his  zeal  for 
sinners  edifying. 

Rev.  Henry  Schnelten  labored  for 
the  welfare  of  St.  Mary's  for  five 
years  and  will  long  be  blessed  with 
pious  remembrance,  particularly  by 
those  to  whom  he  ministered  in  the 
time  of  sickness.  Many  a  soul  has 
winged  its  flight  before  the  throne  of 
Avenging  Justice  with  less  fear  and 
trepidation,  thanks  to  Father  Schnel- 
ten's  assistance.  Many  a  pious,  pass- 
ing, little  grandmother  has  promised 
him  undying  gratitude  and  unending 
remembrance  before  God's  throne  as 
token  of  eternal  appreciation  for  as- 
sistance rendered  in  death's  dread 
hour.  To  Father  Schnelten  the  con- 
gregation is  indebted  for  the  inau- 
guration of  the  envelope  system 
which  has  proven  so  successful,  as 
also  for  the  firm  footing  on  which 
finances  have  been  placed  since  his 
advent  amongst  them. 

In  December,  1922,  Father  Schnel- 
ten secured  from  the  Bishop  a 
month 's  vacation  and  joined  his  father 
and  sister  in  the  West.  The  services 
of  Rev.  R.  Heinzman  were  secured 
during  his  absence.  He  served  the 
congregation  well  in  the  confessional, 
pulpit  and  school.  Upon  the  return  of 
Father  Schnelten  he  withdrew  to  the 
Nazareth  Home  where  he  served  as 
chaplain ;  however,  he  still  continued 
to  help  out  at  St.  Mary's  when  the 
priests  were  crowded  with  work.  In 
the  spring  of  1925  when  the  Vener- 
able Precious  Blood  Sisters  left  the 
Nazareth  Home  to  commence  their 
labors  in  their  new  field  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, Father  Heinzman  was  given 
charge  of  God's  most  sorely  afflicted 
in  the  State  Asylum.  He  then  resided 
at  St.  Mary's  parsonage. 

Upon  Father  Faller's  removal  Rev. 


G.  Link,  assistant  at  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy,  was  appointed  to  succeed 
him.  While  the  St.  Boniface  congre- 
gation and  particularly  the  aged  pas- 
tor thereof  sorrowed,  St.  Mary's  re- 
joiced. Though  they  grieved  at  the 
loss  of  good  Father  Faller,  they  were 
deeply  grateful  to  the  Right  Rev. 
Bishop  for  his  choice  of  a  successor. 
Rev.  G.  Link  is  an  untiring  worker 
first  and  foremost  in  the  field  of  spir- 
itual activities.  A  word  of  praise  to 
the  priest  as  a  director  of  the  Young 
Folks '  plays  staged  at  St.  Mary 's  Hall 
is  truly  well  merited.  Father  Link 
has  raised  the  tone  of  St.  Mary's  dra- 
matic presentations.  The  people  of 
Alton  have  learned  to  appreciate  St. 
Mary's  productions. 

' '  There 's  a  divinity  that  shapes  our 
end."  The  truth  of  these  words  has 
been  brought  home  to  St.  Mary's  con- 
gregation most  forcibly  in  the  past 
year.  When  Rev.  Father  Meckel  had 
convinced  himself  of  the  prudence  of 
his  resignation  in  favor  of  Rev.  J.  J. 
Brune,  he  decided  to  take  a  trip 
abroad  which  he  did  in  July  of  1924. 
Sympathy  for  the  Rev.  Administrator 
ran  high,  for  all  realized  the  care  of 
both  St.  Mary's  and  the  Nazareth 
Home  was  too  heavy  a  burden  for 
him  and  but  one  assistant.  West  Al- 
ton, a  little  settlement  of  pious  peo- 
ple across  the  Great  Father  of  Waters 
had  long  desired  a  church  and  school 
together  with  a  resident  pastor.  None 
will  doubt  that  it  was  Divine  Provi- 
dence that  led  this  good  priest  to  St. 
Mary's,  Alton,  to  request  the  hospi- 
tality of  the  Reverend  Administrator, 
and  intimate  friend  and  countryman 
of  his,  till  his  own  home  in  West 
Alton  should  have  been  completed.  So 
it  came  to  pass  that  Father  Fetchel 
"camped"  (if  we  may  be  permitted 
to  quote  the  Rev.  Father  himself)  at 
St.  Mary's  rectory  for  a  period  of 
a  year.  Father  Fechtel  holds  the  en- 
viable preogative  of  being  "two  in 
one,"  namely,  Pastor  of  West  Alton 
and  assistant  at  St.  Mary's,  Alton. 
Events  have  proven  that  the  good 
priest  has  a  heart  large    enough    to 


167 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


harbor  two  loves.  That  Father  Feeh- 
tel  has  wound  himself  about  the  heart- 
strings of  the  people  of  St.  Mary's  is 
an  established  fact. 

On  October  4,  1925,  Father  Fech- 
tel  left  St.  Mary's  to  reside  perma- 
nently in  his  new  home  at  West 
Alton,  Missouri.  On  the  same  day 
Reverend  M.  J.  Griffin  arrived  to  sub- 
stitute for  Father  Link  until  the  lat- 
ter's  return  from  Europe. 

The  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
are  in  charge  at  St.  Mary's,  Alton. 
Under  the  patronage  of  our  Lady 
of  Perpetual  Help  their  mission  home 
was  opened  on  September  12,  1875. 

On  the  feast  of  the  Name  of  Mary, 
two  Sisters  and  a  candidate  began  the 
work  of  instructing  the  children  of 
St.  Mary's  school.  Their  initial  en- 
rollment was  sixty  children.  Sister 
Mary  Projecta  took  charge  of  the  low- 
er grades  consisting  of  boys  and  girls, 
while  Sister  Mary  Simeona,  Superior, 
taught  the  upper  grades  to  which  only 
girls  were  admitted. 

The  record  of  these  good  self-sacri- 
ficing nuns  has  been  a  glorious  one, 
and  St.  Mary's  prayerfully,  grate- 
fully remembers  the  teachers  of 
the  past,  and  points  with  a  justi- 
fiable pride  to  its  teaching  staff  of  to- 
day. 

In  this  age  of  constant  vicious  at- 
tacks upon  our  parochial  schools, 
these  noble  Sisters  have  borne  them- 
selves creditably.  It  may  not  be 
taken  amiss  that  we  mention  here  that 
in  the  past  two  years  St.  Mary's  has 
won  the  bulk  of  prizes  offered  by  the 
city  in  contests;  on  the  first  occasion 
winning  a  first  and  a  third  prize  out 
of  three  prizes  offered,  as  also  a  silk 
marching  flag  for  the  best  singing  of 
a  national  song,  and  on  the  second, 
six  out  of  nine  offered ;  among  these 
the  first  girls'  as  also  the  first  boys' 
prize  with  an  additional  bronze  medal 
as  award  of  highest  honors  in  the  city 
from  headquarters  of  the  House 
Lighting  Contest  in  New  York  City. 
The  parish  rejoiced  in  the  success 
achieved  by  its  school  and  rightly  so. 

It  is  a  mark  of  especial  favoritism 


from  Almighty  God  to  a  parish  if  it 
is  blessed  with  many  calls  to  the  high- 
er walks  of  life ;  namely,  the  state  of 
Holy  Priest-hood  and  the  call  to  the 
Religious  State.  St.  Mary's  must,  in- 
deed, be  a  child  of  predilection,  for  she 
can  proudly  point  to  twelve  who  daily 
lift  the  chalice  to  God  on  High ;  twelve 
who  are  shepherding  America's 
children;  twelve  "Other  Christs" 
"going  about  doing  good"  as  did 
their  Divine  Model  here  upon  earth. 
To  this  must  be  added  three  who  have 
laid  their  lives,  their  earthly  belong- 
ings, yea,  their  very  wills  at  the  feet 
of  the  Master  whose  call  they  followed 
by  entering  the  Order  of  the  Jesuits. 
Following  are  the  names  of  those  of 
whom  St.  Mary's  is  proudest  in  a 
spiritual  way :  Fathers  Bartholomew 
Hartman  (deceased),  William  A. 
Schmidt  (deceased),  A.  J.  Klein  (de- 
ceased), H.  B.  Degenhardt,  (Pastor 
of  St.  Boniface  Church,  Quincy,  111.)  ; 
R.  B.  Groener,  P.  Engel,  (Pastor  of 
St.  Elizabeth's  Church,  East  St. 
Louis,  111.)  ;  J.  R.  Wardein,  (Pastor 
of  Grantfork,  111.)  ;  E.  Eckhard, 
(Pastor  of  Edwardsville,  111.)  ;  L. 
Hufker,  (Assistant  at  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's  Church,  Springfield,  111.);  C. 
Flori,  (Pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  Church, 
Paloma,  111.)  ;  Fred  Klasner,  (Assist- 
ant at  St.  James,  Decatur,  111.)  ;  A. 
Wolf,  (Assistant  at  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy,  111.)  ;  Jos.  Gschwend,  S.J., 
(St.  Louis  University,  St.  Louis, 
Mo.)  ;  John  Gschwend,  S.J.,  (St. 
Louis  University)  ;  Mr.  Paul  Joehl, 
S.J.,  (St.  Stanislaus  Seminary,  Flor- 
rissant,  Mo.). 

No  wonder  the  Church  in  her  office 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  prays 
' '  pro  devoto  femineo  sexu ' '  the  devout 
female  sex!  Sixty  young  ladies  of 
St.  Mary's  parish  have  thus  far  con- 
secrated their  lives  to  the  service  of 
Christ,  Jesus,  by  joining  the  corps  de 
elite,  who  in  the  day  of  retribution 
shall  as  educators  "shine  like  the 
stars  of  the  firmament"  and  as  vir- 
gins "shall  follow  the  Lamb  whither 
soever  He  goeth."  "Singing  a  new 
canticle  which  only  they  shall  be  able 
to  sing." 


168 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Following  are  the  names  of  this 
galaxy  of  consecrated  virgins :  Misses 
Josephine  Merkle,  Margaret  Schroe- 
der,  Mary  Steiner,  Catherine  Steven- 
son, Emma  Federle,  Catherine  Engel, 
Magdalena  Klasner,  Emma  Stolze, 
Theresa  Droste,  Marie  Koenning,  Ber- 
tha Klasner,  Theresa  Metzler,  Anna 
Struif,  Bertha  Merkle,  Agnes  Merkle, 
Agnes  Schenk,  Gertrude  Brown, 
Helen  Flori,  Pauline  Stiritz,  Julia 
Beazley,  Emma  Hufker,  Rosa  Ochs- 
enbein,  Emerentia  Jehle,  Wilhelmina 
Degenhardt,  Anna  Voges,  Bernadine 
Bentler,  Frances  Hellrung,  Elizabeth 
Weirich,  Anna  Koch,  Catherine 
Kirchhoff,  Emma  Schaefer,  Agatha 
Braunagel,  Mary  Schmidt,  Ida  Merkle, 
Clara  Schulte,  Ottilia  Stiegler,  Marie 
Heidrich,  Loretta  Pfeiffer  and  Mary 
Fahrig,  all  School  Sisters  of  Notre 
Dame.  Ursuline  Sisters  are  as  fol- 
lows: Theresa  Budde,  Eleonore  Joehl 
and  Cecelia  Kelly.  The  Sisters  of  St. 
Mary  are  as  follows :  Misses  Therese 
Budde,  Stella  Hohnstedt,  Frances 
Droste,  Clara  Hille,  Antionette  Nolte, 
Mary  Koeller,  Katie  Droste  and  Mar- 
garet Manns.  Those  of  St.  Francis 
are  as  follows :  Misses  Hellrung,  Eliza- 
beth M.  Wueller,  Theresa  Maas  and 
Josephine  Wetsstein.  Those  of  the 
Poor  Handmaids  are :  Misses  Bertha 
Grusse,  Frances  Budde  and  Georgina 
Klos.  Miss  Ethel  "Wehmeier  joined 
the  Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood. 

' '  'Tis  education  forms  the  common 
mind :  Just  as  the  twig  is  bent,  the 
tree's  inclined."  "There  are  two  most 
valuable  possessions  which  no  search- 
warrant  can  get  at,  which  no  execu- 
tion can  take  away,  and  which  no  re- 
verse of  fortune  can  destroy ;  they  are 
what  a  man  puts  into  his  brain — 
Knowledge,  and  into  his  hands — 
Skill." 

Realizing  the  truth  of  the  above 
statements,  the  first  German  settlers 
early  set  about  seeking  ways  and 
means  of  giving  their  children  the 
priceless  boon  of  an  education.  Be- 
fore they  had  a  church,  they  had  a 
school.  Father  Menge  rented  a  room 
in  a  rock  house  on  the  corner  of  Sixth 


and  Ridge  streets  belonging  to  Mr. 
Lawrence  Fahrig  which  was  to  serve 
as  a  school.  Mr.  Mueller  was  the  first 
teacher.  In  time,  a  frame  house  back 
of  the  present  Methodist  Church,  and 
another  frame  building  on  Ridge  and 
Fourth  Streets  were  appropriated 
and  used  as  school  houses.  The  teacher 
at  the  former  was  a  certain  Mr.  Bore 
and  it  was  "THE"  school  of  the 
priest  in  charge  of  the  German 
Catholics. 

In  1859  the  basement  of  the  first 
church  was  converted  into  a  school. 
Mr.  Stiegler  was  the  teacher.  The 
demolition  of  the  church  put  a  stop  to 
the  school ;  however,  hardly  was  the 
second  church  completed  when  a 
small  brick  building  was  built  at  the 
west  side  of  the  same  to  serve  as 
school  house.  Messrs.  Simon  Van  der 
Haiden,  Meir  and  Kramer  were  em- 
ployed as  teachers.  The  latter  was 
employed  as  teacher  for  a  number  of 
years  in  different  places  and  lived  to 
be  almost  a  centenarian. 

In  1866  the  building  now  used 
partly  as  school  and  partly  as  Sisters ' 
residence  was  built  by  Father  Ostrop. 
The  pastor,  formerly  a  professor  in 
Germany,  had  hoped  to  offer  besides 
the  parochial  school  courses,  oppor- 
tunities for  higher  studies;  however, 
his  hopes  were  never  fully  realized. 
Among  the  teachers  under  Father 
Ostrop  we  notice  Messrs.  Wortmann, 
Hartmann,  afterwards  Father  Hart- 
mann, and  Adelmann.  Hartmann  was 
only  thirteen  years  old  when  em 
ployed  as  teacher,  taking  lessons  at 
the  time  from  Father  Ostrop  who 
was  the  school-master  in  chief. 

A  curious  incident  is  told  by  one 
of  the  old  settlers.  Paul  Ostrop  had 
the  reputation  of  being  a  very  learned 
man,  and  frequently  applications 
were  made  to  him  to  give  private  les- 
sons to  non-Catholic  boys,  which, 
however,  he  generally  declined  to  do. 
One  day  Dr.  Hope  had  been  called 
upon  to  attend  Father  Ostrop,  who 
was  very  sick.  Due  to  the  former's 
skill  Father  Ostrop  recovered.  Dr. 
Hope  asked  Father  Ostrop    to    give 


169 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


private  lessons  to  his  son  Alex,  who 
later  became  Judge  Hope.  The  pastor 
refused,  as  he  was  already  overbur- 
dened, remarking  that  he  would  not 
give  a  lesson  for  less  than  $50. 
"Well,"  said  Dr.  Hope,  "Here  are 
$100 ;  give  my  boy  two  lessons. ' ' 

During  Father  Sandrock's  time, 
Mr.  Doering  was  teacher ;  Mr.  Schank 
succeeded  him  under  Fathers  Nagler 
and  Peters.  Both  teachers,  particu- 
larly the  latter,  are  said  to  have  been 
good  disciplinarians.  The  next  teacher 
was  Mr.  Henry  Timper.  This  gentle- 
man also  directed  the  choir. 

The  school  for  the  larger  boys  was 
a  frame  building  on  the  corner  of 
Fourth  and  Henry  Streets,  to  which, 
later  on,  a  small  addition  was  built 
and  used  as  a  residence  for  the  teach- 
er. Mr.  Timper,  however,  lived  in  a 
frame  house  where  the  sacristy  of  the 
new  church  is  situated  at  present. 
This  building  was  torn  down  when 
preparations  were  made  for  the  new 
church  building.  Mr.  Timper  then 
lived  in  the  frame  house,  now  occu- 
pied by  the  janitor.  One  day  while  re- 
pairing the  roof  he  fell  upon  a  picket 
fence  injuring  himself  so  seriously 
as  to  cause  his  death  August  31,  1891. 
He  was  a  good  teacher  and  an  able 
organist,  and  his  former  pupils  honor 
his  memory.  His  resting  place  is  in 
St.  Joseph's  Cemetery. 

His  successor,  Mr.  Kuehnle,  arrived 
in  1892  and  taught  school  for  four 
years.  He  gave  satisfaction  both  as 
teacher  and  organist,  but  resigned  in 
answer  to  a  call  to  the  Diocese  of  St. 
Cloud,  Minnesota.  Mr.  Anthony 
Bansbach,  former  teacher  and  Direc- 
tor of  Music  at  Kenrick  Seminary, 
St.  Louis,  labored  in  our  midst  for 
three  years;  one  year  as  teacher  and 
organist,  then  two  years  as  organist, 
in  which  latter  capacity  he  evinced  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  church  music, 
which  has  secured  for  him  the  above- 
mentioned  enviable  position.  Dur- 
ing his  time  the  old  church  was  re- 
modeled into  a  school  house. 

From  this  time  forward  St.  Mary's 
grew  slowly,  steadily.     Its  reputation 


is  an  enviable  one,  thanks  to  the  un- 
tiring and  devoted  efforts  of  the  good 
School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  in 
charge,  the  hearty  co-operation  of 
both  priests  and  people  and  the  con- 
sequent good  will  and  diligence  of  the 
children.  Let  us  hope  that  for  many 
years  to  come  St.  Mary's  school  will 
remain  the  pride  of  both  priests  and 
people. 

Of  all  music,  that  produced  by  the 
human  voice  is  the  most  beautiful.  It 
gives  expressions  to  the  noblest  emo- 
tions man  is  capable  of.  David  voiced 
the  fullness  of  his  emotions  in  song 
before  the  Ark  of  the  Covenant. 
Angels  sang  to  announce  the  birth  of 
a  God  made  man.  Mary,  carried  away 
by  the  ecstacy  of  overwhelming  won- 
derment at  the  power  of  the  Most 
High,  burst  rapturously  into  that 
most  beautiful  of  Canticles,  the  Mag- 
nificat. History  is  replete  with  in- 
stances substantiating  the  assertion 
that,  in  moments  of  supreme  and  in- 
tense emotions,  man  sings. 

Mother  Church  realizing  this  pro- 
pensity in  her  children,  and  at  the 
same  time  appreciating  the  excellence 
of  the  human  voice,  ordains  singing  as 
a  vital  part  of  her  liturgy.  St.  Mary 's, 
Alton,  Illinois,  has  long  realized 
what  a  privilege  Mother  Church  has 
granted  and  early  organized  a  choir. 

As  in  every  field,  so  too  in  this,  be- 
ginnings were  hard  and  crude.  Our 
early  organists  were  not  profession- 
als, and  in  consequence  many  a  gorge- 
ously planned  and  conceived  per- 
formance resulted  in  a  highly  lu- 
dicrous affair.  Recollections  thereof 
are  a  source  of  much  merriment.  In 
time  these  deficiencies  were  remedied 
and  St.  Mary's  boasted  of  quite  an 
efficient  choir.  In  the  early  days 
German  hymns  were  sung  during  the 
High  Mass.  Vespers,  too,  was  sung 
in  the  vernacular. 

About  1880  our  St.  Mary's  choir 
was  brought  under  the  influence  of 
the  Cecelian  Society,  which  worked 
for  the  reform  of  church  music,  and 
the  use  of  liturgical  music  only  was 
a  decided  step  in  the  right  direction. 


170 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Mr.  Henry  Timper  organized  a  male 
choir  and  was  rather  successful  in  en- 
listing the  favor  of  the  congregation. 
This  choir,  however,  was  made  to  re- 
tire after  a  few  years  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  a  children's  choir.  This 
choir  it  was  that  sang  on  the  day  of 
the  Consecration  of  the  church.  For 
many  years  the  parlor  organ,  which 
did  good  service  for  many  years  in 
our  church,  was  used  as  a  substitute 
when  the  big  pipe-organ  became  de- 
fective. This  latter  organ,  containing 
parts  of  the  pipe-organ  in  the  former 
church,  was  built  by  Mr.  Gratian,  Sr., 
of  Alton,  1897.  It  has  the  reputation 
of  being  the  last  instrument  he  manu- 
factured. 

The  following  years  were  years  of 
great  activity.  St.  Mary's  then  boast- 
ed of  having  four  church  choirs,  each 
of  which  could  pride  itself  in  being 
up  to  the  standard ;  a  men 's  choir,  a 
mixed  choir,  a  young  ladies'  choir 
and  a  children's  choir.  It  was  hard 
to  say  which  was  the  best. 

We  recall  Mr.  Anthony  Bansbachas 
first  organist  of  St.  Mary's.  Like  his 
teacher  predecessors,  his  services  were 
of  a  dual  nature,  namely  both  or- 
ganist and  teacher;  however,  in  1897 
he  became  organist  only.  In  this 
capacity  he  served  the  congregation 
creditably  for  two  years.  On  July 
15,  1899,  he  left  for  St.  Charles,  Mis- 
souri. Mr.  B.  Wortmann  for  a  short 
time  offered  his  services  to  St.  Mary 's. 

Miss  Lena  Jehle  next  took  charge 
of  the  various  choirs  and  rendered  ef- 
ficient service.  The  work  was  becom- 
ing very  laborious,  and  to  relieve  Miss 
Jehle,  Mr.  Julius  Kohl  of  Belleville, 
was  engaged  for  Sunday  duties  while 
Miss  Jehle  continued  as  organist  on 
week-days  and  as  directress  of  the  al- 
tar boys'  choir.  In  the  month  of 
June,  1911  Miss  Jehle 's  health  failed 
and  consequently  she  resigned.  Mr. 
Harry  Wiegand  a  young  and  zealous 
graduate  from  the  Pio  Nono  Insti- 
tute, St. Francis,  Milwaukee,  was  next 
employed.  St.  Mary's  will  long  re- 
member him  for  the  highly  profession- 
al work  done  here.    On  September  1, 


1913,  Mr.  Wiegand  left  St.  Mary's  to 
take  charge  of  a  large  choir  in  Fort 
Wayne,  Indiana,  where  he  is  still  very 
active  and  very  successful. 

Mr.  A.  Gramann  of  Aviston  was 
next  employed.  He,  too,  proved  him- 
self a  very  desirable  organist.  In 
1919  Mr.  Gramann  left  St.  Mary's 
as  a  position  as  teacher  and  organist 
was  offered  him  at  St.  Liboris,  Illi- 
nois, of  the  Belleville  Diocese.  St. 
Mary's  was  most  fortunate  in  secur- 
ing as  his  immediate  successor  Mr. 
Christian  Hausner.  During  the  first 
year  of  his  stay,  Mr.  Hausner  was 
able  to  give  his  services  on  Sundays 
only,  as  he  was  working  in  the  city 
during  the  week.  Mr.  Hausner 
proved  so  capable  an  organist  that 
steps  were  taken  to  enable  him  to  do 
organist  duties  only ;  hence,  after  a 
short  time  he  was  appointed  organist- 
in-chief  at  St.  Mary's.  His  work  is 
highly  commendable.  Mr.  Hausner 
deserved  highest  praise  for  his  work 
among  the  children.  On  Christmas 
Day  in  the  year  1922,  Professor 
Rhode  of  especial  fame,  organist  at 
St.  Anthony's,  St.  Louis,  met  with  a 
sudden  death  at  the  Midnight  Mass. 
Mr.  Hausner  applied  for  the  vacant 
position  and  was  accepted.  We  are 
happy  to  state  that  the  young  and 
zealous  organist  has  proven  himself  a 
worthy  successor  to  Prof.  Rhode.  For 
some  time  St.  Mary's  was  without  a 
regular  organist.  One  of  the  Notre 
Dame  Sisters  offered  her  services  till 
the  vacancy  was  filled.  After  some 
months  Professor  Lindenberger  from 
Belleville  arranged  to  come  to  Alton 
every  Saturday  evening.  He  held  his 
rehearsals  with  the  choir  boys  on 
Saturday  evenings  and  with  the  men 
on  Sunday  before  High  Mass.  They 
got  along  tolerably  well,  however,  in 
the  long  run  this  new  arrangement 
was  found  too  burdensome.  In  the 
fall  of  1923  Professor  Max  Hiendl- 
mayer  arrived  from  Germany  and 
was  immediately  engaged  as  St. 
Mary's  new  organist.  He  has  proven 
himself  so  valuable  an  asset  to  St. 
Mary's  congregation  that  they  hope 


171 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


to  keep  him  with  them  for  many 
years  to  come. 

Before  the  first  church  was  built 
Father  Menge  had  already  organized 
a  society  which  though  primarily  es- 
tablished for  women,  nevertheless,  ac- 
cepted as  members  also  some  willing 
young  ladies.  Father  Ostrop  reorgan- 
ized the  society,  making  women  only 
eligible.  Their  untiring  labors  for  the 
financial  and  material  upkeep  of  their 
church  are  highly  commendable.  In 
1896  each  member  took  it  upon  her- 
self to  say  daily  a  decade  of  the 
rosary,  using  the  mysteries  appor- 
tioned, thereby  affecting  a  continuous 
recital  of  the  entire  rosary  and  form- 
ing what  is  known  as  "The  Living 
Rosary. ' '  Sometime  later  the  so-called 
"  Sterbekasse "  was  inaugurated  by 
which  each  member  was  assured  the 
payment  of  a  certain  sum  of  money 
to  her  survivors  upon  her  demise.  The 
society  of  women  exists  to  the  present 
day.  Imbued  with  the  spirit  of  their 
grand  and  great-grandmothers,  they 
are  veritable  pillars  of  support  of  St. 
Mary's  Church. 

In  the  year  1898  the  Martha  Club 
for  women  was  organized.  Its  purpose 
was  the  doing  of  needle  work  for  the 
church  and  for  the  poor,  as  also  at- 
tending to  the  cooking  at  the  various 
festivities  at  which  children  or  guests 
are  entertained  by  St.  Mary's  Con- 
gregation. 

In  1871  Father  Ostrop  organized  a 
society  for  the  young  ladies.  The  older 
members  were  known  as  the  St.  Rose 
and  the  younger  as  St.  Agnes  So- 
dality. They  exist  and  function  ac- 
tively to  the  present  day. 

Father  Ostrop  organized  the  St. 
Joseph's  Society.  In  the  beginning 
it  numbered  eighteen  members ;  at  the 
end  of  the  first  year  the  membership 
had  risen  to  sixty-two  and  ten  years 
later  to  one  hundred  and  fifteen  men. 
During  the  years  immediately  follow- 
ing, the  number  dwindled  to  a  deplor- 
ably small  figure,  due  to  various  con- 
flicting circumstances  and  the  forma- 
tion of  the  St.  Boniface  Society.  Their 
chief  object    is    an    interest    in    the 


school.  In  1925  they  merged  into  the 
Holy  Name  Society. 

In  1880  the  St.  Boniface  Society,  a 
branch  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union 
of  Quincy,  Illinois,  an  Insurance  So- 
ciety was  organized  by  Father  Peters 
with  twelve  charter  members.  Its 
membership  increased  slowly  but 
steadily. 

In  1912  the  St.  Elizabeth  Branch  of 
the  W.  C.  U.  for  women  was  formed 
as  a  complement  to  the  St.  Boniface 
of  the  W.  C.  U.  Since  that  time  the 
two  branches  have  met  and  worked 
and  recreated  conjointly  with  profit 
to  one  another. 

The  organization  of  St.  Aloysius 
Society  is  likewise  the  work  of  zealous 
Father  Ostrop.  The  older  young 
men  joined  the  St.  Aloysius  Society 
and  the  younger  the  St.  Stanislaus 
Society.  The  St.  Aloysius  Society 
enjoys  the  comforts  and  advantages 
of  a  moderately  equipped  club-house. 
In  1925  they  too,  joined  the  Holy 
Name  Society. 

The  young  men  and  ladies  of  St. 
Mary's  have  gained  considerable 
fame  as  entertainers  on  the  stage. 
Their  plays  are  well  patronized. 

St.  Vincent  De  Paul  Society  was 
organized  in  1910  for  the  purpose  of 
alleviating  the  needs  of  the  poor.  Its 
members  are  few  but  its  charitable 
works  are  many.  No  task  is  too  great 
for  the  magnanimous  members  of  this 
benevolent  society. 

The  Sacred  Heart  League  was  or- 
ganized in  1914.  Today  it  numbers 
four  hundred  members. 

In  1911  a  society  known  as  the 
Purgatorial  Society  was  formed.  It 
has  for  its  object  the  succoring  of  the 
departed  and  the  assuring  of  oneself 
after  death  the  succor  of  the  living. 
It  numbers  one  hundred  members  at 
the  present  writing. 

In  1923  the  Reverend  Franciscan 
Fathers  gave  a  mission  at  St.  Mary's 
at  the  close  of  which  eighty  members 
were  enrolled  in  the  Third  Order  of 
St.  Francis.  This  Order  had  been  or- 
ganized some  twenty-seven  years  pre- 
vious and  for  twenty  years    services 


172 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


for  them  had  been  held ;  however,  the 
number  of  members  had  dwindled 
so  that  meetings  were  discontinued; 
hence,  in  1923  the  reorganization  was 
undertaken. 

In  the  year  1901  the  National  Fed- 
eration of  Catholic  Societies  of  Amer- 
ica was  organized.  No  sooner  had 
this  been  done  when  in  December, 
1902,  Rev.  J.  Meckel,  who  had  at- 
tended the  meeting  at  Cincinnati, 
called  a  meeting  at  St.  Mary's  Hall 
and  explained  why  the  Catholics  of 
Madison  County  should  organize  and 
affiliate  their  societies  with  the  Na- 
tional Federation.  At  this  meeting  a 
temporary  organization  was  effected, 
and  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Ryan.  Messrs.  Wm.  Gschwend 
and  Ferdinand  Vollbracht  called  in 
person  on  the  Bishop  who  heartily 
endorsed  the  movement.  A  meeting 
was  then  called  at  the  Spalding  Club 
Rooms  on  February  15,  1903,  and  all 
Catholic  Societies  of  the  Madison 
County  were  invited  to  participate. 
At  this  meeting  the  Federation  or- 
ganized and  the  following  officers 
were  elected:  Messrs.  Wm.  Gschwend, 
(President)  ;  Peter  Lafferty,  (First 
Vice  President)  ;  Louis  Spengel,  (Sec- 
ond Vice  President)  ;  Frank  Troeck- 
ler  (Third  Vice  President)  ;  C.  J.  Mc- 
Ilenry,  (Treasurer),  and  Joseph 
Budde,  (Secretary). 

An  Advisory  Board  consisting  of 
Rev.  J.  J.  Meckel,  Rev.  E.  L.  Spal- 
ding, Rev.  P.  J.  O'Reilly  and  Rev.  F. 
A.  Meyers  was  also  elected. 

At  the  request  of  the  Bishop  the 
Holy  Name  Society  was  founded  in 
1925.  The  various  parish  societies  of 
men  were  taken  over  into  this  new 
society  under  the  names  of  the  St. 
Joseph's  Society  and  the  Holy  Name 
and  St.  Aloysius  Society  of  the  Holy 
Name.  We  trust  the  Holy  Name  So- 
ciety will  exist  and  flourish  for 
many  years  to  come,  spreading  far 
and  wide  the  veneration  of  the  Holy 
Name  of  Jesus.  Its  object  is  a  noble 
and  a  worthv  one    and    deserves    all 


possible  support  of  both  pastor  and 
parishioners. 

On  the  night  of  April  14th  to  15th, 
1902,  St.  Mary's  Church  was  the 
scene  of  a  horrible  sacrilege.  Mis- 
creants entered  the  church,  broke 
open  the  tabernacle  door  and  sacri- 
legiously scattered  the  Sacred  Con- 
secrated Particles  which  the  ciborium 
contained,  about  the  floor  of  the  sanc- 
tuary. The  Sacred  vessels  were  car- 
ried off.  The  next  morning  when 
Reverend  Pastor  entered  he  was  hor- 
rified at  the  sight  that  met  his  eyes. 
Tremblingly  he  picked  up  the  Sacred 
Hosts.  After  Mass,  pointing  to  the 
battered  tabernacle  door,  he  informed 
the  people  of  what  had  happened.  All 
were  deeply  shocked  and  sorrowed.  A 
solemn  prayer  hour  was  held  that  day 
during  which  atonement  and  repara- 
tion were  offered  to  our  outraged  Sac- 
ramental Lord.  Prayers  were  also 
said  that  the  Sacred  Vessels  might  be 
restored.  Next  morning  before  Mass 
the  priest  was  informed  that  the 
sacred  vessels  had  been  found.  They 
were  hidden  beneath  the  wooden  door- 
steps of  Mr.  Theodore  Wegener's 
house  on  East  Fourth  street.  The 
priest  thereupon  put  on  his  surplice 
and  stole  and  prayerfully  betook  him- 
self to  the  place  pointed  out.  People 
meanwhile  had  gathered  around  the 
place.  Tears  filled  their  eyes.  Devout 
prayers  all  the  while  were  recited. 
The  priest  having  arrived,  knelt  down 
in  adoration.  One  Sacred  Host  was 
still  in  the  ciborium.  It  was  still  in- 
tact but  for  a  small  piece  broken  off. 
Needless  to  say  there  was  much  ex- 
citement. Suspicions  were  wild.  No 
trace  of  the  sacrilegious  evil-doers 
was  ever  found. 

The  lamentable  effects  of  the  World 
War  were  not  unfelt  at  St.  Mary's.  A 
service  flag  with  one  hundred  forty 
stars  hung  daily  in  the  church  to  re- 
mind both  priests  and  faithful  to  re- 
member unfailingly  in  their  prayers 
those  young  men  whom  the  nation's 
call  had  pressed  into  service.  Four  of 
these  young  men  died  for  their  coun- 
try's cause.     Their  martial   funeral 


173 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


obsequies  will  long  be  remembered 
by  the  people  of  St.  Mary 's.  The  after 
effects  of  the  war  were  perhaps 
more  deplorable  than  the  war  itself. 
Reconstruction  proved  a  slow  process. 
The  Flu  consequent  upon  the  War,  so 
disastrous  in  its  effects  throughout 
the  country,  made  itself  felt  but 
mildly  in  St.  Mary's,  for  which  the 
good  people  were  profoundly  grate- 


ful to  Divine  Providence.  A  mission 
had  been  commenced  in  1919,  how- 
ever, but  on  the  second  day  the  mis- 
sionaries were  obliged  to  discontinue 
services,  as  the  Mayor  of  the  city  had 
issued  a  decree  forbidding  the  gather- 
ings of  large  numbers  of  people  to 
avoid  the  spreading  of  the  dreadful 
epidemic. 


St.  Libory — at  St.  Libory,  1838 


A  congregation  was  established  at 
St.  Libory  in  St.  Clair  County  in 
1838.  Bishop  Rosati  of  St.  Louis  sent 
Father  Gaspar  H.  Ostlangenberg  as 
the  first  pastor.  St.  Libory  is  first 
mentioned  in  the  Catholic  Directory 
in  1840,  and  the  parish  was  then 
known  as  St.  Thaddeus. 

The  priests  who  served  at  this  very 
early  mission  from  its  establishment 
to  the  division  of  the  diocese  were 
Rev.   Gaspar  H.   Ostlangenberg    and 


Rev.  Augustus  Brickwedde,  probably 
the  first  resident  pastor,  who  said  his 
first  Mass  as  pastor  of  St.  Libory  in 
the  25th  of  March,  1849.  He  came 
from  Quincy,  Illinois,  where  he  had 
built  that  city's  first  church  in  1837. 
There  was  a  Catholic  school  at  St. 
Libory  almost  from  the  beginning. 
Father  Augustus  Brickwedde  built 
the  first  school  and  the  dwelling  for 
the  Sisters. 


St.  Michael's — Paderborn,  1838 


This  locality  was  originally  known 
as  German  settlement,  Teutonia  and 
Prairie  du  Long,  but  was  called  by 
Rev.  W.  Busch,  Paderborn.  All  the 
first  settlers  were  German  emigrants, 
with  the  exception  of  three  families. 

As  early  as  1838  mention  is  made 
in  the  Catholic  directories  of  German 
settlement  Teutonia  and  Prairie  du 
Long.  The  English  settlement,  St. 
Augustine,  was  also  in  the  same  town- 
ship of  Prairie  du  Long.  Rev.  Charles 
Meyer  seems  to  have  been  the  resident 
pastor  there  from  1838  until  1843, 
and  from  there  he    attended    a    vast 


number  of  Catholics  scattered 
throughout  the  neighborhood.  Since 
a  study  of  the  directories  shows  that 
he  attended  missions  which  were  also 
attended  by  Irish  priests,  he  probably 
limited  his  attention  to  the  Catholic 
German  emigrants. 

From  1843  until  1847  Teutonia  re- 
ceived attention  from  Belleville.  Then 
mention  of  the  mission  in  Catholic  di- 
rectories ceases  until  1851,  when  it 
again  appears  under  caption, "Prairie 
du  Long,  German  Settlement,  Help  of 
Christians,  attended  from  Centerville 
(Millstadt.)" 


St.  Alexius,  Beardstown,  Cass  County,  1838 


To  Beardstown  belongs  the  honor  of 
being  one  of  the  oldest  Catholic  Par- 
ishes in  Illinois.  As  early  as  1833, 
this  city  was  visited  by  Reverend 
Charles  Felix  Von  Quickenborne,S.J., 
of  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  In  1835  Rev- 
erend James  Condamine  of  the  same 
city  included  Beardstown  in  his  mis- 
sionary activities  along    the    Illinois 


and  Mississippi  Rivers.  In  the  early 
summer  of  1838  Reverend  J.  B.  Raho 
of  LaSalle,  Illinois,  landed  at  Beards- 
town, and  writes  of  his  labors  as  fol- 
lows: "I  discovered  about  two  hun- 
dred Irish  Catholics  scattered  around 
a  radius  of  sixty  miles  of  Beardstown. 
I  visited  them  on  foot  carrying  with 
me  a  carpet    bag    containing    every- 


174 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


thing  necessary  for  the  celebration  of 
Holy  Mass  and  the  administration  of 
the  Sacraments.  I  was  amazed  at  the 
working  of  Grace  in  these  poor 
people."  This  pious  missionary  be- 
longed to  the  Lazarist  Order  in  the 
St.  Louis  Diocese. 

Prior  to  Father  Raho's  arrival,  the 
faithful  here  were  ministered  to  by 
Father  Peter  Paul  Lefevre,  who  was 
later  consecrated  co-adjutor  Bishop 
of  Detroit,  Michigan.  In  a  letter  writ- 
ten by  Father  Lefevre  to  Bishop 
Rosati  of  St.  Louis  on  October  6, 
1836,  the  former  urges  the  Bishop 
to  send  a  priest  to  Beardstown  where, 
as  he  said,  much  good  can  be  done.  In 
the  summer  of  1844,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Quarter  of  Chicago,  after  hav- 
ing visited  Joliet,  Ottawa,  and  La- 
Salle,  went  to  Peoria  by  boat  and  con- 
tinuing his  journey  down  the  river 
to  Meredosia  finally  landed  at  Beards- 
town.  He  was  accompanied  on  this 
journey  by  several  priests  amongst 
them  being  Father  Maurice  De  St. 
Palais,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Vin- 
cennes,  Indiana. 

For  some  years  after  the  above 
date,  Beardstown  was  visited  by 
priests  from  Jacksonville,  Quincy,  Mt. 
Sterling,  and  other  places,  who  said 
Mass  in  private  homes  and  adminis- 
tered the  Sacraments. 

In  the  year  1851,  Beardstown  was 
favored  with  the  presence  of  Right 
Reverend  James  Oliver  Vandevelde, 
second  Bishop  of  Chicago.  It  was 
during  this  visit  that  the  good  Bishop 
contributed  fifty  dollars  from  his 
slender  resources  to  aid  the  building 
of  a  church  here.  It  was  about  this 
time  that  the  land  was  purchased  on 
which  was  built  the  first  church  and 
which  was  completed  in  1852.  It  was 
a  frame  structure  measuring  40x25 
feet.  It  was  put  under  the  patronage 
of  St.  Alexius  in  honor  of  Alexius 
Fritzpatrick  through  whose  generosity 
the  church  became  possible.  Father 
McCabe  of  Jacksonville  was  the  first 
priest  to  officiate  in  the  new  church. 
Under  him  the  parish  was  visited  by 
Fathers    Dempsey    and    Feeley    of 


Quincy.  Towards  the  end  of  1854, 
Father  McCabe  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Michael  Prendergast  of  Mt. 
Sterling.  In  August,  1856,  Father  D. 
Byrne  became  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor of  St.  Alexius.  He  ruled  the 
parish  for  two  years.  Next  came 
Father  Michael  O'Hern  of  Jackson- 
ville and  then  Father  Merl.  In  1859, 
Father  Roderick  Heimerling  took 
charge  of  Beardstown.  It  was  he  who 
started  the  first  Catholic  school  here 
and  also  bought  the  land  for  a  ceme- 
tery. He  died  in  1866  after  a  brief 
illness  and  was  buried  in  the  Catho- 
lic Cemetery  here.  It  may  be  of  in- 
terest to  note  that  Father  Heimerling 
was  born  in  Bavaria  of  a  Catholic 
mother  and  a  Protestant  father.  The 
latter  was  much  opposed  to  young 
Heimerling  becoming  a  Catholic.  As 
a  result  the  youth  was  obliged  to  flee 
from  his  native  land  and  sought 
refuge  in  Switzerland  and  then  to 
Rome  where  he  read  his  philosophy 
and  theology  and  was  ordained  a 
priest  for  the  American  Mission.  He 
had  as  class  fellows  in  the  Eternal 
City,  Cardinal  Cullen,  Archbishop  of 
Dublin,  Ireland,  and  Archbishop 
Spalding. 

This  zealous  priest  was  succeeded 
by  Father  Rustemeyer  from  1866  to 
1867;  Father  Jaeque,  1867  to  1868; 
Father  Albert  Busch,  1868  to  1878.  It 
was  during  the  administration  of  the 
last  named  that  an  addition  was  made 
to  the  original  church.  The  following 
priests  served  for  brief  intervals 
around  this  time  :  Fathers  Hellhake, 
John  A.  Mark,  Sylvester  Wegener, 
and  Michael  Ryan.  Father  William 
Weigand  took  charge  in  1878,  and  re- 
mained pastor  until  1896,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  Father  Ader,  who 
was  pastor  until  1899.  Father  Gesen- 
hues  became  pastor  in  1899,  and  was 
in  charge  until  1902.  During  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Weigand,  the 
present  beautiful  Gothic  church  was 
built,  the  cornerstone  being  laid  in 
1889.  The  building  cost  about 
$12,000. 

On  the  transfer  of  Father  Gesen- 


175 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


hues,  the  parish  of  St.  Alexius  was  in 

charge  of  Father    Loughney 

until  1910,  when  Reverend  George 
Hensey  was  appointed  pastor.  During 
Father  Hensey 's  pastorate,  many  im- 
provements were  made  on  the  church 
property  including  a  parish  hall 
donated  by  John  Schultz,  and  a  beau- 
tiful pastor's  residence. 

Father  Hensey  being  promoted  in 
the  fall  of  1925,  was  succeeded  by 
Father  James  Ahern  who  is  in  charge 
at  the  present  writing,  July,  1927. 
Further  improvements  are  in  con- 
templation and  the  result  will  be  that 
St.  Alexius  Parish,  in  the  near  future, 
will  rank  with  any  of  the  smaller 
parishes  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield. 

It  may  be  of  interest  to  the  reader 
to  note  the  names  of  many  of  the 
pioneer  families  in  Beardstown  :  John 
Quigg,  Alexius  Cooper,  Alexius  Fritz- 
patrick,  John  Higgins,  James    Finn, 


John  Welch,  Owen  McCarty,  Stephen 
Brannan,  John  Langdon,  M.  Murray, 
Wm.  Rhineberger,  R.  F.  Kippenberg, 
Henry  Rotes. 

The  first  couple  married  in  the 
original  church  were  Martin  Vaughan 
and  Mary  Connell,  March  27,  1853. 

In  later  years  the  faithful  who 
helped  the  struggling  church  were  the 
Doyles,  Morans,  Dalys,  Higgins,  Flan- 
nerys,  Collins,  Coopers,  Rinks, 
Schultzs,  Murrays,  Kanes,  Scullions, 
0  'Neills  and  Caldwells.  The  heirs  of 
many  of  the  above  mentioned  are  still 
here  and  are  following  the  good  ex- 
ample set  by  their  ancestors. 

The  writer  of  this  brief  history  of 
St.  Alexius  Church  at  Beardstown 
acknowledges  his  indebtedness  to  the 
records  of  the  late  Father  Gesenhues 
and  also  to  a  history  of  Beardstown 
taken  from  Chicago  New  World  of 
April  14,  1900. 


Cathedral  of  the  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois,  1839 


In  the  early  thirties  of  the  last 
century  Catholic  families  from  Ire- 
land and  Germany  settled  in  and 
around  Springfield,  Illinois.  These 
families  were  visited  for  the  first 
time  by  the  Rev.  John  Mary  Irene- 
aus  St.  Cyr  in  the  year  1834,  who 
wrote  a  letter  in  which  he  informs 
Bishop  Rosati,  to  whom  the  letter  is 
addressed,  that  he  (Father  St.  Cyr) 
had  that  same  year  from  Chicago 
visited  the  Catholic  missions  at 
Sugar  Creek,  Springfield,  and  other 
points  in  Central  Illinois.  We  take 
it  as  historically  certain  that  this 
was  the  first  visit  paid  Springfield 
Catholics  by  any  priest,  since  neither 
tradition  nor  documentary  evidence 
attests  the  contrary. 

On  being  transferred  from  Chi- 
cago to  Quincy  in  1837,  Father  St. 
Cyr  still  continued  his  pastoral 
visits  to  Springfield  until  1839. 
Then,  when  he  had  grown  old  in 
the  service  of  the  Master  and  no 
longer  able  to  meet  the  exacting  de- 


176 


mands  of  the  active  missionary  life 
he  had  hitherto  led,  he  took  a  chap- 
laincy at  Carondelet,  St.  Louis, 
where  he  died  at  the  ripe  old  age  of 
more  than  four  score  years. 

This  is  not  the  proper  place  to 
treat  at  length  the  life  and  labors  of 
this  extraordinary  man  of  God.  For 
our  purpose  it  is  sufficiently  illu- 
minative of  his  priestly  life  to  say 
that  he  was,  in  the  truest  and  most 
Apostolic  sense,  a  veritable  "Peri- 
grinus  pro  Christo. ' '  His  missionary 
labors,  covering  Northern  Missouri 
and  much  of  Illinois,  particularly  the 
Central  region,  were  really  extraor- 
dinary, and  must  have  demanded  in 
their  fulfillment  intense  faith  and 
self-sacrifice  on  his  part,  The  jour- 
neys he  then  undertook  by  the  most 
primitive  methods  of  travel  to  bring 
the  consolations  of  religion  to  the 
widely  scattered  missions  within  his 
care  would  be  considered  long  and 
arduous  even  in  this  age  of  facile 
and     speedy     transportation.       All 


Beardstown — Rev.  Jas.  Ahem,  Pastor,  St.  Alexius'  Church,  Rectory,  Hall  .  .  .  North 
Arm — St.  Aloysius'  Church  .  .  .  Virginia — Rectory,  Rev.  Joseph  O'Dwyer,  Pastor,  St. 
Luke's  Church  .  .  .  Edwardsville — St.  Mary's  Church,  Rev.  C.  A.  O'Reilly,  Pastor  .  .  . 
Teutopolis — Rectory,  School,  St.  Francis  Church. 


I  Hp11ri 


■    wr  ;   drill 


Springfield — Cathedral    (old)    of  the  Immaculate   Conception   Church,   School,   Rev 
Louis  Hufker,  Rector,  Rectory,  Convent. 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


honor  to  Father  St.  Cyr!  He  was 
ever  about  his  Heavenly  Father's 
business.  His  name  deserves  to  be 
held  in  perpetual  benediction. 

But  Father  St.  Cyr  was  not  only  a 
zealous  missionary ;  he  was  also,  and 
in  a  high  degree,  a  man  of  keen  dis- 
cernment and  practical  vision.  Let 
me  state  an  interesting  fact  which 
illustrates  his  practical  insight  in  the 
field  of  his  labors,  and  which,  in 
addition,  may  be  regarded  as  a  pro- 
phetic sign  of  the  future  new  Diocese 
of  Springfield  in  Illinois.  About  the 
time  Father  St.  Cyr  first  visited 
Springfield  the  American  Hierarchy 
were  contemplating  a  petition  to 
Rome  for  the  establishment  of  a  new 
diocese  in  Illinois  the  more  effectually 
to  care  for  the  spiritual  needs  of  the 
growing  Catholic  population  of  that 
Commonwealth.  To  these  higher 
ecclesiastics  Father  St.  Cyr  strongly 
recommended  Springfield,  because  of 
its  geographical  situation  and  its 
likelihood  of  becoming  a  centre  of 
Catholicity,  as  a  most  suitable  site 
for  the  proposed  Episcopal  See.  His 
recommendation  was  however  re- 
jected in  favor  of  Chicago.  I  said 
rejected,  but  postponed  should  have 
been  the  word  used,  for  we  of  a  later 
generation  have  seen  his  vision 
realized  and  his  recommendation  ful- 
filled in  the  creation  of  the  new 
Diocese  of  Springfield. 

Reverend  George  Hamilton  suc- 
ceeded Father  St.  Cyr  in  Springfield 
in  the  fall  of  1838.  This  young  priest 
began  his  work  with  high  hopes,  but 
hopes  that  were  soon  to  be  blighted 
by  the  relatively  unsurmountable 
difficulties  he  encountered.  In  1839 
he  made  a  gallant  effort  to  build  a 
church,  but  without  success.  Dis- 
couragement followed  this  failure. 
His  letters  to  Bishop  Rosati  at  this 
time  are  an  open  confession  of  his 
inability  to  meet  the  situation  single- 
handed,  and  also  a  sad  commentary 
on  his  first  light-hearted  hopes.  Two 
of  these  letters  we  take  the  liberty 
of  quoting  in  full  because  they  reveal 
so  vividly  the  then  state  of  affairs  in 
Springfield  and  the  neighboring  mis- 


sions  which    Father   Hamilton    also 
attended. 

The  first  letter  runs  thus : 

Springfield,  111. 
August  17th,  1839. 
Rt.  Rev.  Sir: 

I  deem  it  my  duty  to  apprise  you 
of  everything  I  do  here.  I  have  used 
every  effort  in  my  power  to  build  a 
church  this  season  in  Springfield,  but 
all  my  efforts  have  failed  of  success. 

I  had  indeed  obtained  Subscrip- 
tions to  the  amount  of  $2,000.00  or 
$2,300.00,  and  this  created  a  hope  of 
being  able  to  proceed  immediately 
with  the  building;  but  Sir,  I  per- 
ceive there  is  a  wide  difference 
between  subscribing  one's  name  for 
money  and  paying  down  the  money. 

About  the  time  we  wished  to  com- 
mence, hard  times  began  and  many 
Subscribers  felt  it  inconvenient  to 
pay,  and  as  they  were  not  Catholics 
we  did  not  like  to  urge  the  matter 
on  them. 

Many  of  the  Catholics  paid  their 
Subscriptions  and  if  we  had  pressed 
them  would  have  payed  up  every- 
thing, but  when  we  saw  that  we 
could  not  get  money  from  other  Sub- 
scribers we  told  them  not  to  put 
themselves  to  any  inconvenience  for 
the  present. 

I  think,  however,  there  is  no 
danger  of  not  getting  the  amount 
subscribed  this  Fall  and  next  Win- 
ter. And  in  consideration  of  this 
I  determined  to  effect  a  loan  if  I 
could  get  it  on  fair  and  reasonable 
terms.  The  exhorbitant  interest  re- 
quired here  deterred  me  from  bor- 
rowing and  the  hope  of  getting  it  on 
more  advantageous  terms  brought 
me  to  St.  Louis.  My  inquiries  soon 
satisfied  me  of  my  mistake.  So  I 
resolved  to  return  to  Springfield  and 
wait  until  I  could  procure  from  some 
source  or  other  the  means  to  build 
my  church.  In  the  meantime  I  have 
tried  to  obtain  a  room  which  might 
be  set  apart  for  Divine  "Worship, 
but  as  yet  I  have  been  unable  to  find 
one  large  enough,  as  every  room 
more  than  ten  feet  square  is  being 
occupied,  except  one  which  was  built 


177 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


for  a  theatre  and  which  will  again 
probably  be  applied  for  the  same  use. 
I  have  refused  to  take  it,  thinking 
that  it  was  not  becoming  for  a  house 
that  has  once  been  appointed  for 
Divine  Worship  to  be  turned  into  a 
theatre.  I  know  not  whether  I  shall 
be  able  to  get  a  room  this  season 
or  not. 

As  I  am  situated,  I  assure  you,  I 
feel  uncomfortable  being  compelled 
to  be  always  on  the  move  in  order  to 
visit  them  once  or  twice  a  year.  I 
most  always  find  some  that  I  have 
never  heard  of  before. 

My  opinion  is  that  instead  of  one 
there  ought  to  be  two  priests  here 
in  order  to  properly  attend  to  the 
Catholics  and  to  enable  themselves 
to  derive  advantage  from  their  own 
labors.  A  priest  wandering  over 
these  woods  without  ever  seeing  an- 
other priest  with  whom  he  may 
advise  and  to  whom  he  may  unbosom 
his  thoughts  is  very  apt  to  grow 
cold.  If  there  were  two  it  might 
render  their  situation  more  pleasant. 
But  these  Catholics  are  too  few  and 
generally  too  poor  to  afford  a  com- 
petent support  even  to  one  clergy- 
man, and  I  am  persuaded  I  could  not 
live  here  were  it  not  for  the  good 
family  I  reside  with. 

It  will  require  in  my  opinion,  a 
society  of  men  who  have  funds  of 
their  own  to  start  with,  to  effect  a 
permanent  and  extensively  useful 
establishment.  Once  that  is  done 
everything  will  go  on  prosperously. 

I  informed  you  in  my  last  letter 
of  a  new  Catholic  settlement  I  had 
discovered  north  of  the  Illinois 
River.  I  have  been  told  since  there 
are  several  Catholic  families  south 
of  Meredosia. 

These  I  have  never  visited  nor  do 
I  know  how  many  there  are.  There 
are  some  too  about  Vandalia  and 
south  of  that.  I  intend  to  visit  them 
next  month.  I  thought  I  would  take 
them  in  on  my  way  home,  whither  I 
have  to  go  in  order  to  settle  my 
affairs,  which  if  I  do  not  then,  I 
might  not  be  able  to  do  for  a  year. 
Some  of  those  who  owe  me  are  going 


down  the  river  and  may  not  return 
for  twelve  or  eighteen  months.  I 
request  your  permission  to  do  it. 

I  have  now  given  you  all  the  in- 
formation worth  your  attention.  If 
you  desire  any  further  particulars  I 
shall  make  it  my  pleasure  to  afford 
them,  especially  the  names  of  the 
Catholics  and  the  places  of  their 
residence. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

George  A.  Hamilton. 

And  in  the  second  letter  the  note 
of     discouragement     and     acknowl- 
edged defeat  is  still  more  audible. 
Springfield,  111., 
February  10,  1840. 
Rt.  Rev.  Sir: 

Your  letter  of  the  fifth  of  January 
came  to  hand  during  my  absence  on 
a  mission  at  Jacksonville  and  Mt. 
Sterling,  and  I  have  been  prevented 
from  answering  it  by  visits  which  T 
was  obliged  to  make  in  several  dif- 
ferent places. 

I  have  already  published  the  reg- 
ulations to  some  of  my  widely  scat- 
tered Congregations ;  to  some  others 
I  shall  promulgate  them  this  and  the 
ensuing  week.  I  have  received  the 
"Ordo"  and  said  two  Masses  for 
same. 

I  have  now  been  on  the  mission 
for  one  year.  When  I  arrived  there 
was,  I  believe,  a  fairer  prospect  of 
erecting  a  church  than  there  is  at 
present.  Whether  the  failure  pro- 
ceeds from  my  inability  or  misman- 
agement, from  coolness  of  zeal  on 
the  part  of  my  subscribers  or  from 
pressure  of  times,  I  am  unable  to 
ascertain. 

Sir,  I  believe,  I  have  done  all  I 
could  to  effect  the  erection  of  a 
church.  I  have  traversed  large  por- 
tions of  the  State,  begging  at  every 
house  where  I  thought  there  was  a 
hope  of  obtaining  assistance,  and 
preaching  in  every  Congregation  for 
the  same  purpose,  and  I  have  failed. 

I  have  reflected  much  on  the  sub- 
ject and  I  have  come  to  the  con- 
clusion that  it  is  useless  for  me  to 
try  to  build  a  church  with  the  means 
I  at  the  present  can  command.    The 


178 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Catholics  are,  as  I  said  before,  too 
few  and  too  poor  to  build  one  them- 
selves and  their  numbers  do  not  ap- 
pear to  augment. 

There  are  nine  entire  Catholic 
families  in  town,  and  two  of  which 
the  females  are  Catholics. 

There  are  other  transient  families 
that  remain  here  when  they  can  get 
employment.  In  these  circumstances, 
Sir,  I  confess  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know 
how  to  proceed. 

I  could  write  you  a  full  account  of 
my  situation,  but  believing  I  can  do 
it  more  to  my  satisfaction  by  oral 
communication,  I  have  deferred  to 
do  so  until  the  first  of  March  when 
I  hope  to  see  you  in  St.  Louis 
whither  I  desire  to  go  about  that 
time  as  it  has  been  some  months 
since  I  went  to  confession. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

George  A.  Hamilton. 

Father  Hamilton  was  now  trans- 
ferred from  Springfield  without  hav- 
ing built  the  church,  and  on  April 
18,  1840,  was  given  the  pastorate  of 
Alton.  In  his  letter  of  appointment, 
Bishop  Rosati  remarked  that  the 
Mission  at  Springfield  would  be 
taken  care  of  by  the  Vencentian 
Fathers  of  Perryville,  Missouri, 
which  duty  they  did  fulfill  until 
January  1844.  It  is  believed  that 
these  priests  celebrated  Mass  at  the 
house  of  a  Creole  named  William 
Schoville.  It  is  also  pretty  certain 
that  at  that  time  Mass  was  occasion- 
ally said  in  the  Court  House. 

Strangely  enough  the  predecessor 
of  the  Vincentians  was  also  their  suc- 
cessor, for  February  18,  1844,  saw 
Father  Hamilton  back  again  in 
charge  of  Springfield.  A  few  months 
later  (March  10,  1844)  the  Diocese 
of  Chicago  Avas  established  and 
Springfield  came  automatically 
under  its  jurisdiction.  But  it  still 
remained  the  difficult  parish  of  his 
first  administration,  for  in  addition 
to  Springfield  he  had  under  his  care 
such  distant  missions,  as  Sugar 
Creek,  Bear  Creek,  South  Fork,  Tay- 
lorville,  Jacksonville,  Potsville,  Tur- 
key Prairie  and  Virginia.    To  attend 


Missions  so  widely  separated  was  a 
tremendous  task,  and  in  doing  so 
Father  Hamilton  must  have  endured 
all  the  hardships  of  the  pioneer  mis- 
sionary. His  second,  as  his  first  stay, 
was  short.  He  left  the  Diocese  in 
1846  and  went  to  Boston  where  he 
died  a  few  years  later. 

Father  Hamilton  was  born  in 
Marion  County,  Kentucky,  about 
1815.  He  studied  at  St.  Mary's  Sem- 
inary, Kentucky,  and  afterwards  in 
Rome.  Having  completed  his  studies 
in  1839,  he  returned  to  St.  Louis 
where  that  same  year  he  was  or- 
dained priest  by  Bishop  Rosati. 

In  reading  Father  Hamilton 's  vivid 
pen-pictures  of  the  lowly  condition 
of  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  Spring- 
field of  his  day,  one  is  greatly  struck 
by  the  change  for  the  better  which 
has  since  taken  place.  Springfield 
Catholics  could  not  then  afford  to 
erect  a  $2,000.00  Church ;  today,  they 
are  represented  by  nine  flourishing 
congregations  with  eight  parochial 
schools,  an  elaborate  Old  Folks' 
Home,  a  splendid  hospital  and  two 
convents.  In  addition,  there  is  being 
built  at  the  present  time  on  one  of 
Springfield's  most  beautiful  loca- 
tions, the  magnificent  Cathedral  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  which, 
with  its  auxiliary  buildings,  will  rep- 
resent a  Diocesan  outlay  of  a  million 
and  a  half  dollars.  And  all  this 
gratifying  progress  has  taken  place 
in  the  life-time  of  an  octogenarian ! 

Reverend  Phillip  Conlon,  the  next 
pastor  of  Springfield,  remained  in 
charge  until  1850.  In  the  Fall  of 
1848  he  succeeded  in  erecting  the 
first  Catholic  church  in  the  city. 
This  primitive,  little  structure,  ded- 
icated to  St.  John  the  Baptist,  stood 
on  the  South  Side  of  Adams  Street 
between  eighth  and  Ninth  Streets 
on  ground  previously  purchased  by 
Father  Conlon  from  one  John  S. 
Berger  for  a  consideration  of 
$500.00. 

Father  Conlon  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  John  Gifford,  a  Scotchman  or- 
dained in  Ireland.  He  served  the 
parish  two  years,  and  died  towards 


179 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


the  end  of  1853  at  the  O'Hara 
Settlement  (now  Ruma),  Randolph 
County. 

After  Rev.  John  Gifford,  came  in 
quick  succession  Fathers  Stehle, 
Prendergast,  and  Hurley,  whose  re- 
spective ministries,  because  of  their 
brevity,  were  unmarked  by  any 
notable  achievements.  Father  Hur- 
ley's subsequent  history  deserves  ii 
passing  mention.  On  leaving  Spring- 
field he  became  pastor  of  St.  Pat- 
rick's, Peoria,  and  when  in  1877  the 
new  Diocese  of  Peoria  was  created 
he  was  appointed  its  first  Bishop. 
But  he  declined  to  serve,  being  in- 
fluenced either  by  modesty,  or  the 
thought  that  uneasy  lies  the  head 
that  wears  the  mitre.  His  death 
occured  at  Peoria  on  December  11, 
1892. 

Reverend  H.  Quigley  now  took 
charge  of  Springfield  in  November 
1855,  remaining  until  March  1857. 
As  a  prolific  and  learned  writer  on 
religious  and  doctrinal  subjects  he 
deservedly  enjoyed  a  wide  reputa- 
tion. During  his  incumbency,  to  be 
exact  on  January  8,  1856,  Right  Rev- 
erend Anthony  0 'Regan  bought 
from  John  Kavanaugh  lots  five  and 
six  and  the  West  half  of  lot  seven 
on  the  corner  of  Seventh  and  Mon- 
roe Streets, — the  ground  on  which 
the  old  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  now  the  Cathedral,  stands. 
At  a  later  date  the  East  half  of  lots 
seven  and  eight  on  the  corner  of 
Eighth  and  Monroe  Streets  were 
secured,  thus  completing  the  valu- 
able half  block  on  Monroe  Street 
between  Seventh  and  Eighth  Streets. 

In  the  fall  of  1856,  Father  Quigley 
began  the  erection  of  the  present 
church,  but  had  progressed  no  further 
in  its  construction  than  the  founda- 
tion when  he  left  for  the  Northern 
part  of  the  State  the  following  Spring 
of  1857. 

On  April  21,  1857,  an  historical 
event  of  much  significance  occurred : 
the  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis  received 
letters  Apostolic  confirming  the  ap- 
pointment of  Reverend  Henry  Da- 
mien   Juncker   of   Dayton,   Ohio,   as 


Bishop  of  the  newly  created  Diocese 
of  Alton.  Some  months  later  (Oct. 
23,  1857)  Right  Rev.  Anthony 
0 'Regan,  Bishop  of  Chicago,  to  whose 
Diocese  Springfield  had  hitherto  be- 
longed, transferred  the  title  of  the 
church  property  on  Adams  Street  and 
the  four  lots  on  Monroe  to  Bishop 
Juncker. 

The  immediate  successors  of  Rever- 
end H.  Quigley  were  Fathers  Muller 
and  McElhern  neither  of  whom  re- 
mained long  enough  to  accomplish 
anything  important. 

Father  James  Fitzgibbons,  familiar- 
ly known  as  Father  "Fitz,"  took  up 
the  pastoral  charge  in  1858,  and  im- 
mediately resumed  construction  on 
the  new  church  on  which  little  had 
been  done  during  the  two  previous 
years.  Under  his  able  management 
the  building  progressed  rapidly.  The 
Register  of  October  11,  1858,  in  com- 
menting upon  it  at  this  stage  has  this 
to  say : 

"The  Catholic  Church:  Among  the 
many  handsome  buildings  going  up  in 
our  city,  none  will  contribute  more  to 
its  adornment  than  the  elegant  church 
edifice  which  the  Catholics  of  our  city 
are  erecting. 

"It  will  be  the  largest  in  our  city 
and  in  point  of  architectural  merit 
will  probably  excel  all  others.  Mr. 
Fitzgibbons,  the  pastor  of  the  Church 
here,  deserves  much  credit  for  the 
zeal  and  energy  with  which  he  has 
prosecuted  this  work,  which  he  has 
done  thus  far  without  calling  for  lib- 
eral subscriptions  for  the  building  in 
this  city,  but,  to  enable  him  to  get  it 
covered  in  by  the  close  of  the  season 
he  hopes  that  the  subscribers  here  will 
lend  him  assistance  by  meeting  their 
subscriptions  at  as  early  a  date  as 
possible." 

The  church  was  completed  and 
ready  for  dedication  in  the  early  part 
of  the  year  1859.  On  completion,  but 
before  its  dedication  to  Divine  Serv- 
ice, a  festival  was  held  in  the  new 
edifice  which  happy  event  the  Spring- 
field Journal  (issue  January  14, 
1859)  describes  as  follows: 

"The  Catholic  Festival :— The  fes- 


180 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


tival  given  on  Wednesday  night  in 
aid  of  the  new  Catholic  Church  was  a 
very  successful  affair.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  inclemency  of  the  weather, 
the  large  building  was  crowded  with 
guests,  all  of  whom  seemed  to  enjoy 
themselves  to  the  utmost.  Three  tables, 
loaded  with  the  choicest  viands  of 
every  variety  and  extending  the  whole 
length  of  the  building  attracted  much 
attention  and  were  handsomely  re- 
lieved of  their  load  during  the  '  vn- 
ning. 

"Merritts'  Cornet  Band  contrib- 
uted not  a  little  to  the  pleasure  of 
the  occasion.  Much  praise  is  due  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Fitzgibbons  and  his  assist- 
ants, for  the  successful  termination  to 
which  the  festival  was  brought." 

In  its  issue  of  March  24,  1859,  the 
Journal  in  referring  to  the  now  com- 
pleted church,  the  consummation  so 
devoutly  wished,  carried  this  inter- 
esting and  informative  article : 

"The  Catholic  denomination  have 
erected  a  new  edifice,  the  entire 
length  of  which  is  132  feet  exclusive 
of  foundations  of  tower  and  dwelling 
in  rear,  by  58  feet  wide  outside  dimen- 
sions. There  is  a  basement  under  the 
entire  building  about  ten  feet  high  in 
the  clear.  The  main  room  is  about  32 
feet  high  and  will  be  finished  with  an 
arched  ceiling,  and  when  completed 
will  be  the  best  church  in  the  city. 

"The  stone  work  of  this  building 
was  done  by  C.  Lang,  brickwork  by 
William  Childs,  Denis  and  Beam 
builders.  The  foundation  of  this 
building  was  begun  on  plans  by  Mr. 
Akron  of  Nashville,  Tennessee,  and 
when  the  foundation  was  completed 
the  plan  was  abandoned  and  a  plan 
by  Mr.  Miller  of  Alton  adopted. 

"There  is  also  a  dwelling  house  con- 
nected with  the  building  for  the  resi- 
dent Pastor  which  is  26  feet  wide  by 
43  feet  long  and  two  and  a  half 
stories  high,  which  will  cost  when 
completed  about  $2,000.  There  has 
been  expended  on  this  church  about 
$12,000." 

April  3,  1859,  witnessed  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  new  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Church.     The    dedicatory    cere- 


monies were  performed  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Henry  Damian  Juncker,  Bishop 
of  Alton,  and  the  sermon  of  the  oc- 
casion was  preached  by  Rev.  Stephen 
Ryan,  CM.,  of  St.  Louis.  The  pub- 
lic to  whom  a  hearty  invitation  had 
been  extended  filled  the  edifice  to 
overflowing. 

An  incident  which  occurred  on  the 
day  of  dedication  has  often  been 
spoken  of  and  magnified.  Some  of 
the  footings  of  the  piers  in  the  base- 
ment were  of  sandstone  taken  from 
the  local  quarries  of  that  day,  south 
of  the  city,  at  Sugar  Creek.  As  this 
stone  was  soft  when  first  quarried  a 
few  of  the  footings  crumbled  under 
the  weight  of  the  immense  crowd,  and 
the  floor  in  a  small  space  settled  three 
or  four  inches.  No  one  was  injured, 
the  walls  and  roof  were  not  disturbed 
and  since  the  footings  of  the  piers 
were  replaced  they  have  carried 
capacity  crowds  through  all  these 
years  without  indication  of  failure. 

It  is  worthy  of  special  note  that 
this  church  has  the  unique  distinction 
of  being  the  first  church  in  the  entire 
Western  Country  to  be  dedicated  to 
the  Blessed  Virgin  under  her  glorious 
new  title  of  Mary  Immaculate  which 
had  been  definitely  given  to  her  in 
1854  by  the  illustrious  Pope  Pius  IX 
of  sainted  memory. 

Viewed  architecturally,  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  Church  has  lit- 
tle to  recommend  it,  beyond  the  fact 
that  it  is  strongly  constructed,  had 
good  space  appropriation,  and  ex- 
cellent acoustic  properties.  Viewed 
historically  and  religiously,  it  is  a 
grand  old  edifice  linking  the  past  with 
the  present,  whose  every  brick,  stone 
and  stick  is  sacred  in  the  eyes  of 
Springfield  people.  So  popular  has 
this  hoary  old  church  grown,  that 
from  the  time  it  is  opened  in  the 
morning  until  its  closing  at  night,  it 
would  be  difficult  to  find  it  even  for 
a  moment  empty  of  worshippers. 

In  1860  a  two  room  school,  a  small 
frame  structure,  was  built  in  the 
space  to  the  north  side  of  the  church. 
This  school  was  for  boys  only  and 
was  taught  by  Brothers  of  the  Holy 


181 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Cross  from  Notre  Dame,  Indiana.  The 
girls  attended  school  at  St.  Joseph's 
Ursuline  Convent  out  in  the  north 
part  of  town. 

An  event  of  State-wide  signif- 
icance and  of  singular  interest  to 
local  Catholics  was  the  death  of 
William  H.  Bissell,  Governor  of  the 
State  of  Illinois,  which  took  place 
on  the  afternoon  of  March  18,  1860. 
The  Governor  became  a  Catholic 
five  years  prior  to  his  death  and  the 
funeral  obsequies  were  held  at  the 
Executive  Mansion. 

The  Reverend  officers  of  the 
Solemn  Requiem  High  Mass  sung  on 
the  occasion  were :  Celebrant,  Father 
Fitzgibbon;  Deacon,  Father  Byrne; 
Subdeacon,  Father  Jansen,  and 
Master  of  Ceremonies,  Father  Ban- 
non  of  St.  Louis.  At  the  conclusion 
of  the  Mass  the  procession,  starting 
from  the  Governor's  Mansion,  moved 
up  Cook  Street  to  Sixth,  down  Sixth 
to  Washington,  thence  west  on 
Washington  to  Fifth  Street,  then 
south  on  Fifth  Street  to  Adams  and 
finally  west  on  Adams  to  the  Cem- 
etery. 

At  the  Cemetery  a  funeral  oration 
was  delivered  by  the  Reverend 
Smarius,  S.J.  of  St.  Louis,  which 
was  for  many  years  referred  to  as 
a  discourse  of  unusual  eloquence 
and  power. 

Father  Fitzgibbon  left  the  parish 
in  January  1864,  from  which  time 
until  the  end  of  May  when  a  regular 
pastor  was  appointed  in  the  person 
of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Costa,  the  spir- 
itual needs  of  the  parish  were  at- 
tended to  by  Fathers  Zabel,  D.D., 
and  Stick,  a  young  priest  recently 
ordained.  Father  Costa  proved  an 
earnest  and  energetic  pastor  during 
his  all  too  short  administration  of 
less  than  two  years. 

Reverend  Louis  Hinsen,  who  had 
pastoral  charge  from  February  1865 
to  June  1868,  made  immediate  ar- 
rangements for  a  new  school  for  the 
girls  of  the  parish.  To  this  end  he 
secured  the  old  St.  John's  Church 
building  vacated  by  the  German  con- 
gregation    to     occupy     their     new 


Church  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul.  As 
teachers  he  employed  the  School 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  Milwaukee. 

During  his  somewhat  more  than 
two  years  stay  Father  Hinsen  was 
assisted  by  Fathers  Michael  Clifford 
and  George  Mitchell.  His  successor, 
Reverend  John  0 'Sullivan,  had  a 
brief  pastorate.  He  died  after  a 
service  of  little  more  than  a  year  and 
was  buried  in  Calvary  Cemetery, 
Springfield.  Reverend  Timothy 
Hickey  who  had  been  appointed  as- 
sistant in  the  fall  of  1868  acted  as 
administrator  from  the  death  of 
Father  0 'Sullivan  until  the  appoint- 
ment of  Reverend  Patrick  Brady  in 
November  1869. 

Under  Father  Brady's  pastorate 
of  well-nigh  twenty  years,  the  par- 
ish developed  so  extensively  that  the 
church  became  too  small  to  accom- 
modate the  congregation.  It  there- 
fore became  necessary  to  remodel 
the  church  and  put  an  addition  to  it 
so  as  to  extend  its  length.  This 
addition  was  built  in  1870,  Dennis 
and  Beam  being  the  Architects.  The 
front  of  the  church  was  extended 
twenty  feet,  the  entire  floor  lowered 
three  feet,  and  the  gallery  was  set 
back  over  the  vestibule  and  made  to 
extend  a  considerable  distance  up 
the  body  of  the  church  on  each  side. 
Patrick  Conway  was  the  contractor 
for  the  work  and  Chris  Hang  did  the 
stone  work. 

In  1876  Father  Brady  built  a  large 
eight  room  brick  school  which  still 
serves  its  original  purpose,  where 
the  Brothers  of  the  Holy  Cross  had 
charge  of  the  boys,  and  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame  of  the  girls.  Many 
other  improvements  were  made  dur- 
ing his  incumbency  which  go  to  show 
his  administrative  ability  and  a  sub- 
stantial increase  in  the  numbers  and 
wealth  of  the  congregation. 

The  priests  who  assisted  Father 
Brady  were  Reverend  Timothy  Hick- 
ey 1869-70,  Reverend  V.  Burgos, 
1871-72,  Reverend  P.  M.  Burke,  1872- 
1884,  and  Reverend  Thomas  O'Reilly 
who  took  up  his  duties  in  March 
1884. 


182 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


Father  Brady  was  succeeded  in 
February,  1889  by  the  Very  Reverend 
Timothy  Hickey,  his  first  assistant  at 
the  Immaculate  Conception  Church, 
who  by  this  time  had  been  made 
Vicar  General  of  the  Diocese  by 
Bishop  Ryan. 

The  first  notable  pastoral  act  of 
Father  Hickey  was  to  place  the 
parochial  school  in  the  teaching  care 
of  the  Dominican  Sisters  of  Sacred 
Heart  Convent,  Springfield.  This  he 
did  in  the  September  of  1890. 

A  very  substantial  brick  residence 
at  a  cost  of  $10,383  was  erected  in 
1896,  and  in  1902  new  pews  and  al- 
tars were  installed  in  the  Church  and 
other  necessary  minor  improvements 
made.  In  1906  a  brick  home  was 
built  for  the  School  Sisters.  This 
building  cost  $8,547. 

After  a  long  and  fruitful  adminis- 
tration of  five  and  thirty  years  in 
which  time  he  had  the  happiness  of 
seeing  his  congregation  grow  in  num- 
bers, in  wealth,  and,  what  pleased  him 
best  of  all,  in  grace  before  God  and 
man,  on  January  19,  1924,  Father 
Hickey,  owing  to  the  loss  of  sight  and 
infirmities  consequent  to  old  age, 
gave  up  the  heavy  burden  of  his  par- 
ish which  he  could  no  longer  bear, 
and  entered  St.  John's  Hospital 
where  he  lived  in  peaceful  retirement 
until  his  lamented  death,  October  20, 
1926.  He  died  as  he  had  lived — a 
true  priest  of  God,  honored,  esteemed, 
yea,  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him, 
and  their  name  was  legion.  It  is 
doubtful  if  Springfield  had  had  a  sec- 
ond resident  more  truly  and  lasting- 
ly popular  with  all  classes  of  people 
than  the  witty  and  amiable  pastor  of 
St.  Mary's. 

It  is  sometimes  said  that  Father 
Hickey  did  not  make  the  most  of  the 
splendid  material  opportunities  that 
were  constantly  before  him  during  his 
long  pastorate.  In  answer  to  this 
mild  criticism  the  writer  would  like 
to  say,  it  is  true  indeed  that  Father 
Hickey  built  no  handsome  parish 
monuments  that  arrest  the  eye  of  the 
passer-by,  but  he  did  build  something 
of  far  more  importance,  viewed  in  the 


light  of  eternal  values, — he  built  (per- 
haps better  than  he  knew)  pyramids 
of  love  and  faith  in  God,  in  the  hearts 
of  a  grateful  people  who  will  never 
forget  him.  The  harvest  of  his  spir- 
itual efforts  is  being  today  abundant- 
ly reaped  by  his  successors  in  office. 

Father  Hickey  had  many  assist- 
ants during  his  thirty-five  years  as 
pastor,  some  of  whom  are  now  dead, 
while  others  are  Pastors  in  various 
parishes  throughout  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield  in  Illinois.  The  follow- 
ing priests  served  under  him  in  the 
time  order  herein  given :  Fathers 
Thomas  O'Reilly  from  February, 
1889,  to  June  of  the  same  year ;  Pat- 
rick R.  Ducey,  1889-92 ;  P.  R.  Byrne, 
1892-93;  Bernard  Lee,  1899-1900; 
Joseph  O'Connor,  1895-99;  J.  J. 
Driscoll  for  a  few  months  in  1895 ;  J. 
F.  Murphy,  1899-1900 ;  Joseph  Finne- 
gan,  1900-2;  William  M.  Costello, 
1900-3;  T.  O 'Carroll,  1903-04;  E. 
Maguire,  1903-05;  Francis  Curran, 
1905-08;  John  J.  Connolly,  1905- 
1910;  Laurence  C.  Ryan,  1908-12; 
Michael  Enright,  1910-15;  Timothy 
McKeogh,  1912-13 ;  Joseph  O  'Dwyer, 
1913-15;  William  O 'Sullivan,  1915- 
26;  Patrick  J.  Beary,  1915-17,  and 
George  J.  Kenny  from  July,  1917  to 
January,  1924. 

And  now  at  long  last  the  vision  of 
Father  St.  Cyr,  that  Springfield 
should  one  day  be  an  Episcopal  See, 
was  realized  unexpectedly  when,  on 
October  26,  1923,  Pope  Pius  XI  is- 
sued a  document  designating  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion to  be  henceforth  the  Cathedral 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  thus 
transferring  the  Episcopal  See  from 
Alton  to  Springfield.  Fifteen  days 
later  (November  10,1923),  a  second 
Papal  document  was  issued  appoint- 
ing Reverend  James  Aloysius  Griffin, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  newly  created 
Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois. 

On  February  25,  1924,  Dr.  Griffin 
was  consecrated  Bishop  in  the  Holy 
Name  Cathedral,  Chicago.  Most 
Reverend  George  W.  Mundelein,  as- 
sisted by  Bishops  Stritch  of  Toledo 
and  Hoban  of  Chicago,  was  the  con- 


183 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


secrating  prelate.  Four  days  later 
(Feb.  28)  the  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  was  solemnly  in- 
stalled in  the  Cathedral  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception  as  Bishop  of 
the  Diocese  of  Springfield.  On  this 
occasion  too,  Most  Reverend  George 
W.  Mundelein  performed  the  induc- 
tion ceremonies.  Several  Bishops 
were  present,  nearly  all  the  priests 
of  this  Diocese,  and  large  delegations 
of  Clergy  from  Chicago,  Peoria,  and 
other  neighboring  Dioceses.  Never 
before  did  the  old  St.  Mary's  witness 
such  an  array  of  distinguished  ec- 
clesiastics within  its  walls. 

Rev.  M.  A.  Tarrent  having  read 
the  Papal  Mandate,  Archbishop 
Mundelein  delivered  a  short  and 
eloquent  exhortation.  Then  the 
newly  installed  Bishop  impressively 
delivered  his  charge  to  the  clergy 
and  laity  of  his  Diocese.  After  the 
Pontifical  Mass  a  banquet  was  given 
to  the  visiting  Prelates  and  priests 
at  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel.  That 
evening  a  civic  reception  was  ten- 
dered Bishop  Griffin  in  the  State 
Armory  by  the  citizens  of  Springfield 
who  packed  the  spacious  building  to 
capacity. 

Early  in  March,  1924,  the  Chan- 
cery Office  Records  were  removed 
from  Alton  to  Springfield  and  an  of- 
fice set  apart  for  them  in  the  Cathe- 
dral Rectory  with  Very  Reverend  M. 
A.  Tarrant  appointed  Chancellor  in 
charge. 

In  May,  1924,  another  assistant  was 
attached  to  the  Cathedral  Staff,  and 
thus  under  the  direction  of  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  three  assistants, 
Fathers  William  0 'Sullivan,  George 
J.  Kenny  and  Michael  J.  Griffin 
served  to  the  needs  of  the  parish. 

On  January  20,  1925,  Reverend  J. 
Kenny  was  promoted  to  the  Pastorate 
of  St.  Catherine's,  Virden,  and  Rev- 
erend Michael  Griffin  was  sent  on 
temporary  duty  to  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Church,  Alton.  They  were  re- 
placed at  the  Cathedral  by  Fathers 
Daniel  0 'Grady  and  Charles  C.  San- 
don. 

In  October,  1924,  the  Right  Rever- 
end Pastor  abolished  the    pew    rent 


system  as  a  means  of  church  support 
and  introduced  the  monthly  envelope 
system  by  which  every  parishioner 
having  means  or  revenue,  does  his  or 
her  part  towards  financing  the 
church. 

The  Cathedral  has  several  well-or- 
ganized Societies  and  Sodalities  pre- 
sided over  by  the  assistant  priests. 
They  are :  The  Holy  Name  Society, 
The  Altar  and  Rosary  Society,  Prop- 
agation of  the  Faith,  the  League  of 
the  Sacred  Heart,  Young  Ladies  So- 
dality, Children  of  Mary,  and  Junior 
Holy  Name  Society.  These  organiza- 
tions are  in  a  flourishing  condition 
and  are  productive  of  much  good 
along  their  individual  lines  of  ap- 
peal. 

The  parochial  school  with  its  float- 
ing average  of  400  pupils  is  entrusted 
to  the  care  of  the  Dominican  Sisters 
whom  Father  Hickey  introduced  in 
the  year  1890.  At  present  eight  Sis- 
ters are  employed  and  two  lay 
teachers. 

The  Cathedral  parish  is  bounded 
on  the  North  by  Carpenter  Street 
from  Third  Street  East  to  Eighteenth 
Street;  on  the  East  by  Eighteenth 
Street  from  Carpenter  Street  south 
to  Grand  Avenue;  on  the  South  by 
South  Grand  Avenue  from  Eight- 
eenth Street  west  to  Third  Street; 
and  on  the  West  by  Third  Street 
from  South  Grand  Avenue  north  to 
Carpenter  Street. 

Such  in  brief  is  the  story  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  Parish — a  his- 
tory of  ups  and  downs  of  triumphs 
and  failures,  but  withal  a  history  dis- 
closing a  continuous,  steady,  substan- 
tial progress  in  numbers,  wealth  and 
grace.  It  had  a  beginning  like  the 
mustard  plant;  it  had  a  growth  like 
it  too.  In  1839  it  began  with  a  dozen 
families  or  so,  too  few  and  too  poor  to 
build  even  the  smallest  kind  of 
church;  in  1923  it  had  increased  to 
600  families  averaging  considerable 
means,  ami  in  that  year  was  signally 
honored  by  His  Holiness  Pope  Pius 
XI  by  being  designated  the  Cathedral 
Parish  of  this  Diocese.  Its  splendid 
past  begets  the  hope  of  a  more  splen- 
did future. 


184 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Silver  Creek,  1839 


The  Catholic  directories  of  1839 
mention  this  mission,  and  state  that  a 
church  is  to  be  built.  It  is  visited  by 
Rev.  John  Kenny,  who  preaches  in 
English. 

Where  was  the  mission  located? 
Could  it  have  been  the  beginning  of 
Lebanon  or  Mascoutah,  the  only  two 
present  day  parishes  situated  on  or 
near  Silver  Creek? 

Rev.  Henry  Meyer  attended  the 
settlers  about  Mascoutah  as  early  as 
1839,  but  Mascoutah  does  not  appear 
in  the  directories  until  1854,  when  it 


is  visited  monthly  from  Belleville,  but 
has  no  church. 

Lebanon  makes  its  first  appearance 
in  the  directories  even  later ;  however, 
about  1838,  Rev.  Henry  Meyer,  the 
first  priest  who  visited  Germantown, 
is  met  at  Lebanon  and  accompanied 
from  here  to  Germantown  by  two  of 
the  early  settlers,  near  Germantown. 
Rev.  Henry  Meyer  also  visited  sta- 
tions and  missions  elsewhere,  which 
were  attended  by  Rev.  John  Kenny. 
It  appears  that  the  former  attended 
the  Germans  and  the  latter  the  Eng- 
lish and  Irish  settlers. 


St.  Francis,  Teutopolis,  Effingham  Co.,  1839 


St.  Francis  Church  is  situated  in 
Teutopolis,  in  the  Township  of  the 
same  name,  about  three  miles  east  of 
Effingham,  the  County  Seat.  Though 
now  famous  chiefly  as  a  center  of 
Franciscan  activity,  its  history  dates 
back  to  about  1837.  In  that  year  Mr. 
Clement  Uptmor  and  a  number  of 
other  German  emigrants,  mostly  from 
Oldenburg,  Hanover  and  also  from 
Westphalia,  desiring  to  acquire  their 
own  homes  at  a  reasonable  cost  and 
to  preserve  the  faith  more  easily  for 
their  children,  conceived  the  plan  of 
founding  a  German  colony  in  the 
West.  They  organized  the  "German 
Land  Company"  (Deutsche  Land- 
kompagnie).  Each  member  paid 
monthly  $5.00  until  a  sufficient  sum 
had  been  collected.  From  nine  char- 
ter members  the  number  soon  in- 
creased to  one  hundred  forty-one.  A 
committee  consisting  of  Clem  Upt- 
mor, I.,  John  Ferdinand  Waschefort, 
and  Gerard  H.  Bergfeld  was  sent  out 
to  find  a  suitable  site  for  a  colony. 
Setting  out  on  April  17,  1837,  they 
crossed  Indiana  (via  Vincennes),  ex- 
plored a  large  part  of  Illinois,  and 
came  as  far  as  Chillicothe,  Mo.  Dis- 
gusted with  slavery  in  Missouri,  the 
party  returned  via  Quincy  and 
Jacksonville,  went  to  Vandalia,  then 
the  capital  of  Illinois,  examined  the 
books  of  the  Land  Office  and    chose 


the  spot  where  Teutopolis  now  stands. 
The  reason  for  this  choice  seems  to 
have  been  the  desire  to  get  a  suf- 
ficiently compact  stretch  of  land  and 
of  woodland,  because  they  were  under 
the  impression  that  the  prairie  land, 
then  very  swampy,  was  unhealthful 
and  unproductive — like  the  heath  of 
their  native  land  which  was  barren. 
They  then  returned  to  Cincinnati 
after  an  absence  of  fifteen  weeks  to 
report  to  the  Company.  They  were 
silent  about  the  site  of  the  location, 
lest  some  speculator  or  disloyal  per- 
son buy  the  land  in  question  and 
make  them  pay  a  higher  price.  A 
commission  was  now  appointed  to  ex- 
amine the  land.  Messrs.  Henry  Berg- 
feld, George  Meyer  and  Henry 
Roennebaum  were  selected  and  Mr. 
Clem  Uptmor  led  them  to  the  place 
now  called  Teutopolis  on  the  old  na- 
tional road.  After  examining  the 
plot  of  land,  they  purchased  at  Van- 
dalia about  ten  thousand  acres,  pay- 
ing $1.25  per  acre  except  eighty  acres 
for  which  they  had  to  pay  $5.00  each. 
The  land  belonged  largely  to  veterans 
of  the  Black  Hawk  War.' 

On  September  21,  1839,  the  new 
town  was  platted  by  John  Wasche- 
fort, and  recorded  on  November  27, 
1839,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  The  forty- 
eight  blocks  have  nine  lots  each  with 
a  frontage  of  fifty  feet  and  a  depth  of 


185 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


five  hundred  thirty-three  feet.  Lots 
were  set  aside  for  Church,  cemetery 
and  market  places.  The  eastern  part 
of  the  present  town  was  incorporated 
later  on.  The  plat  was  recorded  in 
Vandalia,  June  9,  1841. 

In  the  Fall  of  1839  the  lots,  etc., 
were  raffled  in  the  old  engine  house 
at  Cincinnati.  Mr.  J.  F.  Waschefort 
made  out  the  deeds.  The  new  town 
had  to  have  a  name.  Various  names 
were  suggested  but  finally  the  name 
of  Teutopolis  was  adopted  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  Most  Reverend  John  Bap- 
tist Purcell,  D.D.,  Archbishop  of  Cin- 
cinnati, since  "Germantown"  and 
"Hanover"  had  already  been  taken. 
Now  the  exodus  from  Ohio  to  Illinois 
began.  Among  the  first  members  of 
the  German  Land  Company  to  arrive 
at  Teutopolis  were :  Messrs.  Hy  Vor- 
mor  (the  only  one  who  possessed  a 
team  of  horses  and  a  wagon),  John 
Herman  Bergfeld,  John  Henry  Upt- 
mor  and  family  and  Mr.  Toebbe 
(Green  Creek).  Vormor  lived  for  a 
short  time  at  Gennivers  (where  is  now 
the  B.  Overbeck  farm  near  the  Salt 
Creek,  east  of  Effingham).  John  Hy 
Uptmor  was  the  first  one  to  own  a 
house  in  Teutopolis  and  thus  became 
the  first  citizen  of  the  town.  Mean- 
while his  brother,  Clement,  at  Cin- 
cinnati married  Mary  Elizabeth  Nie- 
haus  and  with  his  wife  together  with 
Clem  Vahling  and  wife,  and  with  his 
brother  Herman  Hy  Uptmor  and 
daughter  Mary  (Mrs.  Theodore 
Pruemmer)  came  to  Teutopolis 
December  21,  1839.  In  1839  or  1840 
came  II.  Brummer,  Joseph  Ostendorf, 
Franz  Moritz  Masquelet,  B.  H.  Vogt, 
Joseph  Woermann,  John  Steinkes, 
Jacob  Doedtmann ;  Mrs.  J.  F.  Wasche- 
fort (1840),  and  J.  G.  Korfhagen  in 
February,  1841. 

To  take  care  of  the  spiritual  wel- 
fare, provision  had  probably  been 
made  at  Cincinnati.  On  November 
26  we  find  Father  Masquelet  bap- 
tizing one  Elizabeth  Boeckmann,  born 
October  13,  1839.  This  must  have 
been  at  Ginncvers  (Bernard  Over- 
beck's    farm).     In    February,    1840, 


the  Reverend  Pastor,  with  five  or 
six  men,  went  into  the  forest  north 
of  town  to  fell  the  first  trees 
for  the  log  church.  The  first  one  to 
be  baptized  in  it  was  Henry  Uptmor, 
"The  Soldier." 

As  Father  Masquelet  insisted  on 
getting  a  subscription  for  his  salary 
before  he  would  hear  the  confessions 
of  the  people,  he  got  into  trouble  and 
began  to  build  a  second  church  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  west  of  the  village 
on  Mueller's  place  between  the  rail- 
road and  the  National  Road. 

Settlers  living  in  the  vicinity  before 
the  arrival    of    the    Germans    were 
Messrs.  Nick  Radley  ;Bresley  ;Leavet 
Genivers;  H.    Stallings,   a    Catholic 
and  Williams,    a    passionate    hunter. 
(Thus  old  settlers  informed    Father 
Eugene  in  1900.) 

In  April,  1840,  the  officers  of  the 
German  Land  Company  at  Teutopolis 
were:  Messrs.  Clem  Uptmor,  Joseph 
Brockmann,  and  J.  Herman  Bergfeld 
who  were  authorized  to  receive  new 
members.  On  June  1,  1840,  Teutopo- 
lis numbered  four  houses.  In  1842  a 
post  office  was  begun  and  Mr.  Clem- 
ent Uptmor,  Sr.,  appointed  the  post- 
master with  his  son  Clement  as  Dep- 
uty postmaster.  He  held  the  office 
twenty-seven  years.  His  successors 
were  Jos.  Habing,  April,  1869;  Chas. 
Eversman,  Mrs.  M.  Vonderheide, 
Daniel  Ordner,  Von  Oy,  Mr.  Nuxoll, 
John  Weiss  and  Mrs.  John  Weiss. 
The  first  saw  mill  was  built  by  Mr.  T. 
Pruemmer  and  Mr.  Franz  Schleper  at 
Salt  Creek.  In  1842  Uptmor  Broth- 
ers built  a  windmill  on  the  present 
College  grounds.  Later  on  in  1857, 
Mr.  J.  Waschefort  built  a  grist  and 
saw  mill  operated  by  steam.  In  1882, 
Uptmor  and  Siemer  built  a  steam 
roller  mill  with  a  daily  capacity  of 
three  hundred  barrels.  About  1845 
or  1846  Teutopolis  was  incorporated 
as  a  village.  It  then  numbered  eight 
citizens  and  all  except  one  were 
honored  with  an  office.  The  nearest 
markets  were  first  Terre  Haute,  and 
then  St.  Louis;  later  on  Vandalia 
was    added.      Fever    was    epidemic. 


186 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


The  earlier  doctors  were:  Brady 
Schinkel,  Lange,  Koch,  and  Evers- 
man.  Later  on  Drs.  J.  and  I.  Brum- 
leve,  Westhoelter,  F.  J.  Hoffman  and 
Weisenhorn.  Dr.  F.  Eversman  came 
from  Cincinnati  in  1852. 

Nor  was  education  overlooked.  In 
1840  a  log  school  house  was  put  up 
and  Mr.  J.  H.  Raben  was  the  first 
teacher.  About  six  to  seven  attend- 
ed the  first  school.  On  February  9, 
1848,  a  severe  storm  uncovered  all 
roofs  in  town  except  two.  The  church 
was  uncovered  exposing  the  altar,  but 
the  crucifix  on  the  altar  remained  un- 
damaged. 

The  following  boys  of  Teutopolis 
took  part  in  the  Civil  War:  H.  Upt- 
mor,  Jos.  Bussman,  John  Eversman, 


Geo.  Weiss,  and  John  Zerrusen.  The 
last  two  were  killed  in  battle.  Dr.  Hy 
Eversman  was  a  surgeon  with  an  of- 
ficer's rank. 

In  1868  the  Teutopolis  Mutual  Fire 
Insurance  Company  was  founded.  On 
April  6  of  the  same  year,  the  citizens 
voted  to  take  Railroad  Stock  to  the 
amount  of  $15,000.00  in  the  Vandalia 
&  Terre  Haute  railroad.  On  Novem- 
ber 1,  1869,  a  freight  train  brought 
the  first  freight  to  Teutopolis.  Mr.  J. 
F.  Waschefort  passed  away  on  Janu- 
ary 18,  1879.  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor, 
IV,  (teacher  and  merchant)  followed 
him  on  the  following  day;  Clement 
Uptmor  I  went  to  his  reward  in  Aug- 
ust, 1893.  His  brother,  Henry,  had 
preceded  him  on  June  5,  1884. 


St.  Peter's  Church,  Teutopolis,  Illinois,  1840-1858 


Pastor:  Rev.  Joseph  Masquelet, 
(November,  1839-43).  According  to 
Clem  Uptmor  II,  his  father,  Clement 
Uptmor  I,  Messrs.  Waschefort  and 
Bergfeld  obtained  the  consent  of 
Father  Masquelet  while  they  were  yet 
in  Cincinnati  to  be  their  pastor  in 
the  new  colony.  According  to  Mr.  C. 
Nacke,  a  brother-in-law  of  Father 
Masquelet,  the  priest  lived  with  his 
parents  near  Greenup  for  two  years 
and  from  there  alternately  attended 
Piquet's  Settlement  (St.  Marie)  and 
Teutopolis.  He  now  moved  with  his 
parents  to  Teutopolis.  At  first  he 
seems  to  have  boarded  at  Ginnevers, 
(Judge  Barney  Overbeck's  Farm) 
where  Father  Masquelet  also  bap- 
tized several  children. 

In  February,  1840,  he  began  to  cut 
trees  for  the  log  church,  the  exact 
dimensions  of  which  are  unknown, 
probably  being  32x38  feet.  The  log 
church  was  surmounted  by  a  low 
steeple  in  which  hung  a  bell,  shipped 
from  Cincinnati  and  said  to  have 
weighed  seven  hundred  pounds.  When 
Father  Masquelet  got  into  trouble 
about  his  salary,  the  people  com- 
plained to  the  Right  Reverend  Celes- 
tine  De  La  St.  Hailandiere,  then 
bishop  of  the  diocese,  that  the  Pastor 
did  not  know  Low  German  which    a 


pastor  at  Teutopolis  needed  because 
the  old  people  understood  High  Ger- 
man but  imperfectly,  and  the  priest 
must  needs  explain  some  things  to 
their  children  in  Low  German.  Father 
Masquelet  now  built  a  church  one  and 
one-half  miles  west  of  Teutopolis  and 
started  a  cemetery  there.  Charles 
Eversman  hints  that  perhaps  he 
would  eventually  have  started  a  town 
there ;  but  this  is  uncertain.  Father 
Joseph  Masquelet  labored  later  on  in 
New  Orleans,  Louisiana,  and  even- 
tually returned  to  France  (Alsace). 
He  came  back  again  to  visit  Teutopo- 
lis first  in  1855  and  again  in  the 
seventies  (from  France)  and  gave  a 
sum  of  money  and  a  number  of  vest- 
ments to  the  Teutopolis  church.  Soon 
after  his  return  to  his  native  country 
he  passed  away. 

While  Teutopolis  was  without  a 
resident  pastor,  a  number  of  priests 
came  occasionally  from  the  Diocese  of 
Vincennes  to  administer  to  the  most 
pressing  spiritual  needs  of  the  settle- 
ment. They  were :  Fathers  Charles 
Joseph  Oppermann,  rector  of  the 
Priests'  Seminary  at  Vincennes,  In- 
diana; T.  N.  Mullen,  O.S.A.,  of  New- 
ton, who  did  not  understand  the 
language  of  the  Germans;  Roman 
Weinzoepflen,  O.S.B.,  then  a    young 


187 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


and  zealous  secular  priest  who  had 
become  famous  because  he  became  the 
innocent  victim  of  blackmail  and 
owing  to  bigotry  was  detained  sev- 
eral years  in  the  penitentiary  of  In- 
diana until  the  wife  of  President 
James  K.  Polk,  U.  S.  A.,  induced  the 
governor  to  pardon  the  innocent 
priest.  Mrs.  Schmahl  afterwards  con- 
fessed to  the  fraud  perpetrated  by 
her,  the  purpose  of  which  was  to  ex- 
tort money.  In  1890  Father  Roman, 
O.S.B.,  celebrated  his  Golden  Jubilee 
as  a  priest.  His  end  came  in  1895. 
The  Eudist  Father,  J.  Vabret,  bap- 
tized several  children  in  1844.  Final- 
ly, Teutopolis  received  a  resident  rec- 
tor in  the  person  of  Rev.  Joseph 
Kuenster,  (November  20,  1845,  to 
July,  1850).  He  signs  himself  "The 
First  Resident  Pastor."  After  leav- 
ing Teutopolis,  he  labored  zealously 
at  Quincy,  Illinois,  where  he  died  in 
1857.  As  Teutopolis  was  again  with- 
out a  resident  Pastor,  the  Reverend 
Francis  J.  Fischer  came  over  from 
time  to  time  from  Ste.  Marie,  Illinois, 
to  administer  the  Sacraments  to  the 
Teutopolitans  and  neighboring  Cath- 
olics of  Effingham,  Green  Creek,  etc., 
at  Teutopolis. 

In  November,  1850,  to  June,  1854, 
we  find  another  priest  residing  at 
Teutopolis — the  Reverend  Joseph 
Zoegel.  As  the  old  log  church  had 
proved  to  be  inadequate  long  before, 
Father  Zoegel  carried  out  what  his 
predecessor  had  been  unable  to  ac- 
complish, the  building  of  a  new  and 
more  substantial  brick  church.  Great 
was  the  difference  of  views  over  the 
site;  a  majority  was  for  the  old  site 
about  two  blocks  west  of  the  present 
mill,  but  a  low  and  swampy  place ; 
the  determined  minority  who  are  said 
to  have  used  unfair  means  to  get  the 
church  for  the  eastern  part  of  town, 
succeeded.  Four  trips  on  foot  to 
Vincennes  by  the  majority  leader 
proved  unavailing  as  the  old  place 
was  too  low  and  swampy.  The  new 
Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  Oliver 
Vandevelde,  of  Chicago,  was  in  favor 
of  the  new  place  and  the  matter  hav- 


ing been  decided  by  him,  the  day  was 
set  for  the  laying  of  the  Corner-stone, 
July  20,  1851.  It  was  a  splendid  cele- 
bration. Father  Zoegel  sang  the  High 
Mass  while  his  Lordship  delivered  the 
English  sermon  and  Father  Bus- 
chotts  preached  in  German.  About 
one  hundred  persons  partook  of  the 
banquet  served.  In  the  evening  there 
was  a  torch-light  procession.  All 
seemed  happy.  Mr.  Caspar  Nolte  of 
St.  Louis  was  the  contractor  for  the 
new  church.  The  edifice  as  planned, 
perhaps  the  finest  in  Southern  Illi- 
nois, was  110x60  feet,  the  walls  30 
feet  and  the  steeple  to  be  180  feet 
high.  The  stone  work  was  done  in 
1851.  On  March  27,  1853,  Divine 
Service  was  held  for  the  first  time  in 
the  still  unfinished  church.  A  num- 
ber of  parishioners,  disgruntled  by 
the  site  on  which  the  church  was  built, 
refused  to  do  their  share.  Bitter  dis- 
sensions for  many  years  delayed  the 
progress  of  the  Parish.  At  least  twice 
the  church  was  on  the  verge  of  being 
sold  for  debt.  Some  church  land  was 
sold  to  defray  expenses,  and,  as  Mr. 
Huels  had  suggested  a  Mission  was 
given  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers  Weber 
and  Patschowski,  which  helped  to  es- 
tablish harmony.  Father  Weber  re- 
mained a  few  weeks  before  returning 
to  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

Reverend  Charles  Raphael  was  the 
next  resident  Pastor.  During  his  ad- 
ministration (July,  1854,  to  Novem- 
ber, 1856)  he  organized  St.  Mary's 
Society  for  Married  Ladies.  He  also 
said  Mass  occasionally  at  Bishop 
Creek  School.  Father  Raphael  died 
as  Chaplain  of  the  Convent  of  the 
Good  Shepherd  at  Milwaukee,  Wis- 
consin. 

After  the  rather  short  pastorate  of 
Reverend  H.  Liermann  (November, 
1856,  to  January,  1857)  the  Reverend 
Charles  Zucker  succeeded  him.  After 
three  weeks  he  shook  the  dust  of  the 
town  from  his  feet  to  seek  a  more  con- 
genial place  of  activity.  Reverend  T. 
Frauenhofer,  who  had  been  appointed 
the  first  resident  Pastor  of  the  neigh- 
boring Green  Creek  Parish,  took  pity 


188 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


on  bereft  Teutopolis  and  served  dur- 
ing the  interregnum. 

The  next  resident  priest  was  Rev- 
erend Joseph  H.  Fortmann  mention- 
ed in  the  records  (August,  1857,  to 
January,  1858).  He  took  up  a  sub- 
scription for  the  erection  of  a  rec- 
tory. For  a  time,  the  Pastor  had 
lived  in  a  house  belonging  to  Mr.  J. 
F.  Waschefort.  The  subscription 
amounted  to  $723.64.  Soon  after  the 
Pastor  had  left  for  Peoria,  he  passed 
to  his  eternal  reward  on  March  9, 
1858. 


Reverend  Thomas  Frauenhofer  of 
Green  Creek,  Illinois,  once  more  ad- 
ministered St.  Peter's  Parish  until 
the  Reverend  Bartholomew  Bartels, 
recently  from  Germany,  was  appoint- 
ed to  fill  the  vacancy  at  Teutopolis. 
As  a  rectory  was  a  real  necessity, 
he  took  up  another  subscription  and 
began  work  on  it,  when  the  Bishop 
assigned  the  Franciscan  Friars  of  the 
Saxon  Province  of  the  Holy  Cross  to 
this  Parish. 


St.  Peter's  Congregation  Administered  by  the 

Franciscan  Friars 


The  Friars  arrived  on  September 
23  and  26  respectively,  and  were  hos- 
pitably received  by  the  Pastor.  They 
took  formal  charge  of  the  Parish  on 
October  3,  1858.  Father  Servatius 
Altmicks  first  gave  a  number  of  Mis- 
sions in  Southern  Illinois,  while  the 
Superior,  Father  Damian,  adminis- 
tered the  Parish.  At  the  end  of  De- 
cember, the  Friars  had  moved  into 
the  rectory  which  served  as  the  first 
monastery.  Father  Capistran  now 
succeeded  Dr.  Frauenhofer  at  Green 
Creek  while  Father  Servatius  took 
Father  Fraunhofer's  place  at  Effing- 
ham. When  Father  Damian  Henne- 
wig  arrived,  the  Teutopolis  church 
was  little  more  than  four  bare  walls. 
The  steeple  had  not  been  built  and 
the  interior  was  just  then  being  plas- 
tered. The  altar  was  a  temporary 
one,  the  boards  being  covered  with 
cloth.  A  new  large  bell  in  honor  of 
St.  Peter  was  installed  on  September 
22,  1860.  On  September  23,  the 
church  was  consecrated  in  honor  of 
St.  Francis  of  Assissi  with  St.  Peter 
as  second  patron.  The  heads  of  the 
families  had  pledged  themselves  to 
pay  all  debts.  On  July  28,  1867,  two 
more  bells  were  blessed  in  honor  of 
St.  Mary  Immaculate  and  of  St. 
Rose  of  Lima.  Father  Damian,  in 
seeking  to  beautify  the  House  of  God, 
did  not  neglect  the  spiritual  welfare 
of  the  Parish  entrusted  to  his  care. 
This  needed  even    greater    attention 


than  the  material  and  financial  part. 
Owing  to  bitter  dissensions  and  fre- 
quent change  of  Pastors  or  the  ab- 
sence of  them,  the  spiritual  condition 
of  the  people  was  far  from  satisfac- 
tory. In  a  letter  dated  May  9,  1859, 
Father  Damian  writes  to  the  Very 
Reverend  Provincial  in  Germany : 
"Before  the  Mission,  the  Parish 
seemed  to  be  a  barren  field.  Hardly 
any  one  showed  a  desire  for  the 
(frequent)  reception  of  the  Sacra- 
ments. Only  to  those  in  danger  of 
death  we  were  frequently  called;  for 
just  then  many  were  sick  and  not  a 
few  died.  But  after  the  mission,  new 
life  became  apparent.  The  faithful 
learned  to  know  us  and  we  to  know 
them.  They  are  really  an  impression- 
able people,  susceptible  of  good."  The 
zealous  shepherd  next  introduced  the 
scapular  and  the  Stations  of  the 
Cross.  The  Devotion  of  the  Forty 
Hours  was  introduced  with  episcopal 
approbation  during  the  carnival  days 
of  1859  and  has  been  kept  up  since. 
Father  Damian  was  also  very  anxious 
about  good  teachers  and  the  higher 
education  of  the  young  people.  He 
tried  to  get  religious  teachers  from 
Europe,  Brothers  of  III  Order.  The 
Notre  Dame  Sisters  came  to  Teutopo- 
lis at  his  invitation,  December  7,  1861. 
Father  Damian  also  built  St.  Joseph 's 
College  at  the  request  of  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop.  The  Confraternity 
of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  for  the 


189 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


conversion  of  sinners  was  also  intro- 
duced by  the  saintly  Father  Damian. 
After  his  term  of  three  years  as  Su- 
perior, Father  Damian  was  succeeded 
by  the  Reverend  Mathias  Hiltermann 
as  Pastor  and  by  Father  Kilian  as 
Superior  while  he  took  charge  of  the 
Green  Creek  congregation.  Father 
Mathias,  full  of  priestly  zeal,  labored 
indefatigably  like  his  predecessor.  He 
organized  St.  Joseph's  Reading  Club 
and  Singing  Society  until  some  mis- 
understandings with  the  Bishop  in- 
duced his  transfer  to  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri. 

Reverend  Damian  Hennewig  was 
once  more  placed  in  charge  of  St. 
Francis  Parish.  For  a  lot  adjoining 
the  church  $395.00  was  paid  on  Aug- 
ust 14,  1865.  Mr.  W.  Stilleke  was 
teacher  and  organist,  May  1864-68.  A 
new  communion  rail  was  installed. 
(Paid  to  Clem  A.  Riemann  $25.60  for 
128  staves  for  Communion  Rail).  On 
November  20,  $100.00  was  paid  out 
for  decorating  the  church.  He  planned 
the  erection  of  a  new  school  building 
but  death  prevented  him  from  carry- 
ing out  his  plans.  During  his  dying 
hours,  he  appointed  Mr.  Clement  Upt- 
mor  I  as  one  of  the  Building  Commit- 
tee and  requested  through  Father 
Mathias  a  donation  of  $50.00  for  "A 
Good  Cause"  (probably  for  the 
school).  As  Father  Damian  suffered 
with  consumption,  he  was  often  rep- 
resented by  Father  Kilian  or  Father 
Eugene  or  Father  Francis  Moenning. 
The  first  Superior  was  also  the  first 
of  the  Fathers  to  pass  away  and  the 
first  to  be  buried  in  the  newly  con- 
structed vault  or  mortuary  chapel  in 
the  monastery  garden.  The  Right 
Reverend  Ordinary,  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
came  to  preside  at  the  obsequies  and 
deliver  the  funeral  oration. 

Reverend  Mathias  Hiltermann,  O. 
F.M.,  was  now  recalled  from  St. 
Louis  and  took  charge  in  December, 
1865.  Father  Mathias  erected  the 
Girls'  School  and  Academy.  The  Cor- 
ner-stone was  laid  on  May  21,  1866. 
At  the  Solemn  Dedication  on  August 
15,  1867,  the  Commissary  Provincial, 


Killian  Schloesser,  O.F.M.,  officiated 
and  Reverend  P.  Servatius  Altmicks 
came  expressly  from  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, to  give  the  festive  sermon  for 
the  occasion.  The  sisters  moved  into 
the  new  building  on  August  24.  On 
May  1,  1868,  the  chapel  in  the  con- 
vent, dedicated  to  the  Sacred  Heart 
of  Mary,  was  blessed  by  Father  Kil- 
lian who  also  read  the  first  Mass  in  it 
on  the  same  day  and  donated  some 
of  the  most  necessary  equipment. 
Probably  prior  to  November,  1867, 
the  present  organ  was  installed  by 
Mr.  Cratian  of  Alton,  Illinois.  To  this 
event  clings  the  famous  romantic 
story  of  the  "Dutchtown  War."  It  is 
hard  to  find  reliable  data  of  this  curi- 
ous episode  and  we  can  not  vouch  for 
all  details  of  the  humorous  account 
in  "The  History  of  Effingham 
County."  It  seems,  however,  that 
some  Yankees  from  the  woods  south- 
west of  Teutopolis  had  observed  at 
Effingham  the  unloading  of  the  boxes 
containing  the  organ  pipes  and  as 
they  looked  similar  to  the  boxes  in 
which  Uncle  Sam  shipped  guns  and 
ammunition,  the  suspicion  arose  that 
the  Dutch  were  importing  arms  to 
use  against  the  Americans.  Some  Low 
German  wag  may  have  encouraged 
the  hoax  and  the  alarm  caused,  al- 
most led  to  serious  trouble.  When, 
however,  scouts  examined  the  monas- 
tery and  the  church  and  found  the 
mysterious  cases  to  contain  only  or- 
gan pipes,  the  war  was  at  an  end 
"And  Johmry  Came  Marching 
Home"  waving  the  olive  branch  of 
peace.  This  seems  to  be  the  gist  of 
the  famous  "Dutchtown  War." 
Father  Mathias  also  put  up  the 
steeple.  The  Society  of  Men  paid 
for  it. 

In  the  summer  of  1873  Father 
Mathias  was  succeeded  as  Pastor  of 
St.  Francis  by  the  Reverend 
Gerard  Becher,  O.F.M.  He  enlarged 
the  cemetery  and  had  a  walk  built 
thither.  At  his  invitation,  the  Rever- 
end Franciscan  Fathers  Vincent 
Halbfas,  Pancratius  Schulte,  and 
Matermus  Mallmann  preached  a  suc- 
cessful mission. 


190 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


In  December,  1876,  Father  Gerard 
was  assigned  to  St.  John  Church, 
Joliet,  as  Pastor  and  as  the  first  Su- 
perior of  the  new  residence  there.  His 
place  at  Teutopolis  was  now  filled  by 
the  Reverend  Master  of  Novices,  Da- 
mascus Ruesing,  O.F.M.,  (December, 
1876).  He  procured  the  new  Sta- 
tions of  the  Cross,  the  Christmas  Crib 
(except  the  Three  Kings)  and  began 
to  erect  the  Boys'  School  east  of  the 
church.  When  he  was  appointed  one 
of  the  first  Definitors  of  the  Province 
of  the  Sacred  Heart,  the  Reverend 
Dominic  Florian,  O.F.M.,  heretofore 
rector  of  St.  Michael  Parish  at  Sigel, 
was  made  Pastor  at  Teutopolis.  He 
changed  St.  Mary's  Society  of  the 
Ladies  into  a  Christian  Mother  So- 
ciety and  St.  Rose  Young  Ladies' 
Society  into  a  Marian  Sodality.  He 
also  finished  the  School  and  Hall  be- 
gun by  his  predecessors. 

Reverend  Paul  Teroerde,  O.F.M., 
was  the  next  Pastor  of  Teutopolis, 
(July,  1879).  He  renewed  the  roof  of 
the  church,  installed  new  windows, 
renewed  the  steeple  in  1886,  invited 
the  Capuchin  Fathers  Capistran,  Ig- 
natius and  Damian  to  give  a  Mission ; 
enlarged  the  cemetery,  bought  a  fine 
set  of  vestments  for  $500.00,  ordered 
the  statues  of  St.  Louis  and  of  the 
Guardian  Angel,  added  steps  to  the 
Boys'  School,  enlarged  the  organ  gal- 
lery and  in  1886  installed  a  new 
tower-clock  which  came  from  Mr. 
Pollhans  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and 
cost  $750.00.  The  St.  Joseph's  Men 
Society,  St.  Peter's  Men  Society,  the 
Christian  Mothers,  the  Young  Men's 
Sodality  and  the  Young  Ladies'  So- 
dality paid  for  this  in  part.  Mr.  J. 
Funnemann  donated  $100.00. 

When  the  six  years  as  guardian 
were  up,  Father  Seraphin  Lampe, 
O.F.M.,  was  given  charge  at  Teutopo- 
lis congregation  and  monastery.  He 
had  the  organ  built  at  an  expenditure 
of  $1,020.00,  and  shade  trees  planted 
around  the  church,  school  yards,  and 
in  the  cemetery.  After  a  year  and 
one-half,  his  predecessor  became  his 
successor  (January,  1888). 


Father  Paul  Teroerde  completed 
the  crib  by  adding  the  figures  of  the 
Three  Kings — the  whole  crib  costing 
about  $400.00;  it  was  paid  by  the 
Christian  Mothers.  Father  Paul  put 
steam  heat  in  the  church  in  1889;  he 
also  put  up  the  Sacred  Heart  Altar 
and  regulated  the  salary  question. 
Heretofore,  the  Fathers  accepted  no 
cash  salary,  but  took  up  two  collec- 
tions ("Termine")  per  year — one  in 
the  Spring,  another  in  the  Fall. 
Various  victuals:  meat,  eggs,  wheat, 
potatoes,  etc.,  were  collected.  Father 
Paul  was  ably  assisted  by  the  Rever- 
end P.  Damasus,  Francis  Haase, 
Francis  Albers,  Eustace  Bruegge- 
mann,  Anselm  Puetz,  and  Cletus 
Gierschewski.  In  1882,  the  seventh 
centenary  of  the  Birth  of  St.  Francis 
was  solemnly  commemorated.  Dur- 
ing Father  Paul's  second  term,  the 
dreaded  influenza  snatched  a  number 
of  victims.  Father  Paul  himself  was 
very  sick,  but  recovered. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  second 
term,  Father  Paul  was  called  to  be 
Pastor  and  Superior  at  the  new  Fran- 
ciscan residence  at  Washington,  Mis- 
souri, entrusted  to  the  Franciscans  by 
Most  Rev.  Archbishop  J.  J.  Kain, 
of  St.  Louis,  at  the  request  of  the 
Jesuits  who  had  long  been  in  charge. 
At  Teutopolis  he  was  followed  as  Pas- 
tor and  Superior  by  the  kind  P.  Poly- 
carp  Rhode,  O.F.M.  (August,  1894). 
Father  Polycarp  had  been  a  teacher 
in  Germany  and  sought  to  win  the 
young  people.  He  won  the  hearts  of 
all  by  his  amiability.  Father  Poly- 
carp installed  the  new  Communion 
railing  and  the  new  pulpit.  When  he 
was  called  to  St.  John's  at  Joliet, 
the  people  at  once  made  up  a  purse 
to  be  used  at  his  pleasure.  With  the 
permission  of  the  donors  he  used  the 
money  to  pay  for  a  window  in  the 
poor  church  of  his  native  city. 

The  new  pastor  was  the  Reverend 
Casimir  Hueppe,  O.F.M.  (January, 
1899).  He  was  to  do  great  things  at 
Teutopolis  and  his  pastorate  is  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  of  all  in  the  an- 
nals of  the  "Duetske   Staadt."     In 


191 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


fact  Father  Casimir  was  a  typical 
Low  German  and  it  took  a  man  of 
stubborn  determination  to  accomplish 
what  he  achieved.  He  repaired  the 
school  and  hall  and  in  1900  erected 
the  beautiful  crucifixion  group  in  the 
Cemetery.  This  cross  cost  about  $300 
and  is  a  gift  of  St.  Peter's  Men  and 
St.  John's  Young  Men  Societies. 
Father  Casimir  also  organized  the  St. 
Aloysius  Sodality  for  boys  and  the  St. 
Agnes  Sodality  for  girls  and  the  Holy 
Family  Society  so  strongly  recom- 
mended by  the  Pope.  He,  moreover, 
induced  the  Men's  and  Young  Men's 
Societies  to  affiliate  with  the" Kathol- 
ische  Vereinsbund  von  Illinois."  As 
the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  laying 
of  the  Corner-stone  of  the  present 
church  drew  near,  Father  Casimir  be- 
gan to  plan  what  his  predecessors  bad 
often  wished,  viz.,  to  transform  the 
plain  unattractive  church  with  its 
flat  ceiling  into  a  more  artistic  House 
of  God.  He  at  first  met  with  great 
opposition ;  but  finally  he  prevailed, 
and  he  so  thoroughly  remodeled  the 
edifice  that  little  remained  of  the 
original  temple  but  the  walls.  The 
steeple,  already  showing  signs  of  de- 
cay, was  taken  down  and  rebuilt  to  a 
height  of  173  feet.  The  walls  were 
raised  and  three  naves  of  Gothic  de- 
sign replaced  the  flat  ceiling.  The 
Friars  erected  their  choir  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Sanctuary  in  order  to  have 
a  view  of  the  altar  during  Divine 
Service.  This  enabled  the  Pastor  to 
move  the  Communion  railing  and  the 
new  High  Altar  farther  to  the  south. 
This  beautiful  altar  is  from  the  studio 
of  Mr.  Hy.  Dreisoerner,  then  at 
Quincy,  and  cost  $1,000.00.  It  is  a 
gift  of  the  John  Funnemann  family. 
When  the  interior  remodeling  was 
done,  the  church  was  tastefully  deco- 
rated by  Mr.  William  Kloer,  a  St. 
Louis  artist,  while  Mr.  Scheidgen  of 
Chicago,  furnished  the  paintings,  the 
granting  of  the  Portiuncula  Indul- 
gence (over  the  triumphal  arch)  ac- 
cording to  Fred  Overbeck  and  the 
paintings  of  St.  Bernadine  of  Sienna 
and  of  St.  John  Capistran.    The  four 


evangelists  painted  on  copper  plates 
are  a  fine  ornament  on  the  front  of 
the  High  altar.  The  old  Romanesque 
altars  purchased  by  Reverend  P. 
Damian  were  sold  to  Reverend  Wil- 
liam Healy  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Effingham.  For  the  present, 
temporary  side  altars  were  installed. 
As  these  many  changes  took  more 
time  than  at  first  anticipated,  the 
Jubilee  celebration  had  to  be  post- 
poned until  January,  1902.  As  a  re- 
mote preparation,  a  Mission  had  been 
preached  by  Reverend  Francis  Al- 
ters, O.F.M.,  and  Rev.  Francis  Haase, 
O.F.M.  Meanwhile  a  Golden  Jubilee 
Souvenir  was  edited  entitled  "Bei- 
traege  zur  Geschichte  von  Teutopolis 
und  Umgegend  unter  besonderer 
Beruechsichtigung  des  Wirkens  der 
dortigen  Franziskaner."  The  material 
was  gathered  by  Reverend  Eugene 
Hagedorn,  O.F.M. ;  it  was  edited  by 
other  hands. 

The  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  Laying 
of  the  Corner-stone  of  St.  Francis 
Church,  1851— January  6,  7,  8,  9, 
1902. 

A  three  days'  mission  preceded  the 
grand  Jubilee  as  a  fitting  preparation. 
On  Monday,  January  6,  1902,  took 
place  the  consecration  of  the  new 
High  Altar  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  John  Janssen,  D.D.,  of  Belle- 
ville, Illinois.  A  solemn  High  Mass 
followed  closing  with  Sacramental 
Benediction  and  Te  Deum.  In  tbe 
evening,  the  college  boys,  under  the 
able  direction  of  Rev.  Valerius  Nelles, 
O.F.M.,  rendered  an  excellent  musi- 
cal program  in  honor  of  the  guests. 
On  Tuesday,  January  7,  cannons  an- 
nounced the  break  of  the  great  day. 
At  9  :00  o'clock  the  brass  band  of  Ef- 
fingham arrived  and  formed  a  pro- 
cession to  the  college,  to  escort  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan,  D.D., 
to  the  church.  Here  Pontifical  High 
Mass  was  celebrated;  the  Jubilee  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  the  Very  Rev- 
erend Hugolinus  Storff,  O.F.M.,  Pro- 
vincial. The  banquet  was  served  in 
the  College  Gymnasium  by  the  ladies 
of  the  Parish.     This  over,  the  poems 


192 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


on  "Teutopolis"  composed  by  the 
Reverend  Francis  Albers  for  the  oc- 
casion were  sung  again  and  again. 
Next  was  the  Fair  with  its  comic 
scenes.  At  5  o'clock  supper  was 
served ;  at  6  :30  the  children  rendered 
a  fine  program  in  the  school  hall, 
after  which  the  Fair  continued.  On 
Thursday,  January  9,  the  Fair  was 
kept  up  partly  inside,  partly  outside 
in  a  tent,  in  front  of  the  school.  Sup- 
per was  served  again ;  at  6  :45  a  large 
concourse  of  people — from  600  to  700 
— marched  in  the  torchlight  proces- 
sion through  the  main  streets  past  the 
college  and  Sisters'  School;  in  front 
of  the  church  a  halt  was  called  and, 
after  giving  three  cheers  for  Father 
Casimir  and  Teutopolis  and  singing 
"Grosser  Gott,"  the  people  dis- 
banded. 

In  the  Fall  of  1902,  the  church  was 
furnished  with  new  pews  and  with  a 
new  floor.  The  following  year  many 
contracted  small-pox  from  a  person  at 
a  dance,  and  business  houses  and  even 
the  church  were  closed  for  a  time. 
Two  children  died;  one  adult  only 
had  to  be  anointed,  but  recovered.  In 
the  Fall  of  1903,  Father  Casimir, 
with  the  approval  of  the  Bishop 
changed  the  highest  class  of  boys  and 
girls  into  a  parochial  school.  Mr. 
Louis  Rieg,  who  had  served  the  Teu- 


topolis Boys'  School  so  long  and  well, 
was  replaced  by  Sisters  de  Notre 
Dame.  The  school  directors  were 
henceforth  to  pay  the  Sisters  $650.00 
to  which  the  Parish  added  $150.00. 
Besides,  it  was  agreed  to  furnish  the 
Sisters  with  fuel.  The  position  of  or- 
ganist was  filled  by  Miss  Carrie 
Young. 

The  year  1904  brought  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  the  declaration  of  the 
dogma  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 
Besides  a  high  Mass  every  month,  a 
triduum  preceded  the  Feast  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception.  Almost  the 
whole  Parish  received  the  Sacraments 
and  tried  to  gain  the  Jubilee  indul- 
gence. On  December  8,  the  celebra- 
tion reached  its  climax.  Reverend 
Roger  Middendorf  preached  the  fes- 
tive sermon.  In  the  afternoon  there 
was  a  procession  with  the  statue  of 
Mary  Immaculate  carried  by  the 
young  ladies,  dressed  in  white.  St. 
Agnes  Sodality  and  the  Franciscan 
Community  took  part  in  the  service. 
The  church  was  decked  in  festive  ar- 
ray, with  wreaths  and  inscriptions  on 
the  pillars.  Among  the  Jubilee  gifts 
was  a  beautiful  new  cruciform  Mon- 
strance imported  from  Kevelaar. 
Alas,  it  was  received  a  few  days  after 
the  festival  celebration. 


The  Golden  Jubilee  op  the  Advent  op  the  Friars  Minor  at 
Teutopolis — September,  1858 — October,  1908 


The  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  arrival 
of  the  Franciscan  Fathers  was  an- 
other occasion  of  great  rejoicing  in 
Teutopolis.  It  was  united  with  the 
celebration  of  Pope  Pius  X's  Golden 
Sacerdotal  Jubilee  and  with  the  meet- 
ing of  the  Effingham  County  Dis- 
tricktsverband.  This  time  the  Parish 
could  celebrate  in  its  own  hall  for 
Father  Casimir  had  purchased  the 
necessary  land  from  Mrs.  Hackman 
and  had  erected  "Society  Hall"  1907. 
It  was  dedicated  on  June  28,  1908. 
At  the  time  there  was  much  oppos- 
ition, and  the  Pastor,  in  fact,  built 
against  the  will  of  the  majority.  The 
vision  of  Father  Casimir  in  provid- 


ing the  Parish  with  such  a  spacious 
hall  can  only  be  properly  understood 
now  after  the  lapse  of  years.  The  ex- 
cellent Jubilee  program  was  opened 
with  Pontifical  High  Mass  on  Sun- 
day, October  4.  Right  Reverend  John 
Janssen,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Belleville, 
was  the  celebrant.  A  powerful  ser- 
mon was  delivered  by  the  Very  Rev. 
Michael  Richardt,  O.F.M.,  a  most 
popular  preacher.  Dinner  over,  the 
Delegates  of  the  District's  Verband 
held  their  meeting.  After  a  short  de- 
votion, the  parade  of  the  delegates 
and  societies  from  the  neighboring 
Parishes  took  place.  The  streets  were 
appropriately  decorated    with    bunt- 


193 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


ing,  streamers  and  inscriptions.  At 
the  hall,  Mr.  Brumleve  gave  the  ad- 
dress of  welcome.  Very  Reverend 
Provincial  Cyprian  Banscheid  deliv- 
ered the  address  on  the  Pope's  Sacer- 
dotal Jubilee  and  Mr.  F.  P.  Kenkel 
spoke  on  St.  Francis  and  the  Social 
Question.  Reverend  John  Pennartz 
of  Sigel  closed  the  meeting  with  an 
address  on  the  "Purpose  of  the  Dis- 
tricksverband. "  At  7  -.00  o  'clock  in 
the  evening,  the  school  children,  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  Sisters,  gave 
a  delightful  entertainment  to  a 
crowded  house.  It  is  claimed  that  on 
this  occasian  there  were  five  thousand 
persons  in  Teutopolis.  Besides  the 
regular  trains  which  were  crowded,  a 
special  train  from  Newton  and  Die- 
terich  brought  a  large  delegation.  On 
Monday,  Solemn  High  Mass  was  sung 
at  9  :30.  Father  Francis  Albers,  0.  F. 
M.,  delivered  an  excellent  sermon  on 
the  Religious  State.  At  2:00  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  a  meeting  was 
held  during  which  Father  Hoff- 
mann and  Mr.  Nosbisch  gave  re- 
ports on  conventions  attended.  At 
7:30  P.M.  St.  Rose's  Sodality  pre- 
sented a  fine  drama  entitled  "The 
School  of  Sorrow."  On  Tuesday 
afternoon  the  children  gave  an  en- 
tertainment to  a  crowded  hall. 
At  6:30  P.M.  a  Chinese  Torchlight 
procession  took  place  through  the 
brilliantly  illumined  streets.  Then 
followed  a  reception  given  to  the 
Franciscan  Fathers.  A  number  of 
addresses  gave  evidence  of  the  love 
and  esteem  in  which  the  Fathers  are 
held.  Finally,  Father  Casimir 
thanked  all  who  had  aided  in  making 
the  celebration  such  a  success.  Father 
Michael  closed  the  evening's  program 
in  his  popular  vein.  The  next  day  a 
Requiem  Mass  was  chanted  for  the 
souls  of  the  departed  Friars. 

On  Thanksgiving  Day,  November 
30,  1911,  was  celebrated  the  Fiftieth 
Anniversary  of  the  arrival  of  the 
Notre  Dame  Sisters  to  this  town.  The 
exact  date  is  December  7,  1911.  As 
the  Sisters  have  deserved  very  well  of 
the  Catholic  youth  of  the  parish, 
there  took  place  a  plain  but  heartfelt 


celebration.  Very  Reverend  Pro- 
vincial, Benedict  Schmidt,  O.PM., 
was  celebrant  at  the  Solemn  High 
Mass  and  Reverend  Rector  Hugolinus 
Storff,  O.F.M.,  of  St.  Joseph  College, 
preached  the  sermon  for  the  occasion. 
Afterwards  the  ladies  served  a  dinner 
for  the  Sisters. 

In  1909  a  concrete  block  wall  was 
put  up  on  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
church  block  at  a  cost  of  $525.00.  Mr. 
Frank  Schultz  furnished  the  blocks. 
After  so  many  and  great  achieve- 
ments of  Father  Casimir,  we  need  not 
wonder  that  he  was  given  a  notable 
farewell  reception,  when  the  chapter 
of  1912  transferred  him  to  St.  Ber- 
nard, Nebraska.  He  left  in  July. 
Father  Theodosius  Plassmeyer,  O.  F. 
M.,  who  had  been  professor  and  sub- 
rector  at  St.  Joseph  College  for  many 
years  was  assigned  to  the  congrega- 
tion of  St.  Francis.  He  soon  in- 
stalled a  new  gas  light  system  at  a 
cost  of  $800.00.  Mr.  Ben  Weber  and 
Brother  Ewald  Richardt,  O.F.M.,  put 
in  the  plant.  The  men  and  young 
men  did  the  excavating  gratis.  The 
Young  Men's  Sodality  was  reorgan- 
ized, and  a  large  library  purchased 
and  opened  in  December,  1912.  A 
Young  Men 's  Social  Club  was  also  or- 
ganized. On  February  2,  1913,  the 
Reverend  Charles  Brumleve,  a  boy  of 
the  Parish,  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Alex  Brumleve,  said  his  first  Mass  in 
his  native  town.  The  addition  to  the 
Sisters'  School  was  begun  in  the  year 
1913  and  blessed  by  the  Pastor  on 
January  11,  1914. 

When,  during  the  World  War  a 
neighboring  editor  and  others  began 
to  attack  the  loyalty  of  the  German- 
Americans  and  their  descendants,  a 
monster  Loyalty  Meeting  was  held, 
April  18,  1918,  and  it  was  so  well  at- 
tended that  the  large  Society  Hall 
could  not  hold  all  the  people  and  an 
overflow  meeting  had  to  be  held  out- 
side. The  main  speakers  were : 
Father  Theodosius  who  blessed  the 
Service  Flag ;  Reverend  Joseph  C. 
Meyer;  Mr.  H.  S.  Parker,  an  Attor- 
ney of  Effingham;  Mr.  E.  Schneider 
of  Saline ;  Judge  W.  B.  Wright ;  Hon. 


194 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


G.  M.  LeCrone,  and  Dr.  C.  F.  Burk- 
hardt  of  Effingham. 

Father  Theodosius,  moreover,  turn- 
ed his  attention  to  the  finances  of 
the  Parish  and  reorganized  them  and 
improved  the  receipts  greatly.  As 
some  of  the  windows  in  the  church 
were  in  great  need  of  repairs,  the  ex- 
pert consulted  thought  it  wiser  to 
waste  no  money  but  to  buy  new  win- 
dows. Father  Theodosius  now  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  making  the  church 
genuinely  Franciscan  by  depicting  in 
its  windows  the  principal  scenes  of 
the  life  of  St.  Francis  as  a  constant 
sermon.  The  first  window  installed 
was  the  Triumph  of  the  Franciscans, 
a  gift  of  Mr.  Joseph  Plassmeyer,  the 
father  of  the  Pastor.  It  cost  $1,000, 
being  the  largest  of  the  windows.  The 
others  were  donated  by  various  fami- 
lies and  are  most  artistic  ornaments 
of  the  church  which  is  now  one  of 
the  finest  in  this  section  of  the  State. 

Another  problem  Father  Theodo- 
sius had  to  solve  was  the  reorgani- 
zation of  the  schools,  especially  the 
High  School.  He  succeeded  with  the 
help  of  the  County  and  State  Super- 
intendents of  Schools  and  that  of 
Sister  M.  Ethelbert  de  Notre  Dame. 

On  May  27,  1923,  Father  Theo- 
dosius had  the  happiness  of  commem- 
orating the  twenty-fifth  Anniversary 
of  his  ordination  to  the  priesthood. 
The  Reverend  Rector,  Philip  Marke, 
delivered  the  festive  sermon. 

When  his  Superiors  sent  Father 
Theodosius  to  Waterloo,  Iowa,  Father 
Bartholomew,  O.F.M.,  of  St.  Augus- 
tine's, Chicago,  was  chosen  to  ad- 
minister the  congregation  at  Teutopo- 
lis,  (August,  1923).  Electric  light 
was  finally  put  into  the  church  and 
other  buildings  and  a  second  German 
sermon  per  month  reintroduced.  As 
the  voice  of  the  new  Pastor  was 
rather  weak,  a  change  was  made  after 
one  year  and   the    Rev.    Hildebrand 


Fuchs,  O.F.M.,  appointed  to  the  pas- 
torate. After  six  months,  in  Janu- 
ary, 1925,  he  was  transferred  to 
Cleveland,  Ohio. 

His  successor  was  the  Reverend 
Guardian,  Father  Isidore  Fosselman, 
O.F.M.,  a  former  assistant  at  St. 
Francis.  He  has  already,  as  a  prepa- 
ration for  the  Diamond  Jubilee  in 
1928  caused  the  whole  church  to  be 
cleaned,  pews  to  be  revarnished, 
statues  cleaned,  etc.,  at  an  expendi- 
ture of  $2,500.00.  The  organ  is  being 
electrified  and  thoroughly  modern- 
ized. A  souvenir  for  the  Jubilee  is  in 
preparation. 

In  1918  the  High  School  was  re- 
organized (and  in  1925  another  year 
added.)  At  present  the  primary  and 
intermediate  grades  occupy  a  build- 
ing which  is  also  equipped  in  accord- 
ance with  the  requirements  of  the 
State  of  Illinois,  whose  inspectors 
have  placed  the  sign  "Standard 
School"  above  the  front  door  of  each 
building.  Up  to  the  present  year,  a 
standard  three-year  course  was  recog- 
nized by  the  State  Department,  and 
this  year  a  fourth  year  has  been  add- 
ed, thus  meeting  all  the  requirements 
for  official  recognition.  There  are  at 
present  thirty-eight  students  in  the 
Senior  High  School,  and  217  in  the 
grades. 

On  Thanksgiving  Day,  1911,  the 
Venerable  Notre  Dame  Sisters  cele- 
brated their  Golden  Jubilee  at  Teu- 
topolis.  The  Very  Reverend  Pro- 
vincial, Benedict  Schmidt,  O.F.M.,  of 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  was  officiant  at 
the  Solemn  High  Mass  while  Rever- 
end Hugoline  Storff,  O.F.M.,  Rector 
of  St.  Joseph  College  delivered  the 
festive  sermon.  On  July  2,  1912, 
Sister  M.  Verena  celebrated  at  Mil- 
waukee her  Golden  Jubilee.  The 
ladies  of  the  Parish  brought  presents 
and  the  Parish  installed  a  gasoline  en- 
gine in  the  Sisters'  Laundry. 


Served  Their  Country 


Fifty-seven  of  our  young  men 
served  in  the  World  War:  Albert 
Adam,    Hubert    Adam,    Leo    Adam, 


Louis  Adam,  Ben  Althoff,  Frank 
Bertram,  Leo  Bourgeois,  Edw.  Bor- 
ries,  Edw.  Borries,  Bro.  Pacific  Brunk, 


195 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Anthony  Broeringsmeyer,  August 
Brumleve,  Ralph  Brumleve,  Sylves- 
ter Brumleve,  Allen  Brewer,  John 
Buenker,  Edw.  Buenker,  Lawrence 
Burford,  Edw.  Busse,  Ferd.  Delker, 
Alphonse  Esker,  Edw.  Funnemann, 
Ferd.  Gardewine,  Mike  Graser,  John 
Hawickhorst,  Joseph  Hess,  Ferd. 
Hoedebeeke,  Frank  Jurgens,  Louis 
Kahtz,  Win.  Kahtz,  Edw.  Kliesner, 
Bernard  Kenter,  Wm.  Kenter,  Allie 
Kemme,  Louis  Knabe,  Theodore  Lau, 
Alfred  Meyers,  Bro.  Martin  Marek, 
O.S.F.,     Ewald     Niehaus,    Lawrence 


Niendiek,  Edw.  Poeppelmeyer,  John 
Probst,  Edw.  Pruemer,  Hy.  B.  Prue- 
mer,  Frank  Rieder,  Anton  Ruesken, 
Herman  Runde,  Albert  Schoenhoff, 
Joseph  Schoenhoff,  Leo  Schoenhoff, 
Ferd.  Schlanser,  Aloys.  Schmidt, 
Edw.  Stumborg,  Allie  Thoele,  Law- 
rence Thoele,  Wm.  Thoele,  Oy  Carl 
Von,  Bernard  Weber,  Edw.  Willen- 
borg,  Lawrence  Willenborg,  Ferd. 
Zerrusen,  and  Revs.  Zyrinus  Schneid- 
er, O.F.M.,  and  Isidore  Fosselman, 
O.F.M.,  Chaplains. 


Gold  Star  List 


Harry  B.  Juergens,  died  October  4, 
1918,  at  Fort  McHenry,  Maryland; 
Alfred  Meyers,  died  October  11,  1918, 
at  Winchester,  England.  Hubert 
Adam,    died    October    10,    1918,     at 


Camp  McClellan,  Anniston  in  Al. 
Ferd.  Delker,  died  November  10, 1919, 
at  Marcheville,  France,  and  Edw. 
Buenker,  died  June  28,  1919,  at  St. 
Sulpice,  Gerondo,  France. 


Societies 


The  oldest  Society  is  the  St.  Peter's 
Men  Society  founded  on  April  7, 
1844,  and  beginning  with  twenty- 
eight  members.  Its  purpose  :  "To  sup- 
port the  church  and  adorn  the  altar. 
Reverend  Paul  Teroerde  changed  it 
into  a  Sodality.  The  letter  of  Affilia- 
tion dates  back  to  October  30,  1888. 
The  Society  of  Married  Ladies  is 
next  in  age,  having  been  founded  by 
Reverend  Charles  Raphale  in  1855. 
It  was  transformed  into  the  Christian 
Mothers'  Society  in  1881  by  Reverend 
Dominic  Florian,  O.F.M.  Father 
Damian,  who  had  been  a  teacher,  in 
1860  gathered  the  young  people  into 
the  St.  John's  Young  Men's  Society 
and  the  Young  Ladies  into  the  St. 
Rose  of  Lima  Young  Ladies'  Society 
in  the  same  year.  Father  Paul 
changed  them  into  Sodalities  in  1888, 
on  October  30.  Father  Damian  also 
introduced  the  Confraternity  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  for  the  con- 
version of  poor  sinners.  The  Society 
of  the  Holy  Childhood  was  introduced 
at  an  early  date.  Father  Mathias, 
O.F.M.,  was  a  great  promoter  of  this 
society.  The  first  members  received 
into  the  Third  Order  of  St.  Francis 
were  received  in  1863,  but  the  real  or- 


ganization seems  to  have  taken  place 
in  1864  by  Father  Kilian.  Mathias 
Hiltermann,  Director  (Regelpater) . 
St.  Vincent  Orphan  Society  ordered 
by  the  Bishop  in  1866,  was  by  the 
wish  of  the  people  united  with  St. 
Francis'  Mutual  Aid  Society.  St. 
Joseph's  Society  having  for  its  pur- 
pose the  education  of  talented  boys  of 
the  Parish  to  the  Holy  Priesthood 
and  founded  in  1873  on  the  Feast  of 
the  patronage  of  St.  Joseph,  existed 
until  about  1881.  It  was  finally 
merged  into  the  St.  Francis  Mutual 
Aid  Society.  St.  Anthony's  Reading 
Circle  and  Singing  Society  was  or- 
ganized on  February  9,  1864,  and  ex- 
isted until  1881  or  longer.  The 
Apostleship  of  Prayer  was  intro- 
duced by  Father  Mathias,  April  2, 
1871.  The  Confraternity  of  the 
Precious  Blood  dates  back  to  about 
July  4,  1872,  it  seems.  Father  Paul, 
with  the  aid  of  Dr.  Hy.  Eversman,  in 
1892  organized  the  St.  Mauritius 
Branch  of  the  Catholic  Knights  of 
America,  No.  670.  The  Confraternity 
of  the  Scapular  of  Mt.  Carmel  exists 
in  the  Parish  since  about  1859. 
(Father  Damian.)  The  Confraternity 
of  the  Holy   Rosary   was   introduced 


196 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


February  2,  1894,  by  Reverend  Lud- 
ger  Glauber,  O.F.M.,  Master  of  Nov- 
ices— 5,925  enrolled.    Father  Casimir 


Hueppe  organized  the  St.  Agnes  So- 
dality for  Girls  and  the  St.  Aloysius 
Sodality  for  Boys  in  1899. 


The  Teutopolis  Schools 


The  first  school  was  built  about 
1840  and  stood  south  of  the  cemetery. 
The  second  school  seems  to  have  been 
in  Kalvelage  's  building,  a  little  frame 
school.  The  third  school  house  was 
a  two-story  frame  building  owned  by 
Theodore  Wilke,  now  Stumborg's. 
The  fourth  school  was  built  in  1855 
on  Church  property  and  was  after- 
wards bought  by  Clem  Uptmor  IV, 
Mr.  H.  H.  Hardiek's  partner;  he 
used  it  for  a  stock  pen.  Father 
Mathias  wanted  a  parochial  school 
and  turned  an  old  stable  into  a  school 


house.  This  stood  in  the  present 
church  block  about  where  the  boiler 
house  is.  The  Notre  Dame  Sisters 
lived  and  taught  for  several  years  in 
a  house  opposite  the  church.  The 
Academy  and  Girls'  School  was  erect- 
ed in  1866-67.  Father  Damasus  be- 
gan and  Father  Dominic  Florian  fin- 
ished the  Boys'  School  and  Hall. 
Father  Casimir  built  Society  Hall, 
now  used  partly  for  a  school  (high 
school)  and  Father  Theodosius  built 
the  addition  to  the  Sisters'  school  and 
residence  (1913). 


Venerable  Sisters  of  Teutopolis 


Teutopolis  has  furnished  the  fol- 
lowing consecrated  workers  to  the 
Church :  Three  Franciscan  Sisters  ; 
two  Sisters  of  the  Dominican  Order; 


seventeen  Sisters  de  Notre  Dame ; 
eleven  Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood ; 
seven  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  up  to 
January,  1902.  Since,  there  are  eight 
other  vocations  from  this  Parish. 


The  Pioneers 


The  oldest  list  of  Parishioners  is 
found  in  Clement  Uptmor 's,  Sr.,  Ac- 
count Book,  beginning  1839 :  The  fol- 
lowing subscribed  for  the  support  of 
Reverend  Joseph  Masquelet  in  Decem- 
ber, 1839,  and  January,  1840  :  Messrs. 


Ostendorf,  Huemmeler,  Bergfeld, 
Bruemmer,  Debbe  (Tebbe),  C.  Pund- 
sack,  A.  Pundsack,  Messmann,  Upt- 
mor, Vahling,  Vormor,  Bruemmer, 
Dependener,  Remme,  and  Wehr- 
mann  (Woermann). 


Later 


Messrs.  Osterhaud,  Dodenkamp, 
Kuester,  Fischer,  Sur,  J.  P.  Uptmor, 
Kuester,  Hackmann,  H.  H.  Uptmor, 
Niemann,  Mindrup,  Suer,  J.  Pund- 
sack, Boeckmann,  Kabbis,  Rickel- 
mann,  Arns,  Vechtrup,  H.  Bermann, 
and  Vogt.  Soon  after  the  following 
subscribed:  Joseph  Schroeder,  Joseph 
Rabe,  H.  H.  Schulte,  W.  Kabbis,  H. 
Meyer,  H.  Kathmann. 

The  old  settlers  still  living  are : 
Mike  Katz,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph 
Kroeger,  Joseph  Uthel,  Barney  Uthel, 
William  Uthel,  Hiram  Riesenbeck, 
Hiram  Wernsing,  Herman  Wernsing, 
Anton  Zerrusen,  George  Deymann, 
George  Kreke,  Joseph  Siemer,  Teresa 


Pals,  Elizabeth  Hackmann,  and  Mrs. 
Morhinners. 

The  following  Stations  were  attend- 
ed from  Teutopolis  Monastery  or  Col- 
lege (*)  denotes  founded  by  the 
Franciscans. 

Green  Creek,  1858-1893;  Effing- 
ham, 1858-1871;  Mt.  St.  John's  or 
Piopolis,  1859-1870;  Howard's  Point 
or  San  Elma,  1860-1889;  St.  Pat- 
rick's,   Big    Spring    or    Trowbridge, 

1862-1888;  Bishop  Creek,    1864 ; 

Edgewood,  1866-1879 ;  Kinmundy, 
1866-1879;  Sigel,  1866-1887;  Spring 
Point,  about  1867;  Pocahontas,  1870- 
1878;  Greenville,  1870-1878;  Island 
Grove,    1874-1922;    Altamont,    1874- 


197 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


1889;  Desotum,  1876-1884;  Shumway 
and  Stewardson,  1879-1888. 

At  present  Bishop  Creek  and  Mont- 
rose are  attended  from  the  Monas- 
tery and  Casey  from  St.  Joseph  Col- 


lege. The  same  fathers  visited  Mont- 
rose at  times  since  1879  or  temporar- 
ily attended  Marshall,  Illinois,  Van- 
dalia,  Flora,  Watson,  Mason,  Tonti, 
Farina,  Centralia,  and  Salem. 


St.  Luke,  Virginia,  Cass  County,  1840 


St.  Luke's  Church,  Virginia,  Illi- 
nois, was  established  about  1840,  and 
for  a  number  of  years  Holy  Mass  was 
celebrated  in  a  frame  building  south 
of  the  first  court  house  square  in  the 
west  part  of  town.  The  first  Catholic 
ceremony  that  occurred  at  Virginia 
appears  to  have  been  the  baptism  of 
Jane,  daughter  of  Robert  Maslin  and 
Ellen  Maslin,  June  2,  1867.  Reverend 
J.  A.  Jacque  being  the  officiating 
priest.  He  attended  Virginia  from 
Beardstown  once  a  month. 

In  1868,  Reverend  A.  C.  Busch 
took  charge  and  continued  his  minis- 
trations at  Virginia  until  1873,  when 
Reverend  J.  A.  Mark  attended  Vir- 
ginia. About  1875  a  new  church  build- 
ing was  begun  but  the  work  was  tem- 
porarily halted  at  this  time  owing  to 
financial  difficulties.  In  1876  Rever- 
end M.  C.  Ryan  was  appointed  the 
first  resident  pastor  and  during  his 
term  the  church  was  completed. 
Father  Ryan  was  pastor  of  this  little 
flock  about  fifteen  vears  until  his 
death  on  March  19,  1892.  When  he 
came  to  Virginia  about  forty-five 
families  composed  the  membership  of 
the  church.  In  1891,  Reverend  P.  J. 
MacManus  succeeded  Reverend  M.  C. 
Ryan  and  remained  until  1893.  From 
that  time  until  1895,  Very  Reverend 
J.  W.  Crowe,  of  Jacksonville,  attend- 
ed once  a  month.  During  his  pastor- 
ate the  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan 
paid  off  the  indebtedness  of  the 
church  which  amounted  to  $3,252.25. 

A  parochial  house  was  built  in 
1894  while  Very  Reverend  J.  W. 
Crowe  was  in  charge.  In  1895,  Rev- 
erend F.  J.  Meskel  was  appointed  and 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  T.  McGrath, 
who  in  turn  was  followed  by  Rev.  M.J. 
Davis,  who  remained  until  1906,  when 
Reverend  J.  Cronin  became  pastor. 
During  his   pastorate,    improvements 


on  church  and  rectory,  costing 
$2,000.00  were  made  in  1909.  In  1915, 
Reverend  J.  O'Dwyer,  the  present 
pastor,  succeeded  Reverend  J.  Cronin. 
During  his  residence  here,  a  new 
parochial  house  was  built  in  1916, 
also  the  spire  of  the  church  was  fin- 
ished, a  new  bell  erected,  and  the  in- 
terior of  the  church  remodeled. 

From  the  time  a  priest  was  located 
permanently  at  Virginia  in  1873,  the 
Chandlerville  Catholics  have  been  at- 
tended from  there. 

There  is  also  a  mission  at  Arenz- 
ville,  with  church  building  and  prop- 
erty, which  from  its  organization  un- 
til 1902  was  attended  from  Beards- 
town,  but  in  that  year  it  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  care  of  Rev.  M.  J.  Davis, 
Virginia,  and  is  still  ministered  to 
from  Virginia. 

According  to  reliable  information, 
the  congregation  of  St.  Luke 's  Church 
in  1849  consisted  of  forty-nine  fami- 
lies. All  were  Irish  or  of  Irish  de- 
scent. 

The  following  extracts  from  a  copy 
of  the  Illinois  Observer  of  date  April 
13,  1849,  then  published  by  A.  S. 
Tilden : 

"Religious  Notice— We  are  author- 
ized to  state  that  the  Reverend  Philip 
Conlan  of  the  Catholic  Church  will 
meet  his  congregation  in  Virginia  on 
Sunday,  April  15."  (1849). 

The  following  were  old  settlers : 
Thomas  Meade,  who  donated  the  pres- 
ent site  of  the  church  property,  and 
who  became  in  his  day  one  of  the  lead- 
ing business  men  of  the  city.  He  pur- 
chased property  adjacent  to  the  city 
limits.  This  property  was  afterwards 
sold  in  lots,  and  finally  became  one  of 
the  best  and  most  popular  residential 
districts  in  the  city. 

Henry  Quigg,  whose  father  and 
mother  were  born    in    Ireland    and 


198 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


emigrated  to  the  United  States  in 
1822,  was  elected  Assessor  and  also 
served  as  Treasurer  of  Cass  County 
for  four  years.  In  1832,  his  father, 
William  Quigg,  superintended  the 
construction  of  Pennsylvania  Avenue, 
Washington,  D.  C,  the  famous  street, 
one  mile  in  length,  that  connects  the 
United  States  Capitol  building  with 
the  White  House.  He  came  to  Vir- 
ginia with  his  father  and  mother  in 
1834.  During  his  life  time  he  filled 
various  offices.  He  participated  in 
the  organization  of  the  Centennial 
National  Bank  of  Virginia  of  which 
he  was  vice-president  at  the  time  of 
his  death. 

John  Dirreen  was  born  in  Virginia, 
July  29,  1840.  His  father  and  mother 
came  to  Virginia  in  1837.  He  was 
elected  Sheriff  of  Cass  County,  Nov- 
ember, 1886,  and  retained  the  office 
until  November,  1894.  He  was  Dep- 
uty Sheriff  for  several  years  before 
he  was  elected  Sheriff.  His  father  and 


mother  came  from  Ireland  and  were 
exemplary  Catholics.  In  recent  times 
some  of  the  Catholic  settlers  have 
taken  a  prominent  part  in  County  af- 
fairs, among  them  being  James  Meade 
who  was  elected  County  Clerk  in 
1906,  and  continued  in  office  until 
1910.  He  was  elected  County  Treas- 
urer and  Assessor  in  1916. 

The  first  white  child  born  in  Vir- 
ginia was  Robert  Hall,  son  of  the 
founder.  He  is  living  yet  in  Virginia, 
and  has  reached  the  ripe  old  age  of 
93  years. 

The  city  of  Virginia  the  county  seat 
of  Cass  county,  is  beautifully  situated 
in  a  fine  region  of  country  near  the 
geographical  center  of  the  county. 
The  C.  P.  &  St.  L.  and  the  B.  &  0. 
Railroad  cross  here  and  afford  the 
citizens  of  the  place  and  the  farmers 
of  the  adjacent  neighborhood  ample 
facilities  for  shipping  as  well  as 
travel. 


St.  Aloysius'  Church,  North  Arm,  Illinois,  1840 


North  Arm,  also  known  as  Bald- 
winsville,  is  situated  eight  miles 
northeast  of  Paris  in  Edgar  County, 
Illinois. 

The  first  settlers  of  this  district 
were  a  few  families  from  Kentucky 
led  by  Aloysius  Brown  whose  ances- 
tors came  from  England  with  Lord 
Baltimore  and  migrated  from  Mary- 
land to  Kentucky  to  escape  the  per- 
secutions carried  on  against  the  Col- 
onists by  Lord  Baltimore 's  successors. 

Early  in  the  Nineteenth  Century 
Reverend  Stephen  Theodore  Badin, 
laboring  under  the  illustrious  Bishop 
Flaget,  was  ministering  to  the  scat- 
tered Catholics  throughout  Kentucky 
and  the  states  that  then  comprised  the 
diocese  of  Bardstown.  On  the  sugges- 
tion of  Father  Badin,  Mr.  Brown  and 
his  family  moved  to  Edgar  County, 
Illinois,  about  1818,  and  settled  at 
North  Arm.  One  of  his  daughters, 
Jane,  became  a  member  of  the  Order 
of  Providence  at  St.  Mary-of-the- 
Woods,  Indiana,  entering  there  on 
January    18th,    1844.      She    became 


Superior,  was  known  in  religion  as 
Sister  Anastasia  and  died  August 
10th,  1918. 

The  bricks  for  the  original  church 
at  North  Arm  were  made  by  Mr. 
Brown  with  his  own  hands,  and  the 
church  was  named  in  his  honor. 
James,  son  of  Aloysius  Brown,  was 
the  first  white  child  born  in  Edgar 
County.  The  precise  date  of  his 
birth  cannot  be  determined,  but  his 
daughters,  Ann  and  Alma,  who  be- 
came Sisters  of  Providence  at  St. 
Mary-of-the- Woods,  Indiana,  are  still 
living  and  they  believe  their  father 
was  born  about  1820. 

Between  1833  and  1837  some  Irish 
emigrants  located  in  this  district.  A 
special  edition  of  the  New  World, 
Chicago,  published  April  14th,  1900, 
is  authority  for  the  statement  that 
Father  Buteux  of  Vincennes,  Indiana, 
ministered  to  the  spiritual  wants  of 
these  settlers  in  1840,  and  that  Father 
Lalumiere,  from  the  same  diocese, 
visited  North  Arm  in  1843. 

Their  first  Church    built    in    1849 


199 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


was  replaced  in  1900  by  a  substantial 
brick  building  worth  about  $20,000.00, 
having  a  seating  capacity  of  two 
hundred.  Reverend  Bernard  Lee  had 
charge  of  North  Arm  when  this 
church  was  built,  attending  from 
Paris. 

In  1849  Reverend  George  A.  Ham- 
ilton, Jr.,  resided  in  North  Arm.  He 
was  succeeded  in  1851  by  Reverend 
Thomas  Ryan,  who  was  buried  in  the 
parish  cemetery  at  St.    Mary-of-the- 


Woods,  Indiana.  Father  Ryan  re- 
sided in  North  Arm  until  1858,  at- 
tending Paris  from  there. 

By  1858  the  relative  importance  of 
North  Arm  and  Paris  were  reversed. 
Since  then  North  Arm  has  been  a 
mission  attended  from  Paris.  At  the 
present  time  Father  Cronin,  pastor 
of  Paris,  and  his  assistant,  Father 
Sullivan,  take  care  of  the  spiritual 
needs  of  North  Arm. 


St.  Mary,  Edwardsville,  Madison  County,  1841 


Edwardsville,  a  city  of  some  six 
thousand  well-to-do  inhabitants,  is 
the  county  seat  of  Madison  county, 
Illinois.  It  is  beautifully  and  health- 
fully located  twenty  miles  northeast 
of  St.  Louis  on  the  highest  point  of 
land  within  a  radius  of  seven  or  eight 
miles.  Without  doubt  it  is  one  of  the 
prettiest  small  cities  in  the  state.  A 
spacious,  handsome  courthouse  stands 
in  the  center  of  the  business  section, 
which,  (if  the  writer  be  correctly  in- 
formed,) has  the  distinction  of  being 
the  only  one  of  its  kind  in  the  state 
constructed  of  marble.  Its  streets  are 
broad  and  well-paved  and  for  the 
most  part  run  with  delightful  disre- 
gard for  the  major  points  of  the  com- 
pass, and  as  if  in  no  hurry  to  reach 
their  destination.  This  writer  likes 
them  for  their  graceful  curves  and 
sharp  angles  inasmuch  as  they  be- 
speak the  innocent  infirmities  of  an 
age  less  devoted  to  straight  lines  in 
city  planning  than  our  own.  Its  large 
trees,  which  line  the  way  "with  um- 
brage wide",  its  many  fine  homes 
standing  in  stately  retirement  away 
from  the  streets,  its  fine  business  sec- 
tion of  attractive  shops  and  banks, 
its  proximity  to  larger  centers  of 
population,  together  with  its  splen- 
did hard  road  and  railroad  facilities, 
— all  these  make  Edwardsville  a  de- 
sirable residential  and  business  city. 
Edwardsville  is  a  long  established 
city  largely  made  up  of  retired  far- 
mers and  business  men  with  a  liberal 
sprinkling  of  politicians.  Most  of  its 
families  trace  their  ancestry  to  Ger- 


man, Bohemian,  English  or  Irish 
stock.  Germans  predominate  i  n 
numbers. 

Prior  to  the  building  of  a  Catholic 
church  in  Edwardsville,  Reverend 
Michael  Carroll  of  Alton,  ministered 
to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Catho- 
lic people  in  this  vicinity.  He  said 
Mass  in  the  home  of  Mr.  Taylor  on 
the  Hillsboro  Road  where  the  few 
Catholic  families  of  the  neighborhood 
assembled  once  or  twice  a  month  for 
Divine  Services. 

In  1841  the  Catholics  of  the  locality 
assembled  for  the  purpose  of  devising 
ways  and  means  for  the  erection  of  a 
Catholic  church.  January  22,  1842, 
Mr.  Samuel  A.  Buchmaster  and  Mary 
Jane  Buchmaster,  his  wife,  deeded 
for  the  consideration  of  one  dollar  to 
the  Right  Reverend  Joseph  Rosati, 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  St.  Louis, 
and  his  successors  in  office,  lot  191,  as 
laid  out  in  the  plat  of  the  town  of  Ed- 
wardsville, County  of  Madison,  and 
State  of  Illinois,  in  trust  for  the  use, 
benefit  and  behoof  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Congregation  of  Edwards- 
ville. The  deed  was  acknowledged 
before  William  Tyler  Brown,  Clerk 
of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Records  of 
said  County. 

The  original  St.  Mary's  church  was 
a  small  frame  structure  and  accommo- 
dated about  seventy-five  or  eighty 
worshippers.  In  due  course  of  time, 
the  congregation  developed  to  such 
proportions  that  the  German-speak- 
ing people  felt  the  necessity  of  a  par- 
ish of  their  own,  and  in    1869    sepa- 


200 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


rated  from  St.  Mary's  and  began  to 
worship  in  their  own  parish  church. 
The  division  of  the  parish  left  St. 
Mary's  a  small  congregation  made  up 
of  English  and  Bohemian  speaking 
people  and  from  this  nucleus  devel- 
oped the  present  St.  Mary's  congrega- 
tion. Among  these  may  be  mentioned 
the  following  pioneer  families  :  Dunn, 
Manion,  Murray,  Grainey,  Flynn, 
Krouse,  Smola,  Taylor,  Purcell,  Mc- 
Xeilly,  Desmond,  Halley,  Drda,  and 
Werner. 

St.  Mary's  congregation  continued 
to  worship  in  the  old  church  until  it 
became  unsafe  as  well  as  inadequate 
for  church  purposes.  The  congrega- 
tion, after  mature  deliberation,  de- 
cided to  build  a  new  church  which 
they  did  in  due  course  of  time.  The 
original  property  was  disposed  of  to 
John  S.  Trares  for  a  nominal  consid- 
eration. 

In  1888  a  site  was  secured  for  the 
new  church  from  Mr.  Crocker,  on 
Park  Street,  Edwardsville,  and  ar- 
rangements made  to  begin  the  build- 
ing of  the  present  edifice.  A  build- 
ing committee  appointed  by  the  rec- 
tor, Reverend  J.  C.  Daw,  worked 
earnestly  and  successfully.  In  a 
short  period  of  time  plans  and  speci- 
fications were  drawn  by  Mr.  Spilman 
of  Edwardsville  for  the  present  St. 
Mary's  Church. 

The  corner-stone  of  said  church  was 
laid  August  15,  1888,  and  in  June  of 
the  following  year,  the  new  edifice 
was  solemnly  dedicated.  Right  Rev- 
erend James  Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton, 


assisted  by  the  pastor,  Reverend  J.  C. 
Daw,  and  several  of  the  clergy,  of- 
ficiated at  both  functions. 

Since  the  dedication  of  the  church, 
the  congregation  has  enjoyed  a  steady 
growth  and  at  present  there  are  about 
one  hundred  families.  The  congrega- 
tion is  quite  substantial  and  has 
reasons  to  be  thankful  that  there  is 
no  debt  on  the  church. 

The  former  pastors  during  these 
years  were  as  follows:  Fathers  J. 
Reiss,  1857-59;  L.  Hinssen.  1859-61; 
P.  Peters,  1861-62;  J.  Vollmeger, 
1862-64;  J.  Tuerk,  1864-65;  E.  Her- 
mann, 1865 ;  Wm.  Kuchenbuck,  1865- 
68;  J.  F.  Mohr,  1868;  L.  Hipper, 
1868-69;  A.  Rustige,  1869-70;  D. 
Byrne,  1870-72 ;  F.  Revourik,  1872 ;  J. 
J.  O'Halloran,  1872-76;  P.  J.  Macken, 
1876-79;  Reverend  A.  Schlegel,  of  St. 
Boniface's  Church  officiated  at  St. 
Mary's  for  a  short  period  after  Rev- 
erend P.  J.  Macken 's  time;  J.  P. 
Smith,  1879-85;  J.  C.  Daw,  1885- 
1893;  Thos.  Connolly,  1893 . 

Reverend  Thos.  Connolly  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1893  by  Rev.  C.  A.  O'Reilly, 
the  present  pastor  of  St.  Mary's 
Church.  Father  O'Reilly  is  now  as- 
sisted by  the  Rev.  Charles  Meagher, 
who,  since  his  coming  a  few  years 
ago,  has  built,  and  practically  paid 
for,  a  beautiful  new  church  at  Glen 
Carbon,  an  out -mission  of  St.  Mary's. 

The  following  vigorous  societies  ex- 
ist in  the  parish  and  accomplish  good 
work  along  their  several  lines :  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality,  Holy  Name  Society, 
and  the  Altar  Society. 


St.  Philip's — East  St.  Louis,  1841 


The  first  settlers  came  to  East  St. 
Louis  in  about  1800,  and  were  chiefly 
French.  In  1827  there  were  about 
fifteen  families  in  the  village  and  in 
1837  there  were  less  than  twenty  fam- 
ilies. Some  of  the  priests  in  the 
neighborhood,  as  from  Cahokia,  oc- 
casionally visited  the  place  and  said 
Mass. 

The  present  church  property  was 
deeded  to  Bishop  Rosati  on  April  25, 
1834.  The  parish  was  established 
April  18,  1841,  and  the  first  ■  pastor 


was  Rev.  Jean  Francis  Regis  Loisel, 
curate  at  Cahokia. 

The  first  church  was  a  frame  build- 
ing about  36  feet  by  54  feet,  which 
stood  on  the  same  ground  which  the 
present  church  occupies,  and  was 
built  in  1842  by  Father  Peter  J. 
Doutreluingue,   CM. 

St.  Philip 's  is  one  of  the  flourishing 
churches  of  East  St.  Louis  at  the 
present  time,  but  is  not  now  within 
the  diocese  of  Springfield. 


201 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD    IN   ILLINOIS 


SS.  Peter  and  Paul — Alton,  1841 


The  names  of  the  first  Catholics 
settled  in  Alton  were  Melaney,  Mc- 
Carroll,  Clifford,  Dr.  White  and 
Wise.  The  first  Mass  said  in  the  city 
was  celebrated  at  Sebastian  Wise's 
house,  on  Bond  Street,  in  the  year 
1837.  From  that  time  on  a  priest 
would  come  from  St.  Louis  now  and 
then  to  hold  divine  service,  either  in 
a  hall  on  State  Street  or  in  a  small 
house  rented  for  that  purpose  from 
Mr.  Clifford  in  Upper  Alton.  In  the 
directory  for  1841  the  latter  was 
called  the  Church  of  St.  Mathias,  and 
had  for  resident  rector  the  Reverend 
George  A.  Hamilton.  Reverend 
Michael  Carroll,  a  native  of  County 
Limerick,  Ireland,  replaced  Father 
Hamilton  in  the  same  year,  and  the 
church  under  his  charge  was  called 


St.  Matthew  church.  In  1845  Father 
Carroll  built  the  first  real  church.  In 
the  following  year  a  successful  mis- 
sion was  preached  by  Rev.  F.  X.  Wen- 
ninger, S.J. 

A  fire,  occasioned  by  the  tumbling 
down  of  a  burning  house  situated  on 
a  hill  close  by,  destroyed  the  first 
building  for  Catholic  worship  in  1851. 
The  walls  for  the  most  part  remained 
standing,  and  the  building  was  after- 
wards reconstructed,  and  is  now  the 
Unitarian  church,  on  Third  and  Alby 
Streets. 

Alton  became  the  seat  of  a  new  see 
in  1857.  Its  history  (now  the  Diocese 
of  Springfield)  is  detailed  in  this  vol- 
ume and  the  record  of  the  parish  of 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul  is  followed. 


Mary  Help  op  Christians,  Chester,  1850 


The  first  Catholic  church  in  Ches- 
ter— now  the  county  seat  of  Randolph 
County — was  built  in  the  year  1850. 
When  Right  Reverend  James  Oliver 
Van  de  Velde,  bishop  of  Chicago, 
visited  Chester  in  1853  he  dedicated 
this  church  on  the  feast  of  SS.  Peter 


and  Paul,  to  "Mary,  Help  of  Chris- 
tians." 

Soon  afterwards  the  diocese  was  di- 
vided but  St.  Mary's  is  a  flourishing 
parish  at  the  present  time. 

The  parish  registers  of  this  old 
church  were  opened  in  the  year  1848. 


St.  James — Millstadt,  1850 


The  neighborhood  of  Millstadt  in 
St.  Clair  County  was  the  site  of  two 
or  three  very  early  churches.  Mill- 
stadt was  formerly  called  Centerville 
and  is  first  mentioned  in  the  Catholic 
directories  in  1850.  It  appears  that 
both  St.  Thomas  and  Centerville  were 
attended  in  1849  and  1850.  Prior  to 
1851  there  had  been  a  log  church  at 
St.  Thomas,  but  in  that  year  this  was 
abandoned  and  a  new  church  erected 
which  was  dedicated  in  1851  in  honor 


of  St.  James  the  Apostle,  in  the  vil- 
lage then  called  Naperville. 

The  first  resident  priest  was  Rever- 
end H.  Lierman,  who  remained  until 
1857. 

A  school  existed  here  as   early   as 

1850.  The  records  of  St.  James  Con- 
gregation were  opened    January    1, 

1851.  The  records  of  the  St.  Thomas 
parish,  which  preceded  St.  James, 
were  opened  by  Bishop  Joseph  Rosati, 
November  26,  1837. 


St.  Patrick's— Tiptown,   1851 


St.  Patrick's  church  of  Tiptown 
marks  another  early  Irish  settlement. 
This  settlement  derived  its  name,  Tip- 
town,  from  the  place  of  nativity  of  its 
first  Irish  immigrants,  who  came 
principally  from  the  County  of  Tip- 


perary,  Ireland.  The  arrival  of  these 
first  Irish  settlers  during  the  years 
1838  to  1840  was  phenomenally  large. 
The  continued  strong  influx  of  Irish 
during  the  following  decade  appears 
to  indicate  that  the  first  settlers  were 


202 


THE  PIONEER  PARISHES 


pleased  with  their  abode  in  a  new 
country,  and  encouraged  others  to 
come. 

The  first  mention  of  Tiptown  in  the 
Catholic  directories  occurs  in  1851, 
from  which  year  until  1853  the 
the  settlers  received  spiritual  atten- 
tion monthly  from  Waterloo,  by  Rev- 
erend James  Gallagher.  However, 
Joseph  Rickert  remembers  that  the 
settlers  were  also  attended  by  Rever- 
end Michael  Prendergast,  who  was 
pastor  of  Waterloo  from  1848  to  1850. 
The  county  records  of  land  entries 
show  that  Reverend  Patrick  McCabe, 
who  was  then  rector  of  St.  Augus- 
tine 's,  Prairie  du  Long,  entered  forty 
acres  of  land  for  the  parish  in  June, 
1849. 

The  Catholic  directories  recite  the 
existence  of  a  log  church  in  1854, 
which  Mr.  Joseph  Rickert  states  was 
begun  in  1850  but  was  not  completed 
until  1853.  Previously  Mass  was  said 
mostly  in  the  home  of  William  E. 
Walsh.  The  home  was  located  about 
three  miles  from  the  present  Tiptown 
and  four  miles  from  Red  Bud. 


The  settlement  was  attended  by 
Reverend  James  A.  Keane,  pastor  of 
O'Hara's  now  Ruma,  from  1850  to 
1852,  who  died  October  27,  1853,  and 
lies  buried  in  the  parish  cemetery  of 
Tiptown. 

The  Catholic  directories  mention 
the  attendance  of  New  Design  from 
St.  Augustine's  of  Prairie  du  Long, 
in  1843,  by  Reverend  Ambrose  G. 
Heim,  and  by  Reverend  Patrick  Mc- 
Cabe from  1844  to  1847.  Since  New 
Design  is  situated  near  Tiptown,  it 
may  be  assumed  that  the  first  settlers 
of  Tiptown  constituted  the  worship- 
pers at  New  Design  during  those 
years. 

From  1853  to  1859  Reverend  John 
W.  Gifford,  pastor  of  Ruma,  and  in 
1859  and  1860  Reverend  F.  C.  Carel, 
pastor  of  Prairie  du  Long,  attended 
Tiptown.  Reverend  John  W.  Gifford, 
assistant  at  Waterloo,  again  assumes 
charge  in  1860  and  1861,  probably 
until  his  death  October  1,  1861,  for 
his  remains  are  buried  in  the  Tiptown 
parish  cemetery.  He  was  a  native  of 
Aberdeen,  Scotland,  and  was  born 
February  27,  1791. 


Other  Missions  and  Congregations 


Besides  the  parishes  and  missions 
and  churches  above  mentioned,  there 
were  many  stations  and  localities  vis- 
ited more  or  less  regularly  through- 
out the  state.  Wherever  a  few  Cath- 
olics were  settled  they  were  either 
found  by  the  priest  or  they  them- 
selves went  in  search  of  the  priest, 
and  always  found  some  self-sacri- 
ficing missionary  ready  to  undergo 
virtually  any  hardship  for  the  pur- 
pose of  bringing  the  consolations  of 
religion. 

An  examination  of  the  church  di- 
rectories which  were  issued  regularly 
from  1834  on,  shows  that  in  addition 
to  the  parishes  and  churches  already 
named,  the  following  places  were  vis- 
ited by  missionaries  and  parish 
clergy : 


1834— English  Settlement;  Grand 
Prairie,  and  Racoon  Settlement,  all 
in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  state, 
near  Vincennes. 

1836 — Shawneetown,  Cairo  and  Al- 
bion. 

1837 —  Coffeetown,  Lawrenceville, 
Riviere  Au  Chat,  Thrawl's  Station. 

1838 — La  Cantine,  near  Cahokia; 
Village  Francais,  St.  Clair  County; 
St.  Augustine;  James'  Mill,  Monroe 
County;  Grafton. 

1839 — Crooked  Creek,  Hancock 
County;  Marseilles;  Commerce;  St. 
Francisville ;  Darwin ;  York,  Picquet 
Settlement. 

1840 — New  Harmony ;  O  'Haras- 
burg  ;  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal ; 
Peru. 


203 


Bishops  and  Archbishops 
of  the  Diocese  of  Chicago 


TfcE  LIBf 
Gf  Iht 

mmmn  or 


CHAPTER  VII 
In  the  Diocese  of  Chicago 

The  territory  now  included  within  the  present  Diocese  of  Springfield  was, 
as  we  have  seen,  successively  a  part  of  the  vast  Diocese  of  the  first  American 
Bishop,  Right  Reverend  John  Carroll,  D.D.,  of  the  Diocese  of  Baltimore.  It 
next  came  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of  Bardstown,  now  Louisville, 
Kentucky.  The  next  transition  was  to  the  Dioceses  of  Vincennes  and  St.  Louis, 
and  finally  to  the  Diocese  of  Chicago,  which  covered  the  entire  State  of  Illinois. 

During  fourteen  years  following  the  creation  of  the  Diocese  of  Chicago  in 
1884,  the  Church  in  that  part  of  the  state  which  is  now  the  Diocese  of  Spring- 
field, as  well  as  throughout  the  state,  was  ruled  from  Chicago,  and  during  that 
time  four  distinguished  Bishops  administered  the  affairs  of  the  extensive 
Diocese. 

A  brief  sketch  of  the  lives  and  labors  of  these  distinguished  prelates 
follows : 

Right  Reverend  William  Quarter,  D.D., 
First  Bishop  of  Chicago, 
March  10,  1844— April  10,  1848 

During  the  fifth  Provincial  Council  of  Baltimore  which  convened  May  14, 
1843,  the  Bishops  present  proposed  to  the  Holy  See  the  formation  of  three  new 
bishoprics,  namely:  Little  Rock,  Albany  and  Chicago.  The  pious  and  zealous 
pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  New  York  City,  was  appointed  first  Bishop  of  Chicago. 
He  was  consecrated  by  the  great  Bishop  John  Hughes,  in  the  old  Cathedral  on 
Mott  street,  New  York  City,  on  the  third  Sunday  of  Lent,  March  10,  1884. 

With  the  coming  of  Bishop  Quarter  to  Chicago,  the  southeastern  portion  of 
the  present  diocese  of  Springfield  was  eliminated  from  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Bishop  of  Vincennes,  whose  valiant  clergy  were  likewise  withdrawn,  and  hence- 
forth became  subject  to  the  new  Ordinary  of  Chicago.  Some  of  the  older 
men  yet  served  under  him.  Likewise  all  jurisdiction  of  Bishop  Rosati  of  St. 
Louis  over  Illinois  ceased. 

Bishop  William  Quarter  was  born  in  Killurine,  Kings  County,  Ireland, 
January  21,  1806.  When  sixteen  years  old  he  came  to  America,  April  10,  1822. 
The  vessel  in  which  he  sailed  landed  at  Quebec.  He  applied  to  the  Bishop  of 
Quebec  and  Montreal  to  be  received  as  an  ecclesiastical  student,  but  his  youth 
was  urged  as  an  objection.  He  then  went  to  Mount  St.  Mary's,  Emmitsburg, 
Maryland,  where  he  was  gladly  welcomed  by  Bishop  Dubois,  president  of  that 
institution.  His  progress,  owing  to  a  well-made  preparatory  course,  was  rapid. 
On  September  19,  1829,  he  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  the  priesthood  by  the 
Right  Reverend  Dr.  Dubois,  Bishop  of  New  York,  under  a  special  dispensation, 
he  not  being  23  years  old.  He  became  at  once  pastor  of  St.  Peter's,  and  on 
June  9,  1833,  pastor  of  the  new  St.  Mary's  parish,  which  position  he  held  till 
elevated  to  the  Episcopacy  in  1844. 

The  recall  of  the  priests  by  the  Bishop  of  Vincennes  from  in  and  around 
Chicago  and  other  portions  of  the  eastern  half  of  the  state  beset  the  new  Bishop 
with  unexpected  difficulties.  In  consequence  he  set  about  founding  a  college, 
the  nucleus  of  the  future  University  of  St.  Mary  of  the  Lake,  beginning  with 

205 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

six  students  and  two  professors.  Throughout  his  short  episcopal  career  he 
maintained  the  same  unflagging,  zealous  spirit  which  had  characterized  him 
as  pastor  in  New  York. 

He  set  out  on  a  tour  of  inspection  of  the  diocese.  A  diocesan  visitation  in 
those  days  was  an  arduous  undertaking  fraught  with  many  risks  and  hazards 
at  a  time  when  the  vehicle  was  an  ox-team  or  horse  wagon,  or  horse-back,  sit- 
ting on  the  quaint  saddle  bags,  journeying  over  marsh  or  prairie  or  through  the 
forest — for  Illinois  along  her  creeks  and  rivers  had  in  the  forties  her  heavy 
wooded  sections.  Add  to  all  this  his  mental  work  preparing  for  and  holding 
his  synod,  publishing  his  excellent  pastorals  to  mission  rectors  and  their  flocks, 
and  above  all  that  ever  abiding  thought,  "The  solicitude  for  all  the  Church," 
of  which  an  account  is  to  be  given  to  the  Shepherd  of  Souls.  No  wonder,  being 
of  a  frail  and  delicate  constitution,  when  he  was  burdened  "with  a  load  that 
would  sink  a  navy,"  he  sank  under  the  weight,  as  writes  Father  Shaw  in  the 
story  of  the  LaSalle  Mission — and  after  four  years,  strengthened  by  all  that  is 
refreshing  and  hopeful,  passed  to  his  Lord,  Whom  he  had  served  so  faithfully. 

Bishop  William  Quarter,  who  died  a  rather  sad  and  sudden  death,  April  10, 

1848,  was  buried  in  a  vault  under  the  main  altar  of  old  St.  Mary's  Cathedral, 
in  Chicago. 

The  sudden  death  of  the  energetic  young  Bishop  Quarter,  which  cast  a  pall 
of  gloom  and  sadness  over  the  youthful  diocese  of  Chicago,  was  somewhat 
mitigated  when  it  became  known  that  the  Holy  See  had  found  a  worthy  suc- 
cessor in  the  person  of  Very  Reverend  James  Oliver  Van  de  Velde,  S.J.,  a  native 
of  Belgium,  born  April  3,  1795.  He  was  a  former  president  of  St.  Louis  Univer- 
sity and  vice  president  of  the  Order ;  a  man  of  great  moral  force  and  learning, 
well  equipped  for  the  exalted  though  onerous  and  responsible  position.  The 
brother  of  the  deceased  Bishop  who  had  been  his  Vicar  General  and  counsellor 
in  many  difficulties  and  perplexities,  Very  Reverend  Walter  J.  Quarter,  had 
acted  in  the  meantime  as  Administrator  of  the  bereaved  diocese,  receiving  the 
appointment  to  that  position  from  the  Most  Reverend  Doctor  Eccleston  of 
Baltimore. 

The  prominent  position  occupied  by  Father  Van  de  Velde  in  his  own 
Order,  the  important  services  rendered  by  him  to  the  cause  of  religion  in  the 
United  States  and  the  acquaintance  which  was  thus  formed  between  him  and 
many  Prelates  of  the  church  who  entertained  a  high  appreciation  of  his  talents, 
piety  and  zeal,  led  to  his  being  selected  as  the  successor  to  Bishop  Quarter  in 
the  diocese  of  Chicago.  Archbishop  Eccleston  received  from  Rome  the  bulls 
appointing  him  to  that  See,  December  1,  1848.  He  was  consecrated  by  the 
Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  Most  Reverend  Peter  Kenrick,  assisted  by  Bishop 
Loras  of  Dubuque  and  Bishop  Miles  of  Nashville,  on  Sunday,  February  11, 

1849,  in  the  Church  of  St.  Francis  Xavier  attached  to  the  St.  Louis  University. 
Bishop  Spalding  of  Louisville  preached  the  consecration  sermon. 

The  advent  of  the  new  Bishop  into  his  diocese  was  hailed  with  delight  by 
the  clergy  and  laity  of  Chicago.  After  spending  a  few  months  in  arranging 
the  concerns  of  the  diocese  in  Chicago  and  vicinity,  he  began  his  first  visitation 
July  25,  1849.  These  visitations  were  journeys  of  severe  labor  and  unremitting 
zeal  for  the  spiritual  improvement  of  his  flock.  Besides  administering  con- 
firmation at  all  practical  times  and  places,  the  distances  were  so  great  and  the 
means  of  travel  so  inconvenient  and  uncertain,  that  he  had  to  pass  through  the 
country  as  a  missionary  laboring  for  the  salvation  of  souls  and  performing 
every  kind  of  clerical  and  spiritual  service.  Twice  he  made  such  episcopal 
visitations  throughout  the  vast  extent  of  his  diocese  within  the  confines  of 
which  the  entire  state  was  embraced,  hence  also  the  territory  of  our  present 
Springfield  diocese. 

206 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 

Bishop  Van  de  Velde's  health  had  not  been  good  for  several  years.  He 
suffered  severely  from  rheumatism  which  was  greatly  aggravated  by  the  cold, 
damp  and  penetrating  air  of  Chicago.  His  health  was  still  further  impaired  by 
the  anxieties  of  his  office  and  by  the  hostility  and  opposition  of  a  small  number 
of  his  clergy  and  laity. 

In  consequence  of  his  impaired  health  and  the  unfavorable  influence  of  the 
northwestern  climate  he  forwarded  a  petition  to  Rome  to  be  released  from  the 
burden  of  office.  It  was  during  the  second  visitation  of  his  diocese  that  he 
finally  received  from  Rome  the  brief  transferring  him  to  the  vacant  See  of 
Natchez,  agreeably  to  his  own  request.  The  Transfer  dates  from  July  2,  1853. 
Bishop  Van  de  Velde  departed  for  the  South  November  3,  1853,  and  arrived  at 
Natchez,  November  23,  where  he  was  most  joyfully  received  by  all  the  clergy 
and  people  who  had  so  often  heard  of  his  great  labors,  noble  sacrifices  and 
heroic  services  to  religion. 

He  died  November  13,  1855,  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Stanislaus  in  whose  honor 
he  had  just  finished  a  novena,  aged  60  years  and  7  months.  His  remains  were 
deposited  in  a  vault  under  the  sanctuary  of  St.  Mary's  Cathedral  in  Natchez. 

Right  Reverend  Anthony  0 'Regan,  D.D. 

Third  Bishop  of  Chicago, 

1854—1857 

Bishop  0 'Regan  was  born  in  the  town  of  Lavalloe,  County  Mayo,  Ireland, 
in  the  year  1809.  After  completing  his  preparatory  studies  he  spent  eight 
years  in  Maynooth,  pursuing  courses  in  philosophy,  theology,  church  history 
and  sacred  eloquence.  Having  completed  his  ecclesiastical  studies  he  received 
Holy  Orders  and  said  his  first  Mass  in  the  chapel  of  the  Maynooth  College.  His 
superiors  were  anxious  to  retain  the  talented  young  priest  for  college  work. 
With  great  success  he  taught  for  ten  years  at  St.  Parlath's  in  Tuam,  after 
which  he  rose  to  the  presidency  of  the  institution ;  this  position  he  occupied  for 
five  years  with  the  greatest  distinction. 

In  1849  Archbishop  Kenrick  established  his  Seminary  at  St.  Louis  and 
installed  Father  0 'Regan,  whom  he  had  induced  to  come  to  America,  as  presi- 
dent. Under  his  regime  the  Seminary  soon  began  to  flourish  and  to  send  forth 
worthy  laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord. 

Since  the  bishopric  of  Chicago  had  become  vacant  by  the  resignation  of 
Bishop  Van  de  Velde,  the  unanimous  choice  fell  upon  Father  0 'Regan  as  the 
man  eminently  qualified  to  fill  the  Episcopal  office  of  that  rapidly  growing 
diocese.  His  name  for  the  position  was  forwarded  to  Rome.  The  Holy  See,  in 
consequence  of  the  strong  recommendation  and  unanimous  endorsement  of 
Father  0 'Regan  nominated  him  for  the  Chicago  diocese  and  the  bulls  of  ap- 
pointment were  immediately  transmitted  to  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis.  How- 
ever, the  Bishop-elect  strenuously  opposed  the  nomination  and  sent  back  the 
bulls  to  Rome.  But  the  Holy  See  had  spoken  and  did  not  withdraw  its  appoint- 
ment. The  papers  were  returned  to  the  Bishop-elect,  who  said  :  "I  accept  them 
only  in  the  spirit  of  obedience." 

On  July  25,  1854,  the  feast  of  St.  James,  the  Apostle,  the  ceremony  of  con- 
secration took  place  in  the  Cathedral  of  St.  Louis,  the  Most  Reverend  Arch- 
bishop Kenrick  being  consecrator.  The  assistant  Bishops  were  Right  Reverend 
Oliver  Van  de  Velde  of  Natchez,  Right  Reverend  John  Martin  Henni,  of  Mil- 
waukee, Right  Reverend  Mathias  Loras  of  Dubuque,  and  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Miles,  of  Nashville.  The  eloquent  sermon  was  preached  by  Reverend 
James  Duggan,  of  St.  Louis  (who  a  few  years  afterwards  succeeded  him  as 
Bishop  of  Chicago). 

207 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

On  the  third  day  of  September,  1854,  the  ceremony  of  installation  took 
place  in  St.  Mary's  Cathedral  amid  the  universal  rejoicing  of  the  clergy  and 
laity  of  Chicago.  It  is  easily  understood  that  a  vast  field  was  opened  to  Bishop 
0 'Regan  on  his  arrival  in  his  See  city,  and  mighty  interests  at  stake  claimed  his 
immediate  attention.  He  lost  no  time  in  looking  after  the  pressing  needs  of 
the  diocese. 

When  making  a  visitation  of  the  diocese,  he  encountered  as  many  hard- 
ships as  his  predecessors,  but  physically  a  strong  man,  he  never  knew  sickness 
or  fatigue,  hence  he  would  frequently  walk  from  one  mission  to  another  when 
the  distance  was  not  too  great. 

But  Bishop  0 'Regan  was  by  no  means  a  happy  man  under  the  weighty 
burden  of  the  mitre.  He  had  accepted  the  dignity  of  the  Episcopacy  under 
protest,  in  obedience,  and  he  could  never  make  the  onerous  duties  congenial 
to  his  tastes.  After  a  "trial,"  as  he  called  it,  he  determined  to  go  to  Rome  and 
place  his  resignation  in  the  hands  of  the  Supreme  Pontiff.  Bishop  0 'Regan's 
resignation  was  reluctantly  accepted  and  he  was  appointed  Bishop  of  Dora 
in  partibus  infidelium. 

He  passed  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  quiet  retreat  at  Michael's  Grove, 
Brompton. 

The  third  Bishop  of  Chicago  died  November  13,  1866,  aged  57  years.  His 
remains  were  conveyed  to  his  native  parish  of  Cloufad,  Archdiocese  of  Tuam, 
where  they  found  their  last  resting  place. 

Although  the  territory  of  which  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  is  composed,  by 
reason  of  the  creation  of  the  new  Diocese  of  Alton  and  the  installation  of  the 
Bishop  newly  consecrated,  was  cut  off  from  the  jurisdiction  of  Chicago,  a  quite 
intimate  relationship  between  the  two  Dioceses  necessarily  continued ;  so  in- 
timate were  the  relations  that  it  would  be  unfair  not  to  mention  the  succeeding 
Bishops  of  the  Chicago  Diocese,  and  particularly  the  brilliant  Bishop  Duggan, 
who  succeeded  Bishop  0 'Regan,  especially  by  reason  of  the  many  activities  of 
Father  Duggan  before  he  was  raised  to  the  Episcopacy  when  located  in  St. 
Louis  and  when  acting  as  coadjutor  of  Bishop  0 'Regan.  One  of  the  saddest 
incidents  in  the  history  of  the  Church  was  the  mental  ailment  of  Bishop 
Duggan,  developing  but  a  few  years  after  he  became  Bishop  of  Chicago,  and 
through  which  he  was  disabled  and  confined  to  a  hospital  for  more  than  twenty- 
five  years  before  his  death. 

Bishop  Duggan  was  succeeded  by  Right  Reverend  Thomas  Foley,  who  was 
appointed  to  act  in  the  capacity  of  coadjutor  and  who  administered  the  affairs 
of  the  Chicago  Diocese  from  March  10,  1870,  to  February  19,  1879. 

During  the  period  covered  by  the  regnum  of  Bishops  Duggan  and  Foley, 
what  is  now  the  Diocese  of  Springfield,  was  still  within  the  ecclesiastical  Prov- 
ince of  St.  Louis,  as  was  also  the  Diocese  of  Chicago,  and  the  advisory  powers 
of  the  metropolitan,  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  were  in  force. 

On  September  10,  1880,  the  Diocese  of  Chicago  was  advanced  to  the  stand- 
ard of  an  archdiocese  and  Patrick  Augustine  Feehan  was  consecrated  Arch- 
bishop. Thereupon,  the  Diocese  of  Chicago  and  that  of  Springfield  (formerly 
Alton)  were  again  more  closely  united.  The  State  of  Illinois  was  erected  into 
an  ecclesiastical  province  and  the  Archbishop  of  Chicago  constituted  a  metro- 
politan. 

The  successors  of  Archbishop  Feehan  to  the  present  have  been  Most  Rev- 
erend James  E.  Quigley,  D.D.,  and  his  Eminence  Cardinal  Archbishop  George 
William  Mundelein,  D.D.,  the  present  distinguished  incumbent. 

With  this  brief  reference  to  the  leaders,  attention  is  now  directed  to  the 
church  work  as  best  illustrated  in  a  record  of  the  parishes  established  during 
the  period  covered  by  episcopal  supervision  under  the  Diocese  of  Chicago. 

208 


Highland— St.  Paul's  Church,  Rev.  A.  M.  Hohl.  Ad.,  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  DeChene  (Dec'd) 
former  Pastor,  School  .  .  .  Taylorville — St.  Mary's  Church,  Rectory,  School  .  .  .  Yan- 
dalia — Rev.  Francis  Gribbin,  Mother  of  Dolors  Chun  it. 


6f 
BWVEBSITY  0! 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


Church  of  St.  Paul,  Highland,  Madison  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1844. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  August  Hohl. 


The  Catholic  Congregation  of  High- 
land is  but  a  few  years  younger  than 
Highland  itself.  For  the  sake  of  com- 
pleteness we  shall  refer  briefly  to  the 
first  German  settlement  of  that  dis- 
trict and  to  the  founding  of  High- 
land. 

In  October,  1831,  Dr.  Casper 
Koepfli  with  his  three  sons  and  his 
nephew,  Joseph  Snppiger,  arrived  in 
that  neighborhood.  They  hailed  from 
the  German  speaking  canton  of  Lu- 
cern,  Switzerland.  Their  object  lay 
clearly  before  them ;  they  desired  to 
establish  a  new  home  and  transplant 
an  extensive  German  settlement  to 
American  soil.  The  newcomers  set- 
tled in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of 
Highland  and  took  up  their  first  win- 
ter quarters  at  a  house  on  a  farm 
owned  by  a  family  named  McAlister, 
natives  of  Kentucky. 

Saline  Township  with  which  this 
history  is  concerned  was  first  settled 
in  1809,  the  population  remaining 
very  sparse  until  1831  when  German 
immigration  set  in.  This  district 
must  have  suited  the  Swiss  pioneers 
on  account  of  its  hilly  topography,  re- 
minding them  of  their  Alpine  homes. 

The  founders  of  Highland  were  Dr. 
Casper  Koepfli,  Joseph  Suppiger, 
James  Reynolds  and  General  Semple. 
To  encourage  the  growth  of  the  town 
everybody  who  would  erect  a  build- 
ing received  a  free  lot.  Five  years 
later,  in  1841,  the  village  contained 
fifty  dwellings  and  a  saw  mill. 

In  the  meantime  (1840)  the  colony 
at  Highland  was  augmented  by  eight 
families  from  Baden,  Germany.  In 
1841  seventy-two  settlers  were  added 
which  included  the  names  Foederer, 
IIotz,Rall,Trautner,  Fellhauer,  Essen- 
preis,  Weber,  Voegel,  Schwartz,  Frey, 
Schaefer,  Bellm,  Barth,  Koch,  and 
Winter,  all  from  Baden.  Simultane- 
ously a  considerable  number  of  Swiss 
Catholics  located  at  Highland  of 
whom  the  names  of  Gall  and  Willi 


still  remain  in  the  town.  Buchmann, 
a  Swiss,  and  Kreuzer,  a  Bavarian,  had 
arrived  there  in  the  decades  of  1830- 
40.  Most  of  the  families  mentioned 
established  their  homes  east  and 
northeast  of  Highland  about  two  and 
seven  miles  from  town. 

The  first  settlers  were  all  farmers 
and  lived  in  log  huts  often  rudely 
constructed.  Corn  was  the  principle 
crop  and  furnished  the  greater  part 
of  food  for  man  and  beast  and  what- 
ever little  cash  money  the  people 
could  lay  their  hands  on  to  purchase 
the  other  necessaries  of  life,  was  de- 
rived from  its  sale. 

Theirs  was  a  hard  lot  in  those 
pioneer  days.  Keenly  though  they 
felt  the  want  of  material  comforts,  to 
which  they  were  tolerably  accustomed 
in  their  native  land,  yet  still  more 
keenly  did  they  feel  the  need  of  the 
religious  consolations  to  be  derived 
only  from  the  ministrations  of  a 
priest.  True  indeed,  the  Coadjutor 
Bishop  of  that  time,  later  the  Right 
Reverend  Archbishop,  Richard  Ken- 
rick  of  St.  Louis,  would  send  out  a 
priest  to  Highland  from  time  to  time, 
to  say  Mass  in  a  private  home  and  at- 
tend to  their  spiritual  needs  generally. 
But  these  visits  were  irregular,  and 
could  not,  as  a  rule,  be  fixed  in  ad- 
vance. 

Among  the  clergy,  who  visited  the 
early  Catholics  of  Highland,  were 
Reverend  James  Cating,  S.J.,  who 
ministered  to  their  spiritual  wants  on 
several  occasions,  and  Father  Joseph 
II.  Fortmann,  pastor  of  Shoal  Creek. 

On  December,  1843,  the  Catholics 
in  and  around  Highland,  (Highland 
was  then  a  village  of  sixty  families) 
decided  to  build  a  church  in  town. 
The  location  was  probably  selected  in 
accordance  with  the  advice  of  a  vis- 
iting priest.  A  committee  of  nine 
members  was  appointed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  building,  and  a 
subscription  was   started.     The    pro- 


209 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


ceeds  were  not  over  encouraging,  as 
the  people  were  in  straightened  cir- 
cumstances and  had  none  too  good  a 
reputation  for  generosity.  However, 
work  was  begun  and  the  cornerstone 
was  laid  with  solemn  ceremony  by 
Father  James  Cating,  S.J.,  on  May  1, 
1844.  Shortly  after  the  building  was 
ready  for  divine  services. 

The  terrible  ravages  of  Asiatic 
cholera  visited  this  county  in  1851, 
and  depleted  many  families,  thus 
making  a  parish  cemetery  an  impera- 
tive need.  Rev.  Thomas  Marogna, 
who  then  attended  Highland,  had  a 
suitable  plot  of  ground  enclosed  for 
cemetery  purposes  out  of  a  forty  acre 
tract  of  land  owned  by  the  congrega- 
tion. This  cemetery  was  later  en- 
larged and  beautified  during  the  in- 
cumbency of  Father  Oberpratacher. 

All  facts  recorded  above,  antedate 
the  institution  of  the  diocese  of  Al- 
ton, which  occurred  in  1857.  The 
Bishop  of  the  newly  created  diocese, 
Right  Reverend  Damian  Juncker, 
soon  turned  his  attention  towards 
Highland  because  of  serious  con- 
ditions existing  there  between  pastor 
and  people.  Father  Limacher  had 
been  appointed  as  first  resident  pas- 
tor to  Highland  in  1851,  and  con- 
tinued in  charge  until  1862.  From 
all  accounts  he  was  a  good  and  earn- 
est priest,  who  did  his  very  best  to 
further  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
welfare  of  the  congregation  under  his 
charge.  His  efforts,  however,  met 
with  little  success,  due  to  the  oppos- 
ition of  his  parishioners  who  seemed 
ever  ready  to  block  his  every  move. 
The  new  Bishop,  being  apprised  of 
the  serious  situation,  determined  to 
bring  the  people  to  a  more  docile  state 
of  mind  towards  their  pastor.  In  1861 
the  Bishop  visited  Highland,  and 
dedicated  the  new  church  and  con- 
firmed a  class  of  seventy-five.  It  is 
recorded  that  in  his  sermon  on  that 
occasion,  he  reprimanded  the  people 
for  their  harsh  treatment  of  Father 
Limacher,  and  threatened,  that  if 
they  did  not  mend  their  behavior 
soon,  he  would  be  forced  to  leave  them 


without  a  priest  altogether.  This 
threat  had  the  desired  effect.  The  peo- 
ple, now  penitent,  begged  the  Bishop 
not  to  leave  them  without  a  resident 
priest,  whereupon,  he  complied  with 
their  request  by  sending  them  Father 
Bartels.  Father  Limacher  was  ap- 
pointed to  another  parish.  Before 
leaving  Highland,  however,  he  had 
the  consolation  of  being  made  the  re- 
cipient of  a  nice  donation,  presented 
by  the  parish  Ladies'  Sodality.  From 
that  time  on,  the  parishioners  of 
Highland  have  proved  themselves  ex- 
cellent Catholics,  ever  ready  to  co- 
operate with  their  pastor  in  all  parish 
undertakings. 

Father  Bartels  remained  only  a 
short  time.  His  successor,  Rev.  P. 
Peters,  had  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion from  1863  to  1874,  during  which 
time  he  labored  zealously,  in  paying 
off  an  existing  debt,  and  collecting  a 
fund  for  a  parish  school  building. 

In  1874,  Father  Peters  left  High- 
land and  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Oberpratacher  who  remained  but  a 
short  time.  Next  came  Rev.  Joseph 
Meckel.  His  incumbency  coincided 
with  the  period  of  great  spiritual  ad- 
vancement in  the  parish.  He  brought 
about  this  spiritual  development 
largely  through  the  introduction  of 
vigorous  societies  such  as :  St. 
Joseph's  Society,  Purgatorial  Society, 
Infant  Jesus  Society  and  the  Third 
Order  of  St.  Francis,  and  by  quicken- 
ing to  new  life  the  societies  existing 
in  the  parish  when  he  assumed  charge. 

These  organizations  still  exist  in 
their  pristine  vigor,  and  attest  the 
wisdom  of  their  champion,  by  con- 
tinuing the  good  work  for  which  they 
were  originally  instituted.  From  all 
this  it  is  evident  that  Father  Meckel 
paid  particular  attention  to  the  spir- 
itual needs  of  his  congregation.  It 
must  not  be  thought,  however,  that  in 
doing  so,  he  neglected  the  material  in- 
terests of  the  parish,  for  such  was  not 
the  case.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  he  made 
so  many  repairs  in  the  church,  inside 
and  outside,  overhauling  and  furnish- 
ing it  to  such  an    extent,    that    one 


210 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OP   CHICAGO 


might  justly  say,  the  church  was  re- 
newed by  him.  He  was  also  the 
founder  and  builder  of  St.  Joseph's 
Hospital  in  the  block  east  of  the  city. 
This  hospital, — under  the  direction  of 
St.  Johns,  Springfield — has  a  present 
capacity  of  about  eighty  beds.  Last 
Spring,  an  addition  was  built  to  it,  at 
a  cost  of  $80,000. 

After  a  successful  pastorate  at 
Highland,  Father  Meckel  was  pro- 
moted to  St.  Mary 's  church,  at  Alton, 
July  7,  1896.  He  died  there,  Decem- 
ber 28,  1926,  beloved  by  all. 

Reverend  August  Schlegel  followed 
Father  Meckel  as  pastor  of  St.  Paul, 
and  continued  in  charge  until  1903. 
His  first  act  of  parochial  importance 
was  to  sell  the  hospital  (which  was 
owned  by  the  parish)  to  the  Sisters 
in  charge.  The  money  realized  from 
the  sale  he  used  in  paying  off  the 
parish  debt.  Father  Schlegel  had 
quite  a  reputation  for  preaching,  and 
in  addition  was  an  able  organizer.  He 
succeeded  in  putting  the  parish  in  a 
splendid  condition,  spiritually  and 
financially.  But  just  when  he  had 
accomplished  this  desirable  result, 
and  announced  that  he  would  rest,  he 
was  summoned,  like  the  man  in  the 
Gospel,  to  his  eternal  reward.  He 
was  the  first  pastor  to  be  buried  in 
the  parish  cemetery. 

Father  Ferdinand  Stick  succeeded 
him  on  Thanksgiving  Day,  in  1903 
Although  handicapped  by  age,  and 
the  infirmities  incident  thereto,  he 
threw  himself  into  his  work  with  a 
right  good  will  and  earnestness.  Dur- 
ing his  charge,  the  church  was  redeco- 
rated and  many  improvements  made. 
Increasing  debility,  however,  put  an 
end  to  all  his  endeavors  after  a  few 
years.  He  died  August  20,  1914,  and 
was  buried  beside  Father  Schlegel. 
He  provided  his  own  monument  in  a 
splendid  window  in  the  church,  de- 
picting the  death  of  St.  Joseph. 

From  1911  to  1919  Father  Gramke 
administered  the  parish.  Not  being 
pastor,  he  wisely  contented  himself 
by  striving  to  do  the  work  assigned 
him,  as  quietly  as  possible.  The  chil- 
dren, the  young  people,  and  the  sick 


were  his  special  care.  On  Father 
Gramke 's  promotion  to  Jerseyville,  in 
1919,  Father  Joseph  De  Chene  who 
had  been  rector  of  Assumption  for 
twenty-two  years,  came  as  pastor  to 
St.  Paul's  church.  He  entered  upon 
his  work  vigorously  and  God  abund- 
antly blessed  his  labors.  During  his 
office  of  rectorship,  the  school,  which 
was  in  pretty  bad  shape,  was  remodel- 
ed at  an  expense  of  $20,000.  This 
pleasing  transformation  resulted  in  a 
brick  building,  spacious,  convenient, 
and  modern  in  every  respect. 

At  the  present  time  St.  Paul's 
church  property,  ideally  located,  in- 
cludes an  entire  city  block.  On  that 
block  stand  the  following  stately 
buildings:  St.  Paul's  church,  rectory, 
the  Sisters'  Convent  and  a  splendid 
up-to-date  school.  Three  years  ago 
the  church  was  seriously  damaged  by 
fire,  and  a  year  later,  lightning  set  the 
tower  on  fire,  but  today,  St.  Paul's  is 
finer  and  more  beautiful  than  ever, 
thanks  to  the  generous  co-operation  of 
priest  and  people.  The  Sisters'  new 
convent,  which  cost  $14,000,  is  a 
building  of  beauty  and  comfort.  It 
has  a  pretty  little  chapel  which  is  a 
source  of  consolation  to  the  Sisters. 

The  priests  who  up  to  the  present 
time  have  served  as  assistants  in  this 
congregation,  were :  Fathers  F.  Rein- 
hard,  Anthony  Kersting,  Joseph  Jele, 
William  Oberdoerster,  August  Fors- 
ter,  John  A.  Duval,  John  B.  Wardein, 
F.  Kopp,  A.  Shokard,  J.  Dietrich, 
Oscar  Wernet,  Anton  M.  Jaschke, 
John  H.  Gramke,  Joseph  A.  Reiss, 
Henry  B.  Schnelten,  George  Faller, 
John  Klaes,  Lawrence  Winking, 
Stanislaus  Yunker,  James  Telken, 
and  Francis  Enzweiler. 

Word  has  just  reached  the  reviser 
of  this  historical  sketch  that  the  kind 
and  good  Father  DeChene,  whom  old 
age  and  illness  have  incapacitated  for 
further  work,  has  resigned  his  parish 
and  taken  his  residence  at  St.  Joseph 's 
Hospital,  where  he  intends  to  spend 
in  peace  the  declining  years  of  his 
life.  Reverend  August  Hohl,  pastor 
of  Tuscola  for  a  number  of  years,  has 
been  appointed  to  succeed  him. 


211 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Taylorville,  Christian  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1845. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  Joseph  Corcoran. 


Taylorville,  the  Capital  of  Chris- 
tian County,  is  a  growing  city  with  a 
present  population  of  about  10,000. 
It  has  an  industrial  distinction  of  pos- 
sessing two  of  the  largest  coal  mines 
in  America,  if  not  in  the  world. 

As  early  as  1845,  Taylorville  had  a 
Catholic  church  building  which  was 
then  attended  from  Springfield  and 
continued  to  be  so  attended  until 
1868  when  the  Reverend  Charles 
Gonant  visited  it  from  Assumption. 
In  1872  it  was  attended  from  Ed- 
wardsville  by  Reverend  Francis  N. 
Recouvreur.  During  his  ministration, 
a  substantial  parsonage  was  built,  and 
lots  for  a  new  church  were  bought.  In 
1873  the  Reverend  Bernard  Claus 
became  the  first  resident  pastor.  He 
left  the  following  year,  only  to  return 
again  in  1875.  During  the  year  1876 
it  was  attended  from  Morrisonville. 
In  1877  Reverend  Fred  Schulze  took 
charge  and  resided  at  Taylorville  un- 
til 1885,  when  Reverend  P.  S.  Pen- 
nartz  administered  it  from  Assump- 
tion. During  his  term,  the  present 
church  was  built.  Following  Father 
Pennartz,  Reverend  F.  Reinhard  took 
charge  for  two  years.  In  1888  Rev- 
erend John  Higgins  assumed  office 
and  was  permanent  pastor  until  his 
change  to  Mattoon  in  1898,  in  which 
year  Reverend  John  W.  Merscher 
was  appointed  rector,  remaining  in 
office  until  1919.  During  Father 
Merscher 's  term,  some  improvements 
were  made  in  the  church  building,  the 
present  sacristy  being  added.  In 
1906  a  new  hospital  was  built,  and  the 
Sisters  of  the  Most  Precious  Blood 
took  charge.  This  hospital  has  so 
flourished  since  its  inception,  that  to- 


day its  patronage  exceeds  its  ca- 
pacity. A  new  addition  is  contem- 
plated in  the  near  future. 

In  1919  the  present  pastor,  Rever- 
end John  J.  Corcoran,  was  appointed 
to  Taylorville.  Immediately  on  as- 
suming charge,  he  took  up  the  ques- 
tion of  a  new  parochial  school.  To 
that  time  the  school  consisted  of  two 
private  residences,  where  both  teach- 
ers and  pupils  suffered  many  incon- 
veniences. The  people  cheerfully  re- 
sponded to  the  idea  of  a  new  school, 
and  the  present  fine  structure  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  $50,000.00.  While 
the  school  was  under  construction  a 
new  Sisters'  home  was  purchased, 
thus  giving  to  the  Sisters  much  need- 
ed modern  conveniences.  The  pres- 
ent school  has  an  enrollment  of  about 
250  children,  with  six  Sisters  of  the 
Most  Precious  Blood  in  charge. 

In  1920  Reverend  Joseph  P.  Jor- 
dan was  assigned  to  Taylorville  as 
assistant  to  Father  Corcoran,  and  la- 
bored here  until  his  appointment  as 
pastor  to  Grafton  in  1924,  at  which 
date  he  was  succeeded  by  Father 
O'Hanlon,  the  present  assistant. 

The  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Grif- 
fin, D.D.,  made  his  first  episcopal 
visit  to  the  parish  in  1924  and  ad- 
ministered Confirmation  to  a  class  of 
242.  The  Bishop 's  visit  was  made  the 
occasion  of  much  local  rejoicing. 

At  this  time  there  are  258  families 
in  the  parish  and  the  following  well 
organized  societies:  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  Children  of  Mary,  Holy 
Name,  and  Altar  Societies,  and  branch 
organizations  of  the  Catholic  Daugh- 
ters of  America  and  Knights  of 
Columbus. 


Church  of  Mother  of  Dolors,  Vandalia,  Fayette  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1845. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Walter  H.  Speeman. 


During  the  pioneer  days  the  only 
means  of  transportation  in  and  out  of 


Vandalia  was  by  way  of  the  old  dirt 
roads  in  wagons,  and  stages  by  which 


212 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


the  early  Catholic  settlers  of  Fayette 
County  could  reach  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, some  ninety  miles  away,  to  re- 
ceive the  Sacraments  and  have  their 
children  baptized.  On  May  second, 
1845,  Father  George  A.  Hamilton 
came  from  Springfield,  Illinois,  and 
celebrated  the  First  Mass  in  this  ter- 
ritory in  the  Old  Capitol  (now  the 
Court  House  building).  People  of 
every  denomination  were  present  and 
the  building  was  crowded.  Catholics, 
not  only  from  Vandalia,  but  from  all 
parts  of  the  county  attended  this 
First  Mass  and  more  than  fifty-five 
persons  received  the  Sacrament  of 
Baptism  on  that  day. 

Mass  was  subsequently  celebrated 
once  a  month  and  the  Sacraments  ad- 
ministered in  Mr.  Michael  Lynch 's 
Warehouse.  In  1855,  the  first  church 
was  erected  and  named  "Mother  of 
Dolors  Church."  In  1859,  Father 
Thomas  Cusack  was  appointed  Mis- 
sionary-Rector of  Vandalia  by  Right 
Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker, 
D.D.,  first  bishop  of  Alton,  Illinois. 
Father  Cusack  was  the  first  resident 
priest  and  his  territory  extended  from 
Decatur  on  the  North  to  Cairo  on  the 
South  and  from  Highland  on  the 
West  to  Terre  Haute  on  the  East.  Al- 
though the  Illinois  Central  Railroad 
was  completed,  Father  Cusack  con- 
tinued to  ride  a  mule  in  crossing  the 
country  attending  the  scattered  mem- 
bers of  his  flock.  Great  were  the  pri- 
vations he  endured  for  the  cause  of 
Christ  and  Religion.  Father  Cusack 
organized  the  Altar  Society  in  1860. 
He  remained  till  April  12th,  1863, 
during  which  time  he  baptized  in  his 
territory  nearly  two  hundred  persons. 

He  was  succeeded  in  1863  by 
Father  Joseph  Vahey  who  remained 
for  eight  months.  Then  came  Father 
Thomas  Walsh  who  remained  until 
May  17,  1867.  On  May  17,  1867, 
Father  Michael  Weiss  took  charge  of 
the  Mother  of  Dolors  Parish,  and  had 
charge  also  of  congregations  at  Ram- 
sey, Greenville,  Oconee  and  Patoka. 
In  1868  he  repaired  the  Church  and 
Priest's  house,  and  in  1869  he  pur- 
chased   a     church    bell    which    was 


blessed  by  Right  Reverend  Peter 
Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
Illinois.  When  Father  Weiss  left 
March  5,  1870,  the  Franciscan  Fath- 
ers of  Teutopolis,  Illinois,  took  care  of 
Vandalia  and  its  missions  until  De- 
cember 10,  1870. 

Father  Jacob  Stremler  then  took 
charge  of  the  parish  and  its  Missions 
and  it  was  during  his  pastorate,  on 
December  28,  1870,  that  the  church 
received  the  Authenticated  Document 
of  Incorporation  by  the  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  the  State  of  Illinois, 
passed  March  8,  1869.  The  first  trus- 
tees selected  by  the  Bishop  of  Alton, 
were  :  Messrs.  John  Engert  and  John 
Carroll.  On  January  3,  1870,  steps 
were  taken  to  repair  the  church, 
which  had  been  in  a  very  poor  con- 
dition. A  new  cemetery  was  bought 
and  named  "St.  Joseph's  Cemetery." 
When  Father  Stremler  left  on  July 
18,  1872,  Father  Ferdinand  Stick  took 
charge  for  three  months  to  be  fol- 
lowed by  Father  Francis  Xavier 
Schreiber  for  five  months. 

Father  James  Rensmann  was  ap- 
pointed to  Vandalia  on  June  5,  1873, 
and  started  a  parochial  school  with 
thirty-four  children  on  September  1, 
1873.  Mr.  Sebastian  Weiss  was  the 
teacher  with  a  salary  of  $40.00  per 
month  and  lived  with  Father  Rens- 
mann in  the  two-room  priest's  house. 
A  new  organ  was  installed  at  a  cost  of 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars. 
On  June  2,  1874,  St.  Patrick's  Society 
was  organized  with  Mr.  John  Engert, 
President,  Mr.  Patrick  Heavy,  Vice 
President;  Mr.  H.  I.  Witte,*  Secre- 
tary, and  Mr.  D.  Cullety,  Treasurer. 
This  society  with  the  Altar  Society 
contributed  the  finances  for  the  up- 
keep of  the  school.  Father  Rensmann 
left  July,  1875,  and  was  followed  by 
Father  John  Enzleberger  for  one 
year  when  again  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  of  Teutopolis  took  charge 
from  March  21,  1876,  to  Februarv  24, 
1877. 

Father  Longinus  Quitter  was  in 
charge  of  the  parish  and  its  missions 
from  1877  to  1881.  He  repaired  the 
Church,  the  school   and    the    priest's 


213 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


house  in  1877,  but  the  parochial 
school  was  discontinued  in  September, 
1877,  for  the  reasons  of  poverty  and 
inactivity  of  the  societies.  Father 
Charles  G.  Geier  took  charge  on  July 
24,  1881.  He  built  a  new  belfry  on 
the  church.  On  September  30,  1882, 
he  received  word  from  Right  Rever- 
end Bishop  Baltes  "Not  to  lease  the 
school-house  but  to  start  the  school  as 
soon  as  possible."  Therefore,  in 
October,  Father  Geier  reorganized  St. 
Patrick's  Society  and  reopened  the 
parish  school  with  Miss  M.  Seckinger 
as  teacher,  and  thirty-eight  children 
attending.  Repairs  were  made  on  St. 
Joseph's  Church  in  Ramsey  in  1881, 
and  the  Stations  of  the  Cross  were 
erected  in  the  churches  at  Ramsey, 
Greenville  and  Vandalia.  Property 
was  bought  and  the  Church  of  the 
Most  Precious  Blood  was  built  in 
Patoka  in  1881.  In  1882  Father 
Geier  established  the  new  Cemetery. 
On  July  29th,  the  cornerstone  of  St. 
Lawrence  Church  in  Greenville  was 
laid  by  Bishop  Baltes.  On  August  12, 
the  "Catholic  Knights  of  America" 
was  organized  with  seventeen  mem- 
bers with  the  purpose  of  supporting 
the  parish  school.  In  February,  1884, 
general  repairs  were  made  on  the 
school  house.  On  Sunday,  August  24, 
1884  conditions  were  such  that  Father 
Geier  was  compelled  to  close  his 
school,  and  in  September  the  Catholic 
children  had  to  attend  the  public 
schools,  where  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Hursh  was  superintendent  and  held 
chapel  services  every  morning.  Father 
Geier  failing  in  health,  took  a  leave  of 
absence.  On  July  27,  1885  he  told  his 
parishioners  that  he  would  be  back 
within  a  few  months,  but  the  Lord 
called  him  to  his  reward. 

Father  John  Higgins  was  temporar- 
ily appointed  and  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Henry  Becker,  D.D.,  who  was 
put  in  charge  December  10,  1885.  Be- 
fore his  arrival  the  men  of  the  parish 
built  a  very  much  needed  addition  to 
the  priest 's  house ;  a  third  room.  In 
1887  new  sacristies  to  the  church  were 
built.    In  January,  1887,  the  Mission 


of  Patoka  was  taken  into  the  newly 
erected  Diocese  of  Belleville,  leaving 
with  Vandalia  the  missions  of  Ram- 
sey, Oconee,  and  Greenville.  Father 
Henry  Becker  remained  in  Vandalia 
till  October,  1888,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Father  M.  M.  Burke.  In  1890  the 
Mission  of  Oconee  and  later  also  the 
Mission  of  Greenville  were  made  sep- 
arate parishes. 

"The  Catholic  Knights  of  Illinois" 
were  organized  December  13,  1891, 
with :  President,  Mr.  Thomas  Hart ; 
Vice  President,  Mr.  Julius  Burtschi; 
Treasurer,  Mr.  Charles  Marty. 

In  1894  a  good  brick  foundation 
was  built  under  the  church  and  school 
and  house.  Father  Carr  was  ap- 
pointed temporarily  from  March  un- 
til December,  1894,  when  Father  Ber- 
nard Lee  took  charge,  December, 
1894,  and  established  the  Sacred 
Heart  League  counting  thirty-three 
members  with  Miss  Maggie  Lynch, 
President,  and  Miss  Hattie  O'Neill, 
Vice  President. 

On  July  27,  1896,  new  church  prop- 
erty was  acquired  on  Seventh  street, 
between  St.  Clair  and  Randolph 
Street.  On  March,  1897,  a  great  mis- 
fortune visited  the  parish  for  the  old 
church  standing  on  Randolph  Street 
near  Eighth  Street,  was  destroyed  by 
fire.  Until  May  21,  1898,  Divine 
Services  on  Sunday  were  held  in  the 
old  Literary  Hall  in  the  Higgins 
Block.  On  January  31,  1898,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  procure 
funds  to  build  a  new  Church  on  the 
new  site  as  follows :  Reverend  Ber- 
nard Lee,  Rector,  Mr.  Joseph  Weiss, 
Mr.  Dan  Burtchi,  Mr.  Edmund  Le- 
Doux,  Mr.  James  Kelly,  Mr.  John 
Phillips,  Mr.  Charles  Oldfield.  The 
new  church  was  built  and  on  May  21, 
1898,  it  was  dedicated  by  Right  Rev- 
erend James  Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
Illinois.  Father  Lee  stayed  in  Van- 
dalia until  June,  1898. 

In  June,  1898,  Father  John  P.  Mor- 
oney  became  Pastor  of  Mother  of 
Dolors  Church.  He  added  a  tower 
and  a  basement  to  the  new  Church 
Building  and  built  the  present  rec- 


214 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OP   CHICAGO 


tory.  The  most  generous  contribu- 
tors to  the  church  were  Mr.  James 
Kelly,  $500.00;  Mr.  Julius  Bertschi, 
and  Mr.  Charles  Marty.  The  most 
generous  contributors  to  the  rectory 
were :  Mrs.  Mary  Eckard  who  donated 
$400.00  in  cash,  and  Miss  Maggie 
Lynch,  who  donated  $200.00  in  cash 
and  other  articles  for  the  Rectory. 
Father  Moroney  installed  a  heating 
system  in  the  Church  and  the  house. 
The  old  church  ground  and  school 
house  were  sold,  being  of  no  further 
use  for  the  parish.  In  1903  the 
Sanctuary  and  two  Sacristies  were 
added  to  the  Church.  The  most  gen- 
erous contributors  were  Mrs.  L. 
Joyce,  who  donated  four  hundred  dol- 
lars in  cash,  and  Mrs.  Mary  C.  Boyle, 
who  donated  six  hundred  dollars  in 
cash.  The  cross  in  the  cemetery  was 
blessed  by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  of  Alton,  Illinois, 
in  1903. 

The  Main  and  Side  Altars  were 
carved  by  Father  Dechene,  Pastor  of 
Assumption,  Illinois.  Ramsey  ceased 
to  be  a  Mission  of  Vandalia  in  1906 

In  July,  1908,  Father  J.    P.    Mol- 


oney was  appointed  Pastor  of  St.  Pat- 
rick's Church,  Pana,  Illinois,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Father  Thomas  Mc- 
Grath.  He  continued  to  make  im- 
provements on  the  Church  property 
by  installing  a  new  heating  system  in 
the  Church  and  by  erecting  new  Sta- 
tions of  the  Cross  and  also  by  reno- 
vating the  roof  on  the  Church  and  the 
house.  In  1919,  Father  McGrath  was 
appointed  pastor  of  Illiopolis,  whose 
pastor,  Father  John  C.  Daw,  came  to 
Mother  of  Dolors  Church.  Father 
Daw  died  at  St.  John's  Hospital, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  in  1922,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Father  M.  J.  O 'Flah- 
erty. 

Father  Walter  H.  Speeman  was  ap- 
pointed October  12,  1925.  "The  Holy 
Name  Society"  was  organized  with 
Mr.  Joseph  Burtschi,  President;  Mr. 
Edmund  LeDoux,  Vice  President.  In 
February,  1926,  the  Church  was  fres- 
coed. The  Main  Altar  was  remodeled 
and  many  improvements  were  made  in 
the  Sanctuary  and  priest's  house.  On 
May  30th,  1926,  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary  Sodality  was  solemnly  organ- 
ized with  Miss  Hazel  Simma,  Prefect ; 
Miss  Bernadette  Sturgess,  Secretary. 


Church  op  St.  Mary,  Marshall,  Clark  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1847. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Joseph  A.  M.  Wilson. 


Clark  County,  Illinois,  was  cre- 
ated from  part  of  the  very  extensive 
Crawford  County  by  an  act  of  legis- 
lature in  1819.  It  is  situated  about 
midway  between  Chicago  and  Cairo, 
Illinois.  Its  main  resources  are  agri- 
culture and  the  raising  of  horses, 
mules  and  other  domestic  animals,  al- 
though it  is  rich  in  coal  and  oil. 

In  the  days  of  its  beginning  as  a 
separate  county,  the  great  commer- 
cial highway  for  the  Southeastern 
portion  of  Illinois  was  the  Wabash 
River.  This  continued  till  the  United 
States  Government  had  advanced  the 
opening  up  of  the  great  Cumberland 
Highway  as  far  as  the  Old  National 
Trail  to  St.  Louis  in  1821. 

The  first  County  Seat  of  Clark 
County,  chosen  by  the  commissioners 


appointed  by  the  settlers  themselves, 
was  named  Aurora,  and  was  really 
only  a  tentative  choice,  rather  than  a 
regular  county  seat. 

With  the  Old  National  Trail,  fast 
developing  towards  Illinois,  the 
settlers  began  a  loud  clamor  for  a 
more  central  county  seat.  Colonel 
William  B.  Archer  and  Joseph  Dun- 
can, later  Governor  of  Illinois,  and 
United  States  Senator,  whose  land 
was  bisected  by  the  fast  developing 
national  highway,  on  October  3,  1835, 
had  the  site  of  a  new  town  surveyed 
and  laid  out  in  town  lots,  with  splen- 
did wide  streets  and  county  seat 
property.  To  this  new  town  they  gave 
the  name  of  Marshall,  in  honor  of 
John    Marshall,    the    eminent    Chief 


215 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Justice  of  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court,  and  United  States  Senator. 

Marshall  was  not,  by  some  few  miles, 
as  central  as  Auburn,  and  this  brought 
about  a  bitter  political  war,  which 
lasted  for  years.  The  Commission  ap- 
pointed by  the  Legislature  to  select 
the  position  of  the  new  county  seat 
was  overwhelmed  and  finally  the 
Legislature  decided  to  leave  the  selec- 
tion to  the  vote  of  the  people  of  the 
county.  After  a  nasty  campaign,  in 
August,  1837,  Marshall  captured  the 
county  seat,  and  in  June,  1838,  it  was 
removed  from  Darwin  to  that  town. 

In  spite  of  its  splendid  railroad 
facilities,  Marshall  has  not  one  single 
industry  to  hold  its  continuous  crop 
of  young  men  and  women.  It  now 
boasts  of  2222  inhabitants,  while,  but 
a  few  years  ago,  it  boasted  of  over 
3,000. 

As  soon  as  Marshall  secured  the 
County  Seat  of  Clark  County,  in 
August,  1837,  town  lots  sold  rapidly. 
One  of  the  early  buyers  was  Patrick 
Conohy,  who,  with  his  wife  and  small 
family  had  come  from  Ireland  and 
after  a  short  stay  in  Ohio,  settled  in 
Marshall  in  the  fall  of  1837.  This  was 
the  first  Catholic  family  to  settle  in 
Clark  County.  Early  in  1838,  sev- 
eral other  families  came  from  Ohio, 
all  German  Catholics,  and  settled 
south  of  Marshall.  These  were  the 
Staubs,  the  Swopes,  the  Saunces  and 
Loebs.  Of  these  families,  only  the 
Staubs  are  represented  in  St.  Mary's 
Parish.  A  little  later  in  1838,  Robert 
Wilson,  an  Irishman,  but  not  pro- 
fessing the  Catholic  faith,  settled 
North  of  Marshall,  taking  up  a  large 
tract  of  land  in  Douglas  Township,  on 
what  was  called  The  Barrens.  He  was 
shortly  followed  by  quite  a  little  col- 
ony of  Irish  Catholic  families  who 
settled  on  the  barrens,  most  of  them 
purchasing  land  from  Mr.  Wilson. 

As  early  as  1838  the  Catholics  had 
so  increased  in  Clark  County,  that 
the  people  applied  to  Bishop  Brute 
of  Vincennes,  under  whose  jurisdic- 
tion the  Southeastern  portion  of  Illi- 
nois was  at  that  time  and  Father  Bu- 


teux  of  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  was  ap- 
pointed as  regular  attendant,  follow- 
ed by  Father  Lalumier,  until  the  erec- 
tion of  the  diocese  of  Chicago  in 
November,  1843.  Chicago  diocese  em- 
bracing the  whole  state  of  Illinois, 
the  priest  from  North  Arm,  Illinois, 
was  ordered  to  attend  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  thriving  mission  at  Mar- 
shall. Father  Thomas  Brady  of 
North  Arm  visited  Marshall  at  regu- 
lar intervals  for  nearly  two  years,  fol- 
lowed by  Fathers  D.  Byrne  and 
George  Hamilton,  until  late  in 
1847  Father  Hugh  Brady  a  priest 
from  Easton,  Pennsylvania,  became 
the  first  resident  pastor  of  Marshall. 
Father  Brady  was  very  progressive 
and  soon  several  Irish  Catholic  fami- 
lies followed  him  from  Easton.  He  at 
once  began  the  building  of  a  neat  lit- 
tle brick  church  along  Gothic  lines, 
making  several  trips  East  in  order  to 
collect  funds. 

Father  Brady  succeeded  with  his 
new  church  as  far  as  putting  on  the 
roof,  when  obliged  to  start  on  a  jour- 
ney to  visit  the  Bishop  at  Chicago.  He 
died  a  few  hours  after  arriving  at 
Joliet.  As  soon  as  Bishop  Quarter 
heard  of  Father  Brady's  death  he 
sent  Father  H.  Nicholsby,  one  of  the 
first  priests  ordained  in  the  new  dio- 
cese, to  investigate  conditions  at 
Marshall,  where  he  stayed  for  about 
four  months,  returning  to  Chicago,  to 
the  great  regret  of  the  people  of 
Marshall. 

Father  Thomas  Ryan  again  took 
charge  of  Marshall,  pushing  on  the 
building  of  the  new  church.  At  that 
time  Colonel  William  B.  Archer,  a 
non-Catholic,  gave  to  the  Catholics, 
through  Father  Ryan,  a  plot  of  land 
west  of  Marshall  for  a  burying 
ground. 

On  October  2,  1849,  Bishop  Van  de 
Velde  visited  Marshall  and  confirmed 
a  small  number  of  persons  among 
whom  were  Honora  and  Mary  Conohy, 
John  and  James  Welsh,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Daniel  Callahan,  Michael  Loeb  and 
John  Hamel.  The  new  church  not 
being  as  yet  in  condition,  the  sacra- 


216 


Marshal— Ret).  J.  A.  M.  Wilson,  Pastor,  St.  Mary's  Church  .  .  .  Mt.  Sterling — Rev. 
J.  J.  O'Donoghue,  Pastor,  St.  Mary's  Church,  Rectory  .  .  .  Liberty — Rev.  E.  J.  Scanlon, 
Pastor,  St.  Bridget's  Church,  Ho.ti  Name  Society,  Ladies'  Altai  Society,  Rectory  .  .  . 
Mt.  Sterling — St.  Mary's  Church,  Rectory,  School,  Sisters'  Residence. 


Ja.  118! 

Of 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


ments  were  administered  in  the  home 
of  Patrick  Conohy.  Miss  Conohy  won 
the  prize,  a  silver  half  dollar,  given 
by  the  Bishop,  for  proficiency  in  the 
catechism. 

As  there  was  no  resident  pastor  at 
Marshall  at  that  time,  and  the  Conohy 
home  was  crowded,  the  Bishop  took 
lodging  at  the  Baxter  House ;  but 
such  an  uproar  continued  through  the 
night  that  the  Bishop  was  obliged  to 
leave  the  place,  and  in  the  dark, 
early  morning  hours  seek  the  home  of 
Mr.  Conohy,  where,  seated  on  a 
simple  chair,  he  passed  the  long 
hours  till  the  time  appointed  for  the 
services  arrived.  Mrs.  Conohy  was 
too  ill  to  supervise  the  conduct  of  the 
home  on  that  day,  so  the  Bishop,  aft- 
er his  Mass,  refusing  to  return  to  the 
detestable  inn,  contented  himself  with 
the  simple  fare  prepared  by  one  of  the 
little  girls  of  the  household. 

In  1851,  Bishop  Van  de  Velde 
again  visited  Marshall,  presumably 
for  the  dedication  of  the  new  church, 
which  was  now  finished,  confirming 
nineteen  persons  on  this  second  oc- 
casion. 

In  1849  Robert  Wilson  who  in  1838 
had  settled  at  The  Barrens  on  a  large 
tract  of  land,  laid  out  a  new  town, 
which  in  honor  of  his  birth  place  in 
Ireland,  he  called  Castle  county.  Mr. 
Wilson  presented  to  the  Catholics, 
through  Father  Thomas  Ryan,  ten 
acres  of  rather  hilly  land  for  religious 
purposes.  Mr.  Wilson 's  town  did  not 
materialize,  however,  but  remained  a 
mere  hamlet.  Mr.  Wilson  did  not  pro- 
fess the  Catholic  Faith,  but  his  wife 
and  all  his  children  joined  the  church. 
Father  Ryan  sometimes  went  to  the 
Wilson  home  to  say  Mass. 

Father  Thomas  Ryan  continued, 
generally  to  attend  Marshall  up  to 
1860.  Early  in  1860  Father  D.  Byrne 
became  Father  Ryan's  successor. 
Father  Byrne  is  the  first  priest  to  be- 
gin a  Record  of  St.  Mary's  parish.  Al- 
though the  top  of  the  first  page  on  the 
new  book  records  a  baptism  Septem- 
ber 1,  1860,  the  fact  that  a  little  later 
several  entries  are  placed  in  June,  ar- 
gues that  he  took  charge  in  May   or 


June,  1860.  His  latest  entries  are  in 
August,  1861.  Father  Herbert  Hoff- 
mans,  his  successor  made  his  first  en- 
try June  29,  1862.  Very  likely, 
Father  Brady  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Hoffmans  toward  the  end  of 
1861. 

The  next  record  shows  that  Father 
Henry  I.  Hoven  was  there  October  5, 
1862,  when  three  baptisms  took  place, 
the  births  having  taken  place  in  Aug- 
ust. Father  Hoven,  seeing  the  need 
of  a  much  larger  church,  procured  the 
present  splendid  church  site,  which 
covers  a  whole  town  square  of  land. 
He  laid  the  stone  foundation  of  the 
present  fine  brick  church. 

The  next  priest  in  Marshall,  of 
whom  there  is  official  record,  was 
Reverend  Anthony  Zigsheim,  who  re- 
corded a  baptism  August  7th,  1864. 
The  latest  entry  by  Father  Zigsheim 
is  February  5th,  1864. 

Following  Father  Zigsheim  was 
Father  Jeremiah  A.  Sullivan.  His 
first    entry    of    Baptism — April    30, 

1865,  his  latest,  May  1st  of  that  year. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Aug- 
ust B.  Ranches,  23rd  of  July,  1865, 
latest  March  5,  1865-1866.  He  was 
followed  by  J.  A.  Sullivan,  April  1, 

1866,  latest  entry  April  28,  1867.  Fol- 
lows: Liber  Mortuorum,  8th  of  May, 

1867,  Father  J.  A.  Mark,  latest  entry, 
in  same  Liber  Mortuorum,  November 
30,  1873.  But,  as  there  is  no  entry 
until  September,  1873,  it  is  impossible 
to  say  just  when  Father  Mark  left. 

Father  Mark  was  a  master  carpen- 
ter and  joiner,  and  when  he  came  into 
the  parish  and  saw  the  need  of  the 
church  started  by  Father  Hoven,  he 
at  once  set  to  work  on  the  splendid 
foundation  already  laid.  The  brick 
work  having  been  finished  by  the  con- 
tractors, Father  Mark,  with  Joseph 
Forbeck  as  his  youthful  helper,  un- 
dertook, and  carried  through,  all  the 
carpenter  work,  not  only  of  the  large 
church,  but  also  two  other  parochial 
buildings,  a  large  schoolhouse  and 
rectory.  It  was  not  ready  for  dedica- 
tion, however,  till  the  date  of  October 
20,  1872.  It  was  dedicated  by  Right 
Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  Bishop 


217 


DIOCESE   OF    SI'KINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


of  Alton,  who  confirmed  a  large  class 
on  that  day.  Father  Mark's  build- 
ing proclivities  had  not  only  put  the 
parish  in  debt  but  they  seemed  to 
have  no  end.  Complaint  was  made  to 
the  Bishop  and  Father  Mark  was 
transferred.  It  was  he,  however,  who 
sowed  for  others  to  reap.  For  he  had 
provided  not  only  an  ample  church, 
but  a  fine  residence  for  the  priests  for 
fifty  years  to  follow.  He  may  well 
be  considered  the  second  founder  of 
St.    Mary's    Parish.     In    September, 

1873,  Father  Francis  Albers,  O.F.M., 
attended  the  parish  for  about  a 
month.  The  next  entry  is  by  Father 
Clement  Devmann,  O.F.M.,  October 
12,  1873.  January  17,  1874,  we  find 
Father  Albers,  O.F.M.,  again  in  at- 
tendance until  about  the  end  of  Feb- 
ruary. He  was  followed  by  Reverend 
S.  Wegener  who  makes  his  first  entry 
in  the  Baptismal  Record,   April   18, 

1874.  Father  Albers  is  again  in  charge 
during  May,  and  we  find  Father  Weg- 
ener back  again  in  June.  Father 
Reynerius  Diekniete  has  taken  charge 
in  August,  1875,  latest  entry  of 
Father  Diekniete 's  was  the  twenty- 
fourth  day  of  December,  1876.  Father 
Charles  Kuhlman  makes  his  first  en- 
try on  December  18,  1876. 

Father  Kuhlmann  was  a  very  active 
man.  He  was  the  first  priest  to  open 
a  parochial  school  in  Marshall.  He 
hired  a  lay  teacher  at  first,  but  later 
introduced  the  Dominican  Sisters.  He 
had  the  fine  brick  tower  added  to  the 
church.  He  founded  the  Catholic 
Knights  of  America  in  the  parish,  un- 
der the  patronage  of  Saint  Paul.  He 
founded  the  Catholic  paper  called  the 
Church  Progress  which  he  edited  and 
printed  in  a  little  building  on  the 
southeast  corner  of  the  church  prop- 
erty. He  started  a  separate  mission 
in  Casey  in  1878,  and  another  in  Rob- 
inson, both  of  which  he  visited  from 
time  to  time. 

In  Marshall  the  Catholics  were  by 
a  large  majority  Irish  and  English 
speaking.  Until  November  1888  when 
Bishop  James  Ryan  became  Ordinary, 
Bishop  Juncker  and  Bishop  Baltes 
provided  only    German    priests    who 


could  scarcely  speak  the  English 
language.  This  was  a  cause  of  almost 
continual  strife,  which,  with  the  ad- 
vent of  Bishop  Ryan,  came  to  a  climax 
and  ended  in  the  removal  of  Father 
Kuhlman. 

Father  David  Moroney  succeeded 
Father  Kuhlmann  on  July  12,  1891 
and  remained  until  September  1, 
1900.  Father  Moroney  was  a  quite, 
persevering  and  energetic  pastor.  His 
special  devotion  was  to  "God's 
Acre,"  the  cemetery,  the  common  ob- 
ject of  his  daily  walk,  where  rosary 
in  hand,  he  sprinkled  the  graves  with 
his  Aves.  He  had  the  cemetery  put 
in  good  order,  placing  a  fine  wrought 
iron  fence  with  a  beautiful  arched  en- 
trance all  along  the  front.  He  had 
the  spire  placed  on  the  church,  en- 
larged the  organ  loft,  placing  therein 
the  fine  old  organ  from  St.  Benedict's, 
Terre  Haute,  Indiana.  He  put  in 
the  beautiful  art  glass  windows  in 
the  church.  All  of  which  work  he 
accomplished  without  adding  to  the 
indebtedness  of  the  parish.  He  was 
greatly  esteemed  by  all  the  citizens 
of  Marshall,  both  Catholics  and  non- 
Catholics. 

Father  Patrick  R.  Ducey,  followed 
Father  Moroney  as  pastor  on  Septem- 
ber 1,  1900.  Young  and  full  of  en- 
ergy, Father  Ducey  made  many  im- 
provements in  and  about  the  church. 
The  sanctuary  was  very  small,  so  he 
had  it  enlarged  and  transformed  to 
its  present  beautiful  and  commodious 
form.  He  removed  the  old  Altars 
made  by  Father  Mark,  and  placed  the 
present  pretty  altars  in  their  place. 
He  built  the  present  fine  sacristy  to 
the  church  as  a  winter  chapel  for 
daily  Mass.  Having  received  as  as- 
sistant Father  Florent  Delfosse,  he 
reopened  the  missions  at  Casey  and 
Robinson,  in  both  of  which  places  oil 
had  lately  been  discovered.  Father 
Delfosse,  was  in  1907  appointed  pas- 
tor of  Robinson  and  Father  John  Hes- 
lin  followed  him  as  assistant.  Father 
Ducey  purchased,  through  Mr.  A.  J. 
Worman,  of  Effingham,  two  fine  city 
lots  in  Casey,  laying  the  stone  founda- 
tion   for    a    new    church.     He    was 


218 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


obliged  to  give  up  the  project  how- 
ever for  want  of  co-operation.  The 
lots  cost  $500.  They  were  sold  for 
$400  in  1920  to  help  improve  a  newly 
purchased  abandoned  sectarian 
chapel.  Father  Ducey  contracted 
tuberculosis  and  died  in  Colorado  in 
December,  1907.  He  expressly  re- 
quested to  be  buried  in  Springfield, 
Illinois  in  the  priests'  plot  of  that 
cemetery. 

Father  Ducey  was  succeeded  by 
Father  William  J.  Healy  on  Febru- 
ary 15,  1908.  Father  Heslin  remained 
as  his  assistant  until  the  appoint- 
ment of  Father  William  O  'Sullivan  in 
the  fall  of  1913.  Father  Healy  was 
changed  to  Murrayville,  Illinois, 
where  he  died  a  few  months  later, 
whereupon  Father  O 'Sullivan  was 
formally  appointed  Administrator  of 
St.  Mary's  and  so  served  until  Oc- 
tober 1,  1915,  when  Father  Joseph  A. 
M.  Wilson  was  appointed  pastor  and 
at  present  serves  in  that  capacity. 

During  the  last  ten  years,  besides 
the  building  of  the  fine  new  rectory, 
many  and  expensive  repairs  and  im- 
provements have  been  made.  A  large 
basement  was  excavated  under  the 
church  and  an  up-to-date  steam  sys- 
tem replaced  the  wood  burner,  which 
quite  frequently  drove  the  people 
from  the  church  by  its  smoke.  The 
studding  of  the  church  having  de- 
cayed, and  the  floor  having  fallen 
nearly  a  foot,  new  studding  and  a  new 
flooring  for  a  great  part,  was  sup- 
plied. The  old  carpet  in  the  sanctu- 
ary was  replaced  by  tile  and  Tennes- 
see marble  trimmings,  the  church  was 
redecorated  by  the  priests  them- 
selves, Father  Timothy  Smith  being 
assistant,  The  organ  which  had  given 
place  to  a  little  harmonium,  was  put 
in  good  repair  by  a  firm  of  expert 
organ  builders,  who  attached  an  elec- 
tric  blower.      The   unwieldlv   church 


windows,  that  could  not  be  closed, 
were  made  stationary  and  iron 
framed  swinging  panels  were  in- 
stalled in  the  lower  part  of  the 
frames.  A  note  for  $800,  which  forty 
years  previously  had  been  given  at 
6  per  cent  interest,  was  paid  off  in  a 
few  minutes  on  December  8,  1918, 
$2400  having  been  paid  in  interest  to 
that  date. 

The  assistants  at  St.  Mary's  during 
Father  Wilson's  time  were  from  Nov- 
ember 1,  1915  to  October  1,  1916, 
Reverend  Timothy  Smith ;  October, 
1916  to  October,  1918,  Reverend  Ed- 
ward Butler;  October,  1918,  to  Sep- 
tember, 15,  1922,  Reverend  John  J. 
Hogan,  grand  nephew  of  the  late 
Bishop  Hogan  of  Kansas  City,  a 
worthy  relative  of  his  distinguished 
uncle ;  from  September  15,  1923,  to 
December  3,  Reverend  E.  A.  Carey. 
The  mission  at  Casey  having  been 
placed  in  charge  of  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  at  Teutopolis,  there  has  been 
no  assistant  in  Marshall  from  the  last 
mentioned  date. 

In  1915,  when  the  present  writer 
came  as  pastor  to  Marshall  the  parish 
numbered  120  families.  It  now  has 
in  1925,  96  families.  In  the  last  ten 
years  many  of  the  old  settlers  have 
died,  thus  breaking  the  ties  that  held 
their  children  to  this  locality.  The 
Ford,  Studebaker,  etc.,  have  attracted 
the  youth  from  the  ill-paying  farms 
to  Detroit  and  other  cities,  and  the 
old  folks  are  obliged  to  sell  out,  to 
hire  a  little  cottage  in  town.  The 
young  women  have  gone  to  the  cities 
for  employment,  have  married  and 
settled  down,  usually  calling  their  sis- 
ters and  brothers  after  them.  A 
death  or  a  marriage  in  Marshall,  now- 
adays, usually  means  "A  scattering 
of  the  clan"* and  "Pews  to  rent," 
with  no  one  to  hire  them. 


Church  of  St.  Brigid,  Liberty,  Adams  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1847. 
Present  Pastor:  Reverend  Edmund  J.  Scanlan. 


St.  Brigid 's  church  was  founded  in 
1860.     From  the  names  in  an  old  ac- 


count book  in  which  is   recorded   the 
money  received  and  expended  in  the 


219 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


building:  of  the  church  in  1869-1870 
it  would  appear  that  this  territory 
was  at  this  time  settled  by  Irish  Cath- 
olics. The  list  of  subscribers  to  the 
building  fund  is  as  follows :  Peter 
Brennan,  Patrick  Kelly  (senior), 
Maurice  Kelly,  Michael  Kelly,  John 
McMahon,  F.  Lambert,  James  Cor- 
rigan,  Patrick  Corrigan,  Edward 
Fitzpatrick,  Patrick  Clark,  William 
Farren,  Mrs.  Mary  Clark,  John 
O'Donnell,  Patrick  Curran,  Thomas 
O'Donnell,  Thomas  Langan,  Bernard 
Masterson,  Frederick  Worley,  Hugh 
Markey,  David  Fitzgerald,  James 
Gorman,  Edward  Cleary,  Patrick  Or- 
mond,  Michael  Welsh,  Mrs.  Mary 
Ham,  Mrs.  John  Roberts. 

Among  the  first  German  families 
whose  names  later  begin  to  appear  on 
the  parish  roster  were :  Reinhard 
and  John  Smith,  Andrew  Flick,  John 
Waner,  Louis  Kleinhensen. 

The  first  Catholic  settlers  of  this 
territory  were  occasionally  visited  by 
the  famous  pioneer  missionaries, 
Father  St.  Cyr  and  Father  De  Smet, 
S.J.  Later  on  Fathers  McCabe  and 
Stick  ministered  to  their  spiritual 
needs  riding  on  horseback  from  one 
little  Catholic  colony  to  another  with 
their  vestments  and  altar  supplies 
strapped  behind  them. 

Although  the  parish  was  founded 
in  1860  the  church  was  not  built  until 
1870,  its  first  pastor,  the  Reverend 
Thomas  Cusack,  during  this  decade 
following  the  custom  of  Fathers  Mc- 
Cabe and  Stick  of  riding  from  one 
Catholic  settlement  to  another  in  that 
large  territory  of  over  six  hundred 
square  miles  and  saying  Mass  at  the 
various  homes  of  his  parishioners  ac- 
cording to  their  turn.  And  even  after 
the  church  was  built  the  devoted  peo- 
ple of  Liberty  had  to  be  satisfied  with 
one  Mass  each  month,  as  its  pastors 
usually  had  charge  of  other  parishes 
also. 

The  Reverend  John  Patrick  Kerr 
succeeded  Father  Cusack.  Father 
Kerr  had  a  sacristy  built  and  on  the 
occasion  of  his  monthly  visit  to  the 
church  roomed  over  it  in  the  Summer 
and  Fall  months,  the   ladies    of   the 


parish  taking  turns  to  prepare  his 
meals.  In  the  severe  days  of  Winter 
and  Spring  he  usually  availed  him- 
self of  the  ready  hospitality  of  his 
friends,  Peter  Brennan  or  Patrick 
Kelly. 

The  Reverend  Clement  Johannes 
was  the  first  resident  pastor  of  the 
parish,  being  the  builder  of  the  pres- 
ent attractive  parochial  residence. 
Father  Johannes  was  succeeded  by : 
Reverend  L.  Guerin,  Reverend  D. 
Kelly,  Reverend  Francis  Smith,  Rev- 
erend Thomas  Costello.  Father  Cos- 
tello  was  a  skilled  architect  and  dur- 
ing his  administration  much  was  done 
to  beautify  the  church  premises.  The 
ceiling  was  raised  and  arched,  the 
windows  were  mullioned,  the  sanctu- 
ary space  increased  and  the  church 
enlarged. 

After  Father  Costello  came :  Rev- 
erend James  Brady,  Reverend  A. 
Vollebreght,  Reverend  William 
Pietsch  and  Reverend  Edmund  J. 
Scanlan,  the  present  pastor.  Father 
Pietsch 's  administration  was  marked 
by  a  great  increase  in  the  number  of 
weekly  Communions.  He  also  estab- 
lished a  flourishing  branch  of  the 
Holy  Name  Society,  which  is  the 
means  of  bringing  a  magnificent  at- 
tendance of  the  men  of  the  parish  to 
the  altar  rails  each  month. 

At  the  present  time  the  entire 
church  plant  is  being  repaired  and 
modernized.  Two  hot  air  furnaces 
have  been  installed,  the  church  and 
pastor's  residence  have  been  painted 
and  equipped  with  a  modern  plumb- 
ing system. 

The  names  of  some  of  the  trustees 
who  served  the  parish  since  its  or- 
ganization are :  Peter  Brennan,  Pat- 
rick Kelly,  John  Williamson,  Patrick 
Clark,  Constantine  Clark,  James 
Clark,  James  Welsh,  Frank  H.  Smith, 
William  Kaltenbach,  Joseph  Ormond, 
Frank  Dietrich,  Moritz  Cramsey  and 
Frank  F.  Smith. 

The  parish  at  present  has  sixty- 
eight  families,  making  a  total  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty-two  persons.  Most 
of  the  members  reside  at  an  average 
distance  of  six  miles  from  the  church. 


220 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OP   CHICAGO 


Only  dine  families  reside  in  Liberty 
itself. 

St.  Brigid's  church  had  four  epis- 
copal visitations,  one  on  October  23, 
1882  by  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph 
Baltes,  two  by  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  one  in  1891  and  another  in 
1894,  and  one  by  Right  Reverend 
James  Aloysius  Griffin  in  May,  1926. 


Father  Cusack  was  Pastor  of  St. 
Brigid's  from  1860  to  1875;  Father 
Kerr,  1875-1884;  Father  Johannes, 
1885-1892  ;  Father  Guerin,  1892-1893  ; 
Father  Kelly,  1893  (Feb.- June)  ; 
Father  Smith,  1893-1896 ;  Father  Cos- 
tello,  1896-1899;  Father  Vollebreght, 
1900-1921 ;  Father  Pietsch,  1921-1927  ; 
Father  Scanlan,  1927—. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling,  Brown  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1849. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Patrick  J.  Fox. 


St.  Mary's  Parish,  Mt.  Sterling, 
Illinois,  extends  over  Brown  County, 
and  parts  of  Schuyler  and  Adams 
counties.  The  first  white  settler  with- 
in the  limits  of  Brown  county  built 
his  log  cabin  in  the  northeast  part  of 
Coopestown  township  in  1823.  The 
date  of  the  first  settlement  of  Catho- 
lics here  runs  back  almost  to  this  twi- 
light of  Brown  County  history.  It  is 
certain  that  there  were  some  Catholic 
families  among  the  first  emigrants  to 
Mt.  Sterling  and  vicinity.  Among  the 
earliest  settlers,  whose  descendants 
are  today  more  or  less  prominently 
identified  with  the  affairs  of  the 
county  were  the  0  'Connors,  Sweeneys, 
0  'Haras,  Rioths,  Flynns,  Doyles,  Cor- 
rigans,  Dillons,  Foleys,  McCromicks, 
Bordenkirchers,  Sullivans  and  Culli- 
nans,  not  to  mention  almost  a  score  of 
other  families  whose  names  and  his- 
tories have  almost  lapsed  from  the 
memory  of  the  population  of  today. 

Before  a  Catholic  church  was  built 
in  Mt.  Sterling,  Mass  was  said  at  the 
homes  of  the  above  mentioned,  either 
in  town  or  country,  by  Reverend  D. 
Byrne,  who  came  from  Quincy.  St. 
Patrick's,  the  first  Catholic  church  of 
Mt.  Sterling,  was  built  in  1 849  in  that 
part  of  the  city  now  known  as  Lawns- 
dale.  This  little  frame  church  was 
for  many  years  commodious  enough 
for  its  small  and  widely  scattered  con- 
gregation. There  was  no  resident  pas- 
tor but  the  church  was  attended  from 
Jacksonville  and  Quincy  at  such  odd 
times  as  suited  the  convenience  of  the 
much  overworked  clergy  of  that  day. 

When  the  Catholic  population    be- 


came more  numerous  and  more  for- 
tunately situated,  the  present  splen- 
did site  of  the  Church  property  was 
secured.  This  consists  of  an  entire 
square  block,  half  of  which  was  do- 
nated by  Mr.  James  Gibbons,  and  half 
purchased  by  the  congregation.  The 
building  of  the  present  church,  St. 
Mary's,  was  begun  in  1862,  but  it  did 
not  reach  completion  until  1876,  al- 
though it  was  dedicated  in  1864  and 
put  into  use  at  once.  At  this  time  the 
congregation  consisted  of  both  Ger- 
man and  Irish  nationalities,  but  in 
1868,  many  of  the  "out-and-out"  Ger- 
mans were  organized  as  a  separate 
congregation  called  St.  Joseph's.  At 
the  present  time  St.  Mary's  is  com- 
posed of  families  of  Irish  and  Ger- 
man extraction  with  the  Irish  pre- 
dominating somewhat. 

The  first  resident  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's  occupied  a  house  a  block  and 
a  half  east  of  the  church.  Because  of 
its  inconvenient  situation,  it  was  sold 
and  the  present  parochial  residence 
was  built  in  1878.  Many  of  the  first 
priests  were  not  permanently  station- 
ed here  and  only  officiated  in  a  desul- 
tory sort  of  way,  sharing  the  hospi- 
tality in  their  respective  homes  with 
the  better-off  families  of  their  congre- 
gation. These  were :  Fathers  Byrne, 
Gallagher,  Kearney  and  Pendergast. 
Father  Gallagher  was  the  priest  tem- 
porarily in  charge  at  the  time  the 
first  church  was  built.  Reverend  Aug- 
ust B.  Rinker  was  the  first  resident 
pastor.  He  officiated  here  from  1860 
to  1864,  and  during  his  incumbency 
the  erection    of   the    present    church 


221 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


building  was  begun.  Reverend  Fer- 
dinand Stick  succeeded  the  former 
pastor  and  brought  to  a  close  the  work 
on  the  new  church.  He  remained  un- 
til 1868  and  was  succeeded  by  Rever- 
end Dennis  Cohan,  who  in  turn  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Michael  Clif- 
ford. The  batter's  term  of  rectorship 
was  the  longest  in  the  records  of  the 
church  of  Mt,  Sterling ;  it  lasted  from 
July,  1872,  to  July  1,  1896.  The 
present  parochial  residence  and  the 
Sisters'  Convent  were  built  during 
the  incumbency  of  Father  Clifford. 
In  1896  Reverend  Daniel  J.  Ryan 
took  charge  of  St.  Mary's  and  re- 
mained until  1899.  In  that  year  he 
was  fatally  burned  when  the  house  ac- 
cidentally caught  fire.  Reverend 
Michael  H.  Cawley  was  acting  pastor 
until  July,  1900,  when  Reverend 
David  Moroney  became  pastor.  He 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  W.  Heff- 
ernan  in  1907,  who  remained  here  un- 
til his  death  in  1912. 

While  Father  Heffernan  was  pas- 
tor, the  congregation  at  Bluffs,  Illi- 
nois, formerly  attended  from  Jack- 
sonville, was  attached  to  Mt.  Sterling 
as  an  out-mission.  A  curate  was 
needed,  and  Reverend  J.  Murray  was 
appointed  to  that  position.  He  was 
succeeded  first  by  Rev.  Peter  T. 
McGuinness,  and  then  by  Reverend 
Charles  Fanning.  The  latter  was  act- 
ing pastor  from  Father  Heffernan 's 
death  until  1913,  when  Reverend  T. 
J.  Carroll  was  appointed  pastor.  The 
following  priests  were  assistants  dur- 
ing that  period :  Reverend  Joseph 
O'Donnell,  Reverend  James  Maloney 
and  Reverend  Joseph  McKeogh. 
After  Father  Carroll's  death  in  1919, 
his  place  was  filled  for  about  two 
months  by  Reverend  Amos  Guisti, 
when  Reverend  Joseph  O'Rourke, 
the  present  pastor,  was  appointed. 
Reverend  Edmund  Butler  and  Rever- 
end Dominic  Lydon  were  former  as- 
sistants to  Father  O'Rourke.  The 
present  assistant  is  Reverend  James 
Holmes. 

Prominent  among  the  influential 
men  of  the  earlier  days  were  John 
Teefey,    an    able    lawyer    who     was 


State's  Attorney  in  1863,  and  J.  M. 
Murphy,  who  worthily  held  the  office 
of  Mayor  for  fourteen  years.  Today 
the  office  of  Mayor  is  again  filled  by  a 
member  of  St.  Mary's  Congregation, 
William  Purcell.  The  early  Catholic 
settlers  and  their  descendants  have 
always  exercised  a  wholesome  in- 
fluence upon  the  affairs,  material  and 
moral  of  the  country.  The  Civil  War 
found  many  soldiers  among  them  and 
the  World  War  added  to  the  Parish 
Roll  of  Honor  four  gold  stars  after 
the  names  of  George  E.  Borden- 
kircher,  Thomas  Moncton,  Richard 
Monckton  and  Frank  E.  Drew. 

St.  Mary's  Congregation  has  en- 
joyed the  benefits  of  a  Catholic  school 
from  the  time  the  little  one  room 
school  house  was  built  in  1864.  An- 
other room  was  added  in  1873.  Lay 
teachers  taught  here  until  in  1880, 
when  Reverend  M.  Clifford  secured 
the  services  of  the  Dominican  Sisters 
from  Springfield,  Illinois.  In  1908 
St.  Mary's  Academy,  the  present 
school,  was  erected  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Reverend  W.  Heffernan.  At 
present  its  grade  school  has  an  en- 
rollment of  65  pupils  and  its  High- 
School  numbers  72  students.  It  is 
listed  among  the  recognized  High 
Schools  of  the  state,  and  is  affiliated 
with  the  Catholic  University  of  Amer- 
ica and  with  the  St.  Louis  Univer- 
sity. 

As  to  Mt.  Sterling  itself :  It  is  the 
capital  of  Brown  County.  Its  inhabi- 
tants, 2,000 — in  number  are,  for  the 
most  part,  retired  farmers  with  a 
sprinkling  of  business  and  profession- 
al men.  It  has  no  productive  indus- 
try except  farming;  hence  its  con- 
servative outlook  and  lack  of  growth 
during  many  years  past.  Mt.  Ster- 
ling has  many  things  of  which  it  may 
reasonably  feel  proud,  but  unques- 
tionably its  greatest  asset  is  its  fine 
community  spirit.  The  writer  knows 
of  no  small  city  in  such  comparative 
isolation  where  a  more  beautiful  spirit 
of  good  fellowship  exists  between  the 
Catholics  and  non-Catholics.  This 
spirit  was  especially  evident  during 
the  incumbency  of  Father  O'Rourke 


222 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


and  his  assistant,  Father  Lydon,  both 
of  whom  seldom  missed  an  oppor- 
tunity to  promote  civic  welfare.  And 
their  efforts  in  this  direction  were 
duly  appreciated  by  their  separated 
brethren.  An  illuminating  instance 
confirmatory  of  this  good  will  is  seen 
in  the  fact  that  when  Father  Lydon 
was  about  to  start  for  the  Catholic 
University  of  Washington,  D.  O,  to 
pursue  his  studies  further,  he  was 
feted  by  the  prominent  non-Catholics 
of  the  city  and  made  the  recipient  of 
a  beautiful  gold  watch  chain  which  he 
still  numbers  among  his  most  precious 
possessions.  It  can  then  be  justly 
said  that  Mt.  Sterling  has  found  a 
civic  common  denominator  wide 
enough  to  embrace  all  denominations 
without  prejudice  to  their  respective 
religious  convictions. 

After  a  long  painful  illness, 
climaxed  by  a  fatal  operation,  Father 
O'Rourke  died  at  St.  Mary's  Hos- 
pital, Milwaukee,  on  Friday,  Febru- 
ary 17,  1927,  and  was  buried  the  fol- 
lowing Tuesday  in  Calvary  Cemetery, 
Mount  Sterling.  The  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.  D.,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  a  large  number  of  Diocesan 
priests  and  an  over-flow  congregation 
of  the  laity  representative  of  all 
classes  and  creeds,  officiated  at  the 
obsequies  and  preached  an  inspiring 
sermon  in  which  he  dwelt  at  length 
upon  the  priestly  character  of  the  de- 
ceased. 

Reverend  Joseph  O'Rourke  was 
born  1864,  in  County  Longford,  Ire- 
land. He  received  his  elementary  ed- 
ucation in  the  local  national  school, 
and  his  classical  training  in  Moyne 
Seminary,  Longford.  From  the  latter 
place  he  entered  the  famous  Mission- 
ary College,  All  Hallows,  Dublin, 
where  after  successfully  completing 
his  philosophical  and  theological 
studies,  he  was  ordained  priest  in  the 
year  1892. 

On  coming  to  this  country  he  was 
sent  as  assistant  to  Our  Saviour's 
Church,  Jacksonville,  where  he  re- 
mained till  1896.  From  1896-1899  he 
was  pastor  of  Sacred  Heart,  Dalton 
City;  from  1899-1919  of  St.  Isidore's, 


Farmersville,  and  from  1919  to  his 
death,  of  St.  Mary's,  Mt.  Sterling.  In 
all  these  places  he  did  splendid  work 
and  always  bore  himself  with  priestly 
dignity.  Particularly  was  he  loved 
by  the  Farmersville  people  round 
Avhose  hearts  he  had  entwined  him- 
self by  his  pleasing  personality  and 
devotion  to  duty. 

Father  O'Rourke,  in  his  deep  faith 
and  buoyant  light-heartedness,  was 
typical  of  the  Cream  of  Irish  priest- 
hood. Near  his  faith  there  never 
seemed  to  come  shadows  of  doubt.  His 
deportment  and  address  were  re- 
miniscent of  Newman's  true  gentle- 
man, as  the  man  who  never  gives  pain. 
Father  0  'Rourke  was,  however,  hu- 
man enough  to  get  angry  on  occasion, 
but  then  the  toe  of  his  forgiveness  al- 
ways pressed  the  heel  of  his  anger. 

Those  who  knew  him  will  recall  his 
contagious,  wonderful  laugh,  which 
would  ripple  and  run,  and  delight  its 
hearers  like  the  song  of  the  lark  on  a 
morn  of  May  over  his  native  moun- 
tains of  Innisfail. 

It  was  no  wonder  that  when  he  died 
he  was  mourned  by  all.  The  number 
of  priests  and  people  at  his  funeral 
considering  the  remoteness  of  the 
place,  and  the  many  tears  shed  as  the 
portal  of  the  tomb  closed  in  upon  him 
whom  they  loved  so  well  are  proofs 
of  his  great  popularity. 

The  writer  of  this  appreciation 
lived  for  two  and  one-half  years  un- 
der the  same  roof  as  Father  0  'Rourke, 
and  consequently  knows  whereof  he 
speaks  when  he  says  that  in  his  death 
St.  Mary's  congregation  lost  a  true 
shepherd,  the  priests  of  the  diocese  a 
companionable  friend,  and  Bishop 
Griffin  a  priest  of  sterling  work.  As 
I  now  think  of  him,  the  beautiful 
words  of  Hamlet  to  his  noble  friend, 
Horatio,  come  to  my  mind:  "Thou 
art  e'en  as  just  a  man,  as  e'er  my 
conversation  coped  withal." 

Father  Joseph  O'Rourke,  after 
life's  fitful  fever,  may  you  sleep  well 
— that  is  the  fervent  prayer  sent  up 
to  God  by  yours  in  Christ, — D.  F.  L. 

N.  B. — Rev.  Patrick  Fox,  a  former 
pastor  of  Divernon,  is  now  in  charge 
of  Saint  Mary's,  Mount  Sterling. 


223 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Mt.  Sterling,  Brown  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1849. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  James  J.  0  'Donoghue. 


Brown  County  is  situated  a  little 
north  of  the  center  of  the  State  of 
Illinois,  and  was  originally  a  part  of 
Schuyler  County.  In  the  year  1829 
Brown  was  cut  off  from  Schuyler 
and  independently  established  with 
the  city  of  Mount  Sterling,  its  capital. 
The  first  white  man  to  locate  in  what 
is  now  known  as  Brown  County  ar- 
rived in  the  year  1823.  His  name  was 
Sheppard.  From  that  time  onward 
the  white  race  gradually  came  in  and 
settled  down  to  clear  away  the  timber 
and  cultivate  the  land.  It  appears 
that  those  early  settlers  had  a  knowl- 
edge of  and  a  love  for  the  Christian 
religion.  No  less  than  five  denom- 
inations with  churches  established 
had  been  identified  with  the  locality 
from  its  earliest  history;  namely, 
Methodist-Episcopal,  Presbyterian, 
Baptist,  Christian  and  Roman  Catho- 
lic. 

As  evidence  of  the  Catholic  faith 
in  Brown  County  from  its  beginning, 
there  is  a  long  list  of  distinctively 
Irish  and  Catholic  names,  all  of  which 
have  been  associated  with  the  first 
settlement  and  development  of  the 
county.  Those  men  together  with 
their  German  neighbors  of  the  same 
Faith,  were  the  pioneers  who  planted 
the  first  seed  of  Catholic  Faith  in 
this  new  and  fertile  field.  In  the  year 
1849  the  first  Catholic  Church  was  es- 
tablished in  the  city  of  Mt.  Sterling, 
and  from  that  time  onward  the  con- 
gregation steadily  developed  in  the 
face  of  many  disadvantages.  At  this 
time  the  parish  was  territorially  com- 
mensurate with  Brown  county,  and 
the  priests  at  Mt.  Sterling  attended 
the  spiritual  needs  of  all  Catholics 
dwelling  in  that  area  of  whatever 
nationality. 

The  year  1868  saw  a  development 
or  rather  a  kind  of  revolution  in  the 
Catholic  Church  in  Brown  County, 
when  the  majority  of  the  German  ele- 
ment, which  numbered  about  half  of 


the  original  parish  of  about  200  fam- 
ilies, seceded  from  the  mother  church 
of  St.  Mary.  The  reason,  or  reasons, 
today  alleged  for  the  secession  cannot 
be  fully  authenticated.  However, 
from  what  the  old  families  now  living 
admit,  the  secession  was  caused  by  the 
race  and  language  questions.  The 
Germans,  naturally  enough,  wanted  a 
church  and  a  pastor  of  their  own  na- 
tionality, who  would  preach  the  Gos- 
pel in  their  language.  And,  when  we 
consider  that  all  the  German  people 
of  those  early  days  came  over  the  At- 
lantic from  Germany,  Holland  and 
Alsace-Lorraine,  knowing  no  other 
language  than  that  of  the  Mother 
Country,  we  can  appreciate  their  ef- 
forts to  have  the  best  opportunities 
for  the  practice  of  their  religion. 

In  the  year  1868  a  delegation  of 
German  men  waited  on  Bishop  Baltes 
of  Alton,  laid  their  plans  for  a  new 
church  before  him  and  secured  his 
approval.  The  next  move  was  to  pur- 
chase three  small  lots  in  the  east  end 
of  Mt.  Sterling  for  the  sum  of  $1,000. 
On  one  of  these  lots  was  a  one-story 
frame  building  of  considerable  dimen- 
sions. This  frame  building  was  con- 
verted into  a  Catholic  church,  en- 
titled St.  Joseph 's,  and  thus  began  the 
German  parish  in  Mt.  Sterling,  Illi- 
nois. 

For  the  first  two  years  of  its  exist- 
ence it  appears  the  new  parish  was 
taken  care  of  by  a  priest  from  Quincy, 
Illinois,  by  the  name  of  Father 
Schaefermeyer.  In  January,  1870, 
Father  Cornelius  Hoffman  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  resident  pastor  of 
the  parish.  He  rented  a  frame  house, 
lived  in  one  end  of  it  and  opened  a 
school  in  the  other,  with  a  German 
Catholic  layman  as  teacher  of  all  the 
grades. 

In  May,  1871,  Father  Hoffman  was 
changed  and  the  parish  was  again 
taken  care  of  by  Reverend  P.  Paul- 
inus  Weiss,  a  Franciscan  monk  from 


224 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


Quincy,  Illinois.  He  had  charge  for 
one  year.  In  October,  1872,  Reverend 
Edmond  Claus  was  appointed  pastor 
and  held  that  office  until  May,  1873, 
when  Father  John  A.  Mark  came  to 
take  charge,  remaining  until  Novem- 
ber, 1874.  He  purchased  two  lots  on 
the  south  side  of  East  South  Street 
opposite  the  church.  On  one  of  these 
lots  was  an  old  log  cabin  which  he 
converted  into  a  parochial  school.  On 
the  other  he  built  a  large  two-story 
house  as  a  pastor's  residence.  The 
new  parochial  school  was  again 
taught  by  a  layman. 

In  1874  Father  Mark  was  changed 
and  Reverend  Joseph  Locher  was  ap- 
pointed pastor.  Father  Locher  re- 
mained many  years  at  St.  Joseph's, 
and  it  was  during  his  time  there  that 
the  parish  began  to  show  signs  of  per- 
manent progress.  In  1884  Father 
Locher  built  the  present  brick  church 
on  the  lot  where  the  original  frame 
church  was  located.  The  church  cost 
$10,000.  In  the  following  year,  1885, 
it  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Baltes  of 
Alton.  The  old  log  cabin  school- 
house  on  the  south  side  of  the  street 
was  now  closed  and  the  old  disused 
church  was  moved  to  the  lot  east  of 
the  new  brick  church  and  converted 
into  a  parochial  school  with  a  Catho- 
lic layman  as  teacher. 

The  parish  property  now  consisted 
of  a  new  two-story  priest's  house  on 
the  south  side  of  East  South  Street 
and  a  new  brick  church  on  the  corner 
of  East  South  Street  on  the  north 
side,  and  on  the  lot  west  of  the 
church  was  a  frame  building  school- 
house.  In  1888  Father  Locher  em- 
ployed Mr.  Reuter  as  school  teacher 
and  organist,  both  of  which  offices  he 
filled  until  1897.  In  July,  1890, 
Father  Joseph  Dechene  succeeded 
Father  Locher  and  remained  the  pas- 
tor until  1897.  Father  Dechene  did 
much  good  work  for  St.  Joseph 's  par- 
ish. He  erected  two  very  beauti- 
fully designed  side  altars  in  the 
church,  paid  off  all  the  debt  on  the 
parish  and  advanced  the  congregation 
spiritually  and  otherwise. 


Reverend  Benard  Hasse  succeeded 
Father  Dechene  in  December,  1897, 
and  remained  as  pastor  until  Novem- 
ber, 1910,  when  he  went  to  St.  John's 
Hospital,  Springfield,  where  he  died 
May  4,  1911.  At  his  own  request  he 
was  buried  in  Calvary  Cemetery, 
Quincy,  where  his  college  chum  and 
life-long  friend,  Rev.  Joseph  Still 
was  buried.  By  way  of  improve- 
ments Father  Hasse  moved  the  frame 
school-house  from  the  north  to  the 
south  side  of  the  street  and  there  con- 
tinued the  parochial  school.  About 
this  time  Father  Hasse  for  the  first 
time  in  the  history  of  the  parish  em- 
ployed Sisters  to  teach  in  the 
parochial  school,  bringing  in  three 
Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  Order. 
Where  the  old  school  house  was,  he 
built  the  brick  house  that  has  since 
been  used  and  stands  today  as  the 
pastor's  residence. 

In  1910,  Reverend  John  Marion 
came  to  St.  Joseph's  and  remained 
as  pastor  for  six  months.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Frederick  Neibling 
who  was  pastor  until  June,  1920.  For 
some  reason  or  other  when  Father 
Neibling  came  to  St.  Joseph's  the 
school  had  been  closed.  He  again  re- 
opened it  and  employed  as  teacher 
Miss  Kulman  from  Quincy.  Later  he 
employed  Miss  Louise  Geers  also  from 
Quincy.  Finally  in  September,  1913, 
Father  Neibling  employed  three  Sis- 
ters of  the  Notre  Dame  Order  from 
St.  Louis  to  take  charge  of  the 
school. 

In  June,  1920,  Reverend  Anton  M. 
Jaschke  succeeded  Father  Neibling. 
Under  his  pastoral  charge  the  school 
was  closed  after  two  years  and  has 
since  remained  closed.  Viewing  the 
circumstances  all  around,  it  appears 
it  was  a  mistake  ever  to  open  a  school 
in  St.  Joseph's  parish  for  the  reasons 
that  most  of  the  families  live  out  in 
the  country,  anywhere  from  five  to 
fifteen  miles,  and  also  in  view  of  the 
fact  that  St.  Mary's  Academy  offer- 
ed the  children  of  St.  Joseph's  con- 
gregation the  advantages  of  a  good 


225 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


grade  and  high  school  education  at  a 
moderate  expense. 

In  August,  1924,  Bishop  James 
A.  Griffin  appointed  Reverend  James 
J.  O'Donoghue  administrator  of  St. 
Joseph's,  Father  Jaschke  having 
been  previously  sent  to  Effingham  as 
chaplain  of  St.  Anthony's  Hospital. 
Since  his  coming,  Father  0  'Donoghue 
has  made  many  improvements  that 
were  badly  needed.  A  new  roof  was 
placed  on  the  church,  an  up-to-date 
heating  plant  installed,  organ  rebuilt 
and  the  rectory,  heretofore  wanting 


in  practically  every  home  convenience 
was  thoroughly  modernized.  These 
improvements  cost  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  $7,000.00. 

The  parish  today  numbers  about 
one  hundred  families,  all  German- 
Americans.  The  majority  of  the 
parish  is  made  up  of  farmers  who  are 
moderately  circumstanced. 

Twenty-two  young  men  from  St. 
Joseph's  parish  served  in  the  late 
World  War,  one  of  whom  George  J. 
Elbus,  was  killed  in  action. 


Church  of  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville,  Morgan   County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1851. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Francis  F.  Formaz,  S.T.L. 


The  memory  of  the  French  Catho- 
lic Missionaries  of  the  seventeenth 
and  eighteenth  centuries  has  lent  a 
halo  of  romance  and  heroism  to  the 
early  history  of  the  Mississippi  Val- 
ley, and  its  adjacent  country.  Every 
spot  where  their  footsteps  lingered 
during  their  journe}rs  is,  to  the  stu- 
dent of  history  no  less  than  to  the  de- 
vout Catholic,  a  place  replete  with  in- 
terest and  hallowed  by  sacred  tra- 
dition. 

If  one  of  these  traditions  may  be 
relied  upon,  there  is  within  the  lim- 
its of  Morgan  County,  and  within  the 
limits  of  the  parish  of  the  Church  of 
Our  Saviour  of  those  days,  a  spot 
hallowed  by  the  memory  of  the  pres- 
ence of  one  of  these  glorious  pioneers 
of  the  Faith.  At  the  western  edge  of 
the  county,  where  the  Illinois  river 
broadens  into  a  lake-like  stretch  of 
water,  there  is  a  small  plateau.  Here 
long  years  ago  stood  an  Indian  vil- 
lage visited  from  time  to  time  by  one 
of  the  black  robes,  Pere  Antoine 
d'Osia,  and  to  this  day  the  lake  and 
village  lying  just  south  of  the  plateau 
bear  the  priest's  name  in  the  form  of 
Meredosia. 

It  is  likely  therefore  that  the  first 
Christian  worship  within  the  bounds 
of  the  county  and  the  parish  of  Jack- 
sonville was  the  Mass.  Long  years 
passed  after  the  days  of  Pere  Antoine 
before  the  Mass  was  again  celebrated. 


The  town  of  Jacksonville  in  Morgan 
County,  was  laid  out  in  1825.  The 
early  settlers  were,  some  of  southern 
birth,  some  of  New  England  extrac- 
tion. The  founding  of  Illinois  Col- 
lege in  1829  by  men  from  Yale  Col- 
lege brought  a  large  increase  to  the 
New  England  element  of  the  town 
and  resulted  in  giving  to  the  com- 
munity a  decidedly  Puritan  cast.  To 
a  town  therefore  typically  New  Eng- 
land in  spirit  came  the  first  Catholic 
settlers  in  Jacksonville. 

So  far  as  can  be  learned,  the  first 
Mass  in  Jacksonville  was  said  in  1851 
by  the  Reverend  John  Gifford,  a 
Scotch  priest  at  that  time  stationed  in 
Springfield.  Finding  four  or  five 
Catholic  families,  he  held  Divine 
Service  and  appointed  George  Eber- 
hardt,  Edward  Keys  and  Henry  Mc- 
Donnel  as  collectors  to  raise  funds 
and  assist  in  the  establishment  of  a 
church.  The  services  were  held  in  a 
private  house  but  soon  the  increase  of 
the  congregation  demanded  more 
room  and  the  old  court  house  was 
occupied.  The  Honorable  Murray  Mc- 
Connel  gave  the  congregation  a  piece 
of  ground  on  North  Sandy  street, 
near  the  Wabash  railroad,  and  soon 
thereafter  a  small  brick  building, 
which  may  still  be  seen,  was  erected 
and  the  modest  beginnings  of  the 
Church  of  Our  Saviour  were  made. 

The     first     resident     pastor     was 


226 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


Reverend  Patrick  T.  MeElhearn,  but 
before  his  coming,  Reverend  Thomas 
Quigley  of  Springfield,  visited  the 
church  at  intervals.  An  interesting 
story  is  told  of  how  that  devoted  man 
managed  to  say  Mass  on  Christmas 
day  for  the  little  flock  in  Jackson- 
ville, by  procuring  a  hand  car  and 
making  the  journey  from  Springfield 
after  having  previously  said  his  two 
Masses  there.  Father  MeElhearn  was 
succeeded  by  Fathers  Brennan,  Man- 
gan,  O'Halloran  and  Clifford.  In 
1866,  Reverend  Joseph  Costa,  O.  C, 
succeeded  Father  Clifford.  The  con- 
gregation had  been  making  progress. 
Immediately  on  assuming  charge  of 
the  parish,  Father  Costa  put  into 
operation  his  plans  for  the  building  of 
a  new  church,  in  a  more  desirable 
part  of  town.  Unfortunately,  the 
anti-Catholic  feeling  was  so  strong 
that  he  found  difficulty  in  obtaining 
a  site.  Through  the  aid  of  a  third 
party,  he  finally  succeeded  in  buying 
property  on  East  State  street,  adjoin- 
ing the  home  of  the  War  Governor, 
Richard  Yates.  In  1868  he  had  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  his  new  church 
completed  and  the  present  spacious 
building  on  East  State  Street  was  oc- 
cupied, having  been  previously  blessed 
by  the  famous  Archbishop  Purcell  of 
Cincinnati.  In  the  corner-stone  of 
the  building,  among  other  things,  was 
placed  the  following  document : 

1.  <©.  ffl. 

VI 11  3B.  JVC  Anttn  «- 
parata*  aalutta  miOKECEIG- 
XV 1 1 1  Pin  pp.  IX  £>anrtae 
(Eatfjnltrap  3Erd?aiae  Pnntt- 
firp  fflaxima  Attirra  Slfllfttann 
Am?rtrae3FnebprataeprarBtDr 
Iffttrirn  Uaminn  Junrkrr  Al- 
tmtrnata  Btormos  l-piaropn 
Strar&n  GDnleabg  flrmmtriar 
JlltnntPttBta  gubfrttator? 
3loerph  (Casta  (£atluiliruruui 
liuiiiB  ritritatta  A  ifarkanttmlla 
tumrupatae  paator?  &upra&tr- 
tta  JRrtJfrett&taaimua  If.  31. 


Juurkrr  Ait  fttaiarrnt  (Sluriam 
let  Amtnarumnur  *5>alutrm 
iUaptbrm  Amutlarriu  lutius 
Irm  nli  ileau  Oli^rtsto  (Erurifixn 
ifliuiu  i  §•?  matort  otranot  §>ub- 
qup  tnunratinnr  fS.  V.  fHaria? 
Dumiur  UJirl|aelia  Arrljattgelt 
Srttf iixit.  rttpqup  poamt. 

(Signed) 

Henricus  Damianus,  Epus.  Al- 
tonensis,  P.  J.  Baltes,  Vicarius 
Generalis  dioceseos. 

Joseph  Peter  Klein,  pastor  at 
Carrollton;  L.  Hinssen,  pastor 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Church  at  Springfield;  F.  H. 
Zabel,  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's 
Church,  East  St.  Louis;  F. 
Stick,  pastor  of  the  Immacu- 
late Conception  Church  at 
Maddonaville,  111.;  William 
Cluse,  pastor  of  Petersburg; 
Francis  Recouvreur,  pastor  of 
Pittsfield;  James  Harty,  of  the 
Cathedral,  Alton,   Illinois. 

After  completing  his  church, 
Father  Costa  at  once  set  out  to  build 
a  rectory,  erecting  a  substantial  brick 
residence  on  Court  street,  which  after- 
wards served  the  Dominican  Sisters 
as  their  Convent  and  Motherhouse. 
About  this  time,  Father  Costa  also 
began  the  building  of  the  parochial 
school  and  before  leaving  Jackson- 
ville he  had  the  present  school  well 
under  way. 

In  the  original  parochial  school,  sit- 
uated near  the  depot  of  the  old  T.  W. 
&  W.  railroad,  according  to  a  con- 
temporary account,  Father  Costa  had 
185  pupils.  He  acted  as  the  prin- 
cipal of  the  school  himself  and  had 
two  laymen  to  assist  in  the  work  of 
teaching.  Among  the  men  so  em- 
ployed was  Thomas  A.  Rice,  the  uncle 
of  Very  Reverend  F.  V.  Nugent, 
CM.,  who  later  removed  to  St.  Louis, 
where  he  organized  the  Mound  City 
Business  College  and  later  still  be- 
came a  prominent  figure  in  the  Real 
Estate  World. 

On  the  removal  of  Father  Costa, 
the  work  was  completed  by  Reverend 
Peter  J.  Macken.  Father  Macken 
was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  when  he 
took  charge  of  Our  Saviour's  parish 


227 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


on  August  16,  1872,  was  a  very  young 
man.  Under  his  discreet  manage- 
ment, the  irritation  between  Catho- 
lics and  non-Catholics  began  to  di- 
minish. He  pushed  the  work  on  the 
new  school  and  on  January  2,  1873, 
the  school  opened  its  doors.  Three 
lay  teachers  were  employed.  In  1872, 
realizing  the  inadequacy  of  his  teach- 
ing force,  Father  Macken  secured  a 
band  of  six  pioneer  Dominican  Sisters 
from  St.  Catherine's  in  Springfield, 
Kentucky,  to  take  charge  of  the 
school.  Unknowingly,  Mother  Joseph- 
ine and  her  companions  laid  the  foun- 
dation of  the  present  community  of 
Our  Lady  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  whose 
Motherhouse  is  now  located  in  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  Leaving  their  Ken- 
tucky home  on  August  18,  1873,  they 
arrived  the  following  day  in  Jack- 
sonville, where  they  were  housed  in  a 
low,  one-story  brick  cottage,  west  of 
the  school  on  Court  Street.  This  con- 
tinued to  be  their  dwelling  until  the 
cramped,  unsanitary  quarters  made  a 
change  necessary.  Father  Macken 
proposed  to  move  from  the  new  rec- 
tory to  a  frame  building  on  the  cor- 
ner of  Court  and  Brown  Streets,  and 
transfer  the  rectory  to  the  Sisters  for 
a  consideration  of  seven  thousand 
dollars.     This  was  accordingly  done. 

The  growth  of  the  pioneer  com- 
munity later  reached  a  point  where 
new  quarters  were  again  needed,  es- 
pecially for  the  department  of  music. 
The  community  had  been  incorpor- 
ated in  1884,  with  twenty  professed 
Sisters  and  seven  novices.  The  prop- 
erty of  Governor  Yates,  on  East  State 
Street,  was  acquired,  and  later,  an 
addition  was  made.  On  July  14,  1887, 
the  new  addition  was  blessed  by 
Father  Janssen,  Administrator  of  the 
Diocese,  assisted  by  Fathers  T.  Hick- 
ey  and  J.  Murphy. 

After  Father  Macken  came  the 
pastorate  of  Father  John  0  'Halloran, 
in  1878.  The  new  priest  was  young, 
inexperienced,  and  in  very  delicate 
health.  In  the  spring  of  1878  Father 
0  'Halloran  was  called  to  his  eternal 
home,  and  the  Reverend  Father  Dani- 


her  filled  the  vacancy  until  Father 
Timothy  Hickey's  appointment  in 
1879,  when  Father  Daniher  became 
his  assistant.  During  Father  Hickey's 
administration,  Liberty  Hall  was 
built  upon  land  adjoining  the  paro- 
chial school.  The  Young  Men's  Catho- 
lic Benevolent  Association  had  been 
organized  in  November,  1878,  with 
twenty-three  members,  later  increas- 
ing its  membership  to  sixty-five.  The 
officers  in  1884  were :  President,  M. 
H.  Murray;  Vice  President,  George 
Buhre ;  Secretary,  0.  Weisenberg ; 
Financial  Secretary,  Edward  Keat- 
ing; Treasurer,  M.  S.  Harmon.  The 
Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians  was  es- 
tablished in  September,  1883,  with  a 
roster  of  ninety-five  members.  Its 
officers  at  that  time  were :  President, 
John  Boylan ;  Vice-President,  Charles 
Devlin;  Recording  Secretary,  E.  A. 
Cosgrif f ;  Financial  Secretary,  W.  A. 
Carroll;  Treasurer,  M.  McGinnis; 
Doorkeeper,  Denis  J.  McCarthy; 
Grand  Marshall,  M.  S.  Harmon; 
Sargent  at  Arms,  John  Devlin. 

Some  idea  of  the  condition  of  the 
Church  of  Our  Saviour  at  this  time 
may  be  gleaned  from  a  contemporary 
notice : 

"At  the  Church  of  Our  Saviour 
(Roman  Catholic)  from  January  1, 
1884,  to  December,  1884,  there  were 
fifty-eight  baptisms,  34  funerals  and 
21  marriages.  On  May  25,  1884,  114 
persons  received  the  Sacrament  of 
Confirmation  at  the  hands  of  Right 
Reverend  P.  J.  Baltes,  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese.  There  are  298  children  en- 
rolled at  the  Catholic  school  who  are 
instructed  by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Dom- 
inic. Mother  Josephine  is  Superioress 
of  the  Sisters  and  this  is  the  Mother- 
house  for  the  Diocese  of  Alton.  The 
Church  has  a  seating  capacity  of  800. 
There  is  also  standing  room  and  a 
large  gallery.  Two  Masses  are  cele- 
brated every  Sunday,  the  first  at  8  :00 
and  the  second  at  10 :00  A.M.  At  one 
of  the  Masses,  all  of  the  seating  space 
is  occupied  and  some  persons  are 
standing,  and  many  in  the  gallery.  At 
the  other  Mass  the   Church   is   more 


228 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


than  three-fourths  full.  Catechism  at 
2  :00  and  Vespers  at  3  :00.  There  are 
two  societies  of  ladies  attached  to 
the  Church,  one,  the  Altar  Society, 
and  the  other  the  Young  Ladies'  So- 
dality of  the  B.  V.  M.  Their  object 
is  to  help  one  another  by  mutual 
prayer  and  to  supply  the  sacred  vest- 
ments used  at  divine  service.  Besides 
the  Young  Men's  Benevolent  Society, 
there  is  also  attached  to  the  Church 
the  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians 
and  the  Orphan  Society." 

It  is  interesting  to  compare  the  sta- 
tistics given  for  1884  with  those  for 
1925.  In  the  latter  year  there  were  48 
children  baptized  as  compared  with 
58  in  1884 ;  there  were  36  funerals  in 
1925  as  compared  with  34  in  1884; 
there  were  14  marriages  as  compared 
with  21  in  1884 ;  there  were  209  chil- 
dren in  the  school  in  1925  as  com- 
pared with  298  in  1884. 

In  January,  1889,  Father  Timothy 
Hickey  was  appointed  Rector  of  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion at  Springfield,  and  Father  Pat- 
rick Brady  was  assigned  to  Jackson- 
ville, with  the  Reverend  T.  O'Reilly 
as  Assistant.  During  most  of  his  pas- 
torate, Father  Brady  was  in  delicate 
health,  dying  on  May  5,  1892.  Father 
Brady  was  the  first  Rector  of  the 
Church  of  Our  Saviour,  that  church 
having  been  made  an  irremovable  rec- 
torate.  Shortly  after  the  death  of 
Father  Brady,  Father  John  W.  Crowe 
came  to  Jacksonville  on  August  2, 
1892. 

For  the  previous  fifteen  years  he 
had  been  stationed  in  Mattoon.  He 
was  a  man  of  indefatigable  energy, 
and  under  his  direction  there  began 
a  period  of  expansion  undreamt  of 
previously.  One  of  his  first  efforts, 
the  remodeling  of  the  church,  was 
completed  in  the  autumn  of  1895.  In 
November,  1896,  Father  Crowe  was 
able  to  announce  the  opening  of  Our 
Saviour's  Hospital.  The  hospital 
building,  which  adjoins  the  church 
was  originally  the  mansion  occupied 
by  Richard  Yates  the  War  Governor 
of  Illinois.    It  had  been  purchased  by 


the  Dominican  Sisters  from  the  Gov- 
ernor's heirs,  and  for  a  time  was  used 
by  them  for  their  Motherhouse,  until 
their  headquarters  were  moved  to 
Springfield.  The  last  profession  made 
with  Jacksonville  as  the  Dominican 
Motherhouse  was  in  the  convent 
chapel,  October  24,  1892.  On  the  re- 
moval of  the  Dominican  Sisters,  the 
property  was  purchased  by  Father 
Crowe  and  used  by  him  as  a  parochial 
residence.  Early  in  1896  the  work  of 
remodeling  the  fine  old  house  for  the 
necessities  of  a  hospital  was  begun  by 
Father  Crowe  and  in  November  of 
that  year  Our  Saviour's  Hospital  was 
opened  to  the  public.  Among  the 
early  Sisters  who  nursed  the  sick  here 
were  some  members  of  the  famous 
band  that  went  forth  from  Notre 
Dame  during  the  Civil  "War  and  did 
heroic  work  under  the  direction  of 
Mother  Angela,  the  favorite  cousin  of 
the  celebrated  James  G.  Blaine.  In 
1897,  as  the  facilities  of  the  Hospital 
were  taxed  to  its  utmost,  a  substan- 
tial wing  was  completed,  while  in 
1922  the  present  magnificent  six 
story  fire  proof  building  was  added  at 
a  cost  of  $250,000,  making  the  Hos- 
pital one  of  the  most  modern  and  best 
equipped  in  this  part  of  the  state. 

On  Thanksgiving  Day,  1897,  just 
a  year  after  the  opening  of  this  Hos- 
pital, Father  Crowe  had  the  pleasure 
of  founding  and  equipping  a  Com- 
munity Center.  Shortly  after  assum- 
ing his  rectorate,  he  had  projected  a 
Catholic  Club  for  the  social  and  intel- 
lectual benefit  of  the  men  of  the 
parish.  This  Club  had  rooms  in  the 
old  rectory,  now  the  hospital,  and  for 
a  time  afterwards  used  Liberty  Hall 
as  its  home.  In  the  summer  of  1897, 
a  fine  old  family  mansion  located  at 
453  East  State  Street,  just  opposite 
the  church  was  purchased  for  the  use 
of  the  Club  as  its  home.  This  build- 
ing which  still  stands,  is  now  used  as 
the  Dormitory  of  Routt  College.  At 
the  heighth  of  its  career  the  club  was 
officered  as  follows  :  President,  John 
Buckley ;  First  Vice  President,  Michael 
Heffernan ;    Second    Vice    President, 


229 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Frank  Corcoran ;  Financial  Secretary, 
Michael  White;  Recording  Secretary, 
J.  J.  Kelly.  In  keeping  with  former 
donations,  Mr.  William  R.  Routt  set 
aside  in  the  spring  of  1901,  the  sum 
of  six  thousand  dollars  for  a  new 
church  organ,  which  was  duly  in- 
stalled and  opened  December,  1901. 
In  1902  the  auditorium  of  the  church 
was  enhanced  by  the  addition  of  the 
entirely  new  seating  accommodations. 
Among  the  zealous  workers  for  the 
Church  of  Our  Saviour  at  this  time, 
the  first  place  was  easily  taken  by  con- 
verts to  the  Catholic  Church — the 
members  of  the  Routt  family.  Charles 
L.  Routt,  the  brother  of  William  R. 
Routt,  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1824, 
and  came  to  Illinois  ten  years  later 
with  his  father.  Charles  Routt's 
mother  was  a  sister  of  the  famous 
Reuben  Springer,  the  millionaire 
philanthropist  of  Cincinnati.  About 
1839,  she  sent  her  son  Charles  to  Cin- 
cinnati to  be  educated.  In  1840,  Mr. 
Routt  became  a  Catholic,  an  incident 
which  naturally  interested  his  uncle, 
Reuben  Springer,  and  a  few  years 
later,  led  to  Mr.  Springer's  entrance 
into  the  Church.  A  year  or  two  after 
his  conversion  to  the  Faith,  Charles 
Routt  returned  to  Jacksonville,  where 
for  over  fifty  years  he  was  conspicu- 
ous as  a  public  spirited  citizen.  He 
died  November  26,  1895,  leaving  in 
his  will  numerous  bequests  to  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  of  the  Diocese 
for  various  diocesan  institutions.  The 
High  Altar  in  the  Church  of  Our 
Saviour  is  a  memorial  to  him,  pre- 
sented to  the  church  by  his  brother  and 
sister-in-law,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William 
R.  Routt,  his  sister,  Mrs.  McMillan, 
and  his  nephews,  the  Newman  broth- 
ers of  Chicago.  All  of  these  at  the 
time  of  the  donations  were  non-Catho- 
lics. In  1896,  four  years  after  the 
appointment  of  Father  Crowe,  as  pas- 
tor, he  had  the  satisfaction  of  receiv- 
ing William  R.  Routt  and  his  wife 
into  the  Catholic  church.  The  story 
of  their  baptism,  as  told,  is  curious. 
Their  son,  Harvey  J.  Routt,  had  be- 
come a  Catholic  in  1888  through  the 


instrumentality  of  his  uncle  Charles 
Routt.  Harvey  J.  Routt  was  a  fear- 
less high  minded,  uncompromising 
Catholic  and  his  life  naturally  had 
some  influence  with  his  parents,  who 
from  time  to  time  had  studied  the 
practices  and  doctrines  of  the  Catho- 
lic Church,  though  they  evinced  no 
wish  to  come  within  its  fold.  Mr. 
William  R.  Routt  was  originally  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Church, 
which  he  had  entered  at  the  age  of 
sixteen,  in  which  he  served  for  many 
years  as  Elder  and  Deacon.  In  1896, 
two  years  after  the  death  of  his 
brother  Charles,  he  and  his  wife  at- 
tended, in  a  casual  way,  a  mission 
given  at  the  Church  of  Our  Saviour. 
Later,  entering  the  rectory,  they  were 
met  by  Father  Crowe,  who  without 
further  preamble  asked  Mrs.  Routt  to 
come  to  the  church  to  be  baptized, 
and  upon  her  demurring,  he  said : 
"Well,  then,  come  in  and  see  your 
husband  receive  Baptism."  Strangely 
enough  William  R.  Routt  arose,  went 
to  the  Church  and  was  baptized.  On 
the  completion  of  the  ceremony, 
turning  to  Mrs.  Routt,  Father  Crowe 
remarked  :  ' '  Don 't  you  think  you 
could  do  the  same  thing?"  and  upon 
receiving  an  affirmative  answer,  she 
was  baptized  as  well  as  her  husband. 
The  sole  surviving  member  of  this 
thoroughly  Catholic  family  is  Mrs. 
Martha  A.  Routt. 

Father  Crowe  was  eminently  suc- 
cessful in  making  converts  and  at  one 
time,  by  far  the  most  prominent  men 
in  the  Church  of  Our  Saviour  were 
converts,  and  converts  were  the  ma- 
jority of  the  membership.  It  was  a 
common  sight  to  see  men  assemble  in 
threes  and  fours  each  evening  in  the 
week  at  the  rectory  to  receive  instruc- 
tion. The  largest  accession  to  the 
Church  at  any  one  time  was  a  class  of 
fifteen  men  who  were  part  of  the  con- 
verts of  the  year  1899.  During  the 
first  ten  years  of  Father  Crowe 's  min- 
istry over  two  hundred  converts  were 
received  into  the  Church  through  his 
instrumentality.  The  priests  of 
whom  mention  has  been  made  so  far 


230 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


were  pastors  of  the  Church.  Among 
the  men  whose  names  may  be  found 
on  the  church  books  in  one  capacity 
or  another  are  those  of  Fathers  John 
Janssen,  John  J.  Brennan,  D.  Byrne, 
C.  G.  Mangan,  William  Busch,  J.  J. 
Fitzgibbon,  Edward  McGowan,  Rich- 
ard Grant,  J.  Turmel,  Jeremiah  A. 
Sullivan,  John  Dietrich,  Thomas 
Reilly,  Charles  J.  Carr,  Father  Joseph 
O'Rourke  was  assistant  in  1893.  Fol- 
lowing him  came  Fathers  James  T. 
Meskel,  M.  H.  Cawley,  Joseph  Fin- 
negan,  William  J.  Healy,  M.  Simon, 
J.  Murphy,  F.  F.  Formaz,  A.  A. 
O'Donnell,    M.  J.  0 'Flaherty,    Denis 


O'Brien,  Michael  O'Donnell,  D. 
Doyle,  Joseph  O'Dwyer,  C.  A. 
Snyder,  W.  T.  Sloan,  Edward  J.  Ca- 
hill,  James  O'Donoghue,  George  E. 
Hobbs,  Walter  H.  Speeman,  Ernest 
A.  Burtle  and  Charles  C.  Sandon.  The 
present  pastor  of  the  church  is  the 
Rev.  F.  F.  Formaz. 

Such  in  brief  outlines  is  the  history 
of  seventy-five  years  of  Catholic  prog- 
ress in  a  typical  Middle  West  com- 
munity— a  progress  so  healthy  and 
natural  in  development  that  its  na- 
ture has  hardly  been  realized  by  the 
casual  onlooker. 


Church  of  St.  Bernard,  Glenarm,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1849. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Timothy  G.  Smith. 


One  of  the  earliest,  if  not  the 
earliest  Catholic  settlement  of  Sanga- 
mon County,  was  in  Ball  Township, 
near  the  present  village  of  Glenarm, 
now  better  known  as  Sugar  Creek. 
This  settlement  was  organized  as  a 
congregation  in  1849  and  as  a  parish 
under  the  title  of  St.  Bernard  Church. 

Some  few  years  after  Illinois  was 
admitted  into  the  Union  a  number  of 
families  migrated  from  Kentucky  to 
what  is  now  Ball  Township.  They 
came  originally  from  Maryland  to 
Kentucky,  and  after  sojourning  in 
that  state  for  more  than  a  generation, 
pushed  their  way  to  the  fair  prairies 
of  the  Sangamon.  Among  them  were 
the  Burtles,  Gattons,  Simpsons,  and 
Logsdons,  who  may  be  justly  styled 
the  Lords  Baltimore  of  this  diocese. 

William  Burtle  the  pioneer  of  his 
family,  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1780 
and  came  with  his  parents  to  Ken- 
tucky when  a  boy.  He  married  Sarah 
Ogdon  there,  and  when  forty-six 
years  old,  he  and  his  wife  and  their 
nine  children  moved  from  their  Ken- 
tucky home  to  the  fertile  prairies  on 
Sugar  Creek  settlement  in  Ball  Town- 
ship, about  two  hundred  yards  east  of 
where  St.  Bernard's  church  now 
stands.  Here  he  built  a  commodious 
log  house  into  which  he  moved  his 
family  in  the  spring  of  1828. 


In  1828  James  Simpson  followed 
Mr.  Burtle  from  Kentucky,  and  two 
years  later  his  brother  Richard  Simp- 
son came.  Then  came  Josephus  Gat- 
ton  in  1827,  later  bringing  from  Ken- 
tucky his  widowed  mother,  Mrs.  Ruth 
Gatton.  Mr.  Joseph  Logsdon  how- 
ever seems  to  have  been  the  earliest 
of  them  all,  having  come  in  1824. 

In  1829  they  were  so  lonesome  for 
the  comfort  and  consolation  which  the 
Sacraments  of  the  church  afford, 
that  they  determined  to  obtain  a 
priest;  and  so  Mr.  William  Burtle 
and  Mr.  James  Simpson  joined  in  a 
request  to  the  Church  Authorities  at 
St.  Louis  to  send  a  priest  to  minister 
to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  little 
colony  on  Sugar  Creek.  In  response 
to  their  request,  Father  Dusnawas 
came  to  them,  and  Mass  was  cele- 
brated by  him  in  the  home  of  Joseph 
Logsdon.  This,  so  fas  as  known,  was 
the  first  time  Mass  was  ever  cele- 
brated in  Sangamon  County.  Mr. 
Burtle  has  said  that  at  that  time  there 
were  only  two  Catholic  families  in 
Springfield. 

From  time  to  time  after  this,  a 
priest  visited  the  settlement,  cele- 
brated Mass  and  administered  the 
Sacraments. 

The  Reverend  Joseph  A.  Lutz  was 
the  next  priest  to  attend    Glen   Arm 


231 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


and  after  him  came  the  Reverend 
Charles  Felix  Von  Quickenborne, 
S.J. 

Reverend  John  Mary  Irenaeus  St. 
Cyr,  on  his  way  from  St.  Louis  to 
Chicago  to  minister  to  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  faithful  of  the  later  city 
made  a  short  stay  at  Sugar  Creek. 
That  journey  was  made  in  1834. 
Under  date  of  January  11  of  that 
same  year  he  (Father  St.  Cyr)  re- 
ported to  his  ordinary,  Bishop  Rosati 
of  St.  Louis,  that  he  had  visited  Sugar 
Creek,  said  Mass  there,  and  adminis- 
tered the  Sacraments  to  the  Catholic 
people  living  in  the  vicinity. 

About  1831  or  1832  Mr.  Logsdon 
moved  to  Missouri,  and  from  that 
time  until  1849  services  were  con- 
ducted at  the  home  of  Mr.  Burtle  with 
more  or  less  regularity. 

In  1849  a  church  was  built  on  the 
spot  where  St.  Bernard's  now  stands. 
In  1865  this  church  was  sold  to  one 
of  the  families  of  the  parish,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  best  authenticated 
local   tradition  the   present   building 


was  erected  in  1866  by  Father 
Murphy  one  of  the  pioneer  priests  of 
this  diocese. 

Henceforth  the  parish  was  succes- 
sively attended  from  St.  Mary's, 
Springfield  (now  the  Cathedral  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception),  Virden, 
Auburn,  and  Divernon  to  which  last 
mentioned  it  is  still  attached. 

It  is  more  than  passing  strange 
that  St.  Bernard,  Glenarm,  which  be- 
gan so  early  and  well — it  long  ante- 
dated the  institution  of  this  diocese — 
should  now  be  reduced  to  a  congrega- 
tion of  twelve  families.  The  rosy 
hopes  of  growing  to  be  a  larger  and 
greater  parish  which  it  had  in  the 
morning  of  youth  were  never  realized, 
and  so  today  it  finds  itself  numbered 
among  the  smallest  out-missions  in 
the  diocese.  Small  though  it  is,  it  has, 
however,  the  distinction  of  giving  to 
the  diocese  a  priest  in  the  person  of 
Father  Ernest  Burtle  who  is  a  native 
son  of  Glenarm  and  a  direct  descend- 
ant of  the  original  Burtles  of  the 
parish. 


Church  op  St.  Alextos,  Beardstown,  Cass  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1851. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  James  Ahem. 


As  early  as  1833  Beardstown  had 
been  visited  by  Reverend  Charles 
Felix  Von  Quickenborne,  S.J.,  from 
St.  Louis.  In  1835  Father  Conda- 
mine  of  St.  Louis  labored  for  awhile 
among  the  scattered  Catholics  of 
Beardstown.  In  1838  Father  John  B. 
Rabo,  CM.,  of  LaSalle,  Illinois,  min- 
istered to  about  200  families  along  the 
Illinois  River,  extending  for  sixty 
miles.  Reverend  Peter  Paul  Lefevre, 
later  Coadjutor  Bishop  of  Detroit,  in 
1841,  begged  Bishop  Rosati  of  St. 
Louis,  October  6,  1836,  to  send  a 
priest  to  Beardstown. 

Right  Reverend  William  Quarter, 
the  first  Bishop  of  Chicago,  landed  at 
Beardstown,  June  18,  1844,  and  ef- 
fected wonders  among  the  scattered 
people.  Reverend  Maurice  De  St. 
Palaise,  afterwards    Bishop    of    Vin- 


cennes,  and  other  priests  accompanied 
him  on  his  apostolic  journey. 

On  the  8th  of  August,  1851,  Right 
Reverend  James  Oliver  Van  de  Velde, 
second  Bishop  of  Chicago,  started 
from  Naples,  Illinois,  to  Beardstown. 
It  was  on  this  occasion  that  the  good 
Bishop  donated  $50.00  toward  build- 
ing the  first  Catholic  church  in 
Beardstown.  This  good  Bishop  be- 
came Bishop  of  Natchez,  Mississippi, 
July,  1853,  and  died  November  13, 
1855.  The  first  church  was  placed 
under  the  special  protection  of  St. 
Alexius  and  completed  in  the  year 
1852. 

The  church  property  is  valued 
at  about  $85,000.00,  and  out  of  debt. 
The  parish  consists  of  about  65  fam- 
ilies, many  of  these  living  here  for  50 


232 


Glenarm — St.  Bernard  Church  .  .  .  Jacksonville— Rectory,  Our  Savior's  Church, 
Very  Rev.  F.  F.  Formaz,  Pastor,  School,  Our  Savior  School,  Routi  Club,  Liberty  Hall  .  .  . 
Dieterich — Rectory  and  St.  Mary's  Church,  Rev.  Oscar  J.  W.  Wernet,  Pastor. 


1a.  U8fi^!iY 

fif  Ha 

IWftSlTY  OF  ILUMfflS 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OP  CHICAGO 


years.  It  is  an  ideal  place  to  live  for 
a  shepherd  who  enjoys  the  sport  of 
hunting  and  fishing  during  the  re- 
cess   from    worry.      Father     George 


Hensey,    having    served    his    people 

here  since  1910,  was  succeeded  in  the 

fall  of  1925  by  Father  James  Ahern. 

Church  of  St.  Mart,  Brussels,  Calhoun  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1852. 

Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Henry  B.  Schnelten. 


Brussels  is  a  little  village  with 
about  400  inhabitants,  situated  in  the 
southern  portion  of  Calhoun  County 
between  the  Mississippi  and  the  Illi- 
nois rivers.  Available  records  indi- 
cate that  Calhoun  County  was  in- 
habited as  early  as  1838.  From  two 
families  at  that  time  the  population 
of  the  county  has  increased  to  8,245. 
The  slow  growth  of  the  county  is  due 
to  its  peninsular  position,  being  sit- 
uated between  the  Illinois  and  Miss- 
issippi rivers.  In  addition  to  this, 
neither  the  population  of  the  county 
nor  its  volume  of  produce,  owing  to 
its  size,  has  heretofore  ever  war- 
ranted the  cost  of  a  bridge  in  order 
to  give  reliable  access  to  the  markets. 

The  early  settlers  of  the  county 
were  wood  choppers,  mostly  of 
French  and  Irish  descent.  They  sup- 
plied St.  Louis,  Missouri,  with  wood 
before  the  days  of  coal.  About  the 
year  1843  a  few  families  from  the 
province  of  Hanover  in  Germany 
came  here  and  began  clearing  the 
ground  for  cultivation.  From  this 
time  to  1850  there  were  about  thirty 
Catholic  families  in  the  southern  por- 
tion of  the  county,  of  French,  Irish, 
and  German  descent.  Among  the 
early  settlers  were  such  families  as 
the  Cunninghams,  Kelleys,  Gleasons, 
McCaulys,  Wittmonds,  Rowes, 
Schleepers,  Blooms,  Telkamps  and 
Pohlmans,  who  formed  the  nucleus  of 
the  first  Catholic  parish  in  Calhoun 
County.  Up  to  the  year  1852  these 
people  had  no  resident  priest.  Every 
effort  was  made,  however,  to  secure 
one,  and  they  were  finally  in  the  year 
1852  rewarded.  Until  the  above  men- 
tioned date  a  priest  from  St.  Charles, 
Missouri,  would  come  occasionally  to 
give  the  people  an  opportunity  to  re- 
ceive the  sacraments.   Sick  calls  were 


also  attended  from  St.  Charles,  which 
is  twenty-one  miles  from  Brussels 
and  separated  from  it  by  the  Miss- 
issippi river.  Difficulty  in  crossing 
the  river  as  well  as  the  hardships  of 
travel  through  the  wilderness  in 
those  days,  made  regular  trips  to  the 
county  impossible  for  the  priest  from 
St.  Charles. 

Preparing  for  a  resident  priest,  the 
Catholics  built  in  the  year  1848  a 
frame  church  40x30  under  the  lead- 
ership of  Casper  Blooms  and  Theo- 
dore Schleeper.  To  the  rear  of  the 
church  four  rooms  were  added  which 
were  to  serve  as  living  quarters  for 
the  priest. 

May  12,  1852,  Brussels  received  its 
first  pastor  in  the  person  of  Father 
John  Molitor,  he  having  been  sent 
there  by  the  Bishop  of  Chicago.  He 
was  a  young  priest  and  came  to 
Brussels  in  failing  health.  During 
his  short  life  of  three  months  in  Brus- 
sels he  endeared  himself  to  his  people. 
He  was  the  first  priest  to  be  buried 
in  Brussels  cemetery.  The  village  was 
named  Brussels  in  memory  of  their 
deceased  pastor  who  was  a  native  of 
Brussels  in  Belgium. 

After  the  death  of  Father  Molitor 
in  August  of  1852,  Father  I.  F.  L. 
Nerreydt,  S.J.,  a  Jesuit  Father  from 
St.  Charles,  Missouri,  took  charge  of 
Brussels  parish  until  October  14, 
1853,  when  Father  J.  C.  Regal  was 
appointed  pastor.  Father  Regal  was 
pastor  from  October  14,  1853,  to 
January  of  1860,  during  which  time 
he  established  a  mission  church  at 
Michael,  Illinois,  the  second  church  in 
Calhoun  County,  twenty-four  miles 
from  Brussels,  which  distance  Father 
Regal  made  on  horseback  once  a 
month.  After  seven  years  of  strenu- 
ous work  in  the  then  very  wild  coun- 
try of   Calhoun,   he   died   and    was 


233 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


buried  with  his  people  in  St.  Mary's 
Cemetery,  Brussels,  Illinois. 

Father  Regal's  successor  was  Rev- 
erend Charles  Raphael  who  was  pas- 
tor from  1860  to  1863.  During  his 
short  stay  he  did  very  effective  work. 
Due  to  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Theo- 
dore Schleeper,  one  of  the  first 
settlers,  the  present  beautiful  church 
grounds,  five  acres  in  all,  became  the 
property  of  the  church.  The  ceme- 
tery land  had  been  previously 
donated  by  the  same  man.  Shortly 
after  Father  Raphael's  arrival,  he 
began  making  plans  for  a  new  home 
for  himself  on  the  newly  acquired 
church  property.  Having  completed 
his  residence  in  1862,  he  immediately 
began  to  build  the  new  church,  a 
brick  structure  40x80  feet,  which 
forms  part  of  the  present  church 
building.  The  new  church  was  ren- 
dered fit  for  services  the  same  year, 
but  Father  Raphael  was  sent  else- 
where before  he  could  accomplish  his 
plans. 

The  third  pastor  of  this  congrega- 
tion was  Reverend  Peter  Rustemeyer, 
who  served  from  1863  to  1865  and 
from  1867  to  1870.  It  was  due  to  his 
efforts  that  in  1869  the  services  of  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  from  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  were  secured  and  a  Catholic 
school  established.  Father  Ruste- 
meyer converted  his  own  home  into  a 
Sisters'  house  and  added  thereto  a 
large  room  which  was  used  for  a  class- 
room, he  going  back  to  the  old  four- 
room  appendix  to  the  original  church. 

From  1865  to  1867,  during  the  ab- 
sence of  Father  Rustemeyer,  Rever- 
end John  Mark,  a  native  of  Bavaria, 
Germany,  was  pastor  of  Brussels. 
During  Father  Mark's  stay  the  new 
church  was  plastered. 

In  the  year  1871  Reverend  Blasius 
Winterhalter  was  appointed  pastor 
of  Brussels.  Father  Winterhalter 
was  pastor  here  for  thirty-six  years, 
from  1871  to  1907,  during  which  time 
he  labored  zealously  for  the  spiritual 
and  temporal  welfare  of  the  parish. 
Practically  all  of  the  buildings  on  the 
church  premises  today  were  erected 


by  him.  Although  he  did  not  build 
the  church,  he  added  to  it  so  that  it 
would  accommodate  the  ever  increas- 
ing congregation.  In  addition  to  this 
he  built  the  present  school,  first  with 
two  rooms,  and  when  this  became  too 
small,  he  added  a  third  room.  The 
present  house  for  the  priest  was  built 
by  him  as  also  the  parish  hall.  In 
1907  Father  Winterhalter  resigned.  A 
short  time  later  he  died  in  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  and  was  buried  in  Calvary 
Cemetery  of  that  city. 

From  February,  1907,  to  Novem- 
ber, 1907,  Reverend  Joseph  Maurer 
acted  as  pastor.  In  the  same  year  he 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Doctor 
Henry  Becker,  who  remained  until 
the  latter  part  of  November,  1910. 
During  Father  Becker's  last  year  as 
pastor  of  Brussels,  he  took  a  trip  to 
Europe,  and  while  he  was  away 
Father  B.  Schroeder  took  his  place. 
It  was  during  Doctor  Becker's  ab- 
sence that  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph 
from  St.  Louis  left  the  parish,  much 
to  the  regret  of  the  people,  who  to  this 
day  speak  very  highly  of  the  efficient 
work  that  these  good  Sisters  ac- 
complished during  their  nearly  forty 
years  work  in  the  parish. 

In  December,  1910,  Reverend  An- 
ton J.  Stengel  was  appointed  as 
Father  Becker's  successor.  His  first 
task  was  to  provide  Sisters  for  his 
school,  and  he  was  fortunate  in  se- 
curing the  Precious  Blood  Sisters, 
who  had  their  motherhouse  in  the  city 
of  Ruma,  Illinois.  During  his  nine 
years  here  Father  Stengel  labored 
zealously  for  the  temporal  and  spir- 
itual welfare  of  the  congregation.  He 
made  many  improvements  on  the 
church  property,  ornamenting  it  with 
trees,  shrubbery  and  lawn.  It  was  he 
also  who  built  the  beautiful  home  for 
the  Sisters,  which  is  a  two  story,  mod- 
ern brick  building.  The  priest's  house 
was  also  remodeled  by  him.  During 
his  stay  in  Brussels  Father  Stengel 
was  very  active  and  did  much  of  the 
work  about  the  premises  himself,  be- 
ing particularly  gifted  in  that  direc- 
tion.    He  took  great  delight  in  doing 


234 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


such  handiwork  and  in  this  way  inci- 
dentally saved  the  congregation  many 
dollars.  Due  to  his  whole-souled  ef- 
fort in  their  behalf,  the  people  loved 
and  revered  him,  and  when  the  news 
came  of  his  transfer  to  Litchfield, 
Illinois,  the  people  were  much  grieved 
and  it  was  several  months  before  they 
could  be  reconciled  to  the  loss  of  their 
beloved  pastor. 

In  July,  1919,  Reverend  John  J. 
Brune  was  appointed  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  to  succeed  Father 
Stengel,  Father  Brune,  as  his  prede- 
cessor, was  active  in  advancing  the 
spiritual  as  well  as  the  material  inter- 
ests of  the  parish.  He  remodeled 
and  frescoed  the  church  in  a  very 
artistic  and  practical  manner.  Be- 
sides these  material  improvements 
Father  Brune  had  the  various 
branches  of  the  Holy  Name  so- 
ciety established  in  the  parish, 
which  continue  in  a  very  flourishing 
condition.     Other  organized  societies 


in  the  parish  are :  St.  Agnes  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality  for  the  Propagation 
of  the  Faith,  St.  Theresa's  Girls'  So- 
dality of  the  Holy  Childhood,  Purga- 
torial Society  and  St.  Joseph  Benevo- 
lent Society. 

At  the  present  writing  the  parish 
numbers  142  families,  with  a  total 
Catholic  population  of  600.  The 
school  taught  by  two  Sisters  of  Di- 
vine Providence,  has  an  enrollment  of 
75  pupils. 

In  July,  1924,  Father  Brune  was 
transferred  to  St.  Mary's  church,  Al- 
ton, Illinois,  and  Reverend  Henry  B. 
Schnelten  who  had  been  assistant  in 
Alton,  was  made  pastor  of  Brussels. 
His  efforts  are  being  spent  in  keeping 
the  well  organized  parish  in  good  con- 
dition spiritually  and  financially.  He 
hopes  soon  to  liquidate  the  present 
indebtedness  and  then  build  a  new 
school  in  keeping  with  present-day 
educational  requirements. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Dieterich,  Effingham  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1852. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Oscar  J.  "W.  "Wernet. 


The  first  Catholic  school  in  Bishop 
Township  was  erected  in  1852  on  the 
present  forty-acre  plot  then  pur- 
chased for  the  future  church,  and  was 
taught  by  Herman  H.  Huels  until 
1854.  In  this  early  school  the  Fran- 
ciscan Fathers,  Joseph  Zoegel,  O.F.M., 
then  pastor  of  St.  Francis  Church  at 
Teutopolis  in  St.  Francis  Township, 
and  his  successor,  Charles  Raphale, 
O.F.M.,  held  services  at  different 
times,  as  did  also  Father  Matthias 
Hiltermann,  O.F.M.,  in  1863. 

St.  Aloysius  Church  "on  'Big 
Bishop'  Creek"  was  the  first  church 
erected  in  the  township.  It  was  built 
in  the  year  1851  or  '52.  The  first 
Catholic  school  in  Dieterichsburg  was 
erected  in  1890.  To  this  parochial 
school  in  several  cases  the  village 
children  indiscriminately  came,  in 
preference  to  walking  the  long  dis- 
tance to  the  District  School,  which 
then  was  located  at  the  north  of  the 
corporation. 


At  the  time  of  its  incorporation  the 
town  embraced  a  wide  area,  this  be- 
ing necessary  to  meet  the  State  Laws 
of  incorporation.  With  the  increase 
of  souls,  however,  this  is  now  no  long- 
er the  state  of  affairs.  The  confines 
of  the  village  have  become  more  re- 
stricted. 

The  Catholic  School,  a  small  one- 
room  frame  structure,  is  still  stand- 
ing on  its  original  site.  This  land  as 
well  as  the  site  whereon  rests  the 
present  Immaculate  Conception 
Church  was  donated  to  the  congrega- 
tion by  Peter  Hutmacher,  one  of 
Dieterich 's  early  citizens.  Mr.  Hut- 
macher was  very  prominent  in  the 
Dieterich  Catholic  circles  in  the  early 
days.  His  name,  as  also  that  of  the 
Hutmacher  family  as  a  whole,  will 
ever  live  in  the  memory  of  the  Parish 
for  their  benefactions,  deep  interest 
and  whole-hearted  activity. 

The  little  school  building  is  now 
used  as  a  sort  of  a  Parish  Hall.    The 


235 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Parish  property  is  located  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  the  original  village  of 
' '  Dietrichsburg ' '  and  a  little  north  of 
the  present  Illinois  Central  Railroad. 
Here  the  first  depot — a  box  car  was 
located.  This  part  of  the  village  in 
those  days  was  the  business  section. 
Since  then  the  commercial  center  has 
moved  farther  west. 

From  the  previously  mentioned  St. 
Aloysius  Congregation  "on  Bishop 
Creek"  have  come  many  of  the  fam- 
ilies who  go  to  make  up  the  present 
Immaculate  Conception  Parish  in 
Dieterich.  John  Grace  and  Michael 
Dieterich  were  prominent  characters 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Bishop 
Township. 

"We  now  pass  on  to  Michael  Dieter- 
ich, born  July  23,  1826,  in  Germany. 
The  records  at  hand  show  that  he  was 
the  father  of  at  least  eight  children, 
viz.,  Henry,  Lizzie,  Minnie,  Barbara, 
Michael,  Caroline,  John  and  one  dead. 
None  of  them  reside  here  at  the  pres- 
ent time.  Mr.  Dieterich  seems  to 
have  been  a  very  shrewd  business 
man.  He  gave  the  right  of  way  for 
the  "Springfield,  Effingham  and 
Quincy  Railroad ' '  which  crosses  diag- 
onally the  north  half  of  Section 
Thirteen.  At  the  completion  of  this 
road  in  1880,  the  company  built  a 
station  on  his  land  and  he  naturally 
named  it  "Dieterichsburg"  in  his 
honor,  and  it  was  surveyed  in  the  Fall 
of  1880  by  County  Surveyor  A.  S. 
Moffit.  So  "Dieterichsburg-Grace- 
ville ' '  ceased  to  exist  as  a  twin  village 
and  hence  was  known  under  one 
name,  ' '  Dieterichsburg. ' '  This  name, 
the  railroad  company  for  telegraphic 
brevity,  later  still,  cut  down  to 
"Dieterich,"  the  town's  present  legal 
designation.  Dwelling  sites  were 
bought  up  as  the  inhabitants  in- 
creased; different  lines  of  commerce 
were  entered  into  ;  the  town  developed 
more  and  more,  and  Dieterich  became 
a  fine  business  center  for  many  miles 
around,  especially  the  south  and  west. 
At  one  time  it  sheltered  over  one 
thousand  inhabitants.  Today  there 
are  not  over  five  hundred   people   in 


Dieterich.  The  cities  seem  to  be  call- 
ing them  away,  and  each  year  the 
population  grows  a  little  less. 

Besides  those  already  mentioned 
quite  a  few  other  Catholic  families 
gradually  became  dwellers  of  the 
original  Dieterichsburg.  Before  the 
erection  of  a  church  in  the  town  these 
pious  people  and  those  of  the  vicinity, 
in  order  to  fulfill  -their  religious  du- 
ties, necessarily  went  to  St.  Francis 
Church  "on  Big  Bishop  Creek," 
three  and  one-quarter  miles  due  west 
of  this  village,  or  to  St.  Joseph 
church,  Island  Grove  in  Jasper  Coun- 
ty. In  the  inclement  weather  of  the 
Spring,  Fall  and  Winter  this  was  a 
great  hardship,  and  demanded  many 
sacrifices. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  established 
a  school  taught  at  various  times  by 
the  following :  Mary  Mulvaney,  Rose 
Gardewine,  George  Probst,  Leo  Mul- 
vaney, John  A.  Donsbach,  Cecilia 
Ordner,  Mary  Bertram,  Laura  Ord- 
ner,  Josephine  Brink,  Emma  Lampe, 
Maggie  Brey  and  Edna  Petry.  Which 
of  the  above  was  first  to  so  act  at  the 
time  of  the  school's  origin  in  1891  is 
not  exactly  known.  Earnestly  real- 
izing their  isolation  and  deeply  re- 
gretting their  situation,  after  a  fairly 
well  attended  meeting  the  leading 
Catholics  of  the  community  appointed 
and  sent  a  committee  to  the  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  who  was 
then  at  St.  Michael  Church  in  Sigel, 
on  one  of  his  Episcopal  visits,  with 
the  request  to  permit  them  to  build  a 
church  of  their  own  in  Dieterich.  The 
personnel  of  this  body  consisted  of 
the  following:  Joseph  Hoedebecke, 
George  Overbeck,  C.  J.  Steppe, 
George  Krumberg  and  Nicholas  Hut- 
macher.  These  men,  be  it  stated,  de- 
serve much  credit  for  their  interest 
shown,  both  in  the  early  days  of  the 
Parish  and  in  its  later  development. 
The  Bishop  kindly  and  readily  grant- 
ed their  petition.  The  ground  for 
the  school  and  church  site  was 
donated. 

Reverend  Celtus  Girschewski,  0.  F. 
M.,  was  the  pastor  of  St.  Aloysius 
Congregation    "on    Bishop     Creek" 


236 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


1903-05,  during  which  time  he  also 
cared  for  the  Dieterich  Catholics. 
Under  his  leadership,  preliminaries 
were  attended  to,  materials  were 
gathered  together,  and  ground  for  the 
local  structure  was  broken.  In  the 
following  Spring  building  operations 
began  in  all  earnestness.  In  Septem- 
ber of  1904,  the  present  frame  struc- 
ture, Roman  in  style,  was  brought  to 
a  completion.  One  year  later,  Septem- 
ber 17,  1905,  the  edifice  was  fittingly 
dedicated  under  the  ever  inspiring 
title  of  "The  Immaculate  Conception 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary."  Local 
Catholics,  in  abbreviation,  are  ac- 
customed to  call  it  "St.  Mary 
Church." 

Brother  Christopher,  O.F.M.,  of 
the  Teutopolis  Monastery,  designed 
the  building.  The  building  commit- 
tee with  Father  Celtus,  O.F.M.,  as 
leader,  consisted  of  these  gentlemen : 
Charles  J.  Steppe,  Nicholas  Hutmach- 
er  and  William  J.  Petry,  Jr.  The 
labor  and  material  in  many  instances 
were  donated.  Prior  to  its  dedication, 
the  Parish  Dramatic  Society  gave  a 
play  in  the  building.  The  sanctuary 
served  as  the  stage  while  the  sacristy 
and  Missionary's  quarters  furnished 
dressing  rooms  for  the  actors.  A  fair 
sum  was  realized  from  this  produc- 
tion. Today  the  "Girls  and  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality"  aided  by  the  Par- 
ish members  continue  this  dramatic 
circle.  From  time  to  time  they  give 
plays  and  entertainments  in  the 
Town  Hall.  In  the  early  days  the 
upper  story  of  the  old  "Petry  Broth- 
ers' "  frame  structure  served  as  their 
Dramatic  Hall.  Their  old  scenery  and 
unique  curtain  are  still  on  hand  in  a 
good  state  of  preservation. 

The  "Petry"  building  was  destroy- 
ed by  fire  some  three  or  four  years 
ago.  The  village  bought  up  the  site 
and  thereon  erected  the  new  Town 
Hall.  This  is  now  used  for  their  pub- 
lic meetings. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  continued 
to  care  for  the  Dieterich  "Mission" 
until  April,  1907.  After  this  time  the 
Bishop     chose    to    attach    it    to    St. 


Thomas  congregation  in  Newton,  Jas- 
per County,  as  a  "mission."  Father 
Bede  Carbury,  O.F.M.,  then  attached 
to  the  teaching  staff  of  St.  Joseph  Col- 
lege at  Teutopolis,  Illinois,  was  the 
last  Franciscan  Father  to  have  charge 
of  the  Dieterich  Mission.  From  this 
time  Very  Reverend  Dean  John  Moli- 
tor,  R.D.,  of  Newton,  Illinois,  through 
the  agency  of  his  various  assistants, 
diligently  looked  after  the  needs  of 
the  Mission.  The  first  of  these  assist- 
ants was  Reverend  John  Marion.  The 
present  revered  Pastor  of  St.  Mary 
congregation,  Alexander,  Morgan 
County,  Illinois,  Father  Francis  A. 
Lucius,  was  the  happy  successor  of 
the  above  named.  He  remained  un- 
til March,  1909. 

The  present  incumbent,  Father 
Oscar  J.  W.  Wernet,  was  next  as- 
signed by  the  Bishop,  with  charge  un- 
der Dean  Molitor  of  this  Mission.  The 
latter  in  taking  up  the  work  of  his 
predecessors  found  the  people  very 
enthusiastic  and  especially  desirous 
of  regular  Sunday  services.  Owing  to 
conditions  existing,  they  readily  un- 
derstood this  to  be  impossible  unless 
they  could  have  a  resident  priest.  And 
in  compliance  with  their  wishes,  un- 
der the  guidance  of  their  Pastor,  a 
lot  50x150  feet  adjoining  the  church 
on  the  east  was  duly  purchased  from 
C.  J.  Steppe  for  $300.00.  The  neces- 
sary preliminaries  cared  for,  building 
was  commenced  and  in  December. 
1910,  the  present  substantial  brick 
rectory  was  ready  for  occupancy. 
George  Overbeck  and  Nicholas  Hut- 
macher  served  with  the  Pastor  as 
building  committee.  As  in  the  church 
structure,  so  also  in  this  case,  much  of 
the  labor  and  lumber  were  donated. 
In  its  formation  and  upbuilding  the 
Dieterich  Parish  had  its  difficulties 
to  contend  with  and  its  little  obstacles 
to  overcome,  together  with  the  numer- 
ous sacrifices  to  be  borne  in  such 
events.  A  good  sized  debt,  like  a 
threatening  cloud,  gloomingly  hung 
over  it. 

The  congregation  has  furnished  the 
county  with    a    number    of    efficient 


237 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


teachers.  Of  these  we  are  able  to  men- 
tion the  names  of  the  following:  An- 
nette M.  Barcum  and  Esther  Dons- 
bach.  The  first  named  is  now  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  while 
the  latter  is  engaged  in  public  school 
teaching  near  Montrose,  Illinois. 

The  several  young  ladies  of  the 
village  to  enter  the  Religious  Life  are 
the  following:  Theresia  Clara  Over- 
beck,  deceased;  Frances  Catherine 
Probst,  and  Annette  Mary  Barcum. 

A  fire  resulting  from  a  stroke  of 
lightning  in  the  early  morning  of 
Sunday,  September  4,  1910,  caused 
considerable  damage  to  the  church. 
No  financial  loss,  however,  was  suf- 
fered by  the  congregation  as  the  in- 
surance policy  fully  cared  for  that 
part.  Some  inconvenience  had  to  be 
borne  for  a  while  until  repairs  were 
completed.  A  few  changes  in  the  rear 
of  the  edifice  were  necessitated  as  a 
result  of  the  above  incident. 

Since  then  each  year  has  seen  some 
necessary  improvements  to  the  prop- 
erty from  their  meagre  purses.  The 
Parish  is  free  from  all  indebtedness. 
In  this  connection  special  mention 
must  be  made  of  Owen  O'Reilly,  de- 
ceased. This  pious  member  of  the  con- 
gregation bequeathed  much  of  the 
money  wherewith  the  parish  met  its 
financial  burdens.  For  the  same 
reason  we  dare  not  pass  over  the  name 
of  John  N.  Steppe. 

Of  the  166  Baptisms  administered 
as  recorded  in  the  Parish  Books  up  to 
date,  the  first  took  place  in  the  Teuto- 
polis  College  Chapel.  The  child  was 
the  son  of  Nicholas  Hutmacher  and 
wife,  Anne,  nee  Barcum.  It  occurred 
on  August  20,  1905.  The  sponsors 
were  Henry  Meyer  and  Elizabeth 
Lustig  with  Father  Bede  Carbury, 
O.F.M.,  officiating. 

The  first  of  the  forty-one  marriages 
on  record  was  that  of  Henry  Habing 
and  Elizabeth  Hardollar.  It  occurred 
on  October  20,  1905,  with  Father 
Bede  Carbury,  O.F.M.,  officiating, 
and  with  Francis  Hardollar  and  Cath- 
erine Pille  as  witnesses. 

There   have  been   136   First   Holy 


Communions  up  to  date.  The  Holy 
Sacrament  of  Confirmation  was  con- 
ferred on  a  total  of  92  persons  as  the 
records  show.  The  names  of  others 
appear  on  the  Parish  Books  of  either 
Bishop,  Teutopolis,  or  St.  Thomas,  at 
Newton,  Illinois. 

Regarding  deaths  and  burials  there 
have  been  in  all  forty-one  to  date. 
The  first  one  on  record  indicates  that 
of  a  certain  George  Benick.  He  was 
a  man  of  56  years  of  age,  dying  sud- 
denly on  October  24,  1905.  His  burial 
took  place  on  October  26,  1905.  The 
obsequies  were  in  charge  of  Father 
Bede  Carbury,  O.F.M.  These  facts 
are  in  full  accord  with  the  Parish 
Records. 

Others  serving  as  Parish  Trustees 
are  the  following :  William  Lustig 
and  George  Overbeck  until  January, 
1919 ;  William  II.  Ruegger  and  Leo- 
pold Deters  until  1920.  From  1920 
the  following  gentlemen  have  been 
holding  the  office,  viz.,  J.  H.  Westen- 
dorf  and  Leopold  Deters.  They  still 
continue  in  that  capacity  and  deserve 
great  credit  for  their  many  sacrifices 
in  different  ways  for  the  good  of  the 
congregation  and  for  their  ready  will- 
ingness to  sustain  the  Pastor  in  all 
undertakings. 

From  the  very  beginning  the  Altar 
Society  and  the  Sacred  Heart  League 
have  been  in  existence  in  the  Parish. 
The  present  officers  of  these  efficient 
organizations  are  as  follows :  Presi- 
dent, Mrs.  Thomas  L.  Wooley;  Vice 
President,  Mrs.  Ben  Beckman;  Sec- 
retary, Mrs.  John  A.  Donsbach; 
Treasurer,  Mrs.  Michael  McMahon; 
Counsellors,  Mesdames  J.  H.  Westen- 
dorf,  Joseph  Lustig,  Sr.,  and  William 
Lustig. 

In  1910  the  "Girls  and  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality"  was  established. 
Their  Prefect  is  Miss  Gladys  Barcum ; 
Secretary,  Miss  Dorothy  Hutmacher; 
Treasurer,  Miss  Evelyn  Petry.  Their 
Holy  Communion  Sunday  follows 
that  of  the  Married  Ladies'  Organiza- 
tion mentioned  above.  It  includes  in 
its  membership  all  the  girls  who  have 
made  their  First    Holy    Communion. 


238 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OP   CHICAGO 


They  have  about  thirty  members  en- 
rolled. 

On  Christmas  Day,  1910,  "The 
Holy  Childhood  Association"  was 
established  in  the  Parish.  Its  roster 
embraces  every  child,  even  infants,  of 
the  congregation  up  to  the  sixteenth 
year.    The  children  rejoice  in  it. 

On  Easter  Sunday,  1924,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  wish  of  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop,  James  Aloysius  Griffin, 
D.D.,  a  "Senior"  and  a  "Junior  Di- 
vision" of  the  "Diocesan  Holy  Name 
Confraternity, ' '  was  duly  established. 
The  following  are  the  Charter  of- 
ficers: President,  Albert  Barcum; 
Vice  President,  Rudolf  Schneider; 
Secretary,  William  J.  Petry;  Treas- 
urer, Henry  Krone,  Jr. ;  Marshall,  N. 
Hutmacher ;  Consultors,  George  West- 
endorf,  Joseph  Lustig,  Sr.,  and 
Henry    Meyer.      Prefects,    Louis    N. 


Hutmacher,  Aloysius  H.  Westendorf 
and  Lawrence  Donsbach.  They  are  a 
fine  body  of  men  and  they  certainly 
made  a  fine  and  lasting  impression 
upon  the  congregation  and  all  who 
witnessed  the  1924  Easter  Sunday 
event  in  general.  The  Junior  Di- 
vision have  the  following  for  their 
Prefects :  Edgar  Lustig  and  Leonard 
A.  Barcum. 

The  names  of  those  of  the  Dieterich 
Parish  to  serve  in  the  ranks  as  sol- 
diers in  the  late  war  are  as  follows : 
Frank  Niendick,  B.  F.  Deters,  George 
Deters,  Edward  Hutmacher,  Joseph 
Hutmacher,  Peter  Hutmacher,  Jr., 
Lawrence  Lustig,  Harry  Meyer,  Ed- 
ward B.  Meyer,  Allie  Hutmacher, 
Joseph  Ruegger,  Eugene  McCaffery, 
Alphonse  Wooley  and  Aloysius  West- 
endorf. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Pittsfield,  Pike  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1853. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Francis  Curran. 


As  early  as  the  year  1835,  Pike 
County  was  visited  by  a  Catholic 
priest  who  traveled  from  St.  Louis  to 
minister  to  the  scattered  members  of 
the  church  along  the  Mississippi.  The 
priest  was  Reverend  Peter  Paul  Le- 
fevre,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Detroit. 
Pike  County  was  afterwards  included 
in  the  territory  apportioned  to  the 
spiritual  care  of  Reverend  John  Mary 
Iranaeus,  St.  Cyr,  who  visited  Atlas,  a 
town  of  some  importance  in  the  county 
at  that  time.  In  1845,  when  Pittsfield 
was  the  County  Seat,  it  was  put  un- 
der the  charge  of  Reverend  Hilary 
Tucker,  who  came  here  at  intervals 
from  Quincy,  where  he  resided.  In 
1847,  the  Catholics  of  Pittsfield  and 
vicinity  were  attended  by  Reverend 
James  Gallaher,  who  resided  at  Mt. 
Sterling.  In  1852,  a  small  frame 
church  was  built,  which  stood  for  fif- 
teen years.  The  following  priests  of- 
fered up  Mass  and  administered  the 
sacraments  in  this  church  as  they  suc- 
ceeded one  another  in  its  pastoral 
charge:     Reverend  P.  McCabe,  1852- 


54;  Reverend  Thomas  Cusack,  1854; 
Reverend  Michael  Prendergast,  1855- 
56;  Reverend  D.  Byrne,  1856-59; 
Reverend  James  Dempsey,  1859-61 ; 
Reverend  August  B.  Rinkes,  1861-62. 

In  1862,  Reverend  Peter  McGirr  be- 
came the  first  resident  rector  of  this 
church,  but  he  was  soon  transferred 
to  Quincy  and  was  replaced  before 
the  end  of  the  year  by  Reverend 
Claude  C.  Carel.  When  in  January, 
1864,  the  post  became  vacant  by  the 
departure  of  the  latter  clergyman, 
the  Reverend  P.  McGirr  again  as- 
sumed charge  and  ministered  to  the 
place  at  stated  intervals,  coming  down 
from  Quincy,  where  he  resided. 

The  following  clergymen  came  in 
succession  to  Father  McGirr 's  second 
term :  Reverend  Thomas  Cusack ; 
Reverend  P.  Kearney,  1865-66  and 
Reverend  F.  Stick,  who  attended  this 
church  from  Mt.  Sterling  in  1867.  In 
the  latter  years,  Reverend  Francis  N. 
Recouvreur  was  appointed  to  take 
charge  of  Pittsfield,  and  the  following 
year  had  caused  to  be  built   a   brick 


239 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


church  to  replace  the  old  frame 
structure,  and  in  1880  this  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  frame  house  for  a  resi- 
dence. He  also  opened  the  first 
Catholic  parochial  school  ever  oper- 
ated in  Pittsfield.  Those  who  succeed- 
ed him  were :  Reverend  William 
O'Reilly,  1871-1873;  Reverend  Tim- 
othy Hickey,  1873-1874 ;  Reverend  L. 
Hoey,  1874-1878;  Reverend  Henry 
Hoven,  1878-1880.  In  the  year  1880, 
Reverend  Frederick  Metzger  was  put 
in  charge  as  rector  of  this  church,  and 
during  the  fifteen  years  of  his  spir- 
itual rule  the  congregation  was 
blessed.  Reverend  W.  Costello  was 
appointed  to  succeed  Father  Metzger. 
He  was  replaced  in  1897  by  Reverend 
E.  McGowan.  On  January  1,  1900, 
Reverend  Thomas  O'Hara  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  and  remained  in 
charge  for  eleven  years.  Poor  health 
forced  Father  O'Hara  to  resign  but 
not  until  he  had  erected  a  parish  hall. 
Reverend  Daniel  Doyle,  who  was  in 
charge  of  the  parish  for  nearly  a  year, 
took  Father  O'Hara 's  place  until  a 
new  pastor  could  be  secured.  Rever- 
end Martin  Joseph  Foley  of  Quincy, 
Editor  of  the  Western  Catholic,  was 
appointed  the  new  rector  of  the 
parish. 

Father  Foley's  first  important 
work  was  to  hold  a  two  days  bazaar 
during  which  he  netted  the  great 
sum  of  $1500.00.  With  this  money 
he  paid  off  debts  that  approximated 
a  thousand  dollars.  His  next  work 
was  to  organize  the  parish  into  so- 
cieties as  follows :  The  League  of  the 
Sacred  Heart,  the  Holy  Name  Society, 
the  Holy  Angels  Sodality,  the  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality  and  the  Altar  So- 
ciety. Having  provided  for  the 
spiritual  needs  of  the  parish  he  made 
a  house  to  house  visitation  of  the 
parish  and  raised  several  thousand 
dollars,  a  sum  sufficient  to  pay  for 
the  improvements  he  contemplated 
in  the  church  and  rectory.  These  im- 
provements were  as  follows:  He 
strengthened  the  tower  and  walls  of 
the  church  with  steel  rods,  installed 
an  electric  motor  to  pump  the  organ, 


frescoed  the  church,  installed  a  beau- 
tiful set  of  group  Stations  of  the 
Cross,  varnished  the  pews,  placed 
cork  carpet  on  the  floor  of  the  church, 
put  in  a  new  confessional,  put  hard 
wood  floors  in  the  sanctuary,  bought 
a  beautiful  statue  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  and  one  of  St.  Anthony  for 
the  sanctuary,  bought  two  angel 
statues — one  for  either  side  of  the 
main  altar,  and  each  holding  an  elec- 
trolier in  its  hands — painted  the 
altars  and  railing  in  white  and  gold, 
removed  the  old  fixtures  and  in- 
stalled a  central  hanging  electric 
shower  of  900  candle  power. 

He  installed  the  beautiful  Taber- 
nacle Safe,  which  he  always  regarded 
as  his  crowning  work  in  Pittsfield. 

He  also  renovated  the  rectory,  in- 
stalled new  electric  fixtures,  ar- 
ranged for  a  bath  room  and  installed 
an  electric  force  pump  that  sent 
water  to  the  bath  room  and  kitchen. 
While  doing  all  this  he  visited  Quin- 
cy each  week  and  edited  the  Western 
Catholic.  Besides  paying  for  all  this 
work  he  left  a  thousand  dollars  of 
parish  money  with  a  Quincy  firm 
drawing  5J/2  per  cent  interest  and 
left  a  substantial  amount  in  a  Pitts- 
field  bank. 

Thus  ended  his  four  year  pastorate 
in  1917  when  he  accepted  the  chap- 
laincy of  the  Soldiers'  Home  at  Quin- 
cy, in  order  to  be  near  his  paper. 

On  July  1,  1917,  Reverend  Francis 
Curran,  the  present  pastor,  assumed 
charge  of  the  parish.  Father  Curran 
erected  a  beautiful  new  brick  parish 
house.  The  church  property  now  in- 
cludes the  church,  the  parish  hall, 
the  parsonage  and  two  houses  which 
are  rented. 

Pittsfield  and  vicinity  were  settled 
by  Irish,  English  and  German  people. 
St.  Mary's  parishioners  have  always 
been  Irish  and  German  people  with 
the  Irish  predominating.  Of  the 
early  members  of  the  parish  only  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Timothy  Kane  are  still  liv- 
ing. As  the  community  is  largely  an 
agricultural  one — Pike  County  is 
among  the  leading  stock  and  poultry  - 


240 


Pittsfleld — Rectory,  Rev.  Francis  Curran,  Pastor.  Immaculate  Conception  Church 
.  .  .  Brussels — Rectory,  St.  Mary's  Church,  Rev.  Henry  B.  Schnelten,  Pastor,  School, 
Sisters'  Residence   .    .    .   Decatur — St.  Patrick's  Church.  School. 


Black  Jack — St.  John's  Church  .  .  .  Bunker  Hill — Church  of  the  Annunciation,  Rev. 
C.  T.  Stolze,  Pastor  .  .  .  Mattoon — Immaculate  Conception  Church,  Rev.  T.  E.  Cusack, 
Pastor. 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


raising  counties  in  the  country — 
most  of  the  Catholics  follow  that 
occupation. 

At  the  present  time,  1927,  the  popu- 
lation of  Pittsfield  is  3,000.  St. 
Mary's,  which  is  the  only  Catholic 
church  in  Pike  County,  has  ninety- 
eight  Catholic  families  with  400  peo- 
ple, including  the  children.  Several 
years  ago,  one  of  Pittsfield 's  leading 
doctors,  Dr.  Humphert,  was  a  Catho- 


lic.    At  the  present  time,  five  of  its 
business  men  are  Catholics. 

St.  Mary's  furnished  twenty-three 
men  for  the  Civil  War;  thirty-four 
men  for  the  World  War ;  one  man  for 
the  priesthood,  one  for  the  brother- 
hood, and  four  girls  for  the  sister- 
hood. These  societies  flourish  within 
its  confines :  Altar  Society,  Holy 
Name  Society,  Young  Ladies'  Sodal- 
ity,  and  Holv  Angels  Society. 


Church  op  St.  Patrick,  Decatur,  Macon  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1853. 
Present  Pastor :  Very  Keverend  Dean  Jeremiah  Murphy. 


To  the  reader  there  must  necessar- 
ily be  discovered  a  monotonous  same- 
ness in  the  various  histories  unfolded 
in  this  book,  all  carrying  the  salient 
items  of  early  arrivals,  occasional 
visits  by  pioneer  priests,  building  of 
church  and  subsequent  growth.  In 
spite  of  difference  of  localities,  the 
factual  chronicle  will  repeat  itself, 
the  motive  of  upbuilding  does  not 
greatly  differ  from  region  to  region, 
the  impulses  that  are  valid  for  one 
parish  are  valid  for  another.  Still  a 
variety  is  not  indistinguishable.  As 
no  two  faces  are  exactly  alike  so  no 
two  parishes  are  exactly  the  same; 
one  is  not  a  duplicate  of  the  other; 
each  is  differentiated  from  the  other 
by  the  limitations  of  its  respective  lo- 
cality; each  story  of  battle  and  par- 
tial victory  preserving  its  note  of  local 
coloring. 

The  first  Catholics  in  Macon 
County  brought  with  them  the  valu- 
able asset  of  Keltic  blood.  They  were 
a  handful  of  exiles,  sorrow  laden, 
fleeing  from  a  persecuting  Protestant 
government,  that  had  linked  nature 
with  itself  for  the  extinction  of  a 
noble  and  ancient  race.  Their  pos- 
sessions were  strong  arms,  love  of  that 
sweet  thing  called  liberty  and  the  gift 
of  immemorial  Catholic  Faith.  Ec- 
clesiastically the  beginnings  were 
marked  by  humility  and  lowliness, 
the  tiny  mustard  seed  took  root  and 
has  in  the  past  seventy  years  grown 
into  a  not  inconspicuous  tree.  Not 
without  suffering  and  self  denial,  if 


not  with  the  confession  of  blood,  they 
have  made  the  confession  of  labor  and 
privations.  They  came  from  a  land, 
"Where  every  inch  of  the  soil  is 
drenched  with  the  blood  of  its 
Martyrs"  and  they  faithfully  handed 
these  traditions  down  to  their  chil- 
dren and  these  are  today  the  proud 
inheritances  of  their  grandchildren. 

In  July  1853  Father  Prendergast 
held  the  first  Catholic  services 
known  to  have  been  celebrated  in  De- 
catur, at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Mar- 
vin on  West  Main  Street,  and  then 
and  there  baptized  the  first  child, 
Mary  Phalin.  His  pastorate  lasted 
one  year  and  in  1854  Father  Cusack 
took  up  the  work  and  conducted  it 
with  zeal  and  success.  During  his  in- 
cumbency, the  first  church  was  built 
on  West  Prairie  Street.  He  remained 
until  1859. 

The  next  pastor  was  Father  Anton 
Vogt  and  his  tenure  of  office  came  to 
a  close  in  1870.  In  a  short  time  he 
imparted  some  of  his  energy  to  the 
growing  flock  and  in  1863  replaced 
the  frame  structure  which  inade- 
quately served  as  church,  by  a  more 
pretentious  building  of  brick,  the  cor- 
nerstone of  which  was  laid  on  March 
]7,  and  the  dedication  followed  in 
1864. 

His  successor  was  Father  Richard 
Walsh,  who  remained  for  three  years ; 
his  activities  were  somewhat  circum- 
scribed by  illness  and  at  his  resigna- 
tion in  1873  the  bishop  appointed 
Father  Timothy  Ilickey.    His  admin- 


241 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


istration  continued  until  1876.  In 
this  short  time  his  lovable  character- 
istics made  him  the  ideal  "Soggarth 
Aroon. "  He  took  a  very  strong  stand 
on  the  Temperance  question,  which 
at  that  time  was  being  very  keenly 
and  often  bitterly  discussed.  He 
founded  a  Temperance  Society  and 
went  on  the  public  platform  as  a  de- 
termined foe  of  the  saloon.  After  his 
removal  to  Jacksonville  in  1876  the 
people  were  fortunate  in  having 
Father  Mackin  for  pastor,  who  re- 
mained with  them  until  his  lamented 
death  in  1898.  During  his  pastorate 
the  present  parsonage  was  purchased, 
but  due  to  the  protracted  sickness  of 
the  good  Father  (his  health  for  the 
last  six  years  of  his  life  being  very 
precarious)  the  purchase  price  was 
not  secured  and  a  burdensome  debt 
was  the  legacy  left  to  his  successor. 

In  1898  the  present  pastor  was 
called  to  shepherd  a  faithful  but  dis- 
couraged people.  After  some  years  of 
very  distasteful  and  plodding  efforts, 
the  debt  was  finally  lifted  and  for  the 
first  time  in  its  history  St.  Patrick's 
congregation  sent  up,  without  a  dis- 
senting voice,  but  with  loud  acclaim, 
a  joyous  Deo  Gratias  to  the  Giver  of 
all  good  gifts. 

Now  the  congregation  deserved  a 
breathing  spell,  but  their  desire  for 
rest  was  rudely  disturbed  by  a  let- 
ter from  Bishop  Ryan  to  the  pastor, 
to  erect  a  "New  Church  (the  old  one 
had  been  enlarged  and  renovated) 
large  enough  to  seat  one  thousand 
people  and  built  of  Bedford  stone." 
It  was  to  be  "a  thing  of  beauty  and 
joy  forever" — an  elegant  and  fault- 
less edifice.  The  order  at  first  was 
considered  an  apocalyptic  dream,  on 
the  Bishop's  part,  but  episcopal 
visions  have  sometimes  the  secret  of 
realization. 

By  this  time  the  pastor,  having  test- 
ed the  mettle  of  his  people,  girded 
himself  for  the  new  work.  As  the 
plans  unfolded  he  found  that  their 
spirit  chafed  within  them  until  they 
could  realize  the  dream  of  their 
Bishop.    They  kept  as  a  text  for  med- 


itation "Neither  will  I  offer  burnt 
offerings  to  the  Lord  which  cost  me 
nothing. ' ' 

The  style  selected  for  the  new 
church  was  Gothic  "endowed"  in  the 
words  of  Newman  "with  a  profound 
and  commanding  beauty  which  prob- 
ably the  Church  will  not  see  sur- 
passed until  it  attains  to  the  Celestial 
City." 

The  building  was  dedicated  Novem- 
ber 1909,  by  Bishop  James  Ryan. 
Reverend  William  Robison,  S.J.,  de- 
livered the  sermon,  morning  and  eve- 
ning. The  structure  is  considered  the 
finest  in  the  state  outside  of  Chicago, 
and  during  the  summer  months  is  the 
show  place  for  travelers  within  a 
radius  of  one  hundred  fifty  miles.  Its 
lines  are  harmonious,  intellectual, 
peaceful  and  devotional.  In  fact  ar- 
chitect and  pastor  builded  "better 
than  they  knew  as  the  conscious 
stone  to  beauty  grew."  Why  should 
we  not  here  mention  the  name  of  the 
architect,  one  of  the  best  in  the  coun- 
try, George  Staudahar,  Rock  Island, 
Illinois. 

Some  three  years  ago  the  entire  in- 
terior was  renovated  at  the  cost  of 
$23,000. 

In  1912  a  new  school  was  built  at 
the  cost  of  $32,000. 

In  closing  this  fragmentary  sketch, 
it  should  be  added  that  this  congrega- 
tion was  in  a  flourishing  condition 
until  1925,  when  it  was  subjected  to 
a  very  serious  condition,  losing  by  ex- 
cision a  third  portion  of  its  body.  As 
a  result  it  will  take  several  years  be- 
fore the  recovery  of  its  former  vigor 
and  usefulness. 

The  educational  activities  of  the 
parish  have  been  in  the  hands  of  the 
Ursulines  since  1873.  The  parish  is 
very  deeply  indebted  to  this  Order  of 
Sisters  for  the  preservation  and  fos- 
tering of  its  Faith.  Their  work  as  far 
as  their  humility  allows  them  to  un- 
veil it,  will  be  read  on  another  page. 
"Our  thanks  are  registered,  where 
every  day,  we  turn  the  leaf  to  read 
them."  And  not  only  have  they  cul- 
tivated the  religious   spirit   but   they 


242 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OP   CHICAGO 


have  implanted   in  their    pupils    the 
true  principles  of  patriotism. 

Christianity  and  war  have  walked 
together  down  through  the  centuries. 
Nothing  sacred,  nothing  precious, 
would  have  survived,  had  not  men 
fought  for  their  wives,  their  children 
and  their  national  life.  And  while 
men  slay,  men  must  give  up  their  lives 
— sacrifice  unto  death. 


St.  Patrick's  response  to  that  fate- 
ful appeal  in  April,  1917,  was  to  send 
one  hundred  ninety-seven  men,  the 
pick  of  her  young  manhood  in  the 
pride  and  prime  of  life,  into  the  Euro- 
pean slaughter  house.  And  St.  Pat- 
rick's will  ever  cherish  as  one  of  its 
dearest  treasures  a  Service  Flag  with 
one  hundred  ninety-five  blue  stars 
and  seven  in  gleaming  gold,  to  attest 
the  supreme  sacrifice  consummated. 


Church  op  St.  John,  Black  Jack,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1853. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  Joseph  Klaes. 


This  rather  small  but  romantic 
country  parish  is  situated  in  the 
southern  part  of  Jarvis  township  in 
a  fertile  district  of  Madison  County 
and  belongs  to  the  diocese  of  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  Its  history  like  that  of 
most  other  missionary  parishes,  no 
matter  how  small,  offers  many  inter- 
esting points  and  teaches  not  a  few 
lessons.  Written  records  of  its  early 
days  are  scarce  and  much  of  the  pres- 
ent sketch  is  from  recollections  of  the 
older  parishioners,  most  of  whom 
have  now  gone  to  their  reward. 

At  first  this  settlement  was  known 
as  Black  Hawk.  Some  claim  it  was 
so  named  after  the  chief  of  a  tribe  of 
Indians  who  were  driven  back  by  the 
early  settlers.  Why  the  name  was 
changed  to  Black  Jack  is  obscure  his- 
tory. Some  would  have  it,  that  the 
present  name,  which  it  has  enjoyed 
since  1833  was  given  to  it  on  account 
of  a  certain  kind  of  trees  with  which 
the  land  was  covered,  which  cast  a 
dark  shadow  and  a  deep  pall  over  it. 

As  early  as  1832,  strong  voices, 
firm  steps  and  the  chopping  down  of 
trees  re-echoed  through  the  dense 
forest.  Brave  Germans  from  the 
Palatinate,  (whatever  their  reasons 
may  have  been  for  leaving  their  coun- 
try is  of  less  importance,)  had  come 
to  make  this  strange  and  gloomy  place 
their  future  home.  In  a  few  years, 
enough  land  had  been  cleared  so  that 
these  busy  farmers  by  diligence,  pa- 
tience and  perseverance  not  only 
gained    a   livelihood   but   prospered. 


Combined  with  these  sterling  quali- 
ties they  had  inherited  from  their  an- 
cestors a  deep  love  for  their  Holy 
Religion  and  in  spite  of  the  many 
hardships  connected  with  pioneer 
work,  and  the  dark  mysterious  shad- 
ows that  enveloped  the  land  about 
them,  the  flame  of  faith  was  ever 
burning  in  their  hearts.  Thanks  to 
Divine  Providence,  which  from  time 
to  time,  directed  zealous  missionaries 
to  their  lonely,  log  cabins,  who  sup- 
plied them  with  spiritual  food  for 
their  hungry  souls.  These  torch  bear- 
ers of  Christ  as  we  may  call  them 
came  on  horse  back  from  St.  Louis, 
three  or  four  times  a  year.  This  was 
in  1842.  In  1843,  the  community 
comprised  four  Catholic  families. 
From  1846  on,  these  families  were  at- 
tended by  priests  from  Belleville. 
Father  Ostlangenberg  visited  them 
till  1853.  This  truly  apostolic  priest 
sowed  the  seed  for  the  development 
of  the  future  congregation.  There 
were  now  seventeen  Catholic  families 
living  there  and  they  were  still  with- 
out a  church. 

When  in  the  year  1853,  Reverend 
P.  Limacher,  from  Highland,  took 
charge  of  the  little  colony  he  at  once 
took  steps  to  build  a  frame  church. 
Although  the  preceding  year  the 
cholera  had  visited  them  and  claimed 
its  victims,  the  people  were  heart  and 
soul  for  this  enterprise.  The  church 
was  completed  and  ready  for  service 
in  the  spring  of  1853.  It  was  erected 
at  a  cost  of  $500.00;  the  ground,  one 


243 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


acre,  was  donated  by  a  certain  Mr. 
Gietermann.  Now  the  people  of  the 
little  congregation  rejoiced  in  the 
thought  that  not  only  the  foxes  have 
their  holes  and  the  birds  of  the  air 
their  nests  but  the  Son  of  man  had  a 
dwelling  place  among  them. 

Father  Limacher  visited  them  until 
1858,  and  the  young  and  successful 
mission  would  have  continued  to  be 
an  object  of  his  spiritual  care  had  not 
circumstances  altered  the  situation. 

Highland,  a  neighboring  country 
parish,  had  developed  so  rapidly  and 
the  spiritual  vineyard  of  Father  Lim- 
acher had  become  so  large  that  it 
claimed  all  of  his  services.  And  from 
now  on  the  pastoral  office  of  the  small 
congregation  was  subject  to  many 
changes  as  is  evident  from  the  many 
names  found  on  the  parish  register. 

Here  are  the  names  of :  W.  J.  Kef- 
ries,  a  missionary,  (1858)  ;  P.  Peters, 
of  Edwardsville,  (1861-1862);  F.  I. 
Fisher,  of  Collinsville,  (1863) ;  B. 
Herman,  of  Collinsville,  (1865) ;  B. 
Kuchenbuch,  C.  Sieghard,  and  An- 
ton Rustige,  of  Collinsville,  (1866) ; 
S.  Wegener,  of  Collinsville,  (1867- 
1870) ;  G.  H.  Hesse,  of  Collinsville, 
(1870-1872)  ;  R.  Peters,  of  Highland, 
(1872-1873). 

At  this  time  the  little  congregation 
had  to  pass  through  a  severe  crisis. 
It  came  in  the  form  of  an  Interreg- 
num. For  nearly  five  years  the  good 
people  had  to  go  to  the  neighboring 
parishes  to  fulfill  their  religious  du- 
ties. At  the  present  time  this  would 
be  considered  a  small  sacrifice,  with 
automobiles  and  good  roads  but  in 
those  olden  days  it  was  pioneer  work. 

There  were  now  twenty-five  Catho- 
lic families  living  in  Black  Jack  and 
the  question  arose,  what  to  do?  They 
saw  that  this  could  not  go  on  much 
longer.  There  were  several  Catholic 
families  living  in  Troy  a  distance  of 
five  miles,  and  the  people  of  Black 
Jack  were  asked  to  forget  about  their 
little  church  and  to  consolidate  with 
Troy.  While  the  families  living  in 
Troy  were  nominal  or  luke  warm 
Catholics,  those  in  Black  Jack  were 


fervent.  Besides,  nature  had  fos- 
tered a  certain  spirit  of  individuality 
among  the  latter  and  so  thinking  it 
over  they  agreed  to  donate  $2,000.00 
for  a  new  church  in  Troy,  provided, 
the  Catholics  in  Troy  would  guarantee 
an  equal  amount.  This  agreement 
was  accepted  and  it  broke  the  consoli- 
dation plan. 

In  1877  the  Reverend  F.  Reinhard, 
assistant  at  Highland,  took  charge 
and  the  little  country  parish  once 
more  began  to  flourish.  Services  were 
held  regularly  every  two  weeks.  For 
four  years  Father  Reinhard  made  the 
trip  to  Troy.  There,  some  member 
from  Blapk  Jack  would  receive  him. 
While  in  Black  Jack  he  boarded  first 
with  Mr.  John  Mersinger  and  later 
with  Philip  Schwartz.  His  trip  to 
Black  Jack  and  return  usually  re- 
quired three  days.  By  this  time,  the 
little  frame  church  built  in  1853 
which  was  equipped  with  a  crude  bell, 
hanging  in  a  small  tower,  had  fallen 
into  serious  decay. 

In  1882  Reverend  A.  Kersting 
(Highland)  took  charge  of  the  con- 
gregation. Under  the  fatherly  care 
and  direction  of  this  zealous  priest, 
the  love  of  the  people  for  their 
Faith  and  Church,  waxed  strong. 
The  old  frame  church  was  to  be 
torn  down  and  replaced  by  a 
new  brick  structure.  Father  Kers- 
ting set  to  work  at  once.  He  appoint- 
ed a  building  committee  of  which  he 
himself  was  the  president.  The  ob- 
ject of  this  committee  was  to  collect 
funds,  provide  the  necessary  material 
and  supervise  the  erection  and  com- 
pletion of  the  church.  The  members 
of  the  committee  were :  John  Mers- 
inger, Frederick  Mersinger,  Philip 
Schwartz,  Joseph  Bugger,  George 
Loyet,  Anton  Schroeder,  George 
Fohne,  and  Carl  Mueller.  These  self- 
sacrificing  and  energetic  men  dis- 
charged their  duties  with  the  great- 
est care. 

The  plan  of  the  new  church  having 
been  approved,  the  corner-stone  was 
laid  on  May  1,  1883,  with  pomp  and 
ceremony  by  Bishop  Baltes,  surround - 


244 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


ed  by  a  concourse  of  happy  and  sat- 
isfied people.  The  new  church  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  $3,300.00  This 
amount  was  soon  gathered  without 
much  trouble  for  the  members  vied 
with  one  another  in  donating  and  sub- 
scribing. Some  gave  $500.00,  others 
$300.00.  Everything  necessary  for 
the  inside  of  the  church  was  quickly 
provided  for.  Mr.  John  Petry,  a 
member  of  the  parish,  made  and  do- 
nated the  three  beautiful  altars  and 
the  pews.  The  married  ladies  col- 
lected for  the  organ  and  other  articles. 
Mr.  John  Mersinger  donated  the 
statue  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  the 
patron  saint  of  the  church,  and  the 
St.  Joseph's  statue.  The  statues  of 
St.  Aloysius  and  St.  Anthony,  each 
one  occupying  a  niche  on  the  main 
altar,  were  donated  by  the  family  of 
Frederick  Mersinger.  The  statue  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin  was  donated  by 
the  teacher  Goeltz.  A  cemetery  was 
needed,  and  Mr.  Franz  Bertram  do- 
nated eight  acres  of  ground  to  be  used 
for  this  purpose. 

Now  its  people  could  rejoice,  the 
new  church  was  free  from  debt — 
there  was  plenty  of  room  on  the  in- 
side and  everything  in  it  fostered  and 
stimulated  devotion.  One  thing,  how- 
ever, had  to  be  attended  to,  namely, 
its  dedication. 

On  April  30,  1884,  Bishop  Baltes  of 
Alton,  arrived  and  blessed  a  new  bell 
that  had  been  procured,  and  placed 
it  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Anne. 
Grandma  Catherine  Bugger,  83  years 
old,  on  account  of  her  age,  and  be- 
cause she  had  liberally  contributed 
towards  it  had  the  honor  to  be  spon- 
sor for  the  new  beU,  although  sick- 
ness prevented  her  from  being 
present. 

On  the  following  day,  the  first  of 
May,  just  a  year  after  the  corner- 
stone had  been  laid,  Bishop  Baltes 
blessed  and  dedicated  the  new  struc- 
ture, under  the  title  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist.  All  the  gates  of  heaven  ap- 
peared to  be  open  that  day,  rain 
poured  down  uninterruptedly.  Be- 
sides the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  and 


the  pastor  Father  Anton Kersing,  there 
were  present  at  the  service  the  Rev- 
erend Mauritius  Klostermann,  O.  F. 
M.;  Reverend  W.  Drube  of  O 'Fallon, 
and  Reverend  Henry  Degenhardt  of 
Collinsville. 

In  August,  1884,  Father  Kersting 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Joseph 
Jele,  who  had  charge  over  his  little 
flock  for  four  years.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1888  by  Reverend  Wimar 
Oberdoerster.  The  congregation  owes 
much  to  this  zealous  priest.  While  at 
first  he  visited  the  congregation  regu- 
larly from  Highland,  where  he,  like 
his  predecessor,  was  assistant  pastor, 
in  1889  he  was  made  pastor  of  the 
newly  erected  parish  at  Troy,  and 
Black  Jack  was  annexed  to  Troy  as  a 
mission.  When  he  built  a  new  par- 
sonage in  Troy,  the  congregation  in 
Black  Jack  donated  one-half,  $800.00. 
He  built  a  Sisters'  house,  a  two  story 
frame  structure  in  Black  Jack  in 
1891,  at  a  cost  of  $897.85.  In  1893  he 
built  a  new  school,  also  a  frame  struc- 
ture at  a  cost  of  $849.65.  He  or- 
ganized St.  Joseph's  Society  and  was 
about  to  give  a  constitution  to  the 
Ladies  of  the  Altar  and  the  Rosary 
Society  when  in  1894  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Pierron. 

His  successor,  the  Reverend  Aug- 
ust Forster,  arrived  in  July  of  the 
same  year.  On  account  of  the  fre- 
quent trips  to  be  made  to  Black  Jack, 
in  order  to  give  Communion  to  the 
Sisters,  it  was  necessary  for  him  to 
have  a  horse  and  buggy,  like  his 
predecessor.  The  congregation  offer- 
ed to  furnish  the  feed.  In  1895, 
stained  glass  windows  from  Europe 
were  procured  for  the  church  at  a 
cost  of  $300.00;  the  following  fami- 
lies have  their  names  inscribed  on  the 
windows :  John  Mersinger,  John 
Liebler,  Frederick  Mersinger,  George 
Loyet,  Barbara  Schwartz  and  Henry 
Niehaus.  Father  Forster  established 
the  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart.  He 
is  still  remembered  as  a  great  musi- 
cian. In  1899  he  was  transferred  to 
Quincy  and  was  succeeded  by  Rever- 
end A.  Wieneke,  who  in  1901  had  the 


245 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


church  renovated  and  decorated,  at 
a  cost  of  1500.00.  Gerke  and  Hal- 
bracht  from  St.  Louis  had  the  con- 
tract. Father  Wieneke  remained  with 
the  congregation  for  fifteen  years, 
from  1899  until  September,  1914.  The 
following  is  a  list  of  the  Priests  who 
succeeded  him :  Fathers  B.  Mon- 
truchio,  September,  1914 — September 
1,  1915;  C.  T.  Stolze,  J.C.D.,  Septem- 
ber—October, 1915 ;  William  A.  Pach- 
olhofer,  October,  1915— July,  1918;  A. 
M.  Jaschke,  July,  1918— July,  1920. 

In  July,  1920,  the  present  priest  in 
charge,  Reverend  J.  J.  Klaes,  the 
writer  of  this  sketch,  was  appointed 
successor  to  Father  Jaschke.  Since 
then,  services  have  been  held  regular- 
ly every  Sunday.  In  1924  the  church 
again  was  decorated  at  a  cost  of 
$800.00.  Mr.  Max  Autenrich  of  Ger- 
many did  the  work.  Two  large  pic- 
tures done  in  oil,  grace  the  sanctuary, 
St.  Isidore  plowing,  on  the  gospel 
side,  and  St.  Northburga  working  in 
the  harvest  field  on  the  epistle  side. 
Above  the  main  arch  are  two  angels 
and  the  Agnus  Dei.  The  ceiling 
shows  the  four  evangelists  and  the 
baptism  of  Christ  in  the  River  Jor- 
dan by  St.  John  the  Baptist. 

Much  repair  work  has  been  done  on 
the  church  and  school.  A  new  carpet 
for  the  sanctuary  was  donated  by  the 
ladies  of  the  Altar  Society;  a  rubber 
runner  for  the  aisle  by  Mr.  John 
Siegel,  Sr. ;  Altar  boys'  cassocks  and 
tabernacle  veil  by  Mrs.  Kate  Mer- 
singer.  A  votive  stand  has  been  pro- 
cured and  a  large  picture — Queen  of 
vhe  Most  Holy  Rosary — was  donated 
by  the  ladies  of  the  Altar  and  Rosary 
Society. 

Since  Black  Jack  is  a  farming 
community  there  is  small  chance  for 
much  growth.  At  present  the  congre- 
gation numbers  thirty  families  and 
its  financial  condition  is  satisfactory. 

As  early  as  1864  Black  Jack  had  an 
unpretentious  log  house  for  a  Catho- 
lic school,  in  which  the  boys  and  girls, 
the  future  men  and  women,  received 
a  thorough  education.  It  was  looked 
upon  as  the  heart  of  the  parisli ;  and 


it  reflects  great  credit  upon  the  par- 
ents of  that  time,  who  cheerfully 
made  many  sacrifices  and  shoulder- 
ed many  burdens  for  the  sake  of  the 
children.  They  knew  full  well,  what 
far-seeing  and  unprejudiced  educa- 
tors tell  us  today,  that  religion  and 
education  must  go  hand  in  hand,  that 
not  only  the  mind  but  also  the  heart 
of  the  child  must  be  educated  to  ob- 
tain citizens  that  are  loyal  to  their 
God  and  Country. 

The  Messrs.  Neuenkirchen,  Moli- 
tor,  Etlinger,  Goeltz,  Diehsen  and 
Wegeman  were  some  of  the  first  lay 
teachers.  They  were  teachers  of  the 
old  school,  men  who  did  not  spare  the 
rod,  some  of  their  former  pupils  say. 
Often  they  received  but  scant  remun- 
eration ($45.00  a  year)  or  apprecia- 
tion for  the  services  rendered.  Un- 
doubtedly, they  were  much  stim- 
ulated in  their  chosen  profession  by 
the  words  of  Holy  Writ:  "They  that 
instruct  many  unto  Justice  shall 
shine  as  the  stars  for  all  eternity. ' ' 

But  the  congregation  could  not  al- 
ways find  a  Catholic  teacher  and  at 
times  the  children  had  to  attend  the 
public  school.  On  account  of  the  fre- 
quent necessary  changes  the  school 
did  not  progress  as  well  as  had  been 
expected  and  Father  Oberdoerster 
succeeded  in  obtaining  the  Precious 
Blood  Sisters  of  Ruma,  Illinois.  He 
began  to  build  a  Sisters'  House  in 
1891,  which  was  nearly  completed 
when  the  nuns  arrived.  With  their 
advent  the  old  log  school  house  soon 
proved  too  small,  and  in  1893  he 
erected  a  frame  structure.  The  Sis- 
ters' house  and  the  school  were  erect- 
ed at  a  cost  of  $1,850.00.  From 
forty  to  forty-five  children  attended 
the  school  at  that  time.  Under  Father 
Pachelhofer,  the  Sisters  of  the  Prec- 
ious Blood  were  succeeded  by  Bene- 
dictine Sisters  of  Little  Rock,  Arkan- 
sas, who  stayed  until  1919.  When  the 
war  caused  a  shortage  of  Sisters  they 
were  withdrawn. 

The  Sisters  by  their  good  example, 
as  well  as  by  their  external  appear- 
ance, soon  worked  their  way  into  the 


246 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


hearts  of  the  children  and  their  par- 
ents. Their  refinement  and  superior 
education,  their  gentle  and  peaceful 
hehavior,  overcame  that  rudeness  and 
roughness  which  is  sometimes  found 
among  children  in  a  country  parish. 
The  effect  of  the  Sisters  upon  the  chil- 
dren is  shown  in  this  that  at  least 
eight  girls  took  the  veil  and  joined  re- 
ligious orders.  They  are :  Sisters  of 
the  Precious  Blood  (Ruma,  Illinois), 
Venerable  Sisters,  Mary  Christine 
(Mary  Helldorfer),  Gregory  (Miss 
Margaret  Helldorfer),  Olivia  (Miss 
Mary  Bugger),  Caroline  (Miss  Anna 
Bugger),  Odilla  (Miss  Lina  Bugger) 
and  Alvisia  (Miss  Catherine  Mersin- 
ger).  Sister  of  the  Good  Shepherd, 
Venerable  Sister  Mary  of  the  Cheru- 
bim (Miss  Mina  Mersinger).  Carmel- 
ite Sisters,  Venerable  Sister  Mary  of 
Joseph,  (Miss  Rose  Mersinger). 

Since  1919  Catholic  lay  teachers 
have  been  employed  in  the  school. 
The  following  in  turn  have  taught 
school  in  Black  Jack:  Miss  Maggie 
Coil,  Miss  Rose  Peosic,  Miss  Aurelia 
Ham,  Miss  Jenneta  Schultz,  Miss 
Clementine  Hamel,  Mr.  Joseph  Hunk- 
ler,  Miss  Charlotte  Waidar  and  Miss 
Elinore  Lang. 

The  number  of  pupils  in  Black 
Jack  school  at  present  is  twenty-five. 
The  school  building  is  provided  with 
a  stage  on  which  the  children  from 
time  to  time,  give  interesting  plays 
and  recitals.  The  congregation  is 
looking  forward  to  the  day  when  they 
will  have  Sisters  again  to  teach  in 
their  school.  The  present  school  trus- 
tees are  Mr.  Adam  Bugger,  Mr.  John 
Riebold  and  Mr.  Fred  Loyet. 

From  what  has  already  been  said, 
we  can  estimate  the  character  and  the 
caliber  of  the  people  of  this  congre- 
gation. Most  of  its  early  settlers 
emigrated  from  the  Palatinate  in 
Germany.  They  were  simple,  crude, 
honest  and  hardworking  people.  They 
were  used  to  hard  work  prior  to  com- 
ing here  and  their  lot  was  no  easier 
here.  They  showed  strong  points  of 
individuality,  were  conservative  and 
morally  clean.     They  remained  most 


intimately  attached  to  their  religion 
and  their  mother  tongue.  They  were 
self  sacrificing  farmers  who  in  their 
offerings  and  donations  were  always 
guided  by  noble  motives  and  never 
tired  in  their  christian  charity. 
Theirs  is  a  glorious  record  of  loyalty, 
fidelity  and  sacrifice  to  the  parish  and 
its  priests. 

The  present  generation  has  inherit- 
ed many  of  these  good  and  sterling 
qualities  of  their  forefathers  and  let 
us  hope  that  they  will  continue  to  re- 
main true  and  loyal  children  of  Holy 
Mother,  the  Church  and  an  example 
to  their  fellow  men. 

Mention  must  be  made  of  the 
Church  Choir  and  the  organist.  In 
former  years  the  teachers  usually  led 
the  choir,  later  on  it  was  under  the 
direction  of  the  Sisters.  During  the 
present  pastor's  charge,  Mrs.  Francis 
Kirsch  has  held  this  enviable  place. 
Members  of  the  choir  are :  Mesdames 
Louisa  Siegel,  Veronica  Mersinger, 
Clara  Mersinger,  Irene  Bugger,  Clara 
Petry  and  Irma  Loyet ;  Messrs.  Adam 
Bugger,  Leo  Bugger  and  Gilbert 
Mersinger.  Under  the  inspiration  of 
St.  Cecilia,  the  patroness  of  music  and 
Sacred  Chant,  these  singers  help 
beautify  the  sacred  services  on  all 
Sundays  and  Holidays  in  a  most  be- 
fitting manner. 

Next  to  the  pastor,  the  load  of  re- 
sponsibility in  any  parish  rests  upon 
its  trustees.  They  are  authorized  to 
give  advice  to  the  pastor  in  temporal 
affairs,  they  take  care  of  finances, 
look  after  purchases  and  repairs,  sug- 
gest improvements  and  alterations,  in 
fact  the  pastor  leans  upon  them  for 
help  and  support.  Not  everybody  is 
fit  to  be  a  trustee.  Trustees  should  be 
staunch  and  sterling  men  and  never 
flinch  nor  waver  in  their  fidelity  and 
loyalty  to  either  pastor  or  parish. 
Among  the  first  trustees  in  Black 
Jack  were :  George  Loyet,  Sr.,  Philip 
Schwartz,  John  Mersinger,  Frank 
Mersinger  and  Henry  Niehaus.  The 
present  trustees  are  Philip  Mersinger 
and  William  Sieger,  Sr. 

St.    Joseph's    Society    was    called 


247 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


into  existence  under  Father  Ober- 
doerster,  May  12,  1889.  It  was  placed 
under  the  protection  of  St.  Joseph. 
Trustworthy  and  unselfish  men  have 
guided  its  destinies  with  clear  vision 
and  strong  determination,  so  that  the 
society  today  after  34  years  of  exist- 
ence, is  as  strong  as  ever.  It  has  at 
all  times  assisted  the  pastor  financial- 
ly and  also  vastly  contributed  to  the 
success  of  social  undertakings.  A 
glorious  record  of  noble  achievements 
is  theirs.  Its  members  visit  the  sick 
and  pray  for  the  dead ;  they  live  up 
to  the  ideals  and  purposes  for  which 
they  have  banded  together.  Some  of 
its  first  officers  were :  George  Loyet, 
Philip  Petry,  Adam  Mersinger, 
Joseph  Bugger  and  Leonard  Loyet. 
There  are  at  present  thirty  names  on 
the  roll. 

Father  Oberdoerster  was  about  to 
give  a  constitution  to  the  Altar  and 
Rosary  Society  when  he  was  trans- 
ferred. Its  first  regular  meeting  was 
held  on  the  18th  of  August,  1895, 
under  Father  Forster.  Its  first  pres- 
ident was  Mrs.  Henry  Niehaus,  its 
treasurer,  Mrs.  Frederick  Mersinger, 


who  at  the  present  time  is  its  presi- 
dent. It  would  be  a  long  list  were  we 
to  mention  all  the  various  donations 
that  have  been  made. 

The  youngest  of  the  societies  is  the 
Holy  Name  society.  At  the  urgent  re- 
quest of  the  pastor,  this  society  was 
organized  in  1925.  In  its  first  general 
meeting  the  following  officers  were 
chosen:  Mr.  Oscar  Mersinger,  Presi- 
dent ;  Mr.  Clem  Petry,  Secretary,  and 
Mr.  Benjamin  Mersinger,  Treasurer. 
The  aim  and  object  of  this  society  is 
too  well  known  and  needs  no  further 
comment.  Forty  members  have  so  far 
been  enrolled.  Every  three  months 
they  have  a  Mass  said  for  the  living 
members.  They  visit  the  sick  and 
when  a  member  dies  they  have  a 
Requiem  Mass  said  for  the  repose  of 
his  soul.  Likewise  in  the  month  of 
November  they  remember  the  depart- 
ed with  a  Requiem  Mass.  When  one 
of  their  members  marries,  the  Society 
presents  him  with  a  Bible  or  an  Ex- 
planation of  the  Gospels  or  with  some 
other  useful  present. 

May  it  continue  to  grow  and  wax 
strong. 


Church  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1854. 
Present  Pastor :    Right  Reverend  Edward  L.  Spalding,  V.G. 


THE  CHURCH  IN  ALTON 
The  First  Church  of  St.  Matthew 
The  first  church  of  Alton  was  a 
frame  building  erected  in  Upper  Al- 
ton in  the  year  1838.  It  bore  the 
name  of  St.  Matthew.  The  first  pas- 
tor was  Reverend  George  Hamilton, 
a  young  priest  who  had  just  com- 
pleted his  ecclesiastical  course  of 
studies  at  the  College  of  the  Propa- 
ganda in  Rome.  He  was  a  native 
born  American,  and  was  sent  to  Al- 
ton by  Bishop  Rosati  of  St.  Louis, 
whose  jurisdiction  at  that  time  ex- 
tended over  several  counties  of  Illi- 
nois. Father  Hamilton's  parish  in 
the  year  1840  contained  about  four- 
teen families  or  seventy-five  souls. 
Previous  to  the  coming  of  Father 
Hamilton,  periodical  visits  to  the  scat- 


tered families  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers 
of  St.  Louis  were  made.  The  church 
of  St.  Matthew  was  more  properly  a 
hall  than  a  church.  It  did  not  belong 
to  the  parish,  but  was  the  private 
property  of  Andrew  Clifford,  a  prom- 
inent parishioner,  with  whom  Father 
Hamilton  boarded  during  his  pas- 
torate. In  the  Catholic  Directory  of 
1841  it  is  called  the  church  of  "St. 
Mathias. ' ' 
Second  Church  of  St.  Matthew 
The  second  church  in  Alton  was 
built  by  Reverend  Michael  Carroll, 
who  succeeded  Father  Hamilton  as 
pastor  in  1841.  It  was  a  stone  build- 
ing, situated  on  Third  Street,  be- 
tween Alby  and  Easton  Streets,  and 
was  erected  in  the  year  1843.  It  bore 
the  patronal  name  of  St.  Matthew,  the 


248 


Alton — SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church  (Ohl  Alton  Cathedral).  Rectory,  School.  Rev.  Ter- 
ence Conley,  Rector  1873-'h  Rev.  J.  A.  Sullivan,  Ass't  1874-1880,  Rev.  Edward  J.  Walsh, 
Ass't  1888-1892,  Rev.  Paul  W.  Sims,  Ass't  1893-6,  Rev.  Charles  J.  Zwiesler,  Rector  1876-88, 
Rev.  Thos.  M.  Connolly,  Ass't  1892-3,  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Hcaley,  Ass't,  1895-1900. 


m  LIBRARY 
UNRVIEHStTY  OF  ILUSflfc 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CHICAGO 


same  name  that  had  already  been 
given  to  the  frame  church  in  Upper 
Alton.  Soon  after  its  completion,  it 
was  dedicated  to  divine  service  by 
Bishop  P.  P.  Lefevere,  coadjutor  and 
administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  De- 
troit. This  church  was  partially  de- 
stroyed by  fire  which  originated  in  an 
adjacent  building  in  the  year  1853. 
On  its  site  and  out  of  its  ruins  was 
erected  the  present  Unitarian  Church, 
which  was  torn  down  and  rebuilt  a 
few  years  ago.  It  is  noteworthy  that 
two  slabs  of  stone  of  the  orignal  front 
wall  bearing  the  inscriptions :  ' '  One 
Lord,  One  Faith"  and  "One  Fold 
and  One  Shepherd,"  were  retained 
by  the  Unitarians  and  can  now  be 
seen  on  the  front  wall  of  their  new 
church. 

Father  Carroll  received  $5,000.00 
fire  insurance  and  $4,000.00  from  the 
sale  of  the  church  lot  and  the  charred 
ruins  thereon.  There  was  an  indebt- 
edness on  the  church  at  the  time  of 
$1,800.00.  Permission  to  change  the 
location  and  build  a  new  church  was 
granted  by  Bishop  O 'Regan  of  Chi- 
cago. During  the  next  three  years 
the  Catholics  of  Alton  held  services 
in  a  large  hall  over  a  livery  stable  at 
310  State  Street. 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Cathedral, 

Alton,  Illinois 
After  the  sale  of  the  lot  and  ruins 
of  St.  Matthew's  Church  on  Third 
Street  by  Father  Carroll,  the  pastor, 
arrangements  were  begun  at  once  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  church.  A  site 
was  purchased  at  721  State  Street 
from  Peter  and  Harriet  Wise  for  a 
consideration  of  $600.00.  The  deed 
was  executed  April  7,  1854,  and  the 
title  was  vested  in  the  name  of  Most 
Reverend  Peter  Richard  Kenrick, 
Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  who  on  the 
7th  day  of  December,  1854,  conveyed 
the  same  property  to  Right  Reverend 
Anthony  O 'Regan,  Bishop  of  Chi- 
cago. Bishop  Regan  in  turn  deeded 
the  property  to  Right  Reverend 
Henry  D.  Juncker,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Alton,  on  the  23rd  of  October,  1857. 
By  a  clause  in  the  deed  of  Peter  Wise, 


the  lots  were  conveyed  in  trust  for  the 
use  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church 
"and  no  other  purpose  whatever." 
Through  the  kindness  and  efforts  of 
Charles  P.  Wise,  a  son  of  Peter  Wise, 
this  conditonal  and  restricting  clause 
was  revoked  by  an  instrument  signed 
by  most  of  the  heirs,  dated  November 
16,  1923. 

The  name  of  the  new  church,  soon 
to  be  built,  was  changed  from  St. 
Matthew  to  S.S.  Peter  and  Paul.  Two 
years  and  more  passed  by  after  the 
burning  of  St.  Matthew's  before  the 
actual  building  of  S.S.  Peter  and 
Paul's  Church  began.  On  a  stone  in 
the  front  wall  of  the  church,  high  up 
over  the  rose-window,  is  engraved  the 
year  1855.  The  building  was  suf- 
ficiently advanced  for  services  held 
by  Father  Carroll  for  the  first  time 
in  1856.  The  church  was  completed 
with  the  exception  of  the  spires  by 
Bishop  Juncker  in  1857.  It  was  in 
this  year  that  it  became  the  Cathedral 
of  the  newly  established  Diocese  of 
Alton.  On  May  15,  1859,  the  third 
Sunday  after  Easter,  it  was  solemnly 
consecrated  by  Most  Reverend  Peter 
Richard  Kenrick,  D.D.,  Archbishop 
of  St.  Louis.  It  is  a  noteworthy  fact, 
that  the  altar  in  the  church  at  the 
time  of  the  consecration  was  not  of 
marble,  but  only  of  wood.  There 
were  present  on  the  occasion  besides 
the  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis,  Right 
Reverend  J.  H.  Luers  of  Fort  Wayne, 
Right  Reverend  James  Duggan  of 
Chicago,  and  Right  Reverend  James 
Whalen  of  Nashville. 

It  is  said  that  the  plans  and  speci- 
fications of  the  Cathedral  were  made 
in  England  by  a  noted  architect 
named  Pugin.  However,  an  old  rec- 
ord of  Father  Carroll  shows  that  the 
sum  of  $200.00  was  paid  to  Thomas 
Walsh,  architect.  From  the  records 
preserved,  it  seems  that  the  total  cost 
of  the  church  did  not  exceed  $35,- 
000.00,  exclusive  of  sanctuary  and 
spires,  which  were  built  later.  The 
architecture  of  the  Cathedral  is 
a  beautiful  specimen  of  pure  Gothic. 
The    interior    of   the    church,    espe- 


249 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


cially  with  its  graceful  arches, 
clustered  columns  and  capitals  and 
hood-molded  windows,  is  very  beauti- 
ful and  has  attracted  the  admiration 
of  many  a  lover  of  art.  The  spires 
were  built  in  later  days,  1865,  under 
the  rectorship  of  Reverend  James 
Harty.  The  church  is  a  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  long  and  sixty  feet  wide, 
and  contains  a  spacious  gallery.  On 
January  12,  1902,  the  roof  of  the 
sanctuary  burned,  just  as  the  people 
were  assembling  for  High  Mass.  Dur- 
ing the  fire,  a  large  piece  of  glass 
from  the  window  in  the  ceiling  of  the 
sanctuary  barely  missed  the  head  of 
the  Bishop,  who  had  ventured  into 
the  burning  building.  The  Blessed 
Sacrament  was  taken  from  the 
church,  and  the  vestments  and  much 
of  the  church  furniture  were  re- 
moved. The  stone  fire  wall  between 
the  sanctuary  roof  and  the  church 
roof  saved  tbe  building  from  total  de- 
struction. The  blaze  mounted  high 
above  the  church  and  a  large  crowd 
of  people  gathered  around.  The  edi- 
tor of  the  Sentinel-Democrat  urged 
the  writer  of  these  lines  to  ask  help 
from  St.  Louis.  The  Alton  fire  de- 
partment was  very  efficient  and  did 
excellent  work,  saving  the  church 
from  destruction.  The  loss  entailed 
was  estimated  at  $3,093.67,  covered 
by  insurance.  The  weather  was  ex- 
ceedingly cold;  and  a  fact  not  ex- 
aggerated, which  might  be  recorded 
here,  is,  that  the  clothing  of  one  of 
the  firemen  sitting  on  the  roof  plying 
a  hose,  froze  to  the  slate,  and  it  was 
with  difficulty  he  was  extricated. 

There  are  three  bells  in  the  tower 
of  the  cathedral.  The  first  and  largest 
was  purchased  with  money  obtained 
by  subscriptions  from  the  parishion- 
ers, and  was  solemnly  blessed  by 
Bishop  Juncker  on  January  12,  1862. 
The  second  bell  was  donated  in  honor 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  and  St. 
Joseph  by  Peter  Wise  and  his  wife 
Harriet;  and  they  were  its  sponsors 
at  its  solemn  consecration  by  Bishop 
Baltes  on  September  11,  1870.  The 
third  bell  was  donated  in  honor  of 


Saint  Bridget  by  Thomas  Biggins 
and  his  wife  Elizabeth.  It  was  solemn- 
ly blessed  by  Bishop  Baltes  December 
2,  1871,  and  the  donors  were  also  the 
sponsors  on  the  occasion. 

In  1886,  during  the  pastorate  of 
Reverend  C.  J.  Zwiesler  about  $5,- 
000.00,  a  large  sum  in  those  days, 
was  spent  in  renovating  the  interior 
and  the  exterior  of  the  Cathedral. 

The  organ,  sweet-toned  and  full, 
was  built  by  Hook  and  Hastings,  of 
Boston,  Massachusetts,  in  the  year 
1893,  at  a  cost  of  $4,000.00.  It  was 
blessed  by  Very  Reverend  F.  H. 
Zabel,  D.D.,  August  6,  1893.  The  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  Reverend 
Henry  Moeller,  S.J.,  of  the  St.  Louis 
University.  In  1916  the  bellows  of 
the  organ  were  removed  and  an  elec- 
tric blower  installed;  and  the  tracker 
action  was  changed  to  an  electric 
pneumatic  action,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$1,500.00. 

In  1915  the  entire  floor  surface  of 
the  sanctuary,  aisles  and  vestibules 
were  raised  three  inches  with  a  cov- 
ering of  concrete  overlaid  with  two 
and  a  half  inch  hexagonal  tile,  pure 
white ;  and  the  steps  and  risers  of  the 
altars,  throne  and  communion  railing 
were  changed  from  wood  to  white 
marble,  rendering  the  church  semi- 
fireproof.  The  floor  surface  un- 
der the  pews  was  likewise  raised  and 
covered  with  hard  maple  flooring; 
and  the  walls  and  ceiling  were  hand- 
somely frescoed  by  a  firm  of  Italian 
artists  from  Louisville,  Kentucky. 
Total  cost  $4,000.00. 

The  marble  altar  in  the  old  Cathe- 
dral was  built  in  the  year  1902  by  T. 
G.  Schrader  and  Sons  of  St.  Louis. 
The  crucifixion  group  over  the  altar 
is  the  same  that  surmounted  the 
wooden  altar  of  previous  days. 

The  wooden  side  altars  were  do- 
nated by  Right  Reverend  John  Jans- 
sen,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Belleville,  at  a 
cost  of  about  $900.00.  They  were 
erected  in  the  year  1890  by  H.  Schenk 
of  Quincy,  Illinois. 

The  Stations  of  the  Cross,  illum- 
inated by    electric    lights    concealed 


250 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


within  the  frames,  were  made  and  put 
in  place  by  "The  Kaletta  Company" 
of  St.  Louis.  They  were  donated  by 
Benoist  Cabrilliac,  who  was  ever  a 
faithful  and  generous  benefactor  of 
the  Church,  as  were  all  the  other 
members  of  his  family.  The  stations 
cost  $1,800.00  and  were  erected  in 
1923. 

The  Cathedral  was  the  prolific 
mother  of  many  churches.  Promi- 
nent among  them  are  St.  Mary's 
Church,  Alton;  St.  Francis'  Church, 
Jerseyville;  St.  Mary's  Church,  Ed- 
wardsville;  St.  Patrick's  Church, 
Grafton;  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Church,  Collinsville ;  St.  Patrick's 
Church,  Alton,  111.,  and  many  others. 

On  August  29,  1859,  the  property 
south  of  the  old  Cathedral  and  ex- 
tending back  to  the  intersection  of 
Eighth  Street  was  purchased  by 
Bishop  Juncker  from  Henry  Weaver 
for  a  consideration  of  $3,000.00  as  a 
site  for  a  residence  and  a  school.  The 
school  was  built  first,  and  was  com- 
pleted in  1860.  Some  old  parishion- 
ers who  were  children  then  remember 
playing  in  the  incomplete  basement 
of  the  Bishop's  house  whilst  attend- 
ing the  school  in  1862. 

The  Bishop's  residence  is  a  large 
building  of  four  floors  and  fifty-two 
rooms,  including  the  basement  and 
attic.  It  was  intended  not  only  for  a 
residence,  but  also  for  a  seminary 
for  students  of  the  diocese.  However, 
no  students  ever  lived  there,  and  the 
intention  of  using  it  for  educational 
purposes  was  finally  abandoned. 

The  cemetery  of  the  old  Cathedral 
parish  was  purchased  by  Bishop 
Juncker,  August  24,  1858,  and  named 
St.  Patrick's  Cemetery.  It  cost 
$2,420.00  and  contains  a  little  more 
than  twenty  acres.  It  is  located  just 
outside  the  city  limits,  and  is  a  burial 
place  for  the  English  speaking  Catho- 
lics of  the  city.  Previous  to  the  year 
1858,  Catholics  were  interred  in  an 
old  graveyard  purchased  June  10, 
1848,  from  Charles  Tillman,  and 
deeded  in  trust  to    Right    Reverend 


William  Quarter,    D.D.,    Bishop    of 
Chicago. 

The  Parish  Schools 

In  the  year  1856  a  parish  school 
was  opened  on  lower  State  Street  and 
was  conducted  by  five  Sisters, 
"Daughters  of  Charity,"  from  Em- 
mittsburg,  Maryland.  Sister  Emilie 
was  "Sister  Servant"  (See  Catholic 
Directory  of  1857).  The  pupils 
numbered  fifty.  This  school,  called 
"The  School  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, ' '  was  very  short-lived ;  and 
soon  we  find  this  same  community  of 
Sisters  from  Emmittsburg,  Maryland, 
establishing  and  conducting  St. 
Joseph's  Hospital,  Alton,  Illinois. 

The  Ursuline  Sisters  at  St.  Louis 
sent  a  colony  of  Sisters  to  Alton, 
March  19,  1859,  consisting  of  Mother 
Josephine  Bruiding  and  seven  com- 
panions. They  opened  at  once  an 
academy  and  boarding  school  and  a 
parish  school  for  girls  at  506  State 
Street.  On  December  18,  1862,  they 
moved  from  State  Street  to  their 
newly  erected  convent  home  at  219 
East  Fourth  Street,  where  both  a 
"pay  school"  and  a  "free  school" 
were  conducted  by  them. 

On  August  29,  1859,  the  property 
south  of  the  Cathedral  and  extending 
back  444  feet  to  a  stone  quarry  was 
purchased  as  a  location  for  a  resi- 
dence for  the  Bishop  and  priests  and 
a  school-house.  The  school-house  for 
boys,  containing  two  class  rooms  and 
four  small  living  rooms  and  basement 
for  the  brothers  was  begun  at  once, 
and  in  the  following  year  we  find  the 
Brothers  of  The  Holy  Cross  from 
Notre  Dame,  Indiana,  teaching  the 
boys  of  the  parish.  Brother  Berna- 
dine  was  the  first  principal.  In  1874 
an  addition  to  the  school  of  two  more 
large  class  rooms  was  built  (during 
the  pastorate  of  Reverend  T.  J.  M. 
Cowley)  at  a  cost  of  §5,013.53.  Lucas 
Pfeiffenberger  was  the  architect  and 
Thomas  McGinnis  the  contractor.  The 
Brothers  of  The  Holy  Cross  con- 
tinued to  conduct  this  school  for  boys 
from  the  year  1860  to  the  summer  of 
1888,  when  at  their  own  request,  they 


251 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ceased  their  labors  in  Alton.  The 
Ursuline  Sisters  assumed  charge  of 
this  school  in  September,  1888,  when 
it  was  made  a  free  school  for  all  the 
boys  and  girls  of  Alton  who  wished  to 
attend.  The  free  school  for  girls  at 
the  convent  on  Fourth  Street  was  dis- 
continued at  this  date.  The  Ursuline 
Sisters  have  had  excellent  success  in 
their  schools,  up  to  this  date  (1926). 
A  house  collection  is  taken  up  in  the 
early  spring  each  year  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  the  Sisters,  and  the  deficit, 
if  any,  is  taken  from  the  parish  treas- 
ury. A  High  School  for  both  boys 
and  girls  was  gradually  established 
on  a  small  scale  in  this  building,  and 
in  1892  the  first  two  graduates  went 
forth  well  equipped  for  their  respec- 
tive duties  in  life,  after  a  course  of 
studies  extending  over  a  period  of 
twelve  years.  This  was  the  beginning 
of  the  Cathedral  High  School,  which 
is  now  an  accredited  institution,  and 
which  has  sent  forth  more  than  two 
hundred  graduates.  In  June,  1870, 
lots  Numbers  1,  2,  3,  4,  and  5,  at  the 
corner  of  State  and  Prospect  Streets 
(opposite  the  Bishop's  house)  were 
purchased  by  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's  Cathedral  for  a  school  site  for 
13,260.00,  and  notes  payable  in  two, 
three,  four  and  five  years  were  given 
for  the  full  amount,  with  interest  at 
the  rate  of  ten  (10)  per  cent  from 
date.  For  some  reason,  the  school 
building  was  never  erected,  and  on 
April  9,  1883,  the  lots  were  trans- 
ferred to  the  Roman  Catholic  Orphan 
Asylum  at  Alton,  Illinois. 

"The  Cathedral  School,"  a  new 
building  at  801  State  Street,  adjoin- 
ing the  Old  Cathedral  on  the  north 
side,  was  begun  in  1907.  The  need  of 
a  new  building  was  first  broached  at 
the  reading  of  the  Annual  statement 
in  January  of  that  year.  A  general 
meeting  of  the  parishioners  was  after- 
wards called  and  held  March  3,  1907. 
The  meeting  was  enthusiastically  in 
favor  of  a  new  school  on  a  new  site. 
Committees  were  appointed,  locations 
discussed.  The  assessment  committee 
reported    excellent    success.    Letters 


were  mailed  to  the  parishioners, 
notifying  them  of  the  amount  of  their 
assessments  and  appealing  to  their 
generosity  and  good  will.  The  pastor 
and  Fathers  Fennessy  and  Tarrent, 
the  assistants,  visited  the  members  of 
the  parish  individually,  and  almost 
without  exception  met  with  the  kind- 
liest of  feeling  and  encouragement, 
and  a  subscription  list  of  $21,000.00 
was  quickly  obtained.  J.  L.  D.  Mc- 
Carthy of  St.  Louis  was  selected  as 
architect.  After  a  long  wait,  the 
plans  and  specifications  were  submit- 
ted but  rejected,  and  a  new  set  of 
plans  was  ordered.  After  another 
long  delay,  on  July  20,  1908,  bids  for 
the  building  according  to  the  new 
plans  were  opened,  and  the  contract 
awarded  to  Murch  Brothers  Construc- 
tion Company  of  St.  Louis,  whose  bid 
was  133,884.00,  the  lowest  submitted. 
Work  was  started  at  once.  It  was 
found  necessary  to  drive  twelve  hun- 
dred feet  of  oak  piling,  some  of  it  to 
a  depth  of  thirty  feet,  for  the  founda- 
tion on  the  north  corner  of  the  build- 
ing. The  work  then  proceeded  rapid- 
ly, and  the  corner-stone  was  laid 
without  solemnity  October  3,  1908. 
The  building  was  completed  early  in 
April,  1909.  The  dedication  and  for- 
mal opening  occurred  May  25,  1909, 
and  continued  the  two  following  days, 
and  the  new  school  building  was  left 
ready  for  the  sisters  and  children, 
who  took  possession  at  the  beginning 
of  the  following  school  term,  Septem- 
ber 6,  1909. 

The  building  is  an  up-to-date  struc- 
ture of  steel,  tile  and  brick,  of  two 
stories  with  four  standard  size  school 
rooms  on  each  floor,  divided  by  corri- 
dors twelve  feet  wide.  Besides  these 
eight  class-rooms  built  for  the  eight 
grades,  there  are  four  mezzanine 
rooms,  two  hall  rooms,  and  in  the 
basement  two  large  play  rooms  and 
toilet  rooms.  The  building  presents 
a  fine  appearance  and  is  an  at- 
tractive credit  to  the  parish  and 
the  city.  There  are  at  present 
425  pupils  in  this  building — of 
whom  120  are  high-school  children — 


252 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


taught  by  eleven  sisters  of  St.  Ursula, 
and  Reverend  P.  J.  Smyth,  who  is  the 
principal  of  the  school.  Arrange- 
ments for  a  new  high  school  to  cost 
about  $175,000  are  now  (January, 
1926)  being  made.  The  plans  and 
specifications  have  already  been  pre- 
pared by  Pfeiffenberger  Bros.,  Archi- 
tects, of  Alton,  and  work  is  expected 
to  start  in  the  early  summer. 
The  Spalding  Club  Building 

A  meeting  of  the  young  men  of  the 
Cathedral  parish  was  called  and  held 
March  18,  1894,  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  a  Young  Men's  Club  for 
social  activities,  and  especially  ath- 
letics. A  goodly  number  met  on  that 
day  in  the  school  building,  and  "The 
Young  Men's  Catholic  Club  of  Alton, 
Illinois ' '  was  formed.  Mr.  Edward  J. 
Morrissey  was  elected  its  first  presi- 
dent, and  its  functions  began  at  once. 
In  September,  1895,  the  privilege  of 
membership  was  extended  to  both  the 
married  and  unmarried  Catholic  men 
of  the  city,  and  its  name  was  changed 
to  "The  Alton  Catholic  Club."  The 
Alton  Catholic  Club  was  the  fore- 
runner of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  in 
Alton,  and  it  accomplished  much  good 
in  the  parish  and  the  city.  It  con- 
tinued its  activities  until  1913,  four- 
teen years  after  the  Knights  of  Col- 
umbus Council  No.  460  had  been  es- 
tablished in  Alton.  The  Club  was 
finally  absorbed  by  the  Knights  of 
Columbus  in  1913. 

In  April,  1894,  shortly  after  the 
Young  Men's  Club  was  founded,  sev- 
eral meetings  of  the  parishioners  of 
the  Cathedral  were  held  and  the  proj- 
ect to  build  a  Club  House  or  Parish 
Hall  was  launched.  It  was  finally  de- 
cided to  organize  a  stock  company  and 
to  erect  a  three  story  Club  Building 
on  Belle  Street,  between  Fourth  and 
Fifth  Streets,  to  be  known  as  the 
Spalding  Club  Building,  containing 
Club  Rooms,  a  gymnasium,  an  audi- 
torium seating  about  six  hundred 
persons,  with  three  store  rooms  and 
office  rooms  to  let.  Four  hundred 
shares  of  stock  at  a  par  value  of 
$50.00  each  were  sold  to  eighty-four 


members  of  the  parish.  The  site  on 
Belle  Street  was  purchased  August  4, 
1894  for  $2,500.00  from  Charles  L. 
Wright.  Matthews  and  Clarke,  archi- 
tects of  St.  Louis,  were  employed  to 
draw  plans  and  specifications,  for  a 
consideration  of  $700.00.  The  con- 
tract for  erecting  the  building  was 
awarded  to  Charles  Bowman  of  Al- 
ton. The  building  cost  about  $28,- 
000.00  and  was  completed  early  in  the 
fall  of  1895.  The  formal  opening  and 
dedication  took  place  October  4,  1895. 
When  Council  460  Knights  of  Col- 
umbus was  organized  October  29, 
1899,  it  held  its  meetings  in  the 
rooms  on  the  third  floor  of  the  Spald- 
ing Club  Building,  jointly  with  the 
Alton  Catholic  Club.  In  1902  an 
agreement  was  made  between  the 
Spalding  Club  Building  and  the 
Knights  of  Columbus  for  the  building 
of  a  fourth  floor  on  the  Club  Build- 
ing, and  a  lease  to  run  twenty  years 
at  a  monthly  rental  of  $35.00  was 
signed  by  both  parties  October  10, 
1902.  The  Spalding  Club  Building 
erected  the  fourth  floor  at  a  cost  of 
$5,000.00  in  the  year  1903.  On  the 
tenth  day  of  December,  1919,  the 
Knights  of  Columbus  bought  the 
stock  and  assumed  the  indebtedness 
of  the  Spalding  Club  Building,  by 
issuing  bonds  and  exchanging  them 
for  an  equal  face  value  of  stock.  They 
are  now  owners  of  the  Spalding  Club 
Building. 

Pastors  in  Alton 
Reverend  George  Hamilton  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  Bishop  of  St.  Louis 
the  first  pastor  of  St.  Matthews' 
Church  in  Upper  Alton  in  pioneer 
days  about  the  year  1839.  A  History 
of  Madison  County  gives  the  date 
1838,  but  it  seems  that  Father  Hamil- 
ton was  not  ordained  until  1839.  He 
remained  in  Upper  Alton  until  1841. 
Reverend  Michael  Carroll  was  the 
second  pastor  in  Alton,  succeeding 
Father  Hamilton  in  1841.  The  loca- 
tion of  St.  Matthew's  Church  was 
changed  from  Upper  Alton  to  East 
Third  Street.  All  the  records  of  the 
parish    burned,    when    this    second 


253 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


church  of  St.  Matthew  was  damaged 
by  fire  in  1852.  Father  Carroll  then 
built  the  church  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  on  State  Street,  and  remained 
its  pastor  until  the  coming  of  Bishop 
Juncker  in  1857,  when  he  returned  to 
his  Bishop  in  Chicago.  Shortly  after- 
wards he  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's  Church,  Elgin,  Illinois,  where 
he  died  and  was  buried  within  the 
walls  of  the  church. 

"Father  Carroll  was  born  in  Coun- 
ty Limerick,  Ireland.  He  was  a  man 
of  tall  stature  and  iron  frame,  pos- 
sessing a  commanding  appearance. 
When  building  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Church,  he  is  known  to  have  per- 
formed hard  manual  labor,  like  a 
common  workman.  After  Mass,  which 
was  said  in  a  hall  over  a  livery  stable 
on  State  Street,  he  would  slip  into  his 
overalls  and  begin  mixing  mortar  or 
wheeling  building  stone  to  the  masons. 
Few  of  the  towns  now  in  Madison, 
Jersey  and  Macoupin  Counties  are 
there  which  in  their  incipiency  did 
not  enjoy  the  visits  of  Father  Carroll. 

The  third  pastor  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Church  was  Reverend  J.  Menge 
who  came  with  Bishop  Juncker  from 
Cincinnati  in  1857.  He  was  pastor  of 
the  Cathedral  and  Chancellor  of  the 
Diocese  until  October  6,  1862,  when 
he  returned  to  Cincinnati  at  the  call 
of  his  Bishop. 

Then  came  the  following  pastors  of 
the  Cathedral : 

Reverend  Thomas  M.  Mangan, 
1862-1865 ;  Very  Reverend  James 
Harty,  1865-1868;  Reverend  Patrick 
Dee,  1868-1869;  Very  Reverend  John 
F.  Mohr,  1870-1873;  Reverend  Ter- 
rence  J.  M.  Cowley,  1873-1875 ;  Rev- 
erend Manasses  Kane,  1875-1876. 

Father  Kane  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Charles  J.  Zwiesler,  who 
held  the  Rectorship  until  April  19, 
1888.  Father  Zwiesler  accompanied 
Bishop  Janssen  to  his  new  see  of 
Belleville  as  pastor  of  the  Cathedral 
there.  Father  Zwiesler  died  in  a  hos- 
pital in  Milwaukee  on  the  fourth  day 
of  May  1894,  and  was  buried  in  the 


cemetery  at  Fayetteville,  Illinois. 
Reverend  Edward  L.  Spalding  suc- 
ceeded Father  Zwiesler  as  Rector  of 
the  Cathedral,  April  23,  1888 ;  and  at 
this  date  (1927)  is  still  pastor. 

The  record  of  this  parish  would  not 
be  complete  without  special  mention 
of  Right  Reverend  John  Janssen. 
When  Bishop  Juncker  went  to 
Europe  in  1858,  he  brought  home 
with  him  Mr.  John  Janssen,  and  or- 
dained him  in  November  of  that  same 
year.  Although  never  appointed  pas- 
tor of  the  Cathedral,  his  whole  sacer- 
dotal career  up  to  his  appointment  as 
Bishop,  with  the  exception  of  about 
two  years,  was  spent  in  Alton,  first 
as  Secretary  to  the  Bishop,  then 
as  Chancellor  and  Vicar  General. 
At  the  death  of  Bishop  Baltes, 
he  was  made  the  administrator 
of  the  Diocese.  He  took  a  deep 
interest  and  an  active  part  in  the 
affairs  of  the  parish  as  is  evi- 
denced by  the  records  on  the  Bap- 
tismal and  Marriage  Registers.  He 
was  a  true  priest  of  God,  pious,  sin- 
cere and  conscientious,  held  in  the 
highest  esteem  by  the  people,  and  en- 
joyed the  full  and  constant  confi- 
dence of  his  superiors. 

Pioneer  Members  of  the  Parish 

The  following  are  the  names  of 
some  of  the  parishioners,  as  gathered 
from  fragmentary  marriage  records 
of  the  years  1852-1856  inclusive. 
These  years  comprise  the  period  be- 
tween the  burning  of  the  second  St. 
Matthew's  Church  and  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Episcopal  See  in  Alton : 

Peter  Byrne,  Timothy  Ryan, 
Thomas  McCarthy,  Rodger  Hinder- 
han,  John  Carmody,  James  Thornton, 
Owen  Moore,  George  Whealan,  Pat- 
rick Mooney,  Patrick  Conolan, 
Thomas  Smith,  Thomas  Howard, 
Michael  Maloney,  James  Gallagher, 
Patrick  Burns,  John  Carroll,  Louis 
Champonze,  Patrick  Dolan,  Patrick 
Lynch,     Patrick     Flanagan,     Martin 


254 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


Walsh,  Michael  Daly,   Andrew  Hig- 
gins,  Thomas  Murphy,  Patrick    Mas- 
terson,     Patrick     McKenna,     Martin 
Burke,  William  Rogers,  Charles  Mc- 
Bride,  John  Monaghan,  James  O  'Neil, 
James    Morrissey,    Henry    Graesler, 
John     Toohey,    Patrick    O'Loughlin, 
David  Tierney,   John   Dunn,  Martin 
Fleming,    Michael    Dooley,    Michael 
Duffy,     Richard     Knight,     Conrad 
Reiser,     Patrick     Devlin,     Michael 
Leahy,  David  Shanahan,  Thomas  Mc- 
Ginnis,  Joseph  Lapp,  John  Hartnett, 
John  Ryan,  Patrick  Dugan,  William 
Meehan,  John  Cunningham,  Patrick 
Conway,  Richard  Shea,  Thomas  Mc- 
Guire,  James  Coyne,  James  McNulty, 
Thomas  Sharkey,  Stephan  Bell,  John 
Shahan,  James  Rierdon,  Richard  Fitz- 
gerald,   Michael    Powers,    Archibald 
Diamond,    William    Madden,    Robert 
Grace,  Daniel  Sweeney,  Martin  Bos- 
sart,     John      Degenhardt,      Michael 
Zuigley,  Stephan  Glaeschulte,  Patrick 
Coon,      Thomas      Carroll,      Patrick 
O'Donnell,  Timothy  Buckley,    Simon 
Slavin,  Cornelius  Carmody,  Jeremiah 
Williams,  James  Noonan. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  the  Celtic 
names  of  nearly  all  these  parishioners, 
but  it  should  not  be  surprising,  as 
Father  Menge,  several  years  later, 
could  hardly  find  twenty-five  families 
of  German  origin  in  starting  St. 
Mary's  Church  on  Henry  Street.  It 
was  after  the  appointment  of  Bishop 
Juncker  that  the  Germans  came  in 
larger  numbers.  A  local  tradition 
tells  us  that  then  a  healthy  rivalry 
arose  between  these  two  nationalities, 
and  that  it  continued  down  through 
the  years,  becoming  strained  even  in 
the  ranks  of  the  clergy,  when  Bishop 
Ryan  was  appointed  to  the  episcopal 
see  of  Alton  in  1888. 

The  following  are  the  names  of 
some  of  the  substantial  members  of 
the  parish  in  the  first  years  of  its 
episcopal  career : 

Henry  Weaver,  Peter  Wise,  Sebas- 
tian Wise,  Patrick   Sullivan,  Joseph 


Wills,  Thomas  Biggins,  Thomas  Clif- 
ford, John  Mulady,  Patrick  Ward,  A. 
L.  Chouteau,  Christian  Walter,  Mrs. 
Julia  Cabrilliac,  L.  Fahrig,  John   M. 
Althoff,   Louis    Sneeringer,    Patrick 
Burns,  Joseph  W.  Wise,    F.    Wendt, 
Patrick  Doyle,  Peter  Byrne,  Michael 
Steiner,  Ferd.  Hoffmeir,  Henry  Hell- 
rung,  John  Collins,    M.    Maguire,    J. 
Hutton,  Daniel  Sullivan,  D.  F.  Ow- 
ings,  Ulrich  Whitfield,  Henry  Budde, 
Xavier    Brennan,     James    Gilhouly, 
Michael  Walsh,   John  Dignan,  John 
Ford,     Frank     Weitkamp,     Maurice 
Scully,    Thomas    Faircloth,    Richard 
O 'Regan,  John  Tonsor,  Timothy  Car- 
roll, Patrick  Ryan,  James  Redmond, 
Murty  Galvin,  Patrick  Mulcahey,  Pat- 
rick Cunningham,  Titus  Wanamaker, 
Joseph  Schwartz,  John  Keefe,  John 
Quirk,    Maurice    Hartnett,    Michael 
Jennings,    Henry    Schaefer,    Michael 
Power,    Thomas    McGinnis,     Patrick 
Higgins,  Michael  Schneider,  William 
Walsh,  William  Flynn,  James  Klein- 
peter,   Henry    Ernst,    James    Ryan, 
John  Carroll,  Peter    Henry,    Daniel 
Maher,  Henry  Weber,  James  Barrett, 
Casimir  Fleig,    John    Baps,    Michael 
Dooney,  William  Ziegenfuss,  Martin 
Fishbach,    Joseph    Gottlob,    William 
Stanton,     William      Divine,      Frank 
Duffy,  John  Fishbach,    John    Denen- 
hardt,    Patrick    Moriarty,    Benjamin 
Garde,  James  Morrissey,  James    Mc- 
Nulty, Edward  Grady,  Dennis  Noon- 
an, Arnold   Kleinschnittger,   Michael 
Brennan,  Andrew  Clifford,  and  many 
others. 

List  of  Lay  Trustees  of  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul's  "Cathedral,  from  1869 
when  the  special  Act  of  the  Legis- 
lature was  passed  for  the  Holding  of 
Church  Property  to  the  present  date  : 
Charles  P.  Wise,  1870-1875 ;  Thomas 
Biggins,  1870-1875;  Geo.  S.  Wise, 
1875-1877;  John  Healey,  1875-1878; 
Patrick  Ward,  1877-1899;  Lewis  I. 
Ginter,  1878-1904 ;  M.  Mahoney,  1899- 
1924;  John  F.  McGinnis,  1904  to 
date ;  M.  G.  Ryan,  1924  to  date. 


255 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  of  the  Annunciation,  Bunker  Hill,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1854. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Clement  C.  Stolze,  D.C.L. 


Before  the  building  of  railroads,  at 
a  point  about  eleven  miles  north  of 
Edwardsville,  and  seven  miles  south 
of  Bunker  Hill,  Macoupin  County, 
there  was  a  gathering  of  farmers 
variously  called  "Carroll  Settle- 
ment, "  "  Ridgeville, "  and  ' '  Ridgely. ' ' 
Old  records  go  to  show  that  in  1844 
Reverend  Michael  Carroll,  rector  of 
St.  Matthew's  church,  Upper  Alton, 
visited  the  settlement  called  after 
him,  and  in  which  his  brother  Ed- 
ward and  four  nephews  had  bought 
farms.  The  spiritual  wants  of  these 
early  Catholic  settlers  were  served  by 
various  priests  from  Alton  up  to  the 
year  1854,  when  a  brick  church  45  by 
24  feet  was  built  on  a  lot  adjoining 
the  road  leading  from  the  Springfield 
road  to  Prairie  Town.  Up  to  1859 
this  small  mission  church  was  attend- 
ed from  Alton,  and  old  settlers  still 
remember  that  Father  M.  Prender- 
gast,  assistant  to  Father  Carroll  in 
1853,  was  one  of  the  priests  who  held 
services  at  Ridgely. 

Now  came  the  building  of  the  St. 
Louis  &  Terre  Haute  Railroad  through 
Bunker  Hill,  and  with  the  advent  of 
this  railroad  came  to  Bunker  Hill  the 
first  Catholic  settlers  and  gradually 
their  numbers  increased.  Previous  to 
this,  though  the  town  was  in  existence, 
nothing  much  can  be  said  of  Catho- 
lics. However,  local  tradition  has  it 
that  Reverend  George  A.  Hamilton, 
when  on  his  way  from  St.  Louis,  or 
Alton,  to  Springfield,  used  to  stay  at 
the  public  tavern  over  night,  and 
there  delight  the  natives  with  the 
charm  of  his  conversation.  There  is 
no  recollection  of  his  having  held  any 
services  in  the  locality,  probably  from 
the  fact  that  no  Catholic  could  be 
found  there.  Soon  after  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Right  Reverend  Henry 
Damian  Juncker  as  first  Bishop  of 
Alton,  Bunker  Hill  began  to  be  vis- 
ited from  Alton  more  or  less  regular- 
ly, as  the  supply  of  priests  would  af- 


ford. Services  were  held  in  various 
private  houses,  in  the  public  school 
building,  the  city  hall,  even  in  a 
Methodist  church  on  the  ground  later 
occupied  by  a  mammoth  livery  stable. 
Priests  also  visited  from  Litchfield 
and  even  from  Paris.  The  state  of 
things  became  fatal  to  Ridgely,  situ- 
ated as  it  was  far  away  from  the  rail- 
road. The  people  were  too  few,  and 
the  priests  too  scarce  to  allow  for  two 
distinct  congregations.  Bishop  Junck- 
er decided  that  the  church  in  Ridgely 
should  be  given  up  and  a  new  one 
built  in  Bunker  Hill. 

Accordingly  in  1864  Reverend  A. 
B.  Rinker  was  sent  to  make  a  begin- 
ning. He  went  to  work  with  his 
wonted  enthusiasm.  On  Christmas 
day  of  the  same  year,  he  said  Mass 
for  the  first  time  in  the  church  of  the 
Annunciation  of  the  B.  V.  M.  He 
remained  until  July,  1865,  and  was 
replaced  the  following  November  by 
Reverend  Patrick  J.  0  'Halloran.  Late 
in  the  fall  of  1869  Father  0 'Halloran 
was  replaced  by  Reverend  Michael 
Clifford,  one  of  the  most  successful  of 
all  the  Bunker  Hill  rectors.  During 
his  short  stay,  from  1869  till  the  later 
part  of  July  1872,  he  started  a  school, 
built  a  sanctuary  as  an  addition  to  the 
church,  erected  a  school  house  and 
a  commodious  parsonage.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  H.  Cluever, 
Ph.D.,  who  began  the  building  of  an 
addition  to  the  front  of  the  church 
with  a  steeple,  which  work  was  com- 
pleted by  the  Reverend  M.  Neu,  who 
arrived  at  Bunker  Hill  towards  the 
middle  of  May,  1874. 

The  new  rector,  Father  Neu,  was  a 
born  pedagogue,  and  his  best  exertions 
were  used  in  this  direction.  He  also 
embellished  the  church  and  reformed 
the  choir  according  to  the  Cecelian 
idea.  He  left  in  July,  1879.  In  the 
interval  between  the  rectorship  of 
Father  Neu  and  his  successor,  Dr. 
Zabel,  Reverend  Francis  Celius  Hoff- 


256 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


man  had  charge.  During  Dr.  Zabel's 
administration,  many  of  the  town 
people  left  to  seek  work  elsewhere, 
making  it  impossible  to  continue  the 
school,  and  the  country  people  to  a 
great  extent  left  for  the  cities  in 
search  of  that  prosperity  which  the 
country  had  denied  them  for  many 
years.  His  administration  was  al- 
most an  exclusively  spiritual  one  as 
the  records  do  not  show  any  material 
improvements  about  the  premises. 
His  deeply  rooted  spiritual  zeal  has 
an  indelible  imprint  upon  the  Catho- 
lics of  this  neighborhood.  He  was  a 
ritualist  and  every  religious  ceremony 
was  carried  out  to  the  very  letter  and 
spirit  of  the  law.  Having  remained 
thirty-five  years,  he  resigned  pastoral 
duties  owing  to  his  advanced  years 
and  ill  health,  and  took  up  his  abode 
in  Alton  at  the  Novitiate  of  the  Ursu- 
line  Sisters,  teaching  them  the  music 
of  the  Gregorian  Chant. 

After  his  departure,  October,  1914, 
he  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  D.  J. 
Higgins  of  Springfield,  who  took  up 
his  duties  earnestly.  During  the  five 
years  that  he  was  stationed  at  Bunker 
Hill  he  made  many  and  much  needed 
improvements  in  the  church  and  par- 
sonage. Being  of  pleasing  personal- 
ity and  industrious  habits  he  so  en- 
deared himself  to  all  that  his  depar- 
ture was  very  much  regretted  by  the 
people  of  Bunker  Hill. 

July  1,  1919,  the  present  pastor, 
Reverend  C.  T.  Stolze,  J.C.D.,  took 
over  the  administration  of  the  An- 
nunciation parish.  His  predecessor 
had  made  a  start  in  renovating  the 
church  and  rectory,  but  it  was  little 
more  than  a  start,  and  much  re- 
mained to  be  done  in  the  coming 
years.  Two  months  after  taking  over 
the  work  at  Bunker  Hill,  Father 
Stolze  had  the  basement  of  the  par- 
sonage excavated  for  the  installation 
of  the  newest  type  of  modern  vapor 
furnace.  Up  to  this  time  stoves  served 
to  heat  the  parsonage.  Next  the  par- 
sonage was  refurnished  almost  from 
top  to  bottom  so  that  today  one  finds 
in  it  every  modern  convenience  and 


equipment.  The  following  years  saw 
an  up-to-date  steam  furnace  installed 
in  the  church,  two  large  stoves  having 
previously  served  this  purpose.  Many 
other  improvements  were  made,  the 
most  noteworthy  of  which  was  the  in- 
terior decoration  of  the  church.  The 
scheme  of  decoration  merits  a  special 
word  in  that  the  life  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  to  whom  the  church  is  dedi- 
cated is  depicted  on  the  walls  of  the 
church  by  four  large  oil  paintings, 
two  of  which  measure  seven  by  twelve 
feet.  The  pictures  represent  the 
principal  events  in  the  life  of 
the  Child  Jesus  and  Mary,  as  set  forth 
in : "  The  Annunciation ' '  by  Leonardo 
Da  Vinci;  "The  Nativity"  by  Correg- 
gio;  "The  Flight  Into  Egypt"  by 
Jannsen,  and  "The  Assumption"  by 
Titian — all  standard  masterpieces 
and  acknowledged  among  the  world's 
best  paintings.  The  execution  of  this 
work  is  admired  by  all  who  see  it. 
Particularly  arresting  is  the  artist's 
execution  of  the  draperies  painted  be- 
hind and  around  the  high  altar.  The 
design  of  the  draperies  is  also  in  keep- 
ing with  the  name  of  the  church.  One 
sees  a  figurative  Cross  representing 
Christianity,  a  large  "M,"  the  first 
initial  letter  of  the  name  of  Mary,  a 
lily  symbolical  of  virtue,  and  a  heart 
pierced  with  a  sword,  indicative  of 
the  prophecy  of  Simeon  where  he  pre- 
dicted that  a  sword  would  pierce  the 
heart  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  meaning 
thereby  the  sorrowful  life  which  she 
was  to  lead  because  of  her  association 
with  Christ.  Around  this  latter  de- 
sign is  woven  a  wreath  of  roses  typi- 
fying the  rosary,  so  dear  to  the 
Mother  of  Christ  and  Catholics.  All 
this  is  blended  artistically  into  one 
grand  whole.  On  the  front  of  the 
arch  are  seen  two  life-size  angels 
beautifully  executed,  one  carrying 
the  chalice  and  the  other  the  bread. 
Above  is  seen  the  All-seeing  Eye  of 
God,  the  symbol  of  God  the  Father. 

Recently  the  church  and  parsonage 
were  painted  on  the  outside  and  over 
four  hundred  feet  of  concrete  walks 
laid.    These  improvements  have  add- 


257 


Diocese  of  springfield  in  Illinois 


ed  greatly  to  the  appearance  of  the 
church,  so  that  today  the  parish 
plant  stands  as  a  credit  to  the  com- 
munity. 

Finally,  this  little  parish    of    the 


Annunciation  with  only  thirty-five 
families  is  in  a  flourishing  condition 
and  bids  fair  to  hold  its  own  with 
the  most  progressive  rural  churches 
of  the  diocese. 


Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  Mattoon,  Coles  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1856. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Thomas  E.  Cusack. 


Mattoon  now  known  as  one  of  the 
leading  cities  of  central  Illinois,  owes 
its  existence  to  two  great  railroads: 
the  Illinois  Central  and  the  Big  Four 
which  cross  each  other  at  this  point. 

The  Catholic  history  of  Mattoon 
had  its  inception  in  1856,  at  which 
time  it  was  organized  as  a  station,  be- 
ing visited  by  Reverend  Thomas 
Ryan,  pastor  of  North  Arm.  For  sev- 
eral years  services  were  held  in  the 
homes  of  the  eight  Catholic  families 
who  lived  in  Mattoon  and  vicinity.  A 
church  building  begun  in  1856  was 
completed  the  following  year,  and 
was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Juncker. 
Burdened  with  the  spiritual  cares  of 
nine  counties,  Father  Ryan's  visits  to 
the  Mattoon  parish  were  somewhat 
infrequent  until  1861  when  he  settled 
in  Mattoon. 

Father  Ryan  was  a  true  apostle ;  an 
ideal  priest;  a  cultured  gentleman;  a 
friend  of  everyone  and  everyone  was 
his  friend.  A  few  years  following  his 
retirement  from  pastoral  duties  he 
died  and  was  buried  in  the  cemetery 
of  St.  Mary  of  the  Woods,  Indiana. 

Reverend  Thomas  F.  Mangan  as- 
sumed Father  Ryan's  mantle.  Being 
a  young  energetic  man,  he  infused 
new  life  into  the  Mattoon  congrega- 
tion, erected  a  parish  house  and  made 
some  needed  improvements  on  the 
church.  He  also  built  a  schoolroom 
for  boys  in  the  rear  of  the  church.  The 
lot  where  the  present  school  stands 
was  purchased  by  Father  Mangan.  On 
this  lot  he  built  a  school  at  his  own 
expense.  After  some  time  it  was  ac- 
quired by  the  congregation.  Father 
Mangan  was  an  educator,  a  social 
worker,  as  well  as  an  ardent  friend  of 
total  abstinence  in  behalf  of  which  his 


efforts  were  crowned  with  remarkable 
success.  He  procured  the  Ursuline 
Sisters  to  teach  in  his  school.  Even- 
tually he  became  attached  to  the  dio- 
cese of  Chicago,  in  which  he  labored 
with  distinction  until  his  death. 

Reverend  James  Strembler,  D.D., 
succeeded  Father  Mangan  in  Mat- 
toon. The  congregation  had  by  this 
time  increased  to  such  an  extent  that 
Doctor  Strembler  found  it  necessary 
to  enlarge  the  church.  Poor  health 
ended  the  doctors  labors,  and  he  was 
succeeded  by  Father  Butler,  who  re- 
linquished his  duties  after  a  brief 
space  of  time. 

Reverend  Ferdinand  Stick  was  the 
next  priest  to  assume  control.  He  re- 
mained until  1878.  Difficulties  of 
various  kinds  beset  the  paths  of 
Fathers  Mangan  and  Stick.  A  some- 
what rebellious  modernistic  spirit 
characterized  the  growing  congrega- 
tion, and  their  spiritual  superiors  had 
no  little  difficulty  in  getting  them  to 
conform  to  their  religious  duties. 

Reverend  John  W.  Crowe  succeed- 
ed. He  was  an  organizer  and  a  build- 
er as  well  as  a  man  of  great  foresight. 
He  secured  the  block  of  property,  re- 
puted to  be  one  of  the  finest  in  the 
diocese,  upon  which  the  present 
church  and  house  stand.  That  was  in 
1878  the  year  of  Father  Crowe's  ad- 
vent to  Mattoon.  The  priest's  resi- 
dence was  erected  the  following  year, 
and  the  energetic  pastor  immediately 
undertook  the  building  of  one  of  the 
finest  churches  in  Central  Illinois. 

The  cornerstone  was  laid  in  1884  by 
Bishop  Baltes,  and  the  building  was 
completed  and  ready  for  the  dedica- 
tion by  1887.  In  that  year  on  Decem- 
ber 11th,  the    dedication    took    place 


258 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


and  was  accompanied  by  impressive 
ceremonies.  Bishop  Spalding  of 
Peoria  preached  an  eloquent  sermon. 
One  of  the  pastor's  next  acts  was  to 
purchase  a  site  for  a  cemetery. 

Father  Crowe's  hopes  were  unfor- 
tunately dashed  to  the  ground  when 
on  the  night  of  October  22,  1890,  the 
new  church  was  burned  down.  Un- 
daunted by  this  catastrophe,  however, 
he  set  to  work  and  rebuilt  the  edi- 
fice. In  this  new  effort  he  received 
the  greatest  encouragement  from  the 
whole  community,  non- Catholic  as 
as  well  as  Catholic,  and  the  recon- 
structed building  was  re-dedicated  by 
Bishop  Ryan  June  7,  1891,  the  ser- 
mon again  being  preached  by  Bishop 
Spalding  of  Peoria. 

In  the  following  year  Father  Crowe 
was  promoted  to  the  irremovable  rec- 
torship of  Jacksonville,  Illinois.  Dur- 
ing his  stay  in  Mattoon  he  had  raised 
and  judiciously  spent  the  huge  sum 
of  $100,000.00  without  in  any  way 
neglecting  the  spiritual  needs  of  his 
people.  A  few  more  years  of  his  ad- 
ministration would  have  seen  a  Cath- 
olic hospital  erected  across  the  street 
from  the  church  property. 

Reverend  Jeremiah  Murphy,  now 
of  Decatur,  was  the  next  pastor  of  the 
Mattoon  congregation.  He  materially 
improved  the  church  property,  built  a 
splendid  school  and  convent,  and  did 
much  to  advance  the  spiritual  welfare 
of  the  people.  He  remained  but  a 
few  years  and  was  succeeded  by  the 
late  lamented  Father  Higgms  in  the 
year  1898. 

Mattoon 's  population  depends  al- 
most exclusively  for  its  support  on 
the  two  great  railroads  aforemen- 
tioned. Railroading  is  the  principal 
industry,  especially  since  the  large 
shops  were  moved  here  from  Litch- 
field, Illinois.  With  their  advent 
came  a  big  contingent  of  Catholics 
who  helped  to  swell  very  appreciably 
the  local  congregation. 

In  addition  to  the    railroads   there 


are  a  few  factories  of  minor  impor- 
tance including  the  engine  works  and 
the  broom  factory.  It  must  not  be 
forgotten  that  Mattoon  calls  itself  the 
' '  Buckle  of  the  corn  belt. ' '  The  land 
within  the  business  radius  is  very 
valuable  and  productive,  being  es- 
pecially adapted  to  broom  corn  rais- 
ing. 

Mattoon  is  known  as  a  progressive 
city  and  the  Catholic  element  has 
played  no  small  part  in  its  upbuild- 
ing. Catholics  have  shown  in  the  dif- 
ferent professions  as  well  as  in  other 
fields.  In  law  and  medicine  there 
have  been  shining  lights,  and  in  a 
business  way  they  keep  up  with  the 
times.  Some  of  them  are  connected 
with  the  financial  institutions  of 
Mattoon. 

Among  the  events  of  special  im- 
portance in  the  history  of  the  parish 
was  the  dedication  of  the  fine  organ 
purchased  by  Father  Higgins.  Under 
the  capable  leadership  of  the  organist, 
Mr.  Bryan  Tivnin,  who,  besides  being 
one  of  Mattoon 's  most  prominent  law- 
yers, is  also  one  of  its  master  musi- 
cians, the  choir,  augmented  for  the 
occasion  by  importations  from  Chi- 
cago and  other  cities,  gave  a  splendid 
account  of  itself,  and  was  in  wide- 
spread demand  thereafter  for  im- 
portant functions  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  Central  Illi- 
nois. 

Irish,  German  and  French  names 
figure  prominently  in  the  Catholic 
directory  of  Mattoon.  Among  the 
names  of  early  settlers  were  Hennes- 
sey, Curran,  Fields,  Fitzgerald, 
Dooley,  Tivnen,  Mulhatten,  Beall, 
Spitz,  Shea,  Gover,  Erler,  McAvoy, 
Walsh,  Feree,  Murphy,  to  mention 
but  a  few.  Quite  a  number  of  the 
original  members  are  still  living;  all 
are  loyal  to  the  Church,  and  their 
families  give  splendid  promise  of  a 
bright  future  for  the  Immaculate 
Conception  parish  under  the  efficient 
leadership  of  the  new  pastor,  the 
Reverend  Thomas  Edward  Cusack. 


259 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Church  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collinsville,  Madison  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1856. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Francis  A.  Marks. 


In  the  early  fifties  of  the  last  cen- 
tury the  Catholics  who  had  settled  in 
Collinsville,  although  few  in  number, 
resolved  to  build  a  church  and  have 
regular  services.  Octavius  Lumaghi, 
who  had  opened  a  coal  mine  and  was 
quite  successful  in  business,  took  the 
lead. 

About  1856  they  built  a  frame 
church  on  the  site  now  occupied  by 
the  present  large  church  and  school. 
Priests  came  from  East  St.  Louis 
from  time  to  time  to  conduct  services 
until  November,  1851,  when  Reverend 
W.  Repia  took  charge  and  remained 
until  August  of  the  following  year. 
Reverend  J.  Reiss  came  to  Collinsville 
in  September,  1858,  but  remained 
only  until  the  end  of  the  year.  In 
1859  Bishop  Juncker  and  Father  F. 
A.  Ostrop  attended  Collinsville  oc- 
casionally until  in  the  Fall,  when  the 
Reverend  J.  G.  Allemann  took  charge 
for  one  year.  On  account  of  failing 
health  he  retired  to  St.  Louis  where 
he  died. 

In  September,  1860,  Reverend 
Louis  Hinssen  attended  Collinsville 
from  Edwardsville  and  set  to  work  to 
put  the  church  records  in  order.  His 
administration  lasted  until  May, 
1861.  Fathers  V.  Benys,  S.J.,  J.  J. 
Brennan  and  H.  Hoffmann  then 
occasionally  visited  Collinsville  un- 
til Reverend  J.  N.  Petit  took 
charge  in  February,  1862  and  re- 
mained until  October,  1862.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Father  F.  J.  Fischer, 
during  whose  administration  the  first 
two  bells  were  blessed.  In  June,  1863, 
Father  Fischer  left  and  the  parish 
was  again  attended  occasionally  by 
Reverend  J.  B.  Brennan,  Father  Petit 
and  Father  George  Tuerk.  After 
these,  Father  C.  G.  Magnien  came, 
and  remained  about  a  year,  until  the 
end  of  February,  1865.  In  May,  1865, 
Father  A.  Rustige  took  charge  of  the 
parish  until  November,  1865.  Ground 
was  bought  for  a  new  cemetery. 


During  the  winter  of  1865-66 
Fathers  F.  II.  Zabel  and  F.  Lohmann 
came  occasionally  to  Collinsville.  In 
May,  1866  Father  A.  B.  Rinckes  was 
appointed  rector  and  stayed  un- 
til the  spring  of  1867.  During  his  in- 
cumbency in  March,  1867,  lots  belong- 
ing to  D.  D.  Collins  and  adjoining  the 
church  property  were  bought  for 
about  $3,600.00.  Reverend  S.  Weg- 
ener was  his  successor  in  April,  1867 
who  remained  until  the  summer  of 
1870.  During  his  administration  a 
school  was  established. 

In  August,  1870,  Reverend  G.  H. 
Hesse  took  charge  of  the  parish.  Be- 
ing in  poor  health,  he  left  in  Febru- 
ary, 1872,  and  Father  Rustige  was 
appointed  in  his  place  and  remained 
until  September  of  that  year.  Father 
Francis  Trojan  was  then  given  charge 
of  the  parish.  He  remained  until  the 
end  of  August,  1879.  His  successor  was 
Reverend  H.  B.  Degenhardt,  then  a 
newly  ordained  young  priest.  He  at 
once  set  to  work  and  by  economy  and 
zeal  soon  accumulated  a  fund  to  build 
a  larger  church.  At  first  only  the 
Sanctuary  and  Transcept  were  erect- 
ed in  1880  and  the  Nave  with  a  state- 
ly steeple  was  added  in  1890.  He  then 
built  a  larger  school  to  accommodate 
the  ever  increasing  number  of  pupils. 
The  school  was  completed  in  1895. 
When  all  this  had  been  done  and  the 
debts  paid  Reverend  H.  B.  Degen- 
hardt was  appointed  to  St.  Boniface's 
Church  in  Quincy,  Illinois.  He  left  a 
considerable  fund  to  his  successor, 
Father  F.  Marks  to  build  a  new  par- 
ish residence. 

There  are  350  pupils  in  the  school 
taught  by  eight  Ursuline  Sisters 
from  the  Motherhouse  in  Alton. 

The  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  conferred  the  Sacra- 
ment of  Confirmation  in  1926,  upon 
a  class  of  180. 

The  sodality  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception  of  St.  Peter   and    Paul's 


260 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


Church  of  Collinsville,  Illinois,  was 
established  on  June  9th,  1866,  under 
the  secondary  patronage  of  St. 
Joseph.  It  consisted  of  nineteen  char- 
ter members.  Father  Rinckes  was 
the  first  Spiritual  Director. 

On  October  5,  1879,  the  Sodality 
was  reorganized  under  the  same  title 
by  Father  Henry  B.  Degenhardt. 
During  the  next  thirty  years  the  So- 
dality played  an  important  role  in 
the  history  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul's 
for  those  were  the  years  in  which  the 
church  was  enlarged  and  the  magnifi- 
cent school  was  built.  A  great  amount 
of  the  funds  necessary  to  defray  the 
cost  of  the  building  was  raised  by 
various  parish  activities  such  as 
bazaars,  etc.,  in  which  the  members  of 
the  Sodality  always  worked  faithfully 
and  zealously.  On  June  9,  1916,  the 
Golden  Jubilee  of  the  Sodality  was 
celebrated  on  an  elaborate  scale.  A 
Solemn  High  Mass  began  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  happy  event,  at  which 
Father  Marks  was  Celebrant,  Father 
S.  Pierotti,  Deacon,  and  a  Jesuit  from 
St.  Louis  University,  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, Sub-Deacon. 

Through  the  fifty  years,  from  the 
organization  of  the  Sodality  to  the 
celebration  of  its  Golden  Jubilee,  the 
name  and  memory  of  Nellie  Eck  was 
held  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  her 
companions.  It  was  she  who  assisted 
Father  Rinckes  to  instruct  them  for 
their  First  Holy  Communion  and  who 
instilled  in  their  youthful  hearts  de- 
votion to  the  Mother  of  God.  Nellie 
Eck  is  to  be  given  the  honor  for  the 
first  May  devotions  ever  held  in  St. 
Peter  and  Paul's  Church.  Apparently, 
there  was  no  resident  priest  in  Col- 
linsville in  the  year  1866  and  it  was 
due  to  the  zeal  and  devotion  that  she 
and  her  young  companions  had  for 
the  Mother  of  God,  tbat  the  Bishop 
decided  to  send  a  resident  priest  to 
Collinsville.  Each  day  during  the 
month  of  May  they  would  go  to  the 
Church  for  May  Devotions.  The  de- 
scription of  the  May  Altar  resembles 
to  a  great  extent  the  improvised  al- 
tars in  Mission  Churches  of  the  pres- 


ent day.  A  bee  hive  served  as  the 
Tabernacle.  The  statue  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  the  bases,  candlesticks  and  the 
coverings  for  the  altar  were  brought 
from  the  homes  of  the  future  young 
Sodalists.  As  there  was  great  poverty 
and  privation  in  those  days,  it  can  be 
imagined  that  that  particular  altar 
did  not  make  a  very  imposing  ap- 
pearance; materially,  no,  but  spir- 
itually, it  was  the  means  of  the 
Bishop  sending  a  resident  Priest  to 
Collinsville,  for  when  he  saw  that 
altar  he  remarked  to  the  priest  who 
visited  Collinsville  at  that  time,  that 
he  must  send  a  priest  to  people  who 
had  devotion  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 
During  the  sixty  years  of  its  exist- 
ence, the  Sodality  has  given  many 
articles  to  the  church.  In  1924,  two 
beautiful  stained  glass  transept  win- 
dows, designed  by  the  present  zealous 
pastor,  Father  Marks,  were  donated 
to  the  Church  by  the  Sodality. 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Parochial 
School,  Collinsville,  Illinois 

The  School  was  established  shortly 
after  the  arrival  of  Reverend  H.  B. 
Degenhardt  in  1879.  Within  its 
class-rooms  many  of  Collinsville 's 
leading  men  and  women  received  their 
early  education. 

During  the  first  years,  secular 
teachers  were  employed;  but  on  Aug- 
ust 29,  1884,  three  Ursuline  Nuns 
from  Alton  arrived  to  take  charge  of 
the  school  and,  from  that  day  to  this, 
the  Daughters  of  St.  Angela  Merici 
have  been  carrying  on  the  work  ef- 
ficiently. 

In  the  beginning,  the  pupils  num- 
bered about  one  hundred  and  could 
be  easily  accommodated  in  the  two 
large  rooms  of  the  house  which  served 
as  a  school;  but  as  time  went  on  the 
enrollment  increased  year  after  year, 
so  that  it  soon  became  imperative  to 
furnish  ampler  accommodations.  Ac- 
cordingly, in  the  fall  of  1894,  ground 
was  broken  for  a  "New  School,"  the 
erection  of  which  began  at  once  and 
was  carried  on  so  energetically  that 
the  building  was  completed  in  the 
early  Spring,  and  on  Easter  Monday, 


261 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


1895,  it  was  solemnly  ledicated  by 
His  Lordship,  Right  Reverend  J. 
Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton. 

Owing  to  the  crowded  conditions 
of  the  old  building,  it  was  deemed  ad- 
visable to  move  into  the  new  school 
at  once,  even  though  the  session  was 
nearing  its  close.  Therefore,  on  the 
Monday  following  the  Dedication, 
classes  were  taught  in  the  new  build- 
ing. Some  years  later,  three  large 
apartments  and  an  auditorium  were 
added,  thus  affording  more  room  to 
the  ever  increasing  number  of  pupils. 


At  present,  there  are  eleven  Ursu- 
line  Nuns  in  charge,  and  the  school 
has  an  enrollment  of  350  children. 

First  Ursulincs  to  go  to  Collins- 
ville : 

August  29,  1884— Mother  Clara 
Spang  (now  deceased)  ;  Sister  Hel- 
ena Madden  (now  deceased)  ;  Sister 
Evangelista  Griffin  (left  Collinsville 
in  August,  1927). 

One  year  later,  August  22,  1885— 
Sister  Bridgetta  O'Rourke  (left  in 
June,  1927 ;  died  on  November  15, 
1927). 


Church  of  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1856. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Anton  J.  Wieneke. 


In  the  year  1856,  while  yet  the 
state  of  Illinois  was  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Bishop  of  Chicago,  the 
few  Catholics  in  Marine  and  the  im- 
mediate neighborhood  united  for  the 
purpose  of  building  a  church.  To 
this  end  a  subscription  started  under 
the  leadership  of  James  Brockhaus, 
Patrick  Carroll  and  August  Versen, 
netted  $1,500.  Eight  lots  had  already 
been  donated  in  the  Versen  addition 
and  in  the  year  1857  the  same  year 
when  Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker  was  consecrated  bishop  of 
the  newly  established  diocese  of  Al- 
ton, the  foundation  of  the  new  church 
a  structure  50x34  feet — was  laid,  and 
the  following  year  a  rough  building 
was  completed  in  the  face  of  very 
trying  circumstances. 

On  Easter  Monday,  April  25,  1859, 
Mass  was  said  for  the  first  time  in  the 
new  church  by  Reverend  Paul  Lim- 
acher  of  Highland.  Every  third  Sun- 
day he  held  services,  and  in  the  two 
and  one-half  years  of  his  ministra- 
tion, succeeded  in  finishing  the 
church.  Father  Limacher  left  the  par- 
ish in  1861  and  during  the  following 
two  years  Marine  was  taken  care  of 
by  Reverend  P.  Peters  who  was  sta- 
tioned at  Edwardsville.  The  parish, 
after  being  served  for  a  short  time  by 
Reverend  John  Vollmeyer,  reverted 
again  to  the  charge  of  Father  Peters 


who  was  then  the  pastor  of  Highland. 

In  1864  money  was  subscribed  for 
the  new  church  bell,  costing  $383.00. 
A  reed  organ  was  bought  for  the  sum 
of  $160.00  and  a  church  choir  organ- 
ized. In  July,  1866,  ten  acres  of  land 
were  purchased  for  a  cemetery  for  the 
small  sum  of  $80.00. 

For  nine  years  the  Marine  parish 
had  been  a  mission  attended  in  turn 
from  Edwardsville  and  Highland. 
Then  in  1868,  it  was  made  a  separate 
parish,  Father  Louis  Hinssen  be- 
coming its  first  resident  pastor.  A 
priest's  residence  had  been  previously 
built  at  a  cost  of  $3,000.00.  During 
his  term  of  office  a  gallery  was  built 
in  the  rear  of  the  church  and  so  ar- 
ranged that  during  the  week  days  it 
could  be  used  as  a  school  room.  In 
October,  1868  school  opened  with  Mr. 
P.  Nolle  as  teacher  who  had  for  his 
immediate  successors,  Mr.  Stettner 
and  Joseph  Schmidt. 

Father  Hinssen  left  Marine  Janu- 
ary 6,  1817,  to  become  pastor  of  Belle- 
ville which  had  just  become  vacant 
by  the  promotion  of  Reverend  Peter 
Joseph  Baltes  to  the  See  of  Alton. 
Reverend  Michael  Weiss,  the  next 
pastor,  remained  in  charge  a  year. 
During  his  time  here,  Bishop  Baltes 
visited  the  parish  and  confirmed 
eighty-four  persons — this  was  the 
first  time  that  Confirmation  had  been 


262 


IN   THE  DIOCP:SE  OF   CHICAGO 


administered  in  the  history  of  Marine. 
In  his  sermon  on  that  occasion, 
Father  Weis  threw  much  light  on  the 
conditions  existing  in  the  parish.  On 
the  transference  of  Father  Weis  to 
Effingham,  Reverend  Francis  Trojan, 
a  Moravian  by  birth,  became  pastor 
for  thirteen  months.  During  his 
stay  here,  he  reduced  the  debt  of  the 
parish  considerably.  In  September, 
1872,  he  became  pastor  of  Collinsville 
and  for  about  six  months  the  parish 
was  without  a  priest  until  on  March 
18,  1873,  Father  Albert  Busch  ar- 
rived from  Beardstown.  On  account 
of  the  scarcity  of  priests,  the  latter 
had  to  attend  also  the  parishes  of 
Douglas  and  Staunton. 

Father  Busch 's  immediate  succes- 
sors were  Fathers  J.  Gerhard  Jouyen, 
1874-1875;  Bernard  liossmoeller,  for 
six  weeks;  and  Gerhard  Hope,  1857- 
1877.  During  Father  Hope's  admini- 
stration the  Jesuit  Fathers  Karl- 
staedter  and  Haag  gave  a  very  suc- 
cessful parish  mission. 

An  unnamed  benefactor  donated 
$1,500,  which  enabled  the  pastor  to 
start  the  building  of  the  parochial 
school,  a  brick  structure  46x25  feet, 
with  rooms  for  teachers.  Before  the 
school  was  completed,  however, 
Father  Hope  was  transferred  to 
Breese,  and  Father  Henry  Eggenstein 
succeeded  him,  remaining  in  charge 
until  October  1,  1913.  In  the  begin- 
ning of  November,  1877,  the  new 
school  was  dedicated  and  on  St. 
Elizabeth's  Feast  Day  (November 
19)  of  the  same  year  the  first  solemn 
High  Ma^s  was  celebrated  in  the 
parish. 

A  census,  taken  at  this  time,  shows 
that  the  parish  consisted  of  ten 
Catholic  families  in  the  village  and 
twenty-six  families  living  in  the 
country,  who  contributed  to  the  sup- 
port of  the  church.  There  were  a  num- 
ber of  so  called  Catholic  families,  but 
they  were  so  careless  in  the  discharge 
of  their  religious  duties,  as  to  deserve 
no  mention  here.  About  this  time 
three  new  church  bells,  valued  for 
$479.25,  were  donated  by  Mrs.  Weber. 


In  1880,  encouraged  by  a  plentiful 
harvest,  the  pastor  began  collecting 
funds  for  a  new  church  to  replace  the 
old  one  which  was  showing  dangerous 
cracks.  Over  $2,000  was  subscribed 
on  that  occasion.  As  the  harvest  in 
the  following  year  was  a  failure  on 
account  of  drought,  additional  funds 
could  not  be  collected  but  the  ever 
increasing  decay  of  the  old  church 
impressed  upon  the  people  the  im- 
perative need  of  a  new  one.  The  cor- 
ner-stone of  the  new  church  was  laid 
in  1883  and  the  building  was  ready 
for  divine  services  on  November  19  of 
that  same  year.  On  May  6,  1884 
Right  Reverend  P.  J.  Baltes  solemnly 
blessed  the  new  church. 

In  the  year  1886  the  teachers'  liv- 
ing quarters  adjoining  the  school 
were  enlarged  to  make  room  for  the 
Sisters  of  the  Most  Precious  Blood, 
of  Ruma,  who  took  charge  of  the 
school  in  1886.  Sisters  Paulina  and 
Rosa  were  the  first  religious  to  make 
their  abode  at  Marine. 

The  standing  debts  of  the  parish 
amounting  to  $1,100  were  paid  off 
in  1890  as  a  result  of  a  legacy  left  for 
that  purpose  by  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Brock  - 
haus.  On  Easter  Day,  1891,  the 
church  was  enriched  by  a  pipe  organ, 
donated  by  Mrs.  Weber.  The  organ 
was  built  by  John  T.  Pfeffer  &  Sons, 
St.  Louis.  That  same  year  a  branch 
of  the  Catholic  Knights  of  Illinois 
was  organized  in  the  parish  with  fif- 
teen charter  members. 

During  the  summer,  1894,  a  steam 
heating  plant  was  installed  in  the 
church  and  four  lots  adjoining  the 
school  were  purchased  for  $275.  Mrs. 
Catharina  Weber,  a  great  benefactor 
of  the  parish,  at  her  death  on  Janu- 
ary 31,  1894,  left  to  the  church  $2,050 
to  be  a  school  fund  for  the  parish. 

In  1913  Father  Eggenstein,  who 
had  for  thirty  years  successfully 
guided  the  destiny  of  St.  Elizabeth's 
parish,  retired  to  St.  Vincent's  Hos- 
pital, Taylorville,  Illinois,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Father  Joseph  Maurer 
who  after  nine  months  of  labor  in 
untold  suffering  (he  had  cancer  of  the 


263 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


throat)  was  forced  to  leave  his  charge 
and  seek  a  more  congenial  climate. 

The  present  pastor,  Father  Anton 
Wieneke,  entered  npon  his  pastoral 
duties,  September  1,  1914.  Since  his 
coming,  the  necessary  repairs  in  the 
parsonage  and  church  were  under- 
taken and  electric  lighting  fixtures  in- 
stalled. In  1921  the  interior  of  the 
church  was  renovated  and  frescoed, 
altars  varnished,  statues  retouched, 
and  all  woodwork  painted,  at  a  cost 
of  $2,300.  Stained  glass  windows 
were  also  installed  which  greatly  en- 
hance the  beauty  of  the  church. 

In  September,  1924,  work  was  be- 
gun on  the  erection  of  a  parish  com- 

Church  of  St.  Raymond,  Raymond, 

Established 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend 

The  first  Catholic  family  to  move 
for  the  organization  of  St.  Ray- 
mond's was  that  of  Frank  Poggen- 
pohl  who  settled  in  Harvel  Township, 
five  miles  north  of  Raymond  on  the 
Springfield  Road  in  1853.  Prior  to 
this  time  the  surrounding  broad 
acres  belonged  to  the  public  domain 
of  the  United  States;  settlers  and 
homestead  claimants  were  few  and 
far  distant  from  one  another.  Early 
in  the  50 's  the  tide  of  immigration 
to  the  United  States  assumed  great 
and  vast  proportions.  Political  dis- 
turbances in  European  countries, 
famine  in  Ireland,  and  the  gold 
fields  of  California,  may  be  assigned 
as  partial  reasons  for  this  phenom- 
enal stampede  of  emigrants  to  Amer- 
ica. At  any  rate  in  this  northern 
part  of  Montgomery  County  where 
the  soil  is  of  superior  quality,  nu- 
merous settlers  and  colonists  arrived 
and  located,  among  whom  we  meet 
with  a  certain  ratio  of  Catholics, 
such  as  A.  Munsterman,  J.  Todt,  J. 
Jung,  and  others.  For  this  increas- 
ing Catholic  community  to  comply 
with  its  religious  duties  was,  how- 
ever, hardly  possible,  for  the  next 
and  nearest  churches  and  priests 
were  at  Carlinville  and  Alton.  In 
the  meantime  these  sturdy  men  with 

264 


munity  center  and  continued  in  1925 
when  the  building  was  ready  for  its 
purpose.  So  far,  it  has  cost  $9,350. 
Some  work  still  remains  to  be  done 
on  the  exterior  but  this  improvement 
must  be  postponed  until  more  money 
is  available. 

The  parish,  at  the  present  time  has 
fifty-nine  families,  forty-three  with 
father  and  mother  Catholic,  and  six- 
teen mixed.  Practically  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation  follow  agri- 
culture as  a  means  of  livelihood. 

Two  societies,  Holy  Name  and  Al- 
tar Societies,  are  of  great  help  to  the 
pastor  in  all  parish  activities. 

Montgomery  County,  Illinois. 
in  1857. 
Charles  "W.  Oppenheim. 

their  families  betook  themselves  on 
Sunday  mornings  to  home  devotions, 
alternately  meeting  at  different 
Catholic  houses;  these  devotions 
would  consist  in  the  recitation  of 
the  rosary,  the  litany  and  the  read- 
ing of  the  epistles  and  gospels.  Thus 
it  continued  until  the  year  1857  when 
upon  their  urgent  and  repeated  in- 
vitation Reverend  Father  Schreib- 
er,  then  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  Church 
at  Carlinville,  came  to  the  young, 
striving  and  struggling  Catholic 
community  and  said  Holy  Mass  in 
the  neighboring  little  district  school 
house,  then  known  as  the  "Mt.  Ver- 
non School",  situated  immediately 
south  of  Mr.  Todt's  house.  Highly 
satisfied  with  the  good  results  of  his 
first  visit,  Father  Schreiber  arranged 
that  from  then  on  he  would  come  to 
them  once  a  month,  which  appoint- 
ment he  kept  regularly  until  1866. 
Divine  services  then  being  held  at 
stipulated  intervals,  the  attendance 
increased  as  time  passed.  From  long 
distances  the  faithful  flocked  thither ; 
those  rugged  old  pioneer  settlers 
who  afterwards  belonged  to  the 
parishes  of  Morrisonville,  Brown 
Settlement  and  Raymond ;  here  they 
monthly  gathered  to  worship  at  the 
improvised  little  altar  in  the  school 


Marine — St.  Elizabeth's  Church,  Rectory,  Sister's  Residence,  School  .    .    .  Raymond 
St.  Raymond's  Church,  Rev.  C.  W.  Oppenheim,  Pastor   .    .    .    Collinsville     SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Church,  Rectory,  School. 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


house ;  here  Baptism  and  Holy  Com- 
munion were  administered,  mar- 
riages solemnized  and  the  children 
catechised.  Then,  in  1867,  St.  Cath- 
erine's Parish  of  Virden  received  its 
first  resident  rector.  Father  Schreib- 
er  ceased  his  monthly  ministrations 
to  the  promising  Raymond  commu- 
nity, and  henceforth,  until  1878,  it 
was  looked  after  by  the  priests  of 
Virden,  Father  Richard  Grant, 
Michael  Clifford,  Dennis  Tierney, 
Timothy  Hickey,  (later  Vicar  Gen- 
eral) and  Lawrence  Ryan,  while  the 
German-speaking  members,  who 
were  unable  to  understand  the  Eng- 
lish language,  were  ministered  to  by 
Reverend  Francis  Ostrop,  then  pas- 
tor of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois. The  Catholics  from  the  vicinity 
of  Morrisonville  who  attended 
Divine  Services  in  the  little  school 
house  until  1871,  felt  themselves  in 
that  year  numerically  and  sufficient- 
ly strong  to  form  into  a  separate 
congregation  under  the  leadership 
of  Reverend  Francis  Lohmann,  then 
the  resident  pastor  of  St.  Agnes' 
Church,  Hillsboro.  The  example  of 
the  Morrisonville  people  was  fol- 
lowed two  years  later,  1873,  by  those 
now  constituting  St.  Isidor's  parish 
of  Brown's  settlement  near  Farmers- 
ville.  They  were  encouraged  in 
their  actions  by  Father  Timothy 
Hickey,  of  Virden,  who  attended 
that  mission  until  1877  when  it  was 
assigned  to  Morrisonville  and  so  re- 
mained until  1883,  Reverend  Alois 
Teppe  being  the  pastor. 

It  was  many  years  before  the 
"secession"  of  the  Morrisonville 
farmers  from  "Mt.  Vernon  Parish" 
that  it  had  been  agreed  upon  to 
purchase  five  acres  of  land  from  Mr. 
Tony  Muenstermann  "off  the  South- 
east corner  of  the  North  half  of  the 
Northeast  quarter  of  Section  Nine- 
teen (19),  Township  Eleven  (11), 
North  of  Range  Four  (4),  West,  ly- 
ing in  a  square  in  said  corner  in  the 
County  of  Montgomery  and  State  of 
Illinois,"  for  the  consideration  of 
$90.00.  Pursuant  to  unanimous 
agreement  the  land  was  purchased 


and  the  deed  thereof  executed  in 
favor  of  the  Most  Reverend  Arch- 
bishop Peter  R.  Kenrick  of  St.  Louis, 
who  in  due  turn  re-deeded  the  same, 
October  10,  1871,  to  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Peter  J.  Baltes,  Bishop  of 
Alton.  Never  having  been  used  for 
its  originally  intended  purpose,  it 
was  sold  to  the  late  John  Todt. 

Undaunted  by  these  reverses  of 
double  secession  which  had  alarming- 
ly decreased  the  ranks  of  the  faithful 
worshippers,  they  nevertheless  con- 
tinued, with  buoyant  hope  and  im- 
plicit confidence  in  ultimate  success, 
to  assemble  as  they  were  wont  to  do 
twenty  years  ago,  not,  however  any 
longer  in  the  little  school  house  but 
from  hence  at  the  home  of  Mr.  B. 
Beiermann,  one-half  mile  south  of 
Raymond.  Here  it  was  that  from  1874 
to  1877  Father  Lohmann  conducted 
Divine  Services.  His  encouraging 
and  inspiring  words  soon  resulted  in 
the  purchase  of  the  present  St.  Ray- 
mond's Cemetery  from  J.  Lee  for 
$150.00,  and  a  piece  of  property  (one 
acre)  designed  as  a  site  for  a 
church,  situated  immediately  north  of 
the  Free  Methodist  Church,  which 
purchase,  however,  the  good  people 
forfeited  together  with  the  money 
paid  for  it,  $240.00,  as  certain  un- 
scrupulous parties  who  had  sold  and 
accepted  the  price,  well  knew  that  on 
account  of  an  overhanging  mortgage 
no  clear  title  or  release  could  be  given. 
And  yet  the  striving  and  struggling 
founders  of  St.  Raymond's  Parish 
did  not  lose  heart;  they  possessed 
themselves  in  1879  of  the  present 
property  and  God  be  thanked  they 
form  today  as  good  and  substantial, 
though  small  country  parish  as  ever 
was  started  in  this  Diocese.  For  the 
initiative  of  building,  our  congrega- 
tion is  mainly  indebted  to  the  valu- 
able and  disinterested  services  of 
Fathers  Francis  Lohmann  and  Peter 
J.  Virnich  (the  latter  succeeded 
Father  Lohmann  at  Hillsboro  in 
1877)  for  what  the  former  had  in- 
augurated the  latter  completed.  To 
them  is  due  the  credit  for  the  exist- 
ence and  independence  of  the  parish. 


265 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


With  the  construction  of  the  Wa- 
bash Railroad  in  1871,  dates  simul- 
taneously the  founding  of  Raymond ; 
the  name  of  this  rising  and  prosper- 
ous town  was  imposed  by  the  Railroad 
Company  while  the  postoffice  proper 
went  for  many  years  afterward  by 
the  name  of  "Lula,"  so-called  after 
Raymond's  first  postmaster,  Davis' 
daughter.  Even  today  mail  matter 
addressed  to  old  settlers  will  read : 
"Raymond,  Lula  P.  0."  Before  the 
advent  of  the  Wabash  Railroad,  how- 
ever, when  the  present  postal  facili- 
ties were  not  yet  known,  the  nearest 
postoffice  was  that  of  "Herndon," 
located  at  the  home  of  Mr.  J.  Todt, 
five  miles  north  of  Raymond,  of  which 
Mr.  Todt  acted  as  postmaster  under 
Johnson's  and  Grant's  administra- 
tion until  1871  when  "Lula"  was 
born. 

At  that  time  there  arose  a  question 
of  building  and  permanently  locating 
the  church.  The  views  and  claims  of 
the  parishioners  seemed  somewhat  di- 
vided on  this  point,  some  and  prin- 
cipally those  living  north  advocated 
the  town  of  Harvel  while  others  re- 
garded Raymond  as  the  more  advan- 
tageous site.  Committees  and  coun- 
ter-committees journeyed  to  Alton  to 
plead  their  cause  before  the  Bishop 
who  finally  decided  in  favor  of  Ray- 
mond. "Roma  locuta,  res  finita." 
Unitedly  and  harmoniously  the  work 
of  building  was  begun,  subscription 
lists  circulated  and  the  contract  let 
to  W.  H.  Flowers,  of  Shelbyville, 
Illinois.  A.  Druiding  of  St.  Louis, 
drew  the  plans.  This  was  in  the  fall 
of  1880.  The  three  lots  upon  which 
the  church  was  to  be  erected  were 
purchased,  one  of  Richard  Wm. 
O'Bannon  for  $35.00  and  the  two 
others  of  Jacob  E.  Houtz  &  Co.,  for 
$50.00.  The  total  cost  of  contract 
can  not  be  learned  from  the  church 
records,  but  suffice  it  to  state  that 
when  the  sacred  edifice  was  ready  for 
its  dedication  on  August  31,  1881,  the 
sum  of  $3,220.00  had  been  expended 
by  the  young  but  virile  congregation, 
leaving  an  indebtedness  of  $1,100.00, 


which  money  was  borrowed  that  day 
from  Mr.  Conrad  Wellar  at  6  per  cent 
interest. 

St.  Raymond 's  Parish  was  now  an 
accomplished  fact.  The  number  of 
Catholic  families  then  constituting 
the  congregation  was  twenty-six. 
Having  seen  his  work  accomplished, 
Reverend  Peter  J.  Virnich  was  re- 
placed as  pastor  of  Hillsboro  by  Rev- 
erend John  Storp,  who,  after  a  short 
incumbency,  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Hermann  Gesenhues.  This  priest 
continued  his  ministrations  until 
about  December  15,  1883  when  he,  in 
turn,  was  superseded  by  Reverend 
Alois  Teppe  of  Morrisonville. 

In  the  annual  statement  for  this 
year  we  notice  that  the  indebtedness 
had  been  reduced  to  $650.00  whilst 
the  membership  showed  a  slight  in- 
crease, now  numbering  36. 

The  next  incumbent  during  the 
summer  of  '84  was  Reverend  Gerhard 
Hoppe  of  Edwardsville,  when  in 
November,  1884,  Reverend  Bernerd 
Hasse  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor  of  Raymond.  He  purchased  a 
one-story  frame  house  north  of  the 
church  for  $800.00  (borrowing  the 
money  from  Conrad  Wellar)  which 
remained  the  parochial  residence  un- 
til the  fall  of  1900  when  the  present 
beautiful  and  well  appointed  house 
was  constructed  by  Reverend  A.  Zur- 
bonsen,  who,  that  same  year,  had  dis- 
posed of  the  old  property  by  selling  it 
to  Mr.  Francis  Brandis  for  $1,000.00. 
During  Reverend  Bernerd  Hasse 's 
administration  the  bell  for  the  church 
spire  was  purchased,  costing  $171.00. 
It  was  cast  by  H.  Stuckstede  of  St. 
Louis. 

From  April,  1884,  to  May,  1890, 
Reverend  John  Dietrich  had  charge 
of  St.  Raymond 's  Congregation ;  he, 
like  his  predecessors  caused  several 
notable  changes  and  improvements  to 
be  made.  How  well  the  parish  now 
flourished  may  be  inferred  from  the 
fact  that  every  seat  in  the  church  was 
rented  and  the  number  of  families 
had  increased  to  some  forty -five. 

After  Father  Dietrich's  leave-tak- 
ing we  meet  in  rapid  succession  with 


266 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


Fathers  Joseph  Dechene,  O'Con- 
nell,  John  Gratza,  George  Pesch 
and  James  Dougherty,  when  in 
February,  1895,  Reverend  Ferdinand 
Stick,  who  was  removed  from  Pana 
and  assigned  to  Raymond,  took  charge 
of  the  congregation.  His  coming  was 
welcomed  with  delight  as  Father 
Stick  was  known  to  be  a  man  of  abil- 
ity and  unblemished  and  spotless 
character.  True  loyalty  to  church 
and  pastor  again  manifested  itself  in 
our  little  congregation ;  as  evidence 
of  this  assertion  I  mention  the  readi- 
ness with  which  all  cheerfully  entered 
upon  the  project  of  enlarging  and 
frescoing  the  church,  putting  in  new 
stained  windows  and  purchasing  the 
present  beautiful  High  Altar  from 
St.  Joseph's  College,  Teutopolis,  Illi- 
nois. 

From  the  account  of  1895  we  glean 
the  following  items  which  well  be- 
speak the  free-heartedness  and 
prompt  generosity  of  the  people :  For 
addition  to  church,  $1,031.00;  dona- 
tion for  church  windows,  $345.00 ; 
frescoing,  $200.00,  and  carpet,  $50.00. 

The  numerical  strength  of  the  fam- 
ilies was  steadily  increasing,  the  rec- 
ords for  this  year  speak  of  sixty 
families.  Surprisingly  brief  and  short 
was  Father  Stick's  stay  with  the  peo- 
ple of  St.  Raymond's;  he  left  regret- 
ted by  many,  October  15,  1897,  for 
the  seemingly  greener  pastures  of  St. 
Maurice's  congregation,  Morrison- 
ville.  The  next  incumbent  of  St.  Ray- 
mond's came  from  the  small,  strug- 
gling parish  of  Virginia,  Illinois, 
Reverend  James  Maskell,  who  at  the 
Bishop's  solicitation,  on  November 
15,  1899,  exchanged  places  with  the 
pastor  of  St.  Augustine's  church  of 
Ashland,  Illinois,  Reverend  Anthony 
Zurbonsen. 

A  great  task  presented  itself  to 
the  new  pastor  upon  his  arrival.  Un- 
fortunately the  parish  was  not 
united.  Factionalism  was  strong 
and  this  in  spite  of  the  zeal  and 
piety  of  the  former  pastor,  the  spir- 
it of  indifferentism  was  quite  prev- 
alent among  the  warring  factions. 


Had  Father  Zurbonsen  done  noth- 
ing more  during  his  six  and  one-half 
years  in  Raymond  than  produce  the 
happy  result  of  uniting  his  people, 
he  would  have  accomplished  much. 
Not  only  did  he  succeed  in  this  but 
having  united  the  people  and  having 
gained  their  love,  he  set  about  to 
better  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
interests  of  the  people. 

Shortly  after  his  arrival  he  pur- 
chased the  two  lots  opposite  the 
present  parochial  residence.  In  less 
than  a  year's  time  he  erected  the 
new  home  for  the  pastor,  of  which 
the  parishioners  have  every  reason 
to  be  proud,  for  they  can  boast  of 
having  the  most  stately  building  in 
Raymond.  In  1904,  Father  Zurbon- 
sen purchased  three  lots  south  of  the 
new  residence  from  Frank  Lange  at 
a  cost  of  $625.00,  upon  which  the 
present  church  has  been  erected. 
Through  his  efforts  the  statue  of  the 
Pieta,  which  now  occupies  the  niche 
in  the  Sorrowful  Mother  chapel, 
carved  in  wood  by  Moroder  of  Groe- 
den,  Tyrol,  Austria,  a  real  work  of 
art,  was  donated  by  Conrad  Weller 
and  his  estimable  wife,  Mary.  The 
altar  of  St.  Joseph  and  its  statue, 
donated  by  the  late  John  Todt  and 
his  devoted  wife,  are  the  main  fea- 
tures of  St.  Joseph's  chapel.  These, 
together  with  the  magnificent  Cal- 
vary group  in  the  cemetery,  donated 
by  Joseph  Burri  and  wife,  were  se- 
cured through  his  efforts. 

Space  will  not  permit  the  mention 
of  many  other  donations  obtained  by 
him,  but  suffice  to  say  that  when  in 
May  1906,  the  good  Bishop  trans- 
ferred Raymond's  zealous  pastor  to 
a  greater  field  of  labor,  he  could 
have  said,  if  modesty  had  not  pre- 
vented, "I  have  done  well";  but 
what  he  failed  to  say,  his  former 
people,  or  better  still,  his  works  say 
for  him. 

The  Reverend  Joseph  Mauer  suc- 
ceeded him.  He  remained  but  eight 
months  in  Raymond,  but  left  a  rec- 
ord of  piety  and  zeal,  which  time 
will  not  efface.  The  Reverend  Henry 
Joseph  Hoven  was  his  successor. 


267 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


On  the  first  day  of  July,  1907, 
Reverend  Charles  W.  Oppenheim 
succeeded  Reverend  Henry  J.  Hoven, 
who  had  resigned.  The  parish  had 
at  that  time  a  debt  of  $300.00  and 
this  together  with  an  assessment  of 
$100.00  levied  for  the  orphans  was 
paid  within  two  months.  The 
parish  numbered  96  families.  It  was 
deemed  expedient  to  enhance  the 
spiritual  interest  of  the  people  and 
to  this  end  two  Masses  and  an  even- 
ing service  were  announced.  The 
Altar  Society  reorganized,  and  a 
Young  Ladies  Sodality  and  a  Holy 
Name  Society  organized.  During  the 
month  of  October  a  Mission  was 
given  by  Father  Simon,  C.P.,  for 
none  had  been  held  since  1892.  It 
was  further  decided  to  have  an  an- 
nual Forty  Hours'  Adoration.  A 
heating,  lighting  and  water  plant 
were  installed  in  the  parochial  res- 
idence, furniture  and  church  req- 
uisites purchased,  entailing  an  ex- 
pense of  over  $2,000.00  which  sum 
was  liquidated  before  the  close  of 
1908. 

In  January  1909,  a  movement  was 
launched  for  the  erection  of  a  new 
church.  On  the  20th  of  February, 
1917,  the  contracts  for  the  new 
building,  designed  by  Frank  Lude- 
wig  of  St.  Louis,  were  let  to  Henry 
Wardein  of  Alton,  and  the  heating 
contract  to  George  Haarstick  and 
George  A.  Miller.  According  to  the 
plans,  the  church  was  to  have  a 
length  of  108  feet,  a  width  of  45  and 
a  height  of  42  feet,  with  a  campanile 
rising  to  the  tip  of  the  Celtic  cross, 
which  surmounted  it,  of  96  feet.  The 
interior  was  to  be  26  feet  high  and 
was  to  seat  between  300  and  350 
people. 

On  the  sixth  day  of  June,  1917,  the 
corner  stone  was  laid  by  the  Very 
Reverend  Dean  Patrick  F.  Carroll  of 
Litchfield.  This  ceremony  was  to 
have  been  performed  by  Very  Rever- 
end Monsignor  Timothy  Hickey,V.G., 
who,  however,  was  delayed  because  of 
floods,  but  later  arrived  with  Very 
Reverend  Dean  Riesen  and  Father 
Patrick  O'Reilly  of  Springfield.     In 


the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of 
the  laity,  Reverend  Denis  J.  Ryan  of 
Granite  City  delivered  an  inspiring 
address. 

Nearly  $15,000  were  collected  this 
year  and  all  looked  bright.  Contracts 
were  made  with  Emil  Frei  of  St. 
Louis,  for  the  windows,  the  Hornet 
Mantel  Company,  St.  Louis,  for 
tiling  the  floors,  F.  Fuchs  of  St. 
Louis,  for  frescoing  and  Stations, 
Henry  Dreisoerner,  St.  Louis,  for 
altars,  pews  and  other  church  fur- 
niture, Gross  Chandelier  Co.,  of  St. 
Louis  for  chandeliers,  S.  I.  L.  &  P. 
Co.,  for  electrical  work,  Wicks  Organ 
Company,  Highland,  for  pipe  organ, 
Hoffman-Pollhans  Clock  Company, 
for  tower  clock,  and  Daprato  Statu- 
ary Company  for  six  marble  statues. 
On  the  second  of  June,  1918,  the 
church  was  blessed  by  the  Right  Rev- 
erend James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Alton.  Following  the  blessing  a 
solemn  High  Mass  in  the  presence  of 
the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  in  mitre 
and  cope  was  celebrated  by  Very 
Reverend  Dean  L.  Riesen  of  Spring- 
field, assisted  by  Reverends  Anthony 
Zurbonsen,  Quincy,  and  Francis  J. 
Ostendorf,  Decatur. 

During  the  year  $7,500  were  col- 
lected for  the  building  fund.  On  the 
third  of  September  the  tower  clock 
was  dedicated  by  Reverend  Thomas 
Masterson.  The  six  marble  statues 
arrived  in  December  and  were  dedi- 
cated by  Dean  Carroll  on  the  seventh 
of  January,  1919. 

The  Silver  Jubilee  of  Father  Op- 
penheim was  celebrated  November  10, 
1920.  An  event  of  unusual  interest 
was  the  dedication  of  a  Calvary  group 
carved  by  the  well  known  artist,  Al- 
phonse  Moroder  of  Groeden  in  Tyrol 
and  Milwaukee.  This  group  was  pre- 
sented to  the  church  by  the  Beier- 
mann  family  in  memory  of  their  son 
and  brother,  Frank  H.  Beiermann, 
who  had  laid  down  his  young  life  for 
the  welfare  of  his  country.  The  cere- 
mony was  attended  by  the  local 
branch  of  the  American  Legion.  Rev- 
erend John  B.  Franz  officiated  at  the 
dedication,  being  assisted  by  Rever- 


268 


IN   THE  DIOCESE  OF   CHICAGO 


end  Clement  Johannes  and  Reverend 
Thomas  E.  Cusack.  Reverend  Louis 
Hufker  delivered  a  sermon  that  will 
live  long  in  the  memories  of  St.  Ray- 
mond's people.  This  ceremony  was 
performed  on  Sunday  evening,  June 
27,  1920. 

In  1922,  $3,000  were  expended  for 
repairs  and  alterations  to  the  par- 
ochial residence. 

The  congregation  has  had  a  few 
"mishaps,"  though  of  no  serious  na- 
ture. On  Sunday,  the  ninth  of  Janu- 
ary, 1921,  shortly  after  the  High 
Mass,  fire  was  discovered  coming 
from  the  roof  of  the  parochial  resi- 
dence. What  might  have  been  a  dan- 
gerous conflagration  was  averted 
through  the  help  of  the  town  people, 
who  turned  out  in  great  numbers  and 
proved  themselves  able  firemen.  Again 
in  August  of  1923  the  campanile  was 
struck  by  lightning,  entailing  a  small 
damage.  Yet  it  might  have  been  great 
had  not  the  town  people  given  their 
prompt  assistance. 

The  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  Parish 
was  celebrated  October  21-22,  1924. 
The  celebration  was  opened  with  a  re- 
ception tendered  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  of  Springfield — James  A. 
Griffin.  The  Bishop  was  met  at  Har- 
vel  by  a  delegation  of  over  200  per- 
sons and  escorted  to  Raymond.  At 
the  confines  of  the  village  the  chil- 
dren bearing  an  immense  American 
flag  joined  the  procession  and  escort- 
ed the  Head  of  the  Diocese  to  the 
Community  Theatre,  where  a  rousing 
welcome  was  given  him.  Never  before 
in  the  history  of  Raymond  has  any 
stranger  been  accorded  such  a  recep- 
tion. The  Mayor,  Mr.  J.  Emmet  Mc- 
David,  (now  president  of  the  First 
National  Bank),  in  an  address  called 
upon  all  Raymond's  citizens  to  show 
honor  to  her  distinguished  guest  and 
presented  to  the  Bishop  the  "Keys  of 
the  city. ' '  Catholics  and  Protestants 
alike  filled  the  spacious  Hall  and 
blocked  the  street  facing  the  Hall.  On 
the  following  day  the  Religious  Cere- 
mony was  held  in  St.  Raymond's 
Church.     Surrounded  by  fifty  priests, 


the  Bishop  celebrated  a  Pontifical 
High  Mass,  the  first  ever  celebrated  in 
Raymond,  and  offered  his  felicitations 
to  Pastor  and  people.  It  was  a  cele- 
bration that  left  a  deep  impression 
upon  all — whether  Catholic  or  Prot- 
estant. 

The  year  1926  was  uneventful  ex- 
cept for  a  mission  held  in  March  and 
given  by  the  Conventual  Fathers, 
Anthony  and  Hubert. 

In  addition  to  erecting  and  paying 
for  its  new  church  and  improvements 
to  its  parish  residence,  the  congrega- 
tion contributed  $3,700.00  to  the 
Diocesan  Orphan  Asylum  and  has 
subscribed  $6,700.00  to  the  new  Cathe- 
dral. 

The  total  value  of  Church  Prop- 
erty may  conservatively  be  placed  at 
$150,000  and  the  congregation  can 
boast  that  it  has  no  debt. 

From  the  foregoing,  it  might  ap- 
pear that  the  material  welfare  of  the 
parish  was  uppermost  in  the  minds 
of  both  pastor  and  people.  Such  how- 
ever, was  not  the  fact  for  the  spiritual 
interest  was  zealously  fostered.  A  two 
weeks'  Mission  in  1912,  given  by  the 
Diocesan  Missionaries,  Fathei'S  Den- 
nis J.  Ryan  and  J.  J.  Driscoll,  and  a 
week's  renewal  of  this  Mission  the 
following  year  by  Father  Ryan,  re- 
newed the  Faith  well  founded.  In 
1918  Fathers  Fridolin  and  Richard  of 
the  Friars  Minor  Conventuals,  con- 
ducted a  successful  Mission,  which 
was  renewed  the  following  year  by 
Father  Fridolin.  Retreats,  "Forty 
Hours"  and  novenas  for  the  prin- 
cipal feasts  were  also  held.  Two 
Masses  have  been  celebrated  on  Sun- 
days and  Feast  days  and  an  evening 
service,  consisting  of  rosary,  prayers, 
instruction  and  benediction,  have 
been  observed  on  all  Sundays,  except 
those  of  January  and  February. 

In  unison  with  the  Pastors  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  have  acted  as 
Church  Trustees  since  the  formation 
of  the  Parish :  Fred  Schnidt  and 
Thomas  Fahey,  Fred  Schnidt  and 
Bernard  Beiermann,  Bernard  Beier- 
mann    and    Joseph    Lessman,    Jacob 


269 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Held  and  Anthony  Gees,  Anthony 
Gees  and  Dennis  0 'Sullivan,  Con- 
rad Weller  and  John  Jung,  John 
Whealon  and  John  H.  Poggenpohl, 
John  H.  Poggenpohl  and  Philip 
Maher,  Philip  Maher  and  Vincent 
Meisner,  John  Weitekamp  and  John 
Kelly,  Charles  Kelmel  and  Patrick 
Kelly,  Charles  Kelmel  and  Anthony 
R.  Gorman,  Charles  Kelmel  and  John 
Poggenpohl,  John  H.  Poggenpohl  and 
James  M.  Lyons. 

St.  Raymond 's  Cemetery  Association 
was  hrought  into  being  on  the  first 
Sunday  of  March,  1920.  Prior  to  this 
time  Father  Oppenheim  had  fre- 
quently urged  the  congregation  to  or- 
ganize a  society  for  the  upkeep  of  the 
cemetery.  It  had  been  the  custom  for 
years  to  call  upon  the  men  of  the  par- 
ish to  clean  the  cemetery  in  the 
Spring  and  Fall  of  the  year,  and  al- 
though a  large  number  always  re- 
sponded to  this  call,  the  cemetery  dur- 
ing the  summer  months  bore  any- 
thing but  a  presentable  appearance. 
All  this  has  been  changed  since  this 
organization.  Credit  for  the  great 
transformation  is  due  mainly  to  the 
efficient  work  of  the  superintendent, 
Charles  Kelmel.  Great  credit  must 
also  be  given  the  board  of  trustees,  es- 
pecially its  secretary-treasurer,  Frank 
A.  Todt. 

The  Association  has  an  endowment 
fund  of  $1,550.00  and  a  fund  from 
the  sale  of  lots  of  $171.50. 

All  adult  members  of  the  parish 
are  eligible  to  membership  in  the  As- 
sociation. The  annual  dues  are  $1.00. 
From  this  source  and  from  the  an- 
nual assessment  levied  upon  lot  own- 
ers the  Association  has  met  all  ex- 
penses for  the  proper  care  of  the 
cemetery. 

The  trustees  of  the  Cemetery  As- 
sociation are :  Chas.  Kelmel,  Frank  A. 
Todt,  Philip  Maher,  Henry  W.  Weite- 


kamp, John  Beiermann,   and  Henry 
B.  Bergschneider. 

Memorials  and  Donations 
and  Their  Donors 

Main  Altar — The  Altar  Society. 

B.  V.  M.  Altar— The  Y.  L.  S. 

St.  Joseph's  Altar— The  II.  N.  S. 

The  Stations— The  Eureka  Club. 

Marble  Statues — Rev.  Charles  W. 
Oppenheim,  John  Langen,  John  Ly- 
ons, Frank  A.  Todt,  Frank  J.  Poggen- 
pohl, Frank  Reisch  of  Springfield. 

The  Confessional — Mrs.  Mary  Cur- 
ran. 

The  Altar  Rail— Mrs.  John  Kelly. 

The  Large  Windows — Valentine 
Beeler  (deceased), the  Biermann  Fam- 
ily, Charles  Kelmel,  the  John  Lyons 
Family,  the  Maher  Family,  Vincent 
Meissner  (deceased) ,  John  H.  Poggen- 
pohl, Mrs.  Rose  Sullivan  (deceased), 
Mrs.  C.  Weitekamp  and  Family,  Mrs. 
M.  E.  Weller  (deceased). 

The  Choir  Windows — Wm.  Holmer 
and  wife,  Mrs.  Mary  Convery,  Mrs. 
Annette  Sauer. 

The  Sanctuary  Windows — John 
Bergschneider,  the  Krager  Brothers, 
Joseph  Weller,  Miss  Petronilla  Stoeve- 
ner. 

Smaller  Windows — -Nicholas  Boeh- 
ler  (deceased),  Mrs.  Fred  Waggahoff, 
Geo.  J.  Back,  Mrs.  Anna  Haarstick, 
R.  M.  Hough,  Frank  Lange,  Sr.,  A. 
Oberle,  John  Yunker,  Mrs.  Sarah 
Whealon,  Mrs.  Dora  Hermann,  J. 
Theo.  Stoevener,  Jr.,  (deceased), 
Raymond  Stoevener,  (deceased), 
Hilda  Haarstick,  Sarah  A.  Abbott. 

Kneeling  Bench — Joseph  and  Ed- 
ward Eck,  of  Springfield. 

Candelabra — Mrs.  C.  Weitekamp 
and  a  Friend. 

Paschal  Candlestick— Mrs.  Regina 
Poggenpohl. 

Processional  Cross — The  Schwende- 
mann  Family. 


270 


CHAPTER  VIII 

Early  Days  of  the  Diocese — Quincy — Alton 
1852  to  1868 

The  State  of  Illinois  was  too  vast  a  territory  for  a  single  Bishop  to  serve, 
especially  with  conditions  of  travel  and  communication  as  they  then  were. 
These  facts  were  patent  to  everyone  and  were  especially  urged  by  Right  Rev- 
erend James  Oliver  Vandeveld,  Bishop  of  Chicago,  and  accordingly  in  1852  a 
division  of  the  great  area  was  made  by  which  the  State  was  practically  cut  in 
twain,  east  and  west. 

Right  Reverend  Joseph  Melcher,  D.D. 

Bishop-Elect  of  the  Diocese  of  Quincy,  1853 

Bishop  of  Green  Bay,  Wisconsin,   1868-1873 

Whilst  the  first  Plenary  Council  of  Baltimore  was  in  session  (1852)  it  was 
unanimously  decided  by  the  prelates  assembled  that  the  great  diocese  of  Chi- 
cago, which  comprised  within  its  jurisdiction  the  whole  state  of  Illinois,  be 
partitioned  and  a  second  diocese  created.  A  petition  to  this  effect  was  at  once 
forwarded  to  Rome.  Pope  Pius  IX  acquiesced  in  the  wishes  thus  expressed, 
and  under  date  of  July  29,  1853,  formally  and  officially  approved  of  the  es- 
tablishment of  the  new  diocese  of  Quincy.  The  document  which  announced 
this  important  decision  was  signed  by  Cardinal  Lambruschini.  The  territory 
set  apart  for  the  Diocese  of  Quincy  comprised  the  counties  of  Adams,  Brown, 
Cass,  Menard,  Sangamon,  Macon,  Moultrie,  Douglas,  Clark,  Cumberland,  Shelby, 
Christian,  Morgan,  Pike,  Scott,  Calhoun,  Greene,  Macoupin,  Montgomery,  Jer- 
sey, Fayette,  Effingham,  Jasper,  Crawford,  Bond,  Madison,  (all  the  counties 
now  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield)  and  besides  St.  Clair,  Clinton,  Marion,  Clay, 
Richland,  Lawrence,  Wabash,  Edwards,  Wayne,  Jefferson,  Washington,  Mon- 
roe, Randolph,  Perry,  Franklin,  Hamilton,  White,  Gallatin,  Saline,  William- 
son, Jackson,  Union,  Johnson,  Pope,  Hardin,  Massac,  Pulaski  and  Alexander, 
now  in  the  Diocese  of  Belleville.  It  was  to  be  a  suffragan  bishopric  of  the  arch- 
diocese of  St.  Louis. 

The  new  diocese  had  at  the  time  of  its  erection  (rather  at  the  end  of  1853) 
51  churches,  34  missions,  23  priests  and  42,000  members.  Bishop  Vandevelde 
had  always  manifested  a  great  interest  in  Quincy.  Even  previous  to  the  re- 
ceipt of  the  papal  bull  he  had  selected  a  convenient  site  for  a  future  cathedral 
and  episcopal  residence  there,  in  June,  1852.  Had  his  ailments  and  adverse 
local  conditions  not  influenced  him  to  abdicate  and  move  south  to  Natchez, 
Quincy  would  have  had  its  bishop  then  and  there. 

Rome's  selection  for  the  first  Bishop  of  the  new  diocese  fell  upon  the 
Very  Reverend  Joseph  Melcher,  priest  and  Vicar  General  of  the  Archdiocese  of 

271 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

St.  Louis.  However,  Father  Melcher  declined  the  honor  and  refused  to  accept. 
Foreseeing  the  difficult  task  which  awaited  him  as  Administrator  of  Chicago, 
which  duty  had  been  discharged  by  him  since  the  resignation  of  Bishop 
Vandeveld  had  been  acceded  to  by  Rome,  he  became  timorous.  The  Quincy 
diocese — sede  vacante — was  then  placed  under  the  administratorship  of  Arch- 
bishop Kenrick  of  St.  Louis  and  that  of  Chicago  under  the  Bishop  of  Milwaukee 
until  the  appointment  of  Bishop  Anthony  0 'Regan  to  the  vacancy  of  Chicago, 
who  was  consecrated  in  St.  Mary's  Cathedral  of  that  city  on  September  3,  1854. 

Remonstrances  against  the  continuance  of  Quincy  as  the  See  City  were 
sent  to  Rome  based  on  allegations  that  Quincy  as  a  seat  of  a  Bishop  was  too 
far  removed  from  the  center  of  the  diocese,  being  located  almost  in  its  extreme 
northwestern  corner ;  prevailing  adverse  local  conditions,  moreover,  aggravated 
such  opposition.  At  the  Provincial  Council  held  in  St.  Louis,  October,  1855, 
the  opponents  to  Quincy  were  in  the  majority  and  resolutions  were  adopted  by 
which  the  transfer  of  the  See  from  Quincy  to  Alton  was  urgently  suggested  to 
the  Roman  Propaganda.  Rome  acted  favorably  upon  this  suggestion  and  the 
Diocese  of  Alton  was  established  January  9,  1857,  with  the  appointment  of 
Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  as  its  first  Bishop.  The 
Diocese  of  Quincy  became  absorbed  by  that  of  Alton. 

Bishop-elect  Melcher  continued  his  duties  as  priest  and  "Vicar  General  in  St. 
Louis  until  his  elevation  to  the  bishopric  of  Green  Bay,  Wisconsin,  July,  1868. 
He  died  in  1873. 

A  native  of  Vienna,  he  was  born  in  the  Austrian  capital  March  19,  1806, 
ordained  a  priest  March  27,  1830,  and  arrived  in  America  in  1843,  when  he 
at  once  set  out  for  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

THE  CTTY  OF  ALTON 

Alton  is  a  picturesque  city  on  the  bluffs  about  twenty  miles  north  of  St. 
Louis.  Few  cities  enjoy  the  natural  advantages  that  have  fallen  to  its  lot. 
Situated  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  with  the  waters  of  the  Missouri 
and  Illinois  emptying  almost  at  its  feet,  it  possesses  the  very  best  river  facili- 
ties. Its  railroad  accommodations  are  equally  excellent,  The  "Big  Four," 
the  Chicago  &  Alton,  the  Wabash,  the  Burlington,  the  "Bluff  Line"  and  the 
Illinois  Terminal  enter  its  limits  and  aid  its  progress.  It  is  a  fast  growing  in- 
dustrial center.  The  largest  bottle  works  in  the  world  is  here,  and  one  of  the 
largest  lead  smelters,  the  Laclede  Steel  Company,  and  many  and  various  other 
factories.  It  has  cheap  fuel,  with  rich  coal  fields  in  close  proximity,  and  an 
abundance  of  oil  and  oil  refineries.  High  tension  electric  wires  from  Keokuk 
are  at  its  doors  with  an  exhaustless  supply  of  light  and  power.  It  claims  the 
very  best  class  of  people,  high-minded,  educated  and  progressive,  the  builders 
of  churches  and  schools  and  charitable  institutions.  Its  altitude,  its  beautiful 
bluffs,  rivaling  the  rich  scenery  of  the  Hudson,  and  its  health  giving  climate  are 
known  far  and  wide. 

The  first  white  men  to  gaze  upon  the  natural  beauty  and  attractions  of 
Alton  were  Father  James  Marquette,  Louis  Joliet  and  five  French  companions, 

272 


Right  Revekend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  D.D.  (Dec'd) 

Bishop  of  Alton 

1851— 1S68 


M  LIBRARY 

GF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  HUMOIS 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 

who  descended  the  Mississippi  in  the  year  1673.  Father  Marquette  kept  a  diary 
of  his  voyage,  which  is  one  of  the  most  important  and  interesting  documents 
of  American  history.  In  it  he  refers  to  the  bluffs  of  Alton,  and  to  the  familiar 
Indian  legend  of  the  Piasa  Bird,  handed  down  to  us  in  poetry  and  prose.  The 
original  painting  in  red,  green  and  black  of  this  hideous  monster  was  faintly 
visible  on  a  huge  rock  of  the  Alton  Bluffs  as  late  as  the  year  1840.  The  face  of 
the  bluffs  has  been  quarried  away,  and  the  picture  destroyed ;  but  a  reproduc- 
tion of  the  Piasa  Bird  was  painted  by  a  modern  artist  in  October,  1924,  farther 
back  on  the  chiseled  rocks,  and  is  gazed  upon  with  curiosity  by  passengers  on 
the  boats  passing  up  and  down  the  Mississippi. 

The  earliest  settler  of  Alton  seems  to  have  been  Jean  Baptiste  Cardinal,  a 
Frenchman,  who  came  about  the  year  1783.  He  was  taken  a  prisoner  by  the 
Indians,  and  his  family  were  obliged  to  leave  their  home  and  return  to  Cahokia. 
In  1807  one  small  stone  building  marked  the  site  of  Alton.  It  was  erected  on 
the  bank  of  the  river  where  the  Union  Station  now  stands,  and  was  used  by 
the  French  as  a  place  for  trading  with  the  Indians.  None  of  the  early 
settlors  could  tell  how  old  it  was,  and  it  is  at  least  probable  that  it  was  built 
by  .ean  Baptiste  Cardinal  twenty-five  years  previously. 

In  1817  Colonel  Rufus  Easton  obtained  land  and  laid  out  a  town  which  he 
nared  Alton,  after  his  son,  Alton  R.  Easton.  Easton,  George,  Alby  and  Lang- 
doi  streets  were  named  after  other  members  of  his  family.  The  old  town  plot 
of  ilton,  laid  out  by  Colonel  Easton,  extended  from  Market  Street  to  Henry 
Stiet  and  from  the  river  to  Ninth  Street.  The  "Town  of  Alton"  was  incor- 
poated  in  1833  and  in  1837  under  an  act  of  the  legislature  it  was  incorporated 
a«a  city,  and  John  M.  Krum  became  the  first  mayor.  Among  the  pioneer 
cozens  of  Alton  were  the  following :  Jean  Baptiste  Cardinal,  Alton  R.  Easton, 
Ji  Langford,  Michael  Squire,  James  Shiels,  James  Pruit,  James  Stockden, 
"illiam  G.  Pinckard,  William  Heath,  Daniel  Crume,  Charles  W.  Hunter, 
homas  G.  Hawley,  Joel  Finch,  Dr.  William  S.  Emerson,  Alton's  first  physi- 
mn,  Jonothan  T.  Hudson,  Alton's  first  lawyer,  Samuel  Avis,  Elijah  Hayden, 
William  Manning  and  others. 

The  state  legislature  in  session  at  Vandalia  on  February  15,  1827,  ap- 
pointed a  commission  to  select  a  suitable  site  for  a  state  penitentiary  at  or  near 
Alton.  During  the  summer  of  1829  a  tract  of  seven  acres  was  purchased,  situ- 
ated within  the  city  between  West  Fourth  Street,  West  Broadway,  William 
and  Mill  Streets.  The  erection  of  a  penitentiary  was  begun  late  in  the  year 
1830.  During  the  Civil  War  rebel  prisoners,  sometimes  as  many  as  sixteen 
hundred  were  confined  within  its  walls.  About  two  hundred  of  them  died  dur- 
ing the  war  and  were  buried  near  North  Alton,  where  a  granite  shaft  has  been 
erected  to  their  memory. 

About  the  year  1846  a  charter  was  obtained  for  the  construction  of  the 
"Chicago  and  Mississippi  Railroad,"  seventy-two  miles  long  between  Alton 
and  Springfield.  This  was  the  first  link  in  the  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad. 
For  several  years,  until  1861,  Alton  was  the  terminus  of  this  road,  and  passen- 
gers and  freight  were  transferred  by  boat  from  Alton  to  St.  Louis. 

273 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

Probably  the  most  tragic  event  that  ever  occurred  in  Alton  was  the  brutal 
murder  of  Elijah  P.  Lovejoy  the  abolitionist.  This  ardent  advocate  of  the 
emancipation  of  the  negro  from  slavery  was  born  in  Maine  in  1802.  When  a 
young  man  he  moved  to  St.  Louis,  where  he  became  the  editor  of  a  Whig  news- 
paper, the  St.  Louis  Times.  His  father  was  a  Congregational  minister  and 
he  himself  became  a  Presbyterian,  and  entered  Princeton  Theological  Semin- 
ary, and  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1833.  He  returned  to  St.  Louis  and  became 
editor  of  the  St.  Louis  Observer,  a  Presbyterian  paper.  He  incurred  the  ill  will 
of  Catholics  in  St.  Louis  "by  his  strictures  on  the  doctrines  and  practices  of 
their  church."  This  and  his  bitter  articles  against  slavery  excited  such  in- 
tense opposition  that  he  was  forced  to  leave  St.  Louis  and  move  to  Alton.  On 
July  21,  1833,  he  reached  Alton,  where  already  on  account  of  his  anti-slavery 
propaganda  an  intense  opposition  had  formed  against  him.  On  the  following 
day  his  printing  press  was  broken  to  pieces  and  cast  into  the  Mississippi.  An 
indignation  meeting  was  held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the  action  of  the 
mob  condemned,  and  money  was  contributed  for  the  purchase  of  a  new  press. 
This  second  press  and  also  a  third  and  a  fourth  were  likewise  destroyed  and 
cast  into  the  river.  Finally  Lovejoy  himself  was  murdered  on  November  7, 
1837,  a  martyr  to  the  noble  cause  he  had  espoused  in  behalf  of  the  negro, 
beautiful  monument,  erected  partly  by  an  Illinois  state  appropriation 
partly  by  contribution  from  the  citizens  of  Alton  now  marks  his  grave  in 
Alton  Cemetery  where  his  body  reposes. 

It  was  in  the  above  described  city  that  the  second  Catholic  Diocese  (>f 
Illinois  was  seated  and  in  which  it  developed  for  a  period  of  nearly  seveiy 
years. 

THE  CHURCH  IN  ALTON 


In  the  year  1840,  about  fourteen  families  lived  in  Alton  and  its  vicinit} 
Reverend  George  Hamilton  was  pastor.  Services  were  held  in  a  small  framt 
building  in  Upper  Alton.  This  frame  building  was  more  properly  a  hall  than 
a  church.  It  did  not  belong  to  the  parish,  but  was  the  private  property  of  An- 
drew Clifford,  one  of  the  prominent  parishioners.  Father  Hamilton,  during  his 
pastorate,  lived  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Clifford. 

In  1841,  Reverend  Michael  Carroll  succeeded  Father  Hamilton  as  pastor  of 
Alton.  Father  Carroll  at  once  recognized  the  need  of  a  church  in  a  new  loca- 
tion, as  the  site  in  Upper  Alton  was  too  far  away  from  the  greater  number  of 
his  scattered  families.  Accordingly  a  plot  of  ground  was  purchased  at  110  East 
Third  Street,  and  a  modest  stone  church  was  erected  there.  Work  on  this  build- 
ing began  in  1842,  and  was  completed  in  1843.  Services  in  Upper  Alton  were 
then  discontinued.  Ten  years  later,  in  1853,  this  new  church  was  partially  de- 
stroyed by  fire.  It  was  subsequently  sold  to  the  Unitarians,  who  restored  the 
walls  and  rebuilt  it,  and  made  it  the  Unitai-ian  Church  of  Alton. 

Father  Carroll  then  obtained  permission  from  Bishop  O  'Regan,  of  Chicago, 
to  build  a  new  church  on  State  Street,  in  a  more  desirable  location ;  and  ground 
was  purchased  at  721  State  Street,  where  the  present  church  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  now  stands.    The  deed  to  this  property  was  executed  April  7.  1854.    At  this 

274 


EARLY  DAYS  OF   THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 

time,  if  not  earlier,  the  name  of  the  Church  in  Alton  was  changed  from  St. 
Matthew  to  SS.  Peter  and  Paul.  Work  on  the  new  church  was  hegun  in  1855, 
and  it  was  sufficiently  advanced  for  services  held  by  Father  Carroll  in  1856.  The 
following  year,  Bishop  Juncker  was  appointed  the  first  Bishop  of  Alton,  and  the 
new  church  was  completed  by  him  and  made  his  Cathedral.  It  was  solemnly 
consecrated  by  Archbishop  Kenrick  of  St.  Louis,  May  15,  1859. 

The  next  church  in  Alton  in  chronological  order,  and  the  socond  parish  to 
be  erected,  was  St.  Mary,  at  the  corner  of  Third  and  Henry  Streets.  It  was 
built  under  the  direction  of  Reverend  John  J.  Menge,  pastor  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Cathedral.  It  was  a  brick  building.  A  beautiful  stone  church  was  erected 
on  an  adjoining  lot,  by  Reverend  Peter  Peters  in  1893-1894. 

The  third  and  last  parish  erected  in  Alton  was  St.  Patrick.  It  was  built 
by  Reverend  J.  Cassidy,  for  the  Catholics  in  the  Eastern  part  of  the  city.  It  was 
organized  January  1st,  1883.  The  corner  stone  was  laid  April  15,  1883  and  the 
church  was  dedicated  November  25th,  that  same  year. 

Monsignor  E.  L.  Spalding. 

The  first  Bishop  was  Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  the  subject 
of  the  following  sketch : 

Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  D.D. 
First  Bishop  of  Alton,  1857-1868 

Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  the  prelate  chosen  to  preside  as 
first  Bishop  over  the  destinies  of  the  infant  diocese  of  Alton,  was  a  man  dis- 
tinguished for  the  sanctity  of  his  life  and  the  devotedness  to  his  missionary 
labors.  He  was  a  native  of  Fenetrange,  Diocese  of  Nancy,  Lorraine,  born 
August  22,  1809.  He  came  to  this  country  when  young,  attached  himself  to 
the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati,  made  his  ecclesiastical  studies  in  that  city  and  was 
raised  to  the  priesthood  by  Bishop  John  Baptist  Purcell  on  Passion  Sunday, 
March  16,  1834.  at  Cincinnati,  being  the  first  priest  ordained  by  that  Prelate. 

He  was  appointed  to  Holy  Trinity,  the  first  German  church  in  Cincinnati, 
and  in  1836  became  rector  of  St.  Mary's,  Canton,  attending  it  with  its  numer- 
ous missions  for  ten  years,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Urbana,  also  a  position 
of  no  little  labor.  In  1845,  he  was  made  pastor  of  the  Church  of  Emmanuel 
at  Dayton,  Father  Juncker  had  spent  twenty-three  years  in  onerous  mission- 
ary labor  until  1857,  when  he  became  Bishop  of  Alton.  The  consecration 
ceremonies  were  performed  by  Bishop  Purcell  on  Sunday,  April  26,  1857,  in 
St.  Peter's  Cathedral,  Cincinnati.  The  assistant  Prelates  were  Bishop  Henni. 
of  Milwaukee,  and  Bishop  Young,  of  Erie.  There  were  also  present  Bishops 
Miles,  Lefevre,  Spalding,  De  St.  Palais  and  Carrell. 

The  work  to  be  accomplished  by  Bishop  Juncker  in  a  now  and  rapidly 
growing  country,  then  but  imperfectly  supplied  with  priests,  churches  and 
schools,  was  arduous  and  difficult.  He  spared  no  efforts  to  build  up  the  church 
around  him,  and  to  supply  his  flock  with  the  blessings  of  religion  and  education. 
His  visitations  of  the  diocese  were  long  and  severe  journeys,  and  laborious  mis- 
sions among  the  people,  in  which  the  Bishop  performed  every  office  of  the 
priesthood. 

275 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


At  his  arrival  the  Diocese  of  Alton  was  supplied  with  58  churches,  30  sta- 
tions, 28  priests  and  a  population  of  about  50,000.  The  Bishop  soon  became  con- 
vinced that  his  diocese  was  suffering  for  want  of  priests.  Unable  to  satisfy  him- 
self in  the  country,  he  turned  his  eyes  towards  older  lands  in  the  hope  of  re- 
cruiting available  subjects.  Accordingly  he  left  late  in  the  fall  of  1857  for 
France,  Italy,  Germany  and  Ireland.  In  all  these  countries  his  efforts  were 
crowned  with  success.  Accompanied  by  many  of  his  recruits  he  sailed  for  Havre 
in  June,  1858,  eager  to  repair  to  his  diocese.  On  his  return  home  he  lost  no 
time  to  prepare  his  students  for  ordination.  To  the  Franciscans  he  gave  charge 
of  the  important  mission  of  Teutopolis  in  Effingham  county. 

The  statistics  of  the  Diocese  of  Alton  in  1868,  the  year  of  the  Bishop's  death, 
contain  the  highest  eulogy  on  Bishop  Juncker  and  his  work.  The  number  of 
priests  were  increased  to  one  hundred,  besides  twenty-five  clerical  students,  the 
churches  to  one  hundred  twenty-three,  the  parochial  schools  to  fifty-six.  He  be- 
queathed to  his  diocese  also  two  colleges  for  boys,  six  academies  for  girls,  two 
hospitals  and  an  orphan  asylum.  He  also  erected  the  former  fine  episcopal 
residence,  designed  at  the  same  time  to  serve  as  his  Ecclesiastical  Seminary. 

After  a  long  and  severe  illness,  Bishop  Juncker  died  at  his  residence  in 
Alton  on  the  Feast  of  the  Guardian  Angels,  October  2,  1868. 

PARISHES  ESTABLISHED  BY  BISHOP  JUNCKER 

Church  of  the  Assumption,  Assumption,  Christian  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1857 


Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Daniel  J. 


Higgins 


In  the  year  1857,  about  thirty-five 
French  Canadian  families  under  the 
leadership  of  Colonel  Malhoit  came  to 
Tecusah,  as  Assumption  was  then 
named.  About  the  same  time,  several 
families  of  French  settlers  came  from 
Louisiana.  They  settled  on  the  land 
which  had  been  obtained  by  Colonel 
Malhoit  from  the  Illinois  Central 
Railroad  for  a  nominal  consideration. 
The  land  was  then  virgin  prairie  and 
almost  entirely  submerged  in  swamp 
and  the  principal  crop  was  so  many 
rattlesnakes  to  the  acre.  The  settlers 
were  distressingly  poor  and  did  not 
have  the  necessary  farm  implements 
to  work  the  little  dry  spots  which 
were  all  too  sparse  on  their  newly  ac- 
quired farms.  Many  of  them  gave  up 
in  despair  and  returned  to  their  be- 
loved Canada  or  Louisiana.  Others, 
however,  of  more  tenacious  mold,  per- 
sisted in  their  heroic  efforts  to  hew  for 
themselves  and  their  families  a  home 
out  of  the  wilderness.     We  have  still 


with  us  a  few  of  those  pioneers  of  al- 
most seventy  years  ago,  and  the 
stories  they  tell  of  their  early 
struggles  are  more  romantic  than  any 
fiction. 

Those  men  and  their  families,  all 
Catholic,  naturally  desired  the  con- 
solations of  their  Religion  in  their 
trials,  and  thus  it  was  that  this  par- 
ish came  into  existence.  Colonel  Mal- 
hoit donated  the  land  on  which  they 
built  a  little  log  church  which  they 
named  for  the  beloved  Mother  of  God 
—the  Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Vir- 
gin Mary. 

From  1857  to  1868,  all  their  priests 
were  natives  of  France,  coming,  how- 
ever, from  Louisiana.  The  first  priest 
who  was  pastor  of  the  newly  formed 
congregation  was  Father  Venissa,  a 
native  of  France.  In  quick  succession 
came  Fathers  Gonant,  Dutour,  Magne, 
Vogt,  Bedard,  Recouvreur  and  Jaque, 
all  natives  of  France. 

Father  Jaque  came  in  1868,  and  re- 


276 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


mained  until  1875.  It  was  under  his 
leadership  that  the  present  church 
was  built  in  1870.  Colonel  Malhoit 
donated  the  site  of  about  five  acres. 
After  Father  Jaque  came  Fathers 
Withoff,  Kempen,  Dechene,  and  Leuf- 
gen.  In  1881,  Father  Pennartz  was 
appointed  pastor  and  remained  until 
1888.  He  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Ader  who  remained  until  June,  1895. 
Father  Mahoney  then  took  charge  for 
the  space  of  two  years  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Father  Thomas  Carroll  who 
remained  only  a  short  time.  Father 
Carroll  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Joseph  Dechene  in  the  autumn  of 
1897. 

Father  Dechene 's  pastorate  was  the 
longest  of  all,  continuing  for  the 
space  of  twenty-two  years.  It  was 
under    Father    Dechene 's    leadership 


that  the  present  school  and  convent 
were  built  in  1903.  He  invited  the 
Dominican  Sisters  from  Springfield 
to  take  charge  of  the  school,  and,  as 
has  happened  in  all  other  communi- 
ties, the  saintly  daughters  of  St. 
Dominic  have  brought  great  blessings 
in  their  train.  The  school  has  a  pres- 
ent enrollment  of  106  children  with 
the  Sisters  of  St.  Dominic  in  charge. 

The  parish  has  the  following,  so- 
cieties :  Altar  Society,  Young  Ladies 
Sodality,  Holy  Name  Society,  Chil- 
dren of  Mary,  and  Sacred  Heart  So- 
dality. Nine  of  its  daughters  have, 
at  this  writing,  embraced  the  religious 
life  in  various  orders. 

Under  the  administration  of  Father 
Daniel  J.  Higgins,  who  has  been  pas- 
tor since  July  1,  1919,  many  parish 
improvements  have  succeeded. 


Church  of  St.  Isidore,  Faruersville,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1857 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  B.  Franz 


St.  Isidore  Parish,  located  in  the 
northern  part  of  Montgomery  County 
in  what  is  known  as  the  Pan  Handle, 
has  within  its  borders  the  township  of 
Bois  D'Arc  and  parts  of  Harvel  and 
Pitman  townships. 

The  parish  takes  its  name  from  the 
great  Saint  Isidore  of  Spain,  the  pa- 
tron saint  of  the  farmer.  Placing  the 
parish  under  the  protection  of  St. 
Isidore  was  very  appropriate  on  ac- 
count of  the  many  virtues  of  this 
noble  son  of  Holy  Mother  Church, 
and  because  like  the  people  of  St. 
Isidore's,  he,  too,  depended  upon  ag- 
riculture as  a  means  of  livelihood. 
For  years  there  was  a  painting  on  the 
ceiling  of  the  church  named  for  him  in 
the  country  part  of  the  parish  show- 
ing him  at  prayer  while  the  angels 
drove  his  oxen  hitched  to  a  plow. 

The  parish  was  established  by 
splendid  sons  and  daughters  of  the 
Celtic  race  who  came  from  the  beauti- 
ful Emerald  Isle  to  find  a  haven  of 
liberty  in  America  and  to  give  their 
all  for  their  adopted  land.  It  has 
been  said  by  one  who  was  raised  in 
the  parish  and  who  knew  intimately 


nearly  all  the  old  pioneer  men  and 
women  that : 

"A  careful  census  of  the  settlers  of 
Irish  extraction  who  settled  upon  the 
prairies  of  the  Pan  Handle  of  Mont- 
gomery County,  Illinois,  fifty  or  sixty 
years  ago  will  show  that  only  a  few 
survive  of  that  brave  band  of  stout 
hearts.  And  yet  it  seems  but  yester- 
day since  most  of  them  were  active 
participants  in  the  life  of  the  com- 
munity they  loved  so  well. 

"The  history  of  Montgomery 
County  can  never  be  accurately  writ- 
ten without  a  correct  appreciation  of 
the  work  of  the  Irish  settlers  of  the 
Pan  Handle. 

"It  must  be  first  said  of  them  that 
they  loved  and  cherished  the  home  of 
their  adoption.  As  believers  in  and 
upholders  of  the  Constitution  and 
laws  of  the  land  they  were  surpassed 
by  none  and  equaled  by  few.  No  heart 
beat  with  more  patriotic  pride  than 
that  of  the  Irish  settler  at  the  sight 
of  Old  Glory.  And  in  his  children  he 
instilled  the  love  of  country  and  re- 
spect and  devotion  to  her  institutions. 

"When  the  men    and    women    of 


277 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Irish  birth  settled  upon  the  prairies 
of  the  Pan  Handle  they  brought  with 
them  the  best  characteristics  of  their 
race,  namely,  character,  honor,  thrift, 
a  deep  religious  fervor  and  splendid 
physique.  These  things  made  them  a 
valuable  addition  to  the  brain  and 
brawn  of  the  nation.  Their  sunny 
dispositions,  their  keen  wit,  and 
wholesome  humor,  combined  with  a 
sense  of  fairness  and  justice  made 
them  respected  by  all. 

"What  a  spirit  was  manifested  by 
those  good  old  Irish  men  and  women ! 
God  bless  them,  every  one !  They  were 
firm  believers  in  toleration  and  prac- 
ticed the  virtues  of  faith,  hope  and 
charity.  No  stranger  was  ever  sent 
hungry  from  the  door  of  any  of  them, 
and  the  latch  string  always  hung  on 
the  outside. 

"Kind-hearted,  courageous  and 
generous,  they  made  all  who  came  in 
contact  with  them  feel  the  fullness  of 
those  virtues. 

"They  laid  broad  and  deep  the 
foundation  of  good  citizenship.  Side 
by  side  they  erected  the  church  and 
school.  In  the  development  of  true 
citizenship  they  realized  that  religion 
and  education  go  hand  in  hand. 

' '  In  the  technique  of  mathematics 
and  rhetoric  they  did  not  excel,  but 
in  natural  ability,  keen  perception 
and  genuine  honesty  they  were  unsur- 
passed. America  needed  them,  as  she 
does  today  men  and  women  possessed 
of  the  latter  qualities  more  than  of 
the  first  two  mentioned. 

"The  Irish  settlers  of  the  Pan 
Handle  were  scoffed  at  because  of 
their  rough  appearance  and  lack  of 
education,  but  those  who  scoffed  were 
ignorant  of  the  character  of  those 
people.  Little  did  they  know  about 
the  Irish,  and  they  took  no  trouble  to 
find  out  anything  of  their  past.  But 
character  will  always  tell,  and  those 
who  scoffed  soon  found  out  how 
foolish  they  were,  for  the  Irish  people 
from  the  beginning  showed  themselves 
thoroughly  adapted  to  their  new  con- 
dition. 

"Those  men  and  women  had  suf- 
fered for  liberty  and  justice  as  their 


fathers  before  them.  They  had  come 
to  America  to  enjoy  those  natural 
rights  which  God  ordained  that  all 
men  should  enjoy,  and  which  are  so 
clearly  annunciated  in  the  Declara- 
tion of  Independence.  They  found 
in  the  Pan  Handle  that  haven  where 
under  the  Stars  and  Stripes  they 
could  practice  and  enjoy  true  liberty 
and  contribute  their  share  in  the  up- 
building of  the  state  and  nation. 

"Who  of  our  generation  can  ac- 
curately portray  the  sufferings  en- 
dured by  the  Irish  settlers?  Yea,  to 
do  that,  one  must  have  suffered  with 
them.  They  endured  hardships  and 
suffered  privations  because  they  loved 
liberty  and  justice.  No  poor  words  of 
mine  can  pay  those  men  and  women  a 
higher  tribute  than  to  say  that  they 
were  honest,  generous,  industrious, 
God-fearing,  liberty-loving  Ameri- 
cans." 

Many  of  the  pioneers  came  from 
Ireland  by  way  of  the  port  of  New 
Orleans  on  sailing  vessels  and  by 
steamboat  up  the  Mississippi  to  St. 
Louis,  Missouri.  Others  came  through 
Castle  Garden  at  the  port  of  New 
York. 

Martin  Brown  was  one  of  the  first, 
if  not  the  first,  to  locate  within  the 
present  boundaries  of  the  parish.  He 
purchased  eighty  acres  from  the  Gov- 
ernment at  one  dollar  and  twenty-five 
cents  per  acre,  in  1855,  and  at  the 
time  of  his  death  he  was  the  largest 
land  owner  in  the  parish,  having  ac- 
cumulated one  thousand  acres  of  the 
Pan  Handle's  fertile  soil.  With  Mr. 
Brown  came  several  of  his  brothers 
who  located  near  him,  and  their  com- 
munity was  known  as  the  Brown  Set- 
tlement. 

The  beginnings  of  St.  Isidore 's  par- 
ish are  interwoven  with  that  of  St. 
Raymond  parish  at  Raymond  and  St. 
Maurice  parish  at  Morrisonville. 
The  first  Catholics  of  the  parish  wor- 
shipped in  the  "Mt,  Vernon  School" 
in  Harvel  township  about  four  miles 
south  of  the  present  St.  Isidore 
church  in  the  country  part  of  the 
parish. 

In  the  first  families  of   the    parish 


278 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


we  find  most  of  the  ancestors  of  the 
present  generation.  There  were  the 
Browns,  Clarks,  Commerfords,  Jor- 
dans,  Aherins,  Burkes,  Abbots,  Car- 
modys,  Doodys,  Quinlans,  Careys, 
Murphys,  Sedentops,  McLeans,  Lea- 
hans,  Leonards,  Gauls,  Whealons, 
Firemans,  Converys,  Wilsons,  Mor- 
risseys,  McAnarneys,  Lewises,  Ma- 
hons,  O'Shaughnessys,  Bensons, 
Coens,  Graces,  Floods,  Barrys,  Duns- 
worths,  McCormicks,  and  McGraws. 

Father  Timothy  Hickey  is  the  out- 
standing pioneer  priest  of  St.  Isidore 
parish.  A  noble,  sterling  priest  of 
God,  he  tended  his  little  flock  and  ad- 
ministered to  them  the  Sacraments  of 
Holy  Mother  Church.  Riding  on 
horse-back  from  Virden,  a  distance  of 
eighteen  to  twenty  miles,  he  said  Mass 
in  the  Mt.  Vernon  school  house,  ad- 
ministered the  Sacraments  of  Pen- 
ance and  Holy  Eucharist,  baptised 
the  children,  married  the  fair  col- 
leen to  her  sweetheart  and  encouraged 
them  in  the  ways  of  Almighty  God. 
Father  Hickey 's  name  is  written  for- 
ever in  the  annals  of  the  parish  as  a 
true  servant  of  Jesus  Christ  of  whom 
it  can  be  well  said:  "Well  done  thou 
good  and  faithful  servant." 

In  1876  the  church  in  the  country 
part  of  the  parish  named  for  St.  Isi- 
dore, a  very  substantial  building,  was 
erected  by  Reverend  L.  Ryan,  pastor 
of  Virden.  The  people  were  very 
poor  in  the  goods  of  the  world,  but 
rich  in  splendid  Catholic  Faith,  and 
there  was  great  joy  among  them  over 
the  building  of  the  church.  A  fine 
bell  was  installed  in  the  steeple  and 
its  chimes  may  still  be  heard  for 
miles,  calling  the  people  to  worship. 

St.  Isidore  in  the  country,  as  it  is 
called,  is  affectionately  regarded  by 
the  people.  There  were  carried  the 
babes  to  be  baptized  who  are  now  the 
elderly  men  and  women  of  the  parish  ; 
First  Holy  Communion  was  received 
there  by  hundreds  of  those  raised 
within  the  shadow  of  her  Cross ;  mar- 
riages were  solemnized  and  loved  ones 
were  carried  there  for  the  last  time 
for  the  Mass  of  requiem  for  the  re- 
pose   of    their    souls.      St.     Isidore's 


church  is  a  sacred  and  holy  place  that 
has  been  sanctified  by  the  prayers 
and  pure  love  of  her  children  for  the 
King  of  Kings  who  dwells  in  her 
tabernacle. 

Succeeding  Father  Ryan  came 
Father  Teppe  who  did  so  much  in  the 
building  up  of  the  Faith,  not  alone  in 
St.  Isidore,  but  in  other  parishes  of 
the  Diocese  as  well. 

In  succession  to  Father  Teppe 
came  Father  Kerr,  who  did  much  to 
further  the  interests  of  the  parish, 
and  it  flourished  under  his  administra- 
tion. After  Father  Kerr  came  Father 
Boyle,  who  remained  only  a  short 
time  and  who  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Hoey. 

Father  Hoey  is  remembered  by 
many  of  the  present  generation.  He 
was  a  zealous  priest  of  God,  richly 
endowed  with  splendid  ability.  Under 
his  administration  the  parish  flour- 
ished and  he  will  long  be  remembered 
by  those  of  the  parish  who  knew  him. 
His  splendid  priestly  life  was  brought 
to  a  close  by  his  death  while  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties  as  pastor  of 
the  flock  he  loved. 

Father  Hoey  was  succeeded  by 
Father  O 'Boyle,  another  noble  priest 
of  God,  but  he  remained  only  a  short 
time  being  sent  only  temporarily  to 
St.  Isidore. 

After  Father  0 'Boyle  came  Father 
Carroll  who  remained  several  years, 
and  largely  on  account  of  his  failing 
health,  he  was  sent  to  another  parish 
where  his  duties  were  less  arduous. 
He  was  a  splendid  priest  and  did  ex- 
cellent work.  Subsequently  he  died 
at  Mt.  Sterling. 

Father  O'Rourke  succeeded  Father 
Carroll.  For  twenty  years  Father 
0  'Rourke  ministered  to  the  people  of 
St.  Isidore's.  Under  his  administra- 
tion, St.  Mary's  church  in  Farmers- 
ville,  in  the  town  part  of  the  parish, 
was  built  and  a  rectory  acquired.  St. 
Mary's  is  a  beautifid  frame  structure, 
nicely  furnished  throughout.  There  is 
abundant  need  for  both  churches  in 
the  parish  as  the  large  congregations 
attest. 

Father  O'Rourke  endeared  himself 


279 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


to  the  people  by  his  unselfish  work  in 
their  behalf.  His  splendid  ability  and 
his  qualities  of  mind  and  heart  ex- 
emplify the  fine  calling  of  a  true 
priest  of  God.  Father  0  'Rourke  will 
be  forever  tied  to  the  heartstrings  of 
the  people  of  St.  Isidore's  for  he  is 
the  connecting  link  between  the 
pioneer  generation  and  the  present. 
His  service  has  been  a  large  one,  and 
he  was  true  to  his  trust  in  the  highest 
sense  as  shepherd  of  the  flock. 

When  Father  0  'Rourke  took  up  his 
new  duties  at  Mt.  Sterling,  he  was 
succeeded  by  Father  Ryan.  During 
his  pastorate,  a  grade  school,  high 
school  and  convent  were  built.  At  the 


present  time  the  school  has  an  enroll- 
ment of  92  pupils  in  the  grade  and  62 
in  the  high  department.  The  high- 
school  is  accredited  to  the  Illinois 
State  University,  St.  Louis,  Loyola 
and  DePaul  Universities,  and  is  sec- 
ond to  none  in  the  character  of  its 
equipment  and  teachers. 

The  parish  numbers  125  families, 
119  with  father  and  mother  Catholic, 
and  the  remainder  mixed.  Most  of 
them  are  substantial  land  owners. 

Reverend  J.  B.  Franz  is  at  this 
writing  administrator  of  St.  Isidore 
in  the  absence  of  Father  Ryan  who  is 
away  on  sick  leave. 


Church  of  St.  Anthony,  Antonius,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Cyrinus  Schneider,  O.F.M. 


The  parish  of  St.  Anthony  was  or- 
ganized in  1858  by  the  Reverend 
Henry  Schaefermeyer,  who  was  at 
that  time  located  at  St.  Boniface 
Church,  Quincy.  Later  on  Father 
Schaefermeyer  joined  the  Franciscan 
Order  and  was  known  as  Father 
Liborius  Schaefermeyer,  O.F.M.  It 
was  on  December  6,  1859,  that  he  said 
the  first  Mass  at  St.  Anthony. 

Since  then  seven  Franciscan  Fath- 
ers were  in  charge  of  the  parish. 
Most  of  them  remained  only  a  short 
time.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the 
pastors  (1860-1925),  all  of  whom 
were  Franciscans :  Fathers  Maur- 
itius Klostermann,  1860-61 ;  Ferdinand 
Bergmeyer,  1861-62 ;  Raynerius  Dick- 
neite,  1862;  Bernardine  Hermann, 
1863-64;  Anselm  Mueller,  1864; 
Aloys  Wiever,  1864-68  ;  Chryspstpm 
Bienecke,  1868-69;  Menonolphus 
Schmitz,  1869-70;  Eustace  Bruegge- 
mann,  1870-72;  Michael  Richardt, 
1872-73;  Ambrose  Janssen,  1873-77; 
Clementine  Lohrbacher,  1877-78 ; 
Paulinus  Weiss,  1878-79;  Paul  Ter- 
oerde,  1879-80 ;  James  Nolte,  1880-81 ; 
Cyprian  Banscheid,  1881-83;  Ful- 
gence  Hansen,  1883 ;  Suitbert  Albers- 
mann,  1884-88 ;  Anthony  Moll,  1888- 
94;  Stanislaus  Riemann,  1894-1900; 
Symphorian  Forstmann,  1900-10 ;  Ed- 


mund Roediger  and  Columban  Valen- 
tin, 1910;  Lambert  Brinkmoeller, 
1911-12;  Eugene  Hagedorn,  1912; 
Adjute  Budde,  1914;  Anastasius 
Rhode,  1915;  Albert  Bruesermann, 
1915-24;  and  Cyrinus  Schneider, 
1924 . 

The  ten  acres  which  now  constitute 
the  church  property  were  donated  by 
Mr.  Anton  Bordewick,  Sr.  The  first 
church  was  a  frame  building,  36x24. 
Shortly  after,  a  small  school  building 
was  erected,  16-24,  and  a  lay  teacher 
employed.  In  1863,  a  teacher's  resi- 
dence was  built,  which  later  was  used 
as  a  rectory.  As  the  parish  grew 
rapidly,  it  became  necessary  to  have 
a  larger  building  for  school  purposes.. 
Accordingly,  a  house  was  moved  from 
Quincy  to  be  used  as  a  school,  and  an 
addition  was  added  to  the  old  school 
and  that  building  became  the  pastor's 
residence.  The  lay  teachers  employed 
from  the  time  of  the  organization  of 
the  parish  until  religious  teachers  ar- 
rived were :  Ignatius  Lier,  J.  Heller 
and  Gottlieb  Jakobi.  Mr.  Lier  was 
teacher  for  ten  years,  while  Mr. 
Jakobi  held  that  position  for  thir- 
teen years. 

After  the  lay  teacher,  Mr.  Jakobi, 
resigned  in  1884,  the  school  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame  took  charge  of  the  par- 


280 


Assumption  Rectory,  Rev.  I).  J.  Him/ins.  Pastor,  dun.  h  of  the  Assumption,  Rectory 
.  .  .  Springfield  88.  Peter  and  Paul  Church  and  School,  Rev.  /..  Riesen,  Pastor  .  .  . 
Antonius—Rev.  ('minus  Schneider,  O.F.M.,  Pastor,  St.  Anthony's  School  and  Church. 


Farmersville — School,  Rev.  J.  B.  Franz,  Ad.,  St.  Mary's  Church  .  .  .  West  Woods- 
St.  Mary's  Church.  Teacher's  House,  School  .  .  .  Waverly — St.  Sebastian's  Church. 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE; — QUINCY — ALTON 


ochial  school  until  1892.  From  that 
year  until  1912,  the  Franciscan  Sis- 
ters of  Alverno,  Wisconsin,  taught.  In 
1912,  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
again  supplied  the  teachers.  Eight 
grades  are  taught.  The  enrollment  at 
present  is  80  pupils. 

After  the  new  brick  church  was 
completed,  the  frame  building  was 
converted  into  a  school.  In  1891,  the 
building  which  at  the  present  day 
serves  as  a  school  was  erected.  In 
1904,  another  building  was  built 
which  serves  as  a  meeting  place  for 
the  societies,  and  as  a  kitchen  on  the 
occasion  of  the  annual  church  bazaar. 

The  cemetery  is  located  at  one  end 
of  the  ten-acre  plot  already  men- 
tioned. It  was  blessed  in  1861.  A 
new  addition  to  the  cemetery  was 
blessed  in  1904.  In  1913,  a  little 
chapel  in  honor  of  the  Sorrowful 
Mother  was  constructed  near  the 
cemetery. 

The  congregation  of  St.  Anthony 
at  the  time  of  organization  numbered 
twenty-six  families  of  German  extrac- 
tion. This  number  has  grown  in  the 
course  of  years  so  that  at  the  present 
time  the  parish  numbers  seventy-five 
families. 


The  parish  societies  are  :  St.  Peter's 
Men's  Society,  St.  Aloysius  Young 
Men's  Sodality,  Married  Ladies'  So- 
ciety under  the  patronage  of  Our 
Lady  of  Perpetual  Help,  St.  Clare 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  St.  An- 
thony 's  branch  of  the  Western  Catho- 
lic Union,  and  the  Third  Order  of  St. 
Francis. 

Since  the  parish  has  been  in  exist- 
ence, thirteen  young  ladies  have  en- 
tered the  convent.  One  young  man 
from  the  congregation  followed  the 
call  to  the  holy  priesthood.  This  privi- 
leged one  is  Father  Lawrence  Wand 
who  celebrated  his  first  holy  Mass  on 
June  25,  1916. 

The  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  parish 
was  duly  celebrated  on  October  24, 
1909.  Missions  were  conducted  in 
1863,  1879,  1912,  and  1925. 

The  assessed  quota  of  $5,000.00 
was  raised  by  the  parishioners  to  help 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  new 
orphan  home  of  the  Diocese.  In  1922, 
a  new  rectory  was  built  for  the  pas- 
tor, Father  Albert  Bruesermann,  O.F. 
M.,  who  soon  after  observed  his  Silver 
Sacerdotal  Jubilee. 


Church  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Lubertus  Riesen 


The  first  German  Catholic  in 
Springfield  of  whom  there  is  any  rec- 
ord was  Philipp  Mischler  who  came 
there  in  September,  1840.  There  was 
no  Catholic  church  in  the  town,  and 
he  had  to  go  to  Glenarm  to  hear  Mass 
when  a  priest  would  come  occasional- 
ly. During  the  fifties  other  German 
Catholics  came,  and  they  found  here 
on  East  Adams  street  a  small  frame 
church,  St.  John  the  Baptist,  which 
had  in  the  meantime  been  built  by 
English  speaking  Catholics.  The  new- 
comers attended  Divine  Service  in 
this  church  for  some  years,  but  not 
knowing  the  English  language,  in 
1858  they  sent  a  petition  to  the 
Bishop  of  Alton,  Right  Reverend 
Henry  Damien  Juncker,  D.D.,  to  send 


them  a  priest  who  knew  the  German 
language.  The  Bishop  sent  a  young 
priest,  Reverend  John  Janssen.  This 
must  have  taken  place  not  later  than 
the  fall  of  1858,  as  we  find  in  the 
Records  of  Baptism,  the  first  one  con- 
ferred by  Father  Janssen  was  that  of 
"HemV  J.  Klaholt,  December  12, 
1858."* 

An  item  appearing  in  the  January 
9,  1888  issue  of  the  Springfield  Mon- 
itor, an  early  Springfield  paper,  reads 
in  part  as  follows : 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul  German 
Catholic  Church. 

As  early  as  1842  German  Catholics 
settled  in  and  around  Springfield, 
but  their  number  being  very  small, 
they  were  for  a  long  time  without  a 


281 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


pastor  of  their  own  nationality,  and 
used  to  worship  at  the  same  altar 
with  the  English  speaking  Catholics 
of  Springfield,  in  the  old  frame 
church  on  Adams  street.  In  the  year 
1858,  the  then  bishop  of  Alton,  Hen- 
ry Damian  Jimcker,  sent  them  a  Ger- 
man pastor  in  the  person  of  the 
present  administrator  of  the  diocese 
of  Alton,  the  Very  Reverend  J.  Jans- 
sen.  By  his  great  piety,  zeal  and 
amiability  of  character,  he  soon  won 
the  esteem  and  love  of  his  flock,  and 
when  five  years  later  he  was  pro- 
moted by  the  bishop  to  the  office  of 
chancellor  of  the  diocese,  his  depart- 
ure from  here  was  universally  re- 
gretted. Even  now,  after  more  than 
twenty-five  years  separation,  the  old 
members  are  attached  to  him,  their 
first  pastor.  His  successor  was  Rev- 
verend  Busch,  who  had  just  arrived 
from  Westphalia,  in  Germany.  Mean- 
while the  number  of  German  Cath- 
olics had  increased  so  much  in  and 
around  Springfield,  that  the  little 
frame  church  on  Adams  street  was 
altogether  inadequate  for  their  ac- 
commodation and  the  zealous  Father 
Busch  resolved  to  build  a  new  church. 
He  selected  part  of  the  Convent 
block  as  the  place  for  it  and  sat  to 
work  at  once  by  taking  up  subscrip- 
tions and  arranging  a  fair,  the  result 
of  which  was  so  favorable  that  the 
bishop  allowed  him  to  erect  the  pres- 
ent SS.  Peter  and  Paul  church.  The 
cornerstone  was  laid  September  27, 

1865,  by  the  Very  Reverend  Schaef- 
ermeier,  vicar  general  of  the  diocese, 
in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse 
of  people  and  priests.    September  30, 

1866,  it  was  completed  and  the  first 
Mass  said  in  it.  Soon  after,  to  the 
universal  regret  of  the  congregation, 
the  zealous  pastor,  Father  Busch, 
was  suddenly  taken  ill  and  died  on 
the  13th  of  July,  1867.  His  succes- 
sor was  Reverend  J.  Lukens,  who 
took  charge  of  the  congregation  Sep- 
tember 8,  1867,  and  remained  until 
October  the  4th,  1875,  when  Father 
Leve,  heretofore  pastor  of  Mascou- 
tah,  was  appointed  his  successor. 


Father  Leve  was  a  man  of  great 
zeal  and  piety,  and  for  seven  years 
worked  faithfully  and  also  success- 
fully, until  June  3,  1882,  sickness 
forced  hm  to  leave  the  flock  to  which 
he  so  strongly  had  endeared  himself, 
and  to  return  to  Germany  to  improve 
his  broken  health.  Reverend  Father 
Weis,  formerly  pastor  of  Marine, 
Saline,  Litchfield  and  Effingham  was 
sent  by  the  bishop  to  take  his  place. 
Among  many  other  useful  undertak- 
ings in  behalf  of  his  congregation, 
Father  Weis  bought  the  whole  plat 
of  ground  belonging  to  the  Ursuline 
Sisters,  and  erected  on  it  a  residence 
for  the  religious  order  that  had 
charge  of  the  girls'  schools  of  the 
congregation.  Having  been  appoint- 
ed pastor  of  St.  Boniface  church,  in 
Quincy,  Illinois,  he  left  Springfield, 
November  10,  1887,  and  his  place 
was  filled  by  Reverend  Louis  Hinsen, 
director  of  St.  John's  hospital,  and 
formerly  pastor  of  the  Church  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception  of  this  city, 
from  1865  till  August,  1868. 

From  the  year  1859  Father  Janssen 
has  left  us  two  lists  of  names  of  Ger- 
man Catholics  who  belonged  to  his 
flock.  These  must  be  considered  the 
first  members  of  the  German  congre- 
gation. The  names  are  (we  spell  them 
as  they  were  written)  :  Klaholt, 
Mischler,  Spaeth,  Hippler,  Ringel- 
stein,  Gilles,  Welkenbach,  Ens,  Mid- 
den, Rauth,  Bretz,  Schick,  Steiger, 
Frener,  Dirksen,  Stelte,  Fabry,  Hulk- 
enberg,  Segin,  Dunschen,  Minder, 
Schuessler,  Lump,  Mindnich,  Wach- 
ter,  Walter,  Vetter,  Harbauer,  Merk- 
lin,  Reisch,  Wochner,  Wilhelmi, 
Rabenstein,  Lettmeyer,  Teiser,  Kohl- 
bacher,  Juler,  Wall,  Burger,  Rip- 
stein,  Gadert,  Wetterer,  Mohr,  Roms- 
tetter,  Christmann,  Gneppel,  Bleser, 
Duginger,  Molthoup,  Broeckel, 
Maurer,  Westenberger,  Kloppenburg, 
Eck,  Schneider,  Heitzmann,  Sauer, 
Bii-k,  Kuhn,  Matheis,  Fuhrmann, 
Schafer,  Spies. 

In  the  same  year  Father  Janssen 
founded  the  Altar  Society  with    72 


282 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  TIIE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


members,  and  Mrs.  Anna  Spaeth  was 
appointed  President. 

In  1861  the  first  Mission  was  given 
by  the  well  remembered  Apostolic 
Missionary,  Father  Weninger,  S.J. 

In  a  short  time  St.  John's  little 
church  became  rather  crowded  on 
Sundays  and  Holy  days,  and  there- 
fore the  English  speaking  congrega- 
tion resolved  to  move  and  build  a 
larger  church  of  brick  at  the  corner 
of  Monroe  and  Seventh  Streets.  The 
German  speaking  congregation  was 
left  in  possession  of  old  St.  John's  as 
the  following  letter  of  Right  Rever- 
end Henry  Damien  Juncker  shows : 

After  considering  and  having  the 
opinions  of  the  pastors,  Reverend 
James  Fitzgibbons  of  the  English  con- 
gregation, and  Reverend  John  Jans- 
sen  of  the  German  congregation,  I  de- 
cided :  two-thirds  of  the  church  prop- 
erty (St.  John's)  in  Springfield,  to 
belong  to  the  English  speaking  con- 
gregation and  one-third  to  the  Ger- 
man congregation.  The  German  con- 
gregation has  to  pay  $1,800  towards 
the  building  of  the  new  English 
church.  The  Germans  will  own  and 
hold  the  old  (St.  John's)  church 
property,  with  that  portion  of  the 
Catholic  Grave-yard  already  set  apart 
for  their  use.  Given  under  my  hand 
and  seal  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  this 
6th  day  of  April,  1863. 

Henry  Damien  Juncker, 

Bishop  of  Alton. 

The  same  day  the  $1,800  were  paid 
to  the  English  speaking  congregation 
as  the  receipt  shows.  "This  is  to  cer- 
tify that  I  have  this  day  received 
from  the  German  congregation  of 
Springfield,  Illinois,  $1,800,  according 
to  agreement." 

James  Fitzgibbons,  Pastor. 

Springfield,  Illinois. 

In  June,  1863,  Father  Janssen  was 
called  back  to  Alton  to  act  as  Secre- 
tary (and  later  as  Vicar  General)  to 
the  Bishop,  who  sent  the  same  month 
Father  William  Busch  as  successor 
to  Father  Janssen.  By  this  time  the 
German  congregation    had    increased 


to  79  pew-holders,  most  of  them  heads 
of  families. 

Father  Busch  therefore  bought 
from  the  Ursuline  Sisters  of  St. 
Joseph's  convent,  this  city,  one  lot 
and  a  half  (120  feet)  at  the  corner  of 
Sixth  and  Reynolds  Streets,  for  $4,- 
800  and  then  commenced  to  collect  the 
necessary  funds.  He  collected  by 
subscription  $9,646.10  and  by  three 
fairs  and  suppers,  and  concerts  and 
by  borrowing,  $2,500,  a  total  of  $18,- 
031.41. 

In  April,  1865,  the  building  began. 
Mr.  Schwartz  was  the  architect.  The 
principal  contracts  were  given  out  as 
follows :  the  carpenter  work  and  lum- 
ber were  given  to  Charles  Diehr  for 
$5,650 ;  the  brick  work  to  Fred  Rauth 
for  $4,345.95;  the  windows  to  Coole 
of  Chicago  for  $1,250;  the  pews  were 
$520.  The  total  expenditures  so  far 
on  the  new  church  amounted  to  $18,- 
045.64.  The  corner-stone  was  laid 
September  27,  1865  by  the  Reverend 
Herman  Joseph  Schaefermeyer,  pas- 
tor of  St.  Boniface  Church,  Quincy, 
Illinois.  The  congregation  began  the 
use  of  the  new  church  on  September 
30,  1866. 

As  the  English  speaking  congrega- 
tion had  chosen  as  patron  for  their 
new  church  the  ' '  Blessed  Virgin  Mary 
Immaculate,"  so  now  the  new  Ger- 
man speaking  congregation  was  dedi- 
cated to  the  care  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  the  Apostles,  and  St.  John  the 
Baptist  was  deserted  onlv  to  be  re- 
membered as  "Old  St.  John's." 

In  1866  Father  Busch  opened  a 
school  in  a  small  frame  house  where 
his  own  sister  Antonia  instructed  34 
boys  and  45  girls.  This  is  the  first 
mention  made  in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
records  of  the  existence  of  a  Catholic 
school  in  Springfield. 

Father  Busch  also  founded  the  St. 
Vincent  de  Paul  Society,  on  August 
1,  1866,  when  twelve  men  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  congregation  met  at 
his  residence  and  constituted  them- 
selves as  the  St.  Vincent  Verein  for 
the  care  of  the  poor  and  the  orphans. 
With  Father  Busch  as  the  Spiritual 


283 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Director,  the  following:  officers  were 
chosen :  M.  Hagen,  President ;  H. 
Segin,  Vice  President;  J.  Buselmeier, 
Secretary;  Max  Philipp,  Librarian. 
Father  Busch  did  not  long  enjoy  the 
fruits  of  his  many  labors  for  after  a 
protracted  illness  he  died  July  13, 
1867. 

After  the  funeral,  the  Bishop  ap- 
pointed Father  Ferdinand  Stick  of 
Mount  Sterling  to  the  care  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul's  congregation. 
Fathers  John  A.  Mark,  Louis  Hinssen 
and  G.  Mitchell  also  came  occasional- 
ly to  Springfield  and  officiated  in  the 
new  church. 

In  May,  1867  a  Mission  was  held 
but  no  particulars  are  given  as  to  the 
priests  who  gave  the  mission. 

On  September  8,  the  new  pastor 
came,  Father  G.  Lueken.  He  ap- 
pointed Mr.  Joseph  Bergschneider  as 
teacher  for  the  school  of  125  children, 
Miss  Busch  having  resigned.  Then  his 
attention  was  given  to  the  decorating 
of  the  church.  The  two-story  school 
was  built  in  the  rear  of  the  church  in 
1869  and  a  bell  of  l,088y2  pounds  for 
the  church  was  purchased  for  $455.63. 

In  1870  confirmation  was  adminis- 
tered by  the  new  Bishop,  Right  Rev- 
erend Peter  J.  Baltes  to  a  class  of  82 
children.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year 
a  new  priest's  house  was  built.  So 
far  the  pastor  had  lived  in  a  small 
one  story  frame  house  that  stood 
south  of  the  new  church. 

In  February,  1871,  the  Altar  So- 
ciety gave  a  statue  of  the  Blessed  Vir- 
gin ($87.00),  and  the  St.  Vincent 
Society  donated  a  statue  of  St.  Joseph 
($114.25).  Both  statues  still  adorn 
the  two  side  altars.  H.  Bolte  painted 
the  side  altars  before  the  new  statues 
were  placed  on  them.  He  worked  six- 
teen days  and  received  $91.65,  in- 
cluding all  material  used.  This  may 
be  of  interest  to  the  p&inters  of  our 
day. 

On  Easter-day,  1872,  a  week's  Mis- 
sion (tbe  third)  was  begun  by  three 
Jesuit  Fathers,  Carlstaeter,  Kamp 
and  Boerling.  About  800  persons  re- 
ceived Holy  Communion  and  the  so- 


dality was  organized  for  young  men 
and  young  ladies.  In  the  same  year 
the  congregation  bought  the  half  lot 
adjoining  the  church  property  (40 
feet)  with  a  two-story  frame  house, 
for  $2,500,  from  August  Kloppen- 
burg.  The  house  was  to  be  the  resi- 
dence for  the  two  Precious  Blood  Sis- 
ters from  Ruma,  who  since  the  fall  of 
1871  taught  the  younger  children, 
while  a  Mr.  Fred  Jasper  ruled  over 
the  older  ones.  In  the  fall  of  1872  Mr. 
Jasper  retired  and  a  new  teacher  was 
engaged,  Mr.  J.  W.  Freund.  At  this 
time  the  number  of  children  in  school 
was  185. 

Just  before  Christmas  the  marble 
Baptismal  Font  was  installed,  made 
by  Mr.  Baum,  for  $150.00.  In  1874  a 
new  organ,  made  by  Gratian  of  Alton, 
was  placed  in  the  gallery  at  a  cost 
of  $1,700.00. 

In  1875  a  Mission  was  given  and 
shortly  thereafter  the  Bishop,  Right 
Reverend  Peter  J.  Baltes,  D.D.,  sent 
a  new  pastor,  Father  G.  Leve.  The 
first  thing,  he  did  was  to  have  the  in- 
terior of  the  church  painted  for 
$143.00  and  by  the  Bishop's  orders 
the  revolving  tabernacle  was  replaced 
by  a  fixed  one.  On  May  13,  1877,  one 
hundred  and  fifteen  children  were 
confirmed  and  on  the  22nd  of  June, 
1879  another  class  of  60  children.  Mr. 
J.  W.  Freund  quit  teaching  in  1877, 
and  in  his  place  Mr.  Fred  Bernard 
was  appointed  to  teach  the  upper 
grades.  In  1880  the  Sisters  of  the 
Precious  Blood  left  Springfield  and 
another  teacher,  Mr.  Anton  Spaeth, 
was  engaged  for  the  lower  grades. 

During  the  year  1881  the  two  side 
altars  that  are  in  the  church  today 
were  bought  by  Father  Leve  for  the 
sum  of  $800.00,  given  by  the  Altar 
Society,  the  Sodality,  the  St.  Vincent 
and  St.  Boniface  Societies.  This  is 
the  first  time  that  the  St.  Boniface  So- 
ciety appears  on  the  Records,  but  not 
a  word  is  found  telling  when  and  by 
whom  the  society  was  established.  The 
same  year  Father  Weninger,  S.J., 
gave  a  mission.  He  was  now  76  years 
old,  but  just  as  active  as  in  1861  when 
he  conducted  his  first  mission  here. 


284 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE: — QUINCY — ALTON 


On  June  11,  1882,  Bishop  Baltes 
confirmed  116  children.  Father  Leve 
resigned  his  pastorate  and  returned 
to  Germany  and  later  on  went  to  Nor- 
way for  some  years,  until  the  cold 
climate  of  that  country  forced  him  to 
go  back  to  take  a  chaplaincy  at  a  con- 
vent in  Holland.  He  died  in  1922, 
over  90  years  of  age.  Father  Leve 
was  a  man  always  in  good  health,  of 
a  friendly  disposition  to  every  one, 
and  had  "hard  times"  in  Springfield, 
yet  he  always  regretted  having  left 
America. 

The  day  Father  Leve  left,  the  new 
pastor  arrived,  Father  Michael  Weiss. 
As  the  number  of  children  gradually 
became  greater,  a  third  teacher,  Mr. 
George  Willhauch,  was  engaged. 

The  same  year  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's  congregation  bought  the  two 
large  lots  (160  feet  along  Sixth  St.) 
on  which  the  Ursuline  Sisters  of  St. 
Joseph's  had  their  convent  and  school 
until  it  burned  down.  For  these  two 
lots  the  Sisters  asked  and  received 
$4,000.00.  Now  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
owned  half  a  block. 

In  May  Mr.  Fred  Bernard  resigned 
as  teacher  and  Mr.  Frank  Willhauch 
(brother  of  Geo.  W.)  took  his  place. 
In  1882  Reverend  Charles  Krecken- 
berg,  a  newly  ordained  priest,  was 
sent  to  Father  Weiss  as  assistant,  but 
in  February,  1884,  he  left  and  soon 
after  became  founder  and  first  pastor 
of  the  new  Sacred  Heart  congregation 
in  Springfield. 

On  May  11,  1884,  Bishop  Baltes 
gave  his  consent  to  enlarge  and  reno- 
vate the  church.  For  the  school  open- 
ing, September,  1884,  Mr.  George 
Willhauch  was  appointed  teacher  of 
the  older  boys.  For  the  girls  and 
younger  boys  the  Ursuline  Sisters, 
whose  Mother-house  is  in  Alton,  Illi- 
nois were  engaged.  The  first  Ursu- 
lines  were  :  Mother  M.  Agnes,  Mother 
M.  Xavier  and  Sisters  Aloysia  and 
Mechtildis.  They  occupied  the  little 
frame  house  near  the  priest's  resi- 
dence.   The  two  sisters  taught. 

The  same  year  two  more  bells  were 
bought.     One    of  2,586    pounds    and 


the  other  of  775  pounds,  for  $642.00 
and  $200.00  respectively. 

On  May  31,  1885,  the  Feast  of  the 
Blessed  Trinity,  Bishop  Baltes  solemn- 
ly blessed  the  church.  Father  Michael 
Richard,  O.F.M.,  from  Teutopolis, 
preached  the  German  sermon,  and 
Father  Diepenbrock  the  English  ser- 
mon. 

During  the  spring  and  fall  a  five 
room  brick  house  (two  stories)  was 
erected  as  a  dwelling  for  the  sisters 
in  place  of  the  little  structure  which 
they  had  occupied  so  far.  The  entire 
cost  was  $1,823.19. 

In  1886  a  new  high  altar  was  order- 
ed to  harmonize  with  the  two  side  al- 
tars. It  is  larger  and  richer ;  the 
crucifixion  group  on  it  and  the 
statues  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  are 
from  Munich,  carved  out  of  wood 
and  decorated.  The  three  altars  are 
made  of  hard  wood  (butter  nut)  and 
are  an  artistic,  beautiful  ornament  for 
the  church.  For  the  high  altar  the 
congregation  paid  $1,270.00,  which 
sum  was  raised  by  a  fair. 

On  February  15,  1886  Bishop  Bal- 
tes died.  After  his  funeral  Arch- 
bishop Feehan  of  Chicago  appointed 
Father  John  Janssen  administrator 
of  the  Diocese.  On  Pentecost,  an 
eight  day  Mission  commenced  by  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  of  St.  Louis 
Province,  Fathers  Vincent  and  Felix. 
Father  Weis  says  in  the  Records,  the 
two  fathers  did  their  work  very  well 
but  the  people  did  not  respond  ac- 
cordingly. 

The  church  so  far  had  been  heated 
by  two  stoves  which  gave  a  great  deal 
of  smoke  but  little  heat.  To  get  rid 
of  the  nuisance  an  air  furnace  was 
put  under  the  church  for  $750.00. 

In  May,  1887,  Father  M.  Ader 
came  to  be  assistant  to  Father  Michael 
Weis.  On  August  15,  the  Third  Or- 
der of  St.  Francis  was  established. 

On  September  1,  Mr.  George  Will- 
hauck  resigned  as  teacher,  and  the 
whole  school  was  entrusted  to  the  Ur- 
suline Sisters.  At  the  end  of  vaca- 
tion five  sisters  returned  from  Alton. 
Mother  M.  Agnes,  Mother  M.  Clara 
and  Sisters    Anastasia,    Donata    and 


285 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Patrick.  All  are  dead  except  Sister 
Anastasia  who  still  teaches  the  young- 
est children  in  grade  one. 

On  November  9,  Father  Weis  was 
transferred  to  St.  Boniface  Church 
at  Quincy,  and  Father  L.  Hinssen  be- 
came rector,  but  left  February  15, 
1888  to  be  Director  of  St.  John's  Hos- 
pital in  Springfield,  and  his  successor, 
Father  A.  J.  Pennartz,  to  whose  par- 
ish in  Assumption  Father  Ader,  the 
assistant,  was  sent. 

After  a  lapse  of  a  little  more  than 
two  years  since  the  death  of  Bishop 
Baltes  on  May  1,  1888,  the  Diocese  of 
Alton  received  a  new  Bishop,  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.  The 
diocese  however,  was  now  smaller. 
The  whole  southern  part  of  it  had 
been  taken  away  to  form  the  new 
Diocese  of  Belleville,  and  the  former 
pastor  of  "Old  St.  John's",  Father 
J.  Janssen  was  made  the  first  new 
Bishop  of  Belleville,  Illinois.  On  June 
24,  the  new  bishop,  Right  Reverend 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  confirmed  111 
children  in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
church.  On  September  2nd,  the  new 
assistant  arrived,  Father  Joseph 
Jehle. 

February  27,  1889,  the  first  Synod 
was  held  at  the  Cathedral  in  Alton, 
Illinois,  at  which  the  Bishop  made 
(among  others)  the  Rectorship  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  an  irremovable  one. 
During  the  same  year  the  new,  long 
desired  school  was  built.  In  January 
the  Rector  visited  the  families  to  ob- 
tain subscriptions.  They  amounted 
to  almost  $4,000.00.  The  balance 
needed  was  raised  by  borrowing  from 
various  members  of  the  congregation. 
The  cost  of  the  school  was  $12,817.78 
including  sewers,  walks,  and  furni- 
ture, but  leaving  the  basement  un- 
finished. On  October  1,  1889  the  chil- 
dren moved  into  the  four  well  lighted 
and  spacious  rooms.  The  upper  story 
contains  a  large  hall. 

On  April  26,  1890,  Father  Jehle 
died  of  pneumonia,  and  was  buried 
at  the  foot  of  the  Cemetery  Crucifix 
by  the  side  (west)  of  Father  Busch, 
who  lies  exactly  south  of   the   cross. 


East  of  Father  Busch 's  grave  lies 
Father  Vignonet,  who  died  in  the 
hospital. 

On  July  10,  Father  William 
Michael  was  appointed  assistant.  On 
August  29,  a  new  communion  rail 
was  set  up  harmonizing  with  the  al- 
tars, a  gift  of  the  Sodality,  costing 
$261.65. 

May  1,  1891,  the  congregation 
bought  11 4-7  acres  of  land  of  the 
Ursulines  at  St.  Joseph's  Convent. 
The  amount  paid  was  $1,600  and  the 
land  was  to  be  used  for  an  addition  to 
the  German  Catholic  Cemetery.  On 
August  16,  the  St.  Vincent  Society 
celebrated  its  Silver  Jubilee,  the  num- 
ber of  members  being  over  200. 
Father  Michael  left  for  Europe  De- 
cember 6,  to  recuperate,  and  Father 
Joseph  Foerster  was  appointed  his 
successor. 

On  the  Feast  of  the  Most  Holy 
Trinity,  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan, 
D.D.,  confirmed  147  persons  in  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  church.  September 
15,  1893  Father  Foerster  was  removed 
to  St.  Mary's  church  in  Alton,  and 
Father  F.  X.  Schoenlau  succeeded 
him  the  same  month. 

In  October,  1894  a  week's  Mission 
was  held  by  two  Franciscan  Fathers 
of  the  St.  Louis  Province,  Fathers 
Servatius  and  Francis.  On  June  30, 
Father  Schoenlau  left  to  be  pastor  of 
St.  Aloysius  church  in  Litchfield,  and 
Father  Francis  Xavier  Sturm  took 
his  place  as  assistant.  In  the  same 
year  a  Dramatic  Club  was  organized 
and  a  stage  built  in  the  school  hall 
for  $500.00. 

In  May,  1895,  a  Social  Club  was 
started  (St.  Leo  Club).  During  the 
months  of  July  and  August  a  steam 
heating  plant  was  put  in  the  basement 
of  the  school  to  give  more  heat  to  all 
parts  of  the  building.  On  September 
18,  the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation 
was  given  by  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  D.D.,  to  113  persons.  On  De- 
cember 30,  Father  Sturm  became  as- 
sistant at  St.  John  Church,  Quincy, 
and  his  place  was  taken  by  Father 
B.  J.  Wand. 

In  May,  1896  an  addition  to  the  Sis- 


286 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


ters'  house  was  built,  costing  $718.22. 
This  was  the  second  addition  to  the 
Sisters'  house.  On  September  3rd, 
Father  A.  J.  Pennartz  resigned  his 
pastorate  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  and 
left  Springfield,  October  15,  to  be  Rec- 
tor of  St.  Michael  Church  at  Sigel, 
Illinois.  On  the  same  day,  October 
15,  Father  L.  Riesen  the  new  pastor 
arrived.  The  Trustees  were :  Mr. 
Louis  Sommer  and  Mr.  Max  Philipp, 
who  held  their  office  until  death. 

The  following  sisters  taught  in  the 
school :  Mothers  Agnes  and  Augus- 
tine, Sisters  Anastasia,  Genevieve, 
Constance,  Regina  and  Christiana.  As 
it  was  expected  to  entertain  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Catholic  Verein's 
band  May  30,  31  and  June  1,  1897, 
the  school  hall  was  put  in  proper 
order. 

On  October  9,  1898,  Right  Rever- 
end James  Ryan  confirmed  94  chil- 
dren, Mr.  Adam  Stein  and  Mrs.  Adam 
Kunz  being  sponsors.  During  the 
summer  of  this  year  the  church  was 
frescoed  by  William  Klowe  for  which 
he  received  $1,045.00.  Some  fami- 
lies and  St.  Vincent's  Society  donated 
new  windows  for  the  church,  each 
costing  $55.00  and  the  two  with  fig- 
ures of  saints  in  them  $95.00  each. 

In  April,  1898,  Father  B.  J.  Wand 
was  moved  to  St.  Mary's  Church,  Al- 
ton, Illinois,  and  Father  Sturm  took 
his  place  here  as  assistant,  but  left  in 
August,  1899,  to  be  pastor  in  Saline, 
Illinois.  On  the  same  day  the  new  as- 
sistant, Father  Joseph  C.  Straub  ar- 
rived. The  same  year  the  new  pulpit 
was  donated. 

In  the  spring  of  1900  the  German 
Catholic  Cemetery  Association  was 
founded  by  Henry  Becker,  John 
Ochs,  Frank  Thoma,  Vincent  Hem- 
berger  and  Charles  Metzger  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  congregation,  and 
Charles  Groesch,  Peter  Lofy  and  X. 
B.  Christman  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
Congregation.  For  24  years  this  as- 
sociation has  done  good  work.  The 
first  superintendent  was  Henry 
Becker,  who  took  great  interest  in 
the  Cemetery  until  his  death  in  Feb- 


ruary, 1905.  In  his  place  the  board 
elected  Frank  Thoma,  who  acted  as 
superintendent  for  about  two  years, 
when  he  resigned  on  account  of  ill 
health.  He  was  succeeded  by  Adam 
Frey,  who  for  about  15  years  held 
the  office.  He  was  also  very  active 
in  all  cemetery  affairs,  until  age  and 
infirmity  forced  him  to  resign. 
Charles  Aschauer  succeeded  him  and 
functioned  until  his  death  in  June, 
1925. 

As  the  income  of  the  German  Ceme- 
tery Association  was  rather  limited 
during  the  first  years,  Henry  Becker 
and  Frank  Thoma  did  all  their  work 
gratis. 

On  the  first  three  days  of  May, 
1900,  a  fair  was  held  for  the  benefit 
of  the  church,  which  netted  $3,579.50. 
For  the  first  time  in  the  annals  of  the 
congregation  a  newly  ordained  priest 
celebrated  his  first  Mass  on  the  8th 
day  of  July  in  the  church.  It  was 
Father  Max  Philipp,  an  Alumnus  of 
St.  Joseph  Seminary,  Columbus,  Ohio, 
the  son  of  Max  Philipp,  Sr. 

In  March,  1901  a  two  weeks'  mis- 
sion was  given  by  two  Redemptorist 
Fathers  of  St.  Louis:  Fathers  Staub- 
inger  and  Troistorff,  who  scored  a 
great  success.  Over  one  thousand  at- 
tendants approached  the  sacraments. 

Early  in  May,  1901,  the  building 
of  a  central  heating  plant  was  begun. 
By  October  15  there  was  steam  in  all 
the  buildings. 

On  three  days  of  May,  1904,  the 
Convention  of  the  German  Catholic 
Central  Verein  was  held  in  the 
Church  and  school.  Right  Reverend 
John  Janssen,  D.D.,  of  Belleville, 
sang  the  Pontifical  High  Mass,  and 
Reverend  Rector  of  Quincy  College, 
Father  Anselm,  O.F.M.,  preached  the 
sermon.  The  general  meeting  took 
place  Sunday  afternoon  in  the  State 
Armory,  which  was  crowded  from  end 
to  end.  Father  Straub  delivered  the 
principal  address. 

In  1905,  Father  Straub  was  ap- 
pointed assistant  to  Father  Louis 
Hinssen,  Director  of  St.  John's  Hos- 
pital of  this  city,  who  was  failing  in 


287 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


health.  During  the  summer  Father 
Hinssen  died,  and  Father  Straub  be- 
came his  successor. 

The  new  assistant.  Father  Charles 
Oppenheim,  arrived  on  the  eve  of 
Pentecost,  1905.  On  Pentecost,  Bish- 
op James  Ryan,  D.D.,  administered 
Confirmation  to  158  persons  in  our 
church ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frank  Thoma 
being  sponsors.  On  the  first  Sunday 
in  Advent  the  sermon  in  the  first 
Mass  was  preached  in  English, 
which  has  been  the  custom  ever 
since,  and  the  people  were  quite 
satisfied  with  the  change. 

In  September,  1906,  the  Central 
Verein  again  held  its  State  Conven- 
tion in  the  church.  During  Novem- 
ber of  the  same  year  Father  Oppen- 
heim had  the  pleasure  to  Day  the 
entire  balance  of  the  congregation's 
debts,  ($1,900.00),  and  for  the  first 
time  in  its  history  the  congregation 
was  without  any  indebtedness. 

In  May,  1907,  the  assistant  pastor 
took  up  a  house  to  house  collection 
for  the  benefit  of  the  orphanage  at 
Alton,  and  realized  $601.35.  On 
July  5,  Father  Oppenheim  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  for  Raymond,  Illinois. 
In  his  place  Father  Oscar  J.  Wernet 
came  to  assist  the  pastor,  but  re- 
mained only  until  July  of  the  next 
year.  In  his  place  on  July  1,  1908 
the  Bishop  sent  a  newly  ordained 
priest,  Father  Hufker,  who  stayed 
until  July  1,  1927. 

In  Lent,  1909,  a  two-weeks  Mission 
was  given  by  two  Jesuit  Fathers,  H. 
Elskamp  and  Joseph  Jordans,  who 
did  their  work  well.  On  May  16, 
Right  Reverend  J.  Ryan  confirmed 
in  the  church  158  people ;  Mr.  Adam 
Stein  and  Mrs.  Anastasia  Bogen- 
schutz  being  sponsors.  At  the  end 
of  the  school  year  all  the  8th  grade 
pupils  (26)  passed  the  examination 
for  High  School,  and  this  efficiency 
of  the  school  has  been  kept  up  ever 
since,  thanks  to  St.  Joseph  and  the 
Sisters. 

In  1913,  the  addition  was  built  to 
the  school.  The  plans  were  approved 
by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  James 
Ryan,  D.D.,  when  he  came  to  con- 


firm in  the  parish.  "Work  for  a  much- 
needed  chapel  for  the  sisters  was 
commenced   on  the   19th   of  March, 

1916,  and  on  the  Feast  of  the  Patron- 
age of  St.  Joseph  it  was  dedicated. 

On  April  29,  1917,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  James  Ryan  confirmed  165 
persons.  The  end  of  this  year  wit- 
nessed also  the  installation  of  a  new 
electric  organ,  costing  $2,112.00. 
During  the  summer  of  1918  the  slate 
covered  steeple  of  our  church  was 
taken  down  to  be  replaced  by  a 
lower  one.  In  the  same  year  a  mis- 
sion was  given  by  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  Conventual:  Fathers  Frid- 
olin,  Stauble  and  Richard  Murphy. 
All  the  sermons  and  conferences 
were  in  English. 

"When    the    war   was    declared   in 

1917,  seventy  of  the  young  men  were 
drafted  for  the  army  and  five  for  the 
navy.  Seventeen  went  overseas, 
and  nine  were  in  action,  viz:  Paul 
Theilkin,  Otto  Bansbach,  Louis 
Reisch,  Carl  Shea,  Henry  Midden, 
Albert  Nisius,  Edward  Reisch,  Jo- 
seph Schmitt  and  Norman  Midden. 
There  were  no  "slackers"  and  all 
returned.  During  the  war  a  sewing 
unit  worked  in  the  school,  consist- 
ing of  women  of  the  congregation. 
They  did  a  great  deal  of  good  for  th<> 
soldiers,  especially  for  two  Army 
Chaplains,  furnishing  each  with  a 
complete  Mass-kit.  The  school  chil- 
dren received  a  United  States  flag 
from  the  Red  Cross  and  they  were 
given  a  blue  silk  banner  with  gold 
lettering  by  the  committee  that  had 
charge  of  the  sale  of  Liberty  Bonds. 

In  the  fall  of  1919  the  "drive" 
ordered  by  the  Bishop  for  the  ben- 
efit of  the  orphanage  was  finished 
and  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  contrib- 
uated  $24,180.00. 

On  the  20th  of  June,  1920,  there 
was  a  great  and  rare  solemnity,  the 
second  in  the  history  of  this  con- 
gregation. On  that  day  Reverend 
John  B.  Franz,  the  son  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Fred  Franz,  Sr.,  celebrated  his 
first  Holy  Mass  in  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul. 

The  last  public  act  of  Right  Rev- 


288 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


erend  Bishop  James  Ryan  occurred 
when  he  confirmed  1,356  persons  in 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul  church  May  8, 
1921.  This  great  throng  came  from 
congregations  of  the  city  and  neigh- 
borhood. 

In  April,  1924,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  called 
upon  the  Board  of  the  German 
Catholic  Cemetery  Association,  to 
explain  to  them  the  feasibility  of 
combining  the  two  associations  of 
St.  Mary  and  the  German  Catholic 
Society  to  form  one  association : 
"Calvary  Cemetery".  The  union 
was  brought  about  by  the  unanimous 
vote  of  the  two  Boards  on  July  15, 
1924. 

On  Palm  Sunday,  1925  (April),  a 
Holy  Name  Society  was  established 
in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  church.  Sev- 
enty-eight men  were  enrolled  and 
thirty-four  boys,  in  senior  and 
junior  branches. 

On  May  17th,  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  confirmed  166  children 
in  the  church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nich- 
olas Kraus  were  sponsors  for  the 
children. 

In  June,  1926,  the  Central  Verein 
of  America  held  its  annual  Conven- 
tion in  Springfield,  which  was 
graced  by  the  presence  of  many 
ecclesiastical  dignitaries  from  home 
and  abroad.  His  Eminence  Michael 
Cardinal  Faulhaber  of  Munich  said 
Mass  and  preached  in  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's.  In  the  same  month  Father 
Edward  Weisenberg,  S.J.,  son  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Oscar  Weisenberg, 
celebrated  his  First  Solemn  High 
Mass  and  Father  L.  Riesen,  pastor  of 
the  parish,  celebrated  his  Golden 
Sacerdotal  Jubilee. 

The  Societies  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
congregation  have  been  of  great  bene- 
fit to  the  church.  Of  the  St.  Vincent 
Society  mention  was  made  in  the  year 
1866.  Later  in  1869  the  society  was 
incorporated   and   the   charter  mem- 


bers were :  Max  Philipp,  Joseph 
Philipp,  Joseph  Buselmayer,  Lorenz 
Duginger,  John  Lutz  and  Joseph 
Claus. 

St.  Peter's  Court  of  the  Catholic 
Order  of  Foresters  was  founded  in 
1892.  In  July  of  the  year  1897  St. 
Elizabeth's  Court  of  the  Women's 
Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  came  into 
existence.  Eighteen  years  passed  by 
and  in  1915  St.  Paul's  Society  was 
given  an  auxiliary:  St.  Catherine's 
Society  of  the  Ladies  Western  Catho- 
lic Union. 

During  the  first  ten  years  of  this 
congregation's  life  there  is  once  men- 
tioned a  St.  Mary's  Society,  and  later 
on  a  Sodality  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
which  was  established  April  9,  1872. 
The  society  of  the  Holy  Childhood  has 
been  in  existence  for  many  years.  The 
Parish  Club  is  a  society  of  ladies,  who 
since  1914  have  helped  in  supporting 
the  church  and  school.  St.  Aloysius 
Society  of  older  boys  and  young  men 
was  established  in  April,  1906,  from 
whose  membership  the  ushers  for  Di- 
vine Service  are  furnished.  In  the 
year  1918  the  St.  Francis  Xavier  Mis- 
sion Society  of  women  started  to  aid 
the  missions.  The  Third  Order  of  St. 
Francis  Assisi  has  been  in  existence 
in  this  congregation  since  Father 
Weis'  pastorate.  A  church  choir  was 
in  existence  from  the  beginning  of  the 
congregation  and  rendered  faithful 
service  and  good  church  music. 

In  the  Spring  of  1925  a  Boys' 
Brigade  was  started  under  the  leader- 
ship of  Mr.  Martin  Maurer,  and  in 
1927  the  Boy  Scouts  were  established 
under  the  leadership  of  Edward 
Groesch. 

St.  Peter  and  Paul's  sent  three 
young  men  to  the  holy  priesthood, 
one  young  man  into  a  brotherhood, 
and  46  young  ladies  into  various  sis- 
terhoods. 

In  1927  Father  Louis  Hufker  was 
replaced  by  Father  Albert  Wolf. 


289 


DIOCESE   OF   SPKINGPIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  op  the  Presentation  op  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
Westwoods,  R.  F.  D.  (Jerseyville)  Illinois 
Established  in  1857 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  Henry  Gramke 


"Westwoods"  is  not  a  town,  but 
the  name  applied  to  a  German  com- 
munity, who  were  immigrants  from 
that  section  of  Germany  known  as 
Westerwald  (Westwoods).  The  name 
was  appropriate,  because,  practically 
the  entire  western  part  of  Jersey 
County  was  originally  covered  with 
virgin  forest. 

The  first  Mass  was  celebrated  in  a 
house  of  a  Mr.  Goetten,  about  a  half 
mile  south  of  the  present  church.  No 
written  account  of  this  event  is  avail- 
able, but  some  of  the  older  parishion- 
ers say  that  the  first  members  of  the 
church  often  spoke  of  that  Mass,  and 
said  that  a  priest  from  Alton  was  the 
celebrant.  This  was  about  the  year 
1857. 

In  1859  a  church  was  erected  on  a 
two  acre  plot  of  land,  donated  by  the 
Goetten  and  Becker  families.  There 
is  neither  record  nor  tradition  that 
this  church  was  ever  formally  dedi- 
cated but  an  historical  sketch,  ap- 
pearing in  the  New  World,  April  11, 
1900,  mentions  that  at  this  time  the 
mission  was  attended  from  Alton. 

The  first  records  (of  burials)  are 
signed  by  the  Reverend  B.  Temmen, 
as  pastor.  This  was  at  the  beginning 
of  1861.  The  next  records  begin  in 
1866.  In  the  meantime,  old  parishion- 
ers say  that  a  Father  Joseph  Winters, 
assistant  to  Reverend  James  Harty, 
of  St.  Francis  Xavier  Church,  Jer- 
seyville, had  charge  of  Westwoods. 
However,  with  the  year  1866,  there 
begins  a  series  of  records,  complete  in 
all  details,  which  have  been  faithfully 
kept  to  the  present. 

From  April,  1866,  to  April,  1868, 
Westwoods  was  attended  from  Car- 
rollton,  by  Fathers  Henry-  Joseph 
Hoven  and  T.  S.  Klein.  From  April, 
1868,  until  September,  1869,  Father 
John  Janssen,  who  later  became 
Bishop  of  Belleville,  came  from  the 
Cathedral  in  Alton,    once    a   month. 


Reverend  Frederick  Lohman,  of  Car- 
rollton,  then  attended  the  mission 
for  one  year,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Longinus  Quitter,  who  left 
in  the  summer  of  1873.  Then  Father 
Janssen  again  attended  the  mission 
until  the  Franciscan  Fathers,  of 
Quincy  College,  assumed  charge  in 
March,  1873. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  remained 
until  October,  1878,  making  the  tedi- 
ous trip  over  125  miles,  twice  a 
month.  Under  their  direction,  the 
church  was  enlarged  and  remodeled, 
and  a  commodious  house  Avas  erected, 
which  served  as  a  residence  for  the 
teacher,  and  school. 

The  following  Fathers'  names  ap- 
pear in  the  records :  Reverends  P. 
Nazarius,  Ambrosius  Janssen,  P. 
Michael,  Anselmus  Mueller  (the 
Founder  of  Quincy  College,  and  its 
rector  for  almost  forty  years)  ;  Paul- 
inus  Weiss,  P.  Desiderius,  Victor 
Aertker,  and  Benedict  Reinecke. 

Reverend  Michael  Weiss  attended 
the  mission  during  November  and  De- 
cember, 1878. 

Father  Bernard  Rossmoeller  be- 
came first  resident  rector,  January 
1,  1879,  and  remained  until  Janu- 
ary, 1885,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  F.  Reinhardt,  who  left  in 
the  autumn  of  1886. 

Westwoods  was  then  again  reduced 
to  a  mission,  being  attended  from 
the  church  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville, and  that  condition  exists  today. 

Reverend  Francis  Marks  attended 
Westwoods  for  twenty-four  years, 
utilizing  a  buggy,  or,  when  the  roads 
were  often  as  bad  as  only  West- 
woods  roads  can  be,  a  wagon,  to 
make  the  trip  from  Jerseyville  and 
back.  His  labors,  however,  were 
never  more  appreciated  than  when 
he  was  called  to  Collinsville,  in  Oc- 
tober, 1910.  His  rare  visits  to  West- 
woods  are  days  of  real  joy  to  the 


290 


EAELY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


people  he  served  so  well  for  almost 
a  quarter  of  a  century. 

At  great  personal  sacrifice,  Father 
Marks  erected  a  pretty  frame 
church,  during  the  summer  of  1897. 

Father  William  Pietsch  attended 
the  mission  for  two  years,  after  the 
departure  of  Father  Marks ;  but 
serious  illness  handicapped  his  en- 
deavors. He  was  finally  obliged  to 
irive  up  his  charge  and  retire  to  St. 
Vincent  Home,  Quincy.  He  now  is 
pastor  of  the  church  at  Areola. 

Reverend  Ernest  J.  Eckhard  came 
in  October,  1912.  On  March  9th. 
1914,  fire  destroyed  the  church. 
Father  Eckhard  started  to  talk  a 
new  church  before  the  embers  of  the 
destroyed  one  were  cold.  The 
people  were  responsive — they  needed 
a  new  church,  building  was  com- 
paratively cheap  and  there  was 
promise  of  good  times,  owing  to 
the  war. 

The  new  church  was  dedicated  in 
the  Autumn  of  1914.  The  dimen- 
sions are  84  by  40  feet.  A  well 
lighted  basement  is  a  particularly 
useful  adjunct  to  the  church,  be- 
cause it  offers  space  for  various 
parochial  activities  that  mean  so 
much  in  a  country  mission.  The 
superstructure  is  of  Paving  brick, 
with  white  mortar  joints.  The  tower 
is  sixty  feet  high.  The  type  of  ar- 
chitecture adopted  was  Modern 
Romanesque. 

The  interior  is  complete  in  every 
detail.     All  woodwork  is  finished  in 


natural  oak,  with  contrast  obtained 
by  use  of  trim  in  mahogany,  holly 
and  other  colored  woods.  Only  the 
high  altar  has  carvings;  and  these 
are  in  the  best  of  taste.  Symbolism 
is  the  keynote  of  the  decorative 
scheme  of  the  entire  interior  of  the 
church — in  the  furniture,  the  win- 
dows and  the  frescoing. 

The  church  is  a  credit  to  Father 
Eckhard,  the  pastor,  Mr.  Ludwig. 
the  architect,  and  to  the  people,  who 
paid  for  it.     It  is  free  of  debt. 

Father  Eckhard  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  John  H.  Gramke,  July  1st. 
1919,  who  is  still  in  charge. 

The  outstanding  events  of  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  present  rector 
are  the  First  Holy  Masses  of  Father 
Justin  Schmieder,O.F.M.,  July 3,1924, 
and  Father  Bede  Dahmus,  June  6. 
1926.  Father  Schmieder  is  a  mis- 
sionary in  China  and  Father  Dahm- 
us is  working  in  the  diocese  of  Bis- 
mark,  South  Dakota.  Two  boys  of 
the  parish  are  studying  for  the  sec- 
ular priesthood. 

The  parish  has  45  families  and  25 
children  in  school.  The  school  is 
taught  by  Mr.  Henry  Dahmus,  a 
graduate  of  the  Teachers  College. 
Milwaukee.  Mr.  Dahmus  also  directs 
the  choir  and  plays  the  pipe  organ. 
The  propers  of  the  Mass  are  in  Plain 
Chant,  sung  by  male  voices — the 
ordinary  is  usually  in  mixed  voices. 
The  choir  is  of  a  very  high  order, 
for  a  country  mission. 


Church  of  St.  Sebastian,  Waverly,  Morgan  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1858 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Edmund  Butler 


Waverly  was  first  visited  by  a 
priest  from  Carlinville,  Illinois,  in 
1857.  In  1858  through  the  efforts  of 
the  leading  members  and  the  Bishop 
of  Alton,  a  congregation  was  organ- 
ized, and  they  purchased  the  Metho- 
dist house  of  worship  which  was  aft- 
erwards known  as  St.  Sebastian 
Church  of  Waverly,  Illinois.  It  then 
became  an  annex  of  New  Berlin  un- 


der charge  of  Reverend  Francis  X. 
Schreiber.  In  1873  it  was  attached 
to  Virden  and  in  1886  to  Franklin. 

To  Waverly  once  belonged  most  of 
the  Catholics  of  Franklin  district, 
and  tnere  most  of  the  older  members 
received  instructions  for  First  Holy 
Communion  and  Confirmation.  It 
claims  a  long  line  of  distinguished 
and    now    veteran    members    of   the 


291 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


priesthood  of  Springfield  Diocese, 
among  them :  Very  Reverend  Tim- 
othy Hickey,  late  Vicar  General  of 
the  Diocese ;  Very  Reverend  Jeremiah 
Murphy,  R.D.,  St.  Patrick's,  Decatur; 
Reverend  Patrick  Joseph  O'Rielly, 
St.  Joseph's,  Springfield;  Reverend 
Michael  J.  Davis,  pastor  of  Athens 
and  Cantrall ;  later  Reverend  Thomas 
McGrath,  Illiopolis;  Reverend  Fran- 
cis Bernard  Kehoe,  St.  Patrick's,  Al- 
ton; Reverend  P.  R.  McCauley;  Rev- 
erend Lawrence  J.  Ryan,  Farmers- 
ville ;  Reverend  Amos  Emil  Giusti, 
D.C.L.,  Assistant  Chancellor  of  the 
Diocese. 

Waverly  as  is  evident  is  one  of  the 
older  parishes  of  the  Diocese,  and  has 
had  what  might  be  called  a  checkered 
career,  having  been  attached  at  dif- 
ferent times  to  New  Berlin,  Frank- 
lin, Virginia,  and  Greenfield.  In 
1925,  it  was  again  attached  to 
Franklin  with  Reverend  E.  D.  But- 
ler in  charge. 

The  first  resident  pastor  was  Rev- 
erend P.  J.  O'Reilly,  1886.  After- 
wards it  became  in  turn  a  mission  of 
Franklin,  Virginia,  and  Greenfield. 
Later  it  became  a  parish  with  Father 
McCauley  as  the  resident  pastor 
from  1907  to  1912.  At  that  time 
Hagaman,  Illinois,  became  a  mission 
of  Waverly.  In  1912,  Father  L.  C. 
Ryan  was  sent  as  pastor  to  succeed 


Reverend  P.  R.  McCauley.  He  found 
the  Church  in  dire  need  of  repairs 
and  immediately  set  to  work  to 
make  the  necessary  improvements. 
The  congregation  was  small  so  it 
required  a  man  of  Reverend  Law- 
rence Ryan's  caliber  to  begin  under 
such  adverse  circumstances.  The 
church  which  was  but  a  shell  when 
he  came,  he  left  a  nice  brick  veneer 
building,  furnished  and  equipped, 
so  that  today  it  is  one  of  the  pret- 
tiest mission  churches  in  the  diocese. 
During  his  stay  there  he  also  mod- 
ernized the  parochial  residence  and 
today  Waverly  has  every  reason  to 
be  proud  of  its  church  property. 

In  1919,  the  Reverend  Amos  Emil 
Giusti  succeeded  Father  Ryan  and 
carried  on  the  work  so  ably  begun 
by  his  predecessor.  He  paid  off  the 
debt  that  remained  on  the  property, 
installed  a  new  heating  plant  under 
the  Church  and  made  other  neces- 
sary improvements,  both  in  Church 
and  Rectory. 

On  December  8,  1922,  the  charge 
was  taken  by  the  Reverend  Edmund 
D.  Butler,  who  lived  there  until 
January,  1925,  when  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  Franklin  still  retaining 
Waverly  as  a  mission.  The  people 
of  Waverly  have  Mass  every  Sunday 
and  Holy  Day  throughout  the  year. 


Church  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  Carrollton,  Greene  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Thomas  Costello 


Among  the  earlier  settlers  in 
Greene  County  were  many  of  Irish 
and  a  few  of  German  birth,  who  true 
to  the  heritage  of  faith  they  brought 
from  their  native  lands,  attended  the 
Catholic  church  at  Alton  some  forty 
miles  distant.  As  their  numbers  in- 
creased, they  assembled  as  most  of  the 
pioneers  were  wont  to  do,  in  the  home 
of  one  of  the  members,  there  to  wor- 
ship God.  Here  it  was  the  comfort- 
able log  cabin  of  Mr.  Thomas  Butler 
that  welcomed  the  faithful  on  the  oc- 
casion of  the  priest's  periodical 
visits. 


The  first  record  of  a  regular  at- 
tendance indicates  that  in  1858  the 
Reverend  Thomas  F.  Mangan  minis- 
tered to  the  growing  flock  in  what 
was  previously  occupied  as  the  Chris- 
tian church.  Later  followed  Rever- 
end John  B.  Meil,  coming  from  Jer- 
sey County  in  1860-61.  During  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Laurent,  1861-62, 
the  first  steps  were  taken  to  build  a 
permanent  church.  This  was  ac- 
complished by  the  Reverend  James 
Sheridan  in  1862,  with  the  aid  of  the 
strong,  sturdy  Irish  and  German 
people  rapidly  moving  into  the  par- 


292 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


ish.  Reverend  Timothy  Clifford,  a 
zealous,  earnest  young  priest,  took  up 
the  work  established  by  his  predeces- 
sor who  was  transferred  to  other 
fields  in  1865.  After  serving  the  par- 
ish two  years  Father  Clifford  was 
called  to  his  eternal  home  in  1867  and 
was  buried  in  Alton. 

For  a  few  months  interval  between 
pastors  the  Right  Reverend  Henry 
Damian  Juncker,  first  Bishop  of  the 
Alton  Diocese,  ministered  to  the  faith- 
ful of  Carrollton,  coming  from  Alton. 
Catholicity  kept  pace  with  the  de- 
velopment of  Greene  County  as  an 
agricultural  center,  and  during  the 
regime  of  Reverend  G.  DeKlein, 
1867-70  funds  were  secured  for  the 
building  of  a  pastoral  residence.  Dur- 
ing the  pastorate  of  Reverend  Peter 
Joseph  Mackin,  1870-72,  late  of  De- 
catur, Illinois,  the  comfort  of  the  fu- 
ture pastors  was  assured  by  the  two- 
story  frame  residence,  still  occupied 
as  the  priest's  home,  built  in  1872. 
Several  of  the  clergy  spent  brief 
terms  in  charge  of  the  rapidly  grow- 
ing community. 

The  long  tenure  of  pastorship  of 
Reverend  August  J.  Sauer  was  fruit- 
ful of  much  of  the  zeal  and  devotion 
that  still  endures  among  the  people 
of  today.  Looking  to  the  future  gen- 
erations and  dangers  to  their  Faith 
Father  Sauer  who  assumed  charge 
October  1,  1877,  brought  into  success- 
ful working  order  the  parish  school 
started  by  Reverend  Francis  N.  Re- 
couvreur  in  1876.  The  difficulties  at- 
tendant upon  this  new  step  were  evi- 
dent, but  the  dauntless  energy  and 
zeal  of  the  spirited  Father  Sauer 
brought  to  completion  the  first  school 
building,  and  its  occupancy  by  about 
90  children  under  the  tutelage  of  lay 
teachers.  The  usual  attraction  of  the 
Catholic  school  for  those  looking  to 
the  interests  of  their  children, 
brought  additional  families  to  Car- 
rollton by  the  purchase  or  lease  of  the 
productive  land  thereabout.  As  a 
consequence  the  next  move  was  the 
securing  of  sisters  for  the  school.  The 
Dominican  Sisters  had  but  lately  ar- 


rived from  Kentucky  and  located  in 
Jacksonville,  the  home  of  the  first 
Mother-house  in  Illinois.  Carrollton 's 
parish  school  was  the  second  mission 
accepted  and  the  Dominican  Sisters 
have  been  in  charge  since  1882,  aiding 
very  materially  in  the  spiritual  tenor 
of  the  life  of  the  parish. 

The  church  structure  of  1862  soon 
proved  too  small  for  the  growing  con- 
gregation. In  1882  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Father  Sauer  a  spacious  tran- 
sept was  added  to  the  church  costing 
approximately  $6,500.00,  a  consider- 
able sum  of  money  in  that  day.  Father 
Sauer  remained  in  charge  until  1892, 
having  served  the  congregation  dur- 
ing fifteen  years  of  a  trying  period  of 
its  existence.  He  later  affiliated  with 
the  Belleville  Diocese  and  died  in  that 
See  city  in  1922. 

Reverend  Henry  Joseph  Hoven,  a 
saintly  and  scholarly  priest  of  the 
older  school  of  clergy  was  in  charge 
eleven  years,  1892-1903,  to  be  suc- 
ceeded by  one  of  the  young  energetic 
priests  of  that  time,  Reverend  John 
Joseph  Driscoll,  now  of  St.  Peter's 
church,  Quincy,  Illinois.  During  his 
short  successful  pastorate  of  four 
years,  1903-07,  Father  Driscoll 
aroused  new  life  and  interest  in  the 
community.  To  his  credit  there 
stands  a  modern  brick  school  build- 
ing erected  in  1904,  made  necessary 
by  the  increasing  attendance  of  the 
children  from  country  districts  as 
well  as  the  city.  In  1907  Very  Rev- 
erend David  Joseph  Moroney  as- 
sumed charge,  ministering  to  the 
faithful  and  accumulating  funds  for 
the  future  needs  of  the  parish.  Fol- 
lowing the  death  of  Dean  John  W. 
Crowe  of  Jacksonville,  Father  David 
Joseph  Moroney  was  appointed  Dean 
of  the  Jacksonville  district,  which  of- 
fice he  held  until  his  death  in  1921. 
His  remains  rest  in  his  native  city, 
Jacksonville. 

In  selecting  a  successor  Bishop 
Ryan  appointed  Reverend  Thomas 
E.  Cusack,  a  nephew  of  one  of  the 
pioneer  priests  of  the  Alton  Diocese, 
the  Reverend  Thomas  Cusack,  1841- 


29.", 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


87.  After  serving  the  parish  at 
Morrisonville,  Illinois,  fifteen  years, 
Father  Thomas  E.  Cusack  came  to 
Carrollton,  November  1,  1921.  He 
immediately  set  to  work  enlarging 
upon  the  labors  of  his  predecessors. 
The  need  of  the  times  was  evident 
in  the  earnest  desire  of  the  younger 
people  for  an  advanced  course  of 
schooling  under  Catholic  auspices. 
The  means  of  the  parents  would  not 
permit  a  college  or  academy  advan- 
tage, so  a  course  was  opened  in  Sep- 
tember, 1922.  Its  success  was  as- 
sured from  the  beginning.  The 
Dominican  Sisters  in  charge  since 
1882  were  added  to  the  staff.  The 
old  home  of  the  sisters  was  sup- 
planted by  a  new  modern  brick 
building  with  accommodations  for 
six  sisters  in  1922.  The  school  build- 
ing and  surroundings  were  remod- 
eled to  suit  the  new  condition. 

In  1924  three  lots  adjoining  the 
church  property  in  the  south  were 
purchased  at  a  cost  of  $4,200.  Old 
buildings  on  same  were  sold  and  re- 
moved with  a  view  of  making 
additional  building  improvements  in 
the  near  future. 

That  the  first  visit  to  the  parish  of 
our  newly  consecrated  Bishop, 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  might  be 
marked  with  fitting  solemnity,  the 
church  showing  its  age  of  1862  and 
1882  was  repaired  exteriorily  and 
frescoed  interiorily.  It  now  presents 
a  comfortable  and  devotional  home 
for  our  Eucharistic  Lord,  as  well  as 
a  historic  monument  to  the  zeal, 
energy  and  faith  of  the  few  early 
settlers,  some  of  whom  still  remain. 

The  parish  has  shown  continual 
growth  with  the  years,  special  ac- 
tivity being  added  thereto  by  the 
societies  now  existing,  keeping  pace 
with  Catholic  progress  of  the  times 
and  twentieth  century  requirements. 
The    societies    are:      Ladies'    Altar 


Society,  Catholic  Ladies'  Cemetery 
Association,  Catholic  Daughters  of 
America,  Children  of  Mary,  the  Holy 
Name  Society,  the  Catholic  Order  of 
Foresters,  the  Knights  of  Columbus 
and  the  Society  of  Propagation  of 
Faith. 

Even  though  this  be  but  a  sketch 
history  of  the  parish,  yet  we  must 
find  place  for  a  mention  of  the  fine 
community  spirit  for  which  Carroll- 
ton  is  so  well  known.  Perhaps  few 
small  towns  with  so  many  religious 
denominations  can  boast  of  a  like 
spirit  of  good  fellowship  and  neigh- 
borliness.  As  illustrative  of  this 
fine  spirit,  we  may  cite  the  fact 
that  Mayor  Oscar  Vivell  closed  by 
proclamation  all  the  Carrollton  bus- 
iness houses  during  the  funeral  of 
the  Very  Reverend  David  Joseph 
Moroney,  which  took  place  March 
14,  1921.  Surely  a  fine  mark  of 
civic  broadmindedness  and  respect 
for  Catholic  feeling !  Besides,  the 
Carrollton  School  Board,  unsolicited, 
gives  each  year,  the  use  of  the 
school  hall  for  parochial  school  en- 
tertainments. Long  may  this  admir- 
able spirit  survive. 

Aiding  notably  in  the  parish  life 
of  former  years  must  be  mentioned 
the  younger  clergy  who  served  as 
assistant  pastors.  Among  those  on 
record  are :  Fathers  C.  Fanning,  J.  L. 
Murray,  D.  Doyle,  P.  J.  Beary,  T.  M. 
Moloney,  Michael  Sheehy  and  Daniel 
0 'Grady,  all  of  whom  except  Rev- 
erend James  L.  Murray,  who  died 
a  "Flu"  victim  in  Springfield,  are 
engaged  in  larger  fields  in  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield,  Illinois. 

N.  B.  Since  the  above  sketch  was 
written,  Father  Cusack  was  pro- 
moted to  the  important  parish  of 
Mattoon  and  his  place  in  Carrollton 
was  taken  by  the  Reverend  Thomas 
Costello,  formerly  pastor  of  St.  John 
the  Baptist  church,  Areola. 


Church  of  St.  Anthony,  Effingham,  Effingham  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 
Present  Pastor:    Right  Reverend  Ludavicus  W.  Lammert,  R.D. 

The  history  of  St.  Anthony  church  1854  the  Catholics  residing  in  Effing- 

begins  with  the  year  1858.    Prior  to  ham  and  its  vicinity  were  obliged  to 

294 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


go  to  Teutopolis  or  Green  Creek  to 
worship,  where,  at  an  early  date, 
as  early  as  1840  in  Teutopolis,  log 
churches  had  been  erected  and  res- 
ident pastors  were  in  charge.  Many 
were  the  hardships  which  the 
pioneer  Catholics  of  Effingham 
underwent  in  order  to  fulfill  their 
religious  duties. 

In  1854  a  log  house  was  built  near 
Third  and  E.  Jefferson  streets,  back 
of  the  present  Chester  Knitting  Mill 
building.  The  logs  were  donated  by 
Gerhard  Osthoff  and  the  carpenter 
work  was  done  by  Anton  Schleper, 
Casper  and  Frederic  Mindrup.  On 
Sundays  this  building  served  as  a 
church  and  on  week  days  as  a 
school-house.  Reverend  Thomas 
Frauenhofer,  then  stationed  at 
Green  Creek,  occasionally  said  Mass 
here  until  1858.  Gradually  the  num- 
ber of  Catholic  families  in  this  Ef- 
fingham vicinity  increased  until  in 
1856  the  number  had  reached  forty. 

Since  from  the  beginning  the  log 
church  had  been  too  small,  Father 
Frauenhofer  immediately  encour- 
aged the  building  of  a  substantial 
brick  church  and  rectory.  Accord- 
ingly, in  1856,  the  farmers  set  to 
work  cutting  the  cord  wood  which 
would  be  needed  the  following  year 
in  the  making  of  brick.  Stone  and 
sand  were  hauled  by  the  farmers. 
Every  one  now  took  an  active  in- 
terest in  the  work.  In  the  mean- 
time plans  had  been  drawn  up,  sub- 
mitted to  the  Bishop,  and  on  receiv- 
ing his  approval,  subscriptions  were 
immediately  taken  up.  Apparently 
J.  Mette,  H.  Willenborg,  Henry 
Haarmann  and  Gerhard  H.  Ostohoff 
composed  the  building  committee. 

A  building  subscription,  realizing 
$4,234,  was  taken  up,  forty  families 
contributing  almost  $100  each.  It  is 
interesting  to  note  that  when  the 
church  and  parsonage  were  com- 
pleted, the  congregation  had  not 
one  cent  of  indebtedness. 

The  block,  bounded  by  Second  and 
Third  streets,  St.  Louis  and  St.  Paul 
streets,  on  which  this  first  brick 
church  was  erected  and  which  now  is 


used  as  the  parish  hall,  was  donated 
by  Messrs.  David  Alexander  and 
Samuel  Little.  In  the  spring  of 
1858  Reverend  B.  Bartels,  rector  of 
the  congregation  at  Teutopolis,  laid 
the  corner-stone  of  the  new  edifice, 
which  progressed  rapidly  to  com- 
pletion. 

In  September,  1858,  probbaly  the 
23rd  of  that  month,  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  took  charge  of  the  congre- 
gation at  Teutopolis  where  a  mon- 
astery was  built.  From  this  mon- 
astery the  several  Catholic  congre- 
gations of  the  neighborhood  were 
attended  as  missions  by  the  Fathers. 
Among  others  also  that  of  St.  An- 
thony was  given  to  their  charge.  At 
the  suggestion  of  Gerhard  H.  Ost- 
hoff, who  had  donated  a  beautiful 
oil  painting  of  St.  Anthony  to  the 
church,  the  congregation  chose  this 
saint  as  their  patron.  On  Christ- 
mas morning,  1868,  Reverend  P. 
Capistran,  O.F.M.,  celebrated  Mass 
for  the  first  time  in  the  new  church 
and  together  with  Reverend  P. 
Servatius  Altmicks,  O.F.M.,  the  first 
rector  of  St.  Anthony's,  opened  a 
mission  at  which  120  received  the 
sacraments. 

February  2nd,  1859,  the  first  bap- 
tism was  administered  ;  the  recipient 
was  Joseph,  son  of  Ferdinand  Braun 
and  Angela  Braun  nee  Steinke. 
T.  Martineau  and  Mary  Racicot  were 
the  first  to  be  united  in  the  holy 
bonds  of  matrimony,  the  wedding 
taking  place  July  11.  1859. 

On  June  3,  1860,  Trinity  Sunday, 
the  Bishop  of  Alton,  Henry  Damien 
Juncker,  administered  the  sacra- 
ment of  Confirmation  to  33  children ; 
also  the  same  day  solemnly  blessed 
the  church  and  consecrated  the  one 
and  only  bell  in  honor  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary.  A  large  oak  which 
stood  near  the  church  served  as 
belfry  or  campanile.  The  following 
day,  June  4,  the  Bishop  consecrated 
the  cemetery.  William  Althoff  gave 
the  ground  for  the  cemetery  and  was 
the  first  to  be  buried  therein. 
(Church  Records  p.  212-213.) 

In     the     sixties,     during     Father 


295 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Ferdinand  Bergmeyer's  rectorship, 
the  congregation  purchased  their  first 
pipe  organ. 

The  following  Franciscan  Fathers 
served  as  rectors  of  St.  Anthony's 
congregation  :  P.  Servatius  Altmicks, 
P.  Ferdinand  Bergmeyer,  P.  Killian 
Schloesser,  P.  Raynerius  Dickneite, 
P.  Heribert  Hoffmans,  and  P.  Alar- 
dus  Andrescheck. 

In  1869  P.  Alardus,  O.F.M.,  bought 
the  piece  of  property,  half  a  block  in 
depth,  and  a  block  in  length,  on  the 
west  side  of  Third  street,  and  extend- 
ing from  St.  Louis  to  St.  Paul  Streets, 
the  property  on  which  the  church  and 
rectory  now  stand.  The  log  house 
standing  on  this  property  served  as 
the  parochial  residence  until  1869,  at 
which  time  a  new  parsonage  was 
erected. 

Towards  the  end  of  the  year,  1869, 
a  residence  was  established  at  Effing- 
ham by  the  Franciscan  Fathers.  P. 
Servatius  was  the  first  superior  of  the 
house  and  at  the  same  time  pastor  of 
St.  Anthony.  His  assistant  was  P. 
Ambrosius  Janssen,  O.F.M.,  who  also 
attended  Sigel.  This  Franciscan  house 
was  of  short  duration,  because  the 
Fathers  found  it  more  advantageous 
to  serve  the  various  missions  from 
Teutopolis,  from  whence  they  con- 
tinued to  attend  St.  Anthony  until 
September,  1871.  In  the  meantime 
the  congragation  grew  so  rapidly,  that 
by  1858,  the  church  had  become  too 
small  to  accommodate  the  faithful. 
On  May  17,  1870,  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
was  in  Effingham  for  his  first  time 
and  that  day  confirmed  a  class  of  63 
people. 

In  September,  1871,  the  parish  was 
placed  in  charge  of  secular  priests, 
with  Very  Reverend  Dean  Michael 
Weis  as  first  diocesan  rector.  Soon 
after  his  arrival,  seeing  that  many 
were  unable  to  assist  at  Mass  on  Sun- 
days, Father  Weis  began  prepara- 
tions for  the  erection  of  a  larger  and 
more  beautiful  church.  In  the  be- 
ginning he  met  with  much  opposition. 
The  farmers  had  had  poor  crops  for 
a  number  of  vears  and  felt  that  they 


could  not  take  upon  themselves  such 
a  heavy  burden.  Realizing,  however, 
the  necessity  of  a  larger  church,  and 
placing  their  trust  in  God,  they, 
finally,  went  to  work  with  a  right 
good  will.  Subscriptions  were  again 
taken  up  and  every  one  responded  ac- 
cording to  his  or  her  means.  A  be- 
ginning being  once  made,  work  was 
hurriedly  carried  to  completion. 

We  quote  the  following  from  the 
History  of  Effingham,  1883  : 

"The  magnificent  building  as  it 
now  stands,  was  finished  in  1875. 
Solemn  blessing  of  the  new  church 
took  place  on  the  13th  of  June  of  the 
same  year  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Peter  J.  Baltes,  Bishop  of  Alton,  to 
whose  diocese  St.  Anthony  belongs. 
The  church  is  an  ornament  to  the  city 
and  an  honor  to  the  Catholic  inhabi- 
tants. Its  cost  was  about  $40,000 ;  its 
size  66x165  feet;  steeple  181  feet 
without  cross  or  vane." 

The  same  day  the  Bishop  confirmed 
fifty.  On  August  3rd,  1874,  delegated 
by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop,  P. 
Mauritius  Klostermann,  O.F.M.,  con- 
secrated two  more  bells  for  St.  An- 
thony ;  the  greater  bell  in  honor  of  St. 
Gabriel  and  the  lesser  in  honor  of  St. 
Aloysius. 

Father  Weis,  however,  did  not  re- 
main long  at  St.  Anthony  to  enjoy  the 
fruits  of  his  endeavors  and  the  prac- 
tical co-operation  of  his  parishioners, 
for  on  March  23,  1877,  Very  Rever- 
end Dean  Herman  J.  Jungmann  suc- 
ceeded him.  Father  Jungmann  was  a 
zealous,  tireless  worker.  Under  his 
pastorate  in  the  year  1885,  the  frame 
parochial  residence  was  replaced  by 
a  modern  brick  home. 

On  October  21,  1888,  Right  Rever- 
end James  Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
made  his  initial  appearance  in  Ef- 
fingham and  confirmed  153  children. 
Father  Jungmann,  in  1893,  built  our 
present  school  building  at  a  cost  of 
approximately  $8,500.  Then  in  that 
same  year,  Death,  the  Grim  Reaper, 
came  and  cut  short  his  activities. 
Here  we  may  cite  an  appreciatory 
passage  which  appeared  in  the    Ef- 


296 


XII          H 

l':Hl     ' 

V  ft 

la    K » A » k. . 

-■ft.,  m 

Carrollton—St.  John's  Church,  Sisters  Residence,  School  .  .  .  Effingham— St.  An- 
thony's Church,  Interior,  School,  Sisters  Residence.  He,  turn,  Monsignor  Lammert's 
Golden  Jubilee. 


Green  Creek — Rev.  Frederick  Neveling,  Pastor,  Lady  of  Help  Church,  Old  School, 
Rectory,  New  District  School  .  .  .  J erseyville — School,  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  J.  Clancy,  Pastor. 
st.  Francis  Church,  Sisters'  Residence. 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY— ALTON 


fingham  Democrat  on  the  occasion  of 
his  death : 

"The  members  of  St.  Anthony's 
congregation  are  sensible  of  the  great 
work  done  by  Father  Jungmann, 
their  priest  and  pastor,  whose  min- 
istrations towards  his  flock  were  ever 
full  of  that  holy  fervor  and  zeal  which 
characterized  his  life  as  a  faithful 
and  devoted  priest  and  which  earned 
and  maintained  the  love  and  respect 
of  all  in  the  communities  in  which  he 
labored.  Father  Jungmann  will  be 
long  remembered  in  Effingham.  The 
material  monuments  which  speak  of 
his  eighteen  years  of  labor  in  this 
community  may  crumble  into  dust, 
but  the  influence  of  his  zealous,  self- 
sacrificing  work  will  endure.  Fear- 
less in  the  pulpit,  tireless  in  labor,  he 
was  the  adviser,  teacher  and  model 
of  his  flock.  .  .  .  Never  in  the  history 
of  this  city  has  there  been  a  more 
largely  attended  funeral,  the  con- 
course being  estimated  at  2,500. 
Father  Jungmann  had  earned  the 
love  and  respect  of  all  classes." 

After  the  death  of  Father  Jung- 
mann Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan 
requested  Reverend  P.  Hugoline 
Storff,  O.F.M.,  at  that  time  rector  of 
St.  Joseph's  College,  Teutopolis,  to 
take  charge  of  the  congregation  until 
a  successor  should  be  appointed.  In 
June  of  the  same  year  Reverend 
Frederick  Metzger  of  Pittsfield,  Illi- 
nois, was  asked  to  take  charge  of  the 
St.  Anthony  Congregation.  Owing  to 
his  poor  health  he  accepted  on  con- 
dition that  he  should  have  an  assist- 
ant and  receive  a  few  months  vaca- 
tion. His  stay  in  Germany,  however, 
whither  he  had  gone  to  regain  his 
health,  did  not  benefit  him,  and  he 
died  there  October  25,  1895. 

Father  Wand  who  came  in  1895 
as  assistant  to  Father  Metzger,  was 
succeeded  that  same  year  by  Rev. 
Simon  Peter  Hoffman. 

On  January  1, 1896,  the  present  rec- 
tor, Right  Reverend  Dean  Louis  W. 
Lammert  took  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion. Father  Hoffman  assisted  Father 
Lammert  until  1898 — also  attending 
Shumway  and    Stewardson,    at    this 


time  missions  of  St.  Anthony.  From 
1898  to  1899,  Reverend  Francis  Fred- 
erick Formaz  was  assistant,  followed 
by  Reverend  Francis  J.  Ostendorf 
who  remained  until  1903.  On  July 
2,  1901,  Father  Lammert  celebrated 
his  silver  sacredotal  jubilee.  After 
Father  Ostendorf 's  departure,  Rever- 
end William  L.  Quatman  assisted  for 
several  months,  and  then  was  relieved 
by  Father  Hoffman  who  had  been 
here  previously.  In  the  year  1911 
Reverend  Charles  Flori  succeeded 
him.  From  November,  1913  to  July 
1,  1922,  Reverend  George  Nell  was 
Father  Lammert 's  assistant.  Rever- 
end Francis  Clement  Schlepphorst  is 
the  present  assistant. 

During  Right  Reverend  Dean  Lam- 
mert 's  long  and  fruitful  pastorate 
the  following  noteworthy  events  and 
improvements  have  taken  place  in 
the  chronological  order  herein  given. 

1902— Church  restated. 

1904 — Heating  plant  installed  in 
rectory  and  church ;  parsonage  con- 
nected up  with  the  city  sewer  and 
water  systems.  Interior  of  the 
church  decorated.  The  Mothers' 
Society  furnished  a  fine  carpet  for 
the  sanctuary. 

1905 — Rectory  and  church  equip- 
ped with  all  the  electrical  conven- 
iences of  the  time.  Stage  was  added 
to  the  old  St.  Anthony  church  build- 
ing and  made  to  serve  as  entertain- 
ment hall ;  heating  plant  installed 
beneath  the  stage  and  system  ex- 
tended so  as  to  heat  the  school  which 
adjoins.  Two  new  side  altars  pre- 
sented the  church  by  the  Young 
Men's  and  Young  Ladies'  societies, 
and  cement  walks  laid  in  front  of 
the  school  property. 

1906 — New  pulpit  purchased  for 
the  church  and  statues  for  the  side 
altars. 

1907 — State  convention  of  the 
Catholic  Union  held  at  St.  An- 
thony's. Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Janssen  of  Belleville  attended  and 
officiated  at  the  opening  of  the  con- 
vention. 

1909 — Congregation  celebrated 
golden  jubilee,  though  one  year  late. 


297 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IX    ILLINOIS 


Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan  pontif- 
icated at  the  church  services.  The 
same  year  a  mission  was  given  by 
the  Jesuit  Fathers. 

1911 — Crucifix  set  up  in  St.  An- 
thony's Cemetery. 

1912 — Beautiful  stained  glass  art 
windows  installed  in  the  church. 

1918 — New  convent  building  for 
school  Sisters  at  a  cost  of  about 
$15,000. 

1921 — Mission  conducted  by  the 
Conventual  Franciscans.  Streets 
around  the  church  property  paved 
at  a  cost  of  $6,600. 

1923 — New  electric  pipe  organ 
purchased  from  the  Wick  Organ  Co., 
of  Highland,  Illinois,  and  installed 
for  $4,000.  In  this  year  a  Christ- 
mas Crib  was  presented  the  congre- 
gation and  a  new  sanctuary  carpet 
purchased. 

In  May,  1923,  the  state  convention 
of  the  Catholic  Union  was  held  in 
Effingham.  The  Right  Reverend 
Albert  Scmuecker,  O.F.M.,  Bishop  of 
North  Shantung,  China,  sung  the 
High  Mass  which  opened  the  con- 
vention. 

1924 — Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  in 
Illinois,  on  May  29,  made  his  first 
episcopal  visitation,  and  on  this 
occasion  administered  the  sacrament 
of  Confirmation  to  a  class  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty-two. 

On  October  5th,  the  same  year,  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  was  again 
in  St.  Anthony's,  the  occasion  being 
the  celebration  of  the  golden  jubilee 
of  the  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
who  had  been  teaching  at  St.  An- 
thony's school  uninterruptedly  for 
the  past  half  century.  The  Bishop 
officiated  at  the  Solemn  Pontifical 
High  Mass  and  preached  the  sermon 
of  the  day. 

1926 — The  pastor,  Dean  Lammert, 
celebrated  his  50th  anniversary  in 
the  priesthood.  Present  on  that  oc- 
casion to  show  their  respect  and 
love  for  the  Venerable  Jubilarian, 
were  the  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  many  diocesan  priests 
and  a  large  concourse  of  the  laity. 


And  here  we  pause  to  insert  a 
brief  history  of  St.  Anthony  School. 
Until  about  1868  St.  Anthony  had 
not,  strictly  speaking,  its  parochial 
school.  The  log  house  of  1854  on 
Third  and  East  Jefferson  streets 
served  as  a  school  for  the  Catholic 
children  of  the  city.  Here,  howeA'er, 
children  of  other  religious  denom- 
inations also  attended.  In  the  order 
named  the  following  men  taught 
school  in  this  log  house :  B.  H. 
Wemsing,  Joseph  Masquelet,  Henry 
Ackersman,  Joseph  Kabbes  and 
Lorenz  Holmes.  In  1862  St.  An- 
thony's congregation  built  a  sub- 
stantial two  story  brick  building 
just  south  of,  and  almost  adjoining 
the  present  entertainment  hall,  and 
continued  to  teach  children  of  all 
denominations  until  about  1868. 
During  the  summer  months  the 
school  was  parochial.  From  1862- 
1868  the  following  served  as  teach- 
ers :  Lorenz  Holmes,  Jos.  P.  Schwer- 
man,  Mr.  Royer  and  Mr.  Bonn.  In 
1868  St.  Anthony's  became  a  paro- 
chial school  and  was  conducted  by 
the  Franciscan  Sisters  from  Joliet 
until  April,  1872.  In  this  year  Louis 
Reig,  under  the  prineipalship  of 
Father  Weis,  and  assisted  by  Miss 
Barbara  Weis,  very  ably  and  suc- 
cessfully conducted  St.  Anthony's 
School  until  July,  1874. 

As  the  new  church  was  sufficiently 
finished  by  this  time  (1874)  to  con- 
duct services  therein,  the  old  church 
was  converted  into  two  large  class- 
rooms. Prior  to  this  date,  in  order 
to  accommodate  the  number  of 
pupils  a  third  class  had  been  held  in 
one  of  the  rooms  of  the  priests' 
house,  a  frame  building  across  the 
street  from  the  church. 

On  September  4,  1874,  the  services 
of  the  Venerable  School  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame  were  secured  for  St. 
Anthony's.  They  were  assisted  by 
Joseph  P.  Greuel  who  taught  the 
larger  boys.  The  two  Notre  Dame 
Sisters,  Josepha  Leonissa  and  Sixta, 
taught  the  younger  boys  and  all  the 
girls.  The  number  of  pupils  at  this 
time    was  160.     In    1877    Joseph    P. 


298 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Greuel  resigned  and  the  duty  of 
teaching  all  the  classes  devolved  upon 
the  School  Sisters.  In  1879  the  serv- 
ices of  Joseph  H.  Probst  were  secured, 
and  he  taught  the  boys'  higher  class 
until  1912. 

In  1893  Very  Reverend  Dean  Jung- 
mann,  the  pastor,  built  the  large  and 
substantial  two  story  brick  school 
building  immediately  north  of  the  en- 
tertainment hall.  This  two-storied 
six  room  structure  ,which  is  even  to- 
dajr  the  St.  Anthony  School,  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  approximately 
18,500. 

This  year  (1926)  St.  Anthony's 
School,  which  is  conducted  on  a  free 
parochial  basis,  has  325  children  en- 
rolled, and  teaches  a  complete  gram- 
mar school  course ;  also  the  first 
three  years  high  school  course,  ac- 
ademic in  character.  Eight  school 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  are  in  charge 
of  the  classes.  The  school  also  lias  an 
extensive  library,  perhaps  the  best  in 
the  city. 

In  St.  Anthony  congregation,  the 
following  parish  societies  are  organ- 
ized: St.  Anthony's  Men's  Society, 
St.  Mary's  Mother's  Society,  St. 
Aloysius'  Young  Men's  Sodality,  St. 
Clare's  Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  and 
St.  Anthony's  Dramatic  Club.  The 
Catholic  Knights  of  America,  and  the 
Catholic  Knights  of  Illinois  are  ben- 
evolent societies  existing  in  the  parish. 

The  following  priests  are  products 
of  St.  Anthony  parish :  Reverend 
Father  Dominicus  Mersmann,  0.  M. 
Cap.,  Reverend  P.  Xavier  Engbring, 
O.F.M.  Missionary  Apostolic  in 
China,  and  Reverend  (Armsted)  Her- 
man Catterlin,  C.S.S.R. 

And  here  is  the  roll  call  of  conse- 
crated virgins  from  St.  Anthony's 
parish  serving  God  in  various  re- 
ligious orders  :  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
— Bernadine  Weis,  Gwendolin  Hoff- 
man, Seraphine  Engbring,  Fincella 
Flood,  Scholastica  Weiler,  Sanktina 
Mussman,  Magdala  Overbeck,  Bene- 
dicta  Kreke,  Ottilda  Bussing,  Del- 
phina  Seitz.  Franciscan — Sisters 
Evangelista  Sanders  (now  laboring  in 
the  Chinese  Missions),  Severa  Muss- 


man,  Regina  Kiefer,  Benedicta  May- 
haus,  and  Secundina  Osthoff.  Good 
Shepherd — Sister  Margaret  of  the 
holy  name  Osthoff.  St.  Mary's — Sis- 
ter Clementia  Osthoff.  St.  Francis  of 
Joliet — Sisters  Ambrose  Osthoff, 
Franciska  Feldhake  and  Stella 
Koester. 

We  find  the  following  priests 
buried  in  St.  Anthony  Cemetery : 
Very  Reverend  Dean  Herman  Jung- 
mann,  Fathers  Clemens  A.  Sommer, 
Joseph  Maurer,  Simon  Peter  Hoff- 
man, T.  P.  Cronin  and  Reverend 
Charles  W.  Becker. 

And  these  Venerable  School  Sis- 
ters of  Notre  Dame :  Sisters  Basilia, 
Frances  Regis,  Irene,  and  Sylvester. 
Sisters  of  St.  Francis  (Springfield)  : 
Sisters  Agnes,  Antonia,  Regina  and 
Birina. 

It  is  not  amiss  to  state  here  that  the 
three  Franciscan  Sisters  above  men- 
tioned who  died  in  1918  were  victims 
of  the  flu.  Ministering  to  the  wants 
of  the  many  flu  patients  in  their  hos- 
pital at  Effingham,  taxed  in  those 
days  to  the  limit  of  its  capacity,  these 
Sisters  succumbed  to  the  ravages  of 
the  epidemic  and  were  truly  martyrs 
to  their  duty. 

It  is  with  justifiable  pride  that  we 
submit  this  history  of  St.  Anthony. 
The  congregation  has  only  increased 
the  original  membership  of  forty 
families  to  three  hundred  and  fifty. 
Having  read  of  the  solid  deep  rooted 
faith  that  animated  the  breasts  of  the 
sturdy  pioneer  Catholics  of  Effing- 
ham, indicated  by  the  difficulties  they 
overcame  and  the  sacrifices  endured, 
we  would  expect  a  larger  membership. 
However,  it  must  be  noted  that  many, 
especially  of  the  younger  generation 
by  reason  of  local  circumstances,  were 
forced  to  move  elsewhere  to  eke  out 
an  existence.  Members  of  St.  An- 
thony are  found  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  and 
we  know,  God  be  praised,  that  their 
good  example,  their  practical  Chris- 
tian lives  redound  to  the  honor  of 
the  parish  and  the  glory  of  God. 

On  June  3,  1927,  His  Holiness, 
Pope  Pius  XI,  on  the  recommenda- 


299 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


tion  of  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  conferred  upon  Reverend 
Dean  Lammert  the  high  honor  of 
Domestic  Prelate.  The  investiture 
took  place  in  St.  Anthony  Church, 
Effingham,  August  16,  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  officiating  in  the 
presence  of  fifty-two  diocesan  priests 
and  an  overflow  congregation  of  the 
laity.  To  be  convinced  of  the  great 
popularity  of  his  appointment,  one 
has  only  to  recall  the  many  con- 
gratulatory messages  that  poured  in 
upon  him  from  all  quarters,  and  the 
joyous    enthusiasm    manifested    by 


Bishop,  priests  and  people  on  the 
occasion  of  his  investiture.  The 
Venerable  Monsignor,  who  all  his 
life  has  had  a  pleasant  smile  and  a 
kind  word  for  everybody,  has  now 
passed  his  fiftieth  milestone  in  the 
priesthood.  It  is  the  sincere  wish 
of  all  who  know  him  that  God, 
Whom  he  has  so  faithfully  served  in 
the  ministry,  may  give  him  many 
more  years  to  enjoy  the  new  and 
richly  deserved  honor  which  makes 
him  a  member  of  the  papal  house- 
hold. 


Church  of  St.  Mary  of  Help,  Green  Creek,  Effingham  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Frederick  Neveling 


Green  Creek,  originally  laid  out 
in  town  lots  and  named  Marytown,  is 
situated  about  one  and  one-fourth 
miles  west  of  the  Illinois  Central  Rail- 
road and  the  new  State  Road  No.  25. 
It  is  seven  miles  north  of  Effingham 
and  nine  miles  from  Teutopolis. 

Its  history  an  I  early  beginnings 
are  interwoven  well  with  that  of  both 
towns  and  parishes.  The  first  settlers 
of  these  communities  emigrated  from 
Hanover  and  Oldenburg,  Germany, 
about  the  year  1838,  came  to  Cincin- 
nati, Ohio,  and  then  followed  the  gen- 
eral trend  of  that  time  of  "going 
west"  finally  settling  in  Effingham 
County.  The  spiritual  needs  of  these 
sturdy  Christians  were  served  by 
various  visiting  priests.  We  must  re- 
member that  the  strictly  bounded  Dio- 
ceses as  we  have  them  now  were  not 
in  existence  then,  and  the  Ecclesiasti- 
cal authorities  had  to  cover  a  wide 
territory. 

To  come  closer  to  the  proper  begin- 
ning of  the  new  Green  Creek  parish 
the  Right  Reverend  Bishop,  Anthony 
0 'Regan,  of  Chicago,  then  also  Ad- 
ministrator of  the  newly  formed  Dio- 
cese of  Quincy  (later  Alton  and  still 
later  Springfield),  sent  Reverend 
Thomas  Frauenhofer  by  a  decree  of 
January  9,  1857,  to  St.  Mary  (later 
Green  Creek)  and  Broughton  (later 
Effingham).     So  our  Reverend  Mis- 


sionary set  out  on  horseback  for  a 
point  200  miles  from  Chicago  straight 
south.  For  a  time  he  seemed  well  sat- 
isfied to  serve  God  and  his  faithful 
flocks  in  the  gentleness  of  the  woods 
and  the  quietness  of  the  prairie.  For 
six  months  he  attended  the  different 
parishes  alternately,  Green  Creek, 
Broughton  and  also  Teutopolis.  At 
this  time  the  newly  consecrated  and 
first  Bishop  of  Alton,  Henry  Damian 
Juneker,  D.D.,  came  to  administer 
confirmation.  After  a  lengthy  dis- 
cussion Father  Frauenhofer  restrict- 
ed his  efforts  to  the  Green  Creek  com- 
munity. 

Soon  he  laid  his  plan  before  the 
congregation  to  build  a  new  brick 
church.  Up  to  that  time  an  old  block 
house  had  served  as  school  and  church 
for  seventeen  years.  Forty-five  fami- 
lies subscribed  at  once  the  sum  of 
$3,685.00,  but  circumstances  pre- 
vented the  realization  of  the  plans. 
Herman  Henry  Koors  and  Joseph 
Remme  were  appointed  to  collect  this 
sum,  while  John  Osterhaus  had  as  far 
back  as  1846  donated  40  acres  for 
church  purposes.  Others  to  be  men- 
tioned at  this  time  were  :  Fred  Johann 
Meyer,  N.  N.  Nuxoll,  Johann  Henry 
Gerdes,  Joseph  Woerman,  Katherine 
Woermann,  Johann  Paul  Sangmeis- 
ter,  Johann  Henry  Zumbahlen,  Her- 
man Kettmann,  Joseph    Wente,    Jo- 


300 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


hann  Bernard  Knobbe,  "Wilhelm 
Kabbes,  Herman  Henry  Strubbers, 
Bernard  Gruenloh,  Bernard  Imming, 
Johann  Gerhard  Riemann,  Clemens 
August  Niemann,  Jacob  Doedtmann, 
Bernard  Ahrens,  Johann  Uhlorn, 
Herman  Henry  Mette,  Herman 
Henry  Tegekamp,  Ferdinand  Kauf- 
man, Heinrich  Bernard  Sur,  Ger- 
hard Henry  Lohman,  Johann  Hein- 
rich Koelker,  Bernard  Henry  San- 
ders, Henry  Unkraut  and  Gerhard 
Woltes. 

As  it  sometimes  happened  in  those 
days,  the  parish  was  effected  by  fac- 
tions. The  south  side  wished  to  have 
the  new  church  near  them  and  offered 
to  make  a  new  donation  of  ground ; 
others  held  grievances,  imaginary  or 
otherwise,  against  the  pastor  and 
when  they  realized  that  he  would  con- 
tinue to  carry  out  his  plans,  some  of 
them  went  to  extremes.  It  may  be 
mentioned  here  that  the  pastor  in  a 
spirit  of  self-sacrifice,  taught  school 
himself.  However,  he  found  the 
opposition  distasteful  and  finally  re- 
signed his  charge.  At  a  later  date  he 
died  in  a  hospital  in  St.  Louis. 

Father  Frauerhofer  himself  relates 
that  during  his  pastorate  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  entrusted  Teutopolis 
to  the  newcoming  Franciscan  Fathers. 
These  Fathers  began  a  convent  and 
college  there.  It  was  but  natural  that 
the  same  Fathers,  in  the  course  of 
time,  attended  the  surrounding  places. 
Thus  Green  Creek  parish  was  in  their 
charge  between  the  vears  1860  and 
1893. 

The  first  pastor  of  Green  Creek  un- 
der the  Franciscans  was  Reverend 
Capistran  Zwings.  He  labored  there 
during  the  years  from  1858  to  1862, 
and  zealous  as  his  predecessor,  he 
soon  organized  the  four  societies  in 
the  parish.  These  four  societies  were 
for  the  young  men,  the  young  ladies, 
the  married  men  and  the  married 
ladies.  Now  began  a  period  of  holy 
zeal  and  the  building  of  the  new 
church  progressed  rapidly.  Its  prog- 
ress was  so  rapid  that  the  Bishop, 
coming  for  Confirmation,  could  lay 
the  Corner-stone  in  1860.     The  next 


pastor,  Father  Damian  Hennewig, 
who  was  there  from  1862  to  1864,  saw 
the  tower  finished.  Father  Rayner- 
ious  Dickneite,  who  succeeded  Father 
Damien  as  pastor  from  1864  to  1865 
witnessed  the  completion  and  conse- 
cration of  the  new  edifice ;  a  grand  oc- 
casion and  one  of  great  solemnity  to 
the  whole  Diocese.  On  this  occasion 
Father  Commissar  Kilian  served  as 
archpriest,  and  Fathers  Raynerius 
and  Reinhards  as  deacon  and  sub- 
deacon  respectively.  The  seminarians 
of  the  college  enhanced  the  pontifical 
celebration  by  rendering  a  beautiful 
Mass.  The  year  1865  saw  the  church 
frescoed.  It  was  also  in  this  year 
that  the  celebrated  Jesuit  missionary, 
Father  Weninger,  gave  a  mission. 

To  continue  the  line  of  pastors : 
Father  Kilian  Schlosser  served  in 
1865,  Father  Eugenius  Puers  in  1866, 
and  Father  Nazarius  Kommerscheid, 
who  purchased  a  second  882  pound 
bell,  which  was  named  Mary  of  Per- 
petual Help.  From  1869-1873  we  see 
Father  Francis  Albers  acting  as  pas- 
tor of  Green  Creek  parish.  He  took 
a  great  interest  in  his  charge.  To  him 
is  due  the  elegant  brick  schoolhouse. 
He  also  had  the  church  roof  renewed. 
Forty  Hours '  Devotion,  which  lapsed 
for  a  time  but  was  taken  up  again  in 
the  year  1912,  was  first  introduced  by 
him. 

After  Father  Albers  the  following 
served  in  succession :  Fathers  John 
Rings,  1873-75 ;  Anselm  Puz,  1875-77  ; 
Paul  Teroerde,  1877-78;  Andrew 
Butzkeuben,  1878-79 ;  Symphorian 
Fortsmann,  1879-84;  Sebastian  Ce- 
bulla,  1884-85;  Mark  Thienel,  Poly- 
carp  Rhode  and  finally  Reverend 
Aloysius  Wiewer,  under  whom,  at  the 
end  of  November,  the  parish  was 
given  back  to  the  Bishop,  who  there- 
upon appointed  Father  Storp  the  first 
resident  pastor. 

Father  Storp  at  once  proceeded 
with  the  construction  of  a  splendid 
commodious  two-story  brick  residence, 
and  the  good  farmers,  equally  proud 
of  their  new  pastor,  helped  him  in 
every  way  to  accomplish  his  purpose. 
He  had  but  to  express  his  wish  and 


301 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


they  cheerfully  complied  with  its  ex- 
ecution, for  they  soon  had  learned  to 
love  and  respect  their  good  pastor, 
whose  demands  never  exceeded  the 
bounds  of  reasonable  necessity.  At 
the  same  time  he  proved  to  have  a 
wise  foresight.  As  he  expressed  it 
himself:  "In  order  to  make  my  suc- 
cessors feel  at  home  in  this  far  off 
place" — he  built  a  fine  vineyard 
around  a  little  lake.  The  Franciscan 
Fathers  had,  at  the  same  time,  re- 
linquished Lillyville,  a  parish  five 
miles  distant,  and  this  place  was  also 
attended  by  Father  Storp,  not  only 
on  Sundays  but  often  during  the 
week.  Not  wishing  to  inconvenience 
the  farmers  especially  when  the  busy 
season  was  on,  he  would  walk  the  dis- 
tance. On  warm  summer  mornings 
when  the  dewdrops  still  sparkled  on 
ferns  and  grasses,  he  would  pull  off 
his  boots  and  socks,  sling  them  over 
his  shoulders  on  a  hickory  sapling 
and  make  for  Lillyville  saying  his 
prayers  and  meditations  on  the  way. 
In  the  course  of  time  Lillyville  re- 
ceived its  own  pastor.  Father  Storp 's 
tasks  came  to  a  close.  A  violent  attack 
of  pneumonia,  which  he  had  contract- 
ed on  a  visit  to  St.  Marie,  ended  the 
life  and  useful  career  of  this  pioneer 
pastor  of  Green  Creek.  He  died 
February  8,  1902,  and  rests  within 
the  shadow  of  the  same  cross  which 
he,  himself,  acquired  for  the  little 
cemetery  adjoining  the  church. 

He  was  succeeded  by  the  young  and 
enthusiastic  Reverend  F.  J.  Osten- 
dorf,  who  followed  in  the  footsteps  of 
his  predecessor  and  did  much  to  con- 
tinue his  work.  He  beautified  the  in- 
terior of  the  church  by  purchasing 
new  stations,  and  procured  new  vest- 
ments for  the  altar.  In  September, 
1911  Father  Ostendorf  was  called 
away  by  the  Bishop  and  the  Reverend 
Neveling,  the  present  incumbent,  had 
to  continue  the  work  of  the  pioneers. 

What  queer  situations  a  parish 
priest  has  to  master  at  times  may  be 
learned  from  this.  The  writer  re- 
members well  how,  when  he  first  visit- 
ed the  parish,  the  people  were  little 
inclined  to  put  an  adequate  heating 


system  into  the  church.  It  is  true, 
the  pioneers  of  our  parish  set  up  a 
nice  large  brick  structure  100x40  feet, 
but  without  any  real  chimney.  For 
years  money  was  being  gathered,  and 
after  all  preparations  were  made, 
work  was  finally  begun.  Chimney  and 
boiler-shed  were  both  erected  and  in 
due  time  heating  systems  were  in- 
stalled in  the  church,  parsonage  and 
even  school,  according  to  the  new  law 
concerning  heat  and  light.  An  agree- 
able surprise  came  at  the  same  time, 
in  the  shape  of  an  electric  light  sys- 
tem installed  for  church,  house  and 
bowling  alley.  In  spite  of  all  these 
improvements  repairs  were  also  found 
necessary.  So,  after  the  large  chim- 
ney was  in  place,  a  new  church  roof 
was  provided  and  then  the  interior  of 
the  church  was  newly  plastered  and 
frescoed  in  oil. 

Let  us  turn  from  the  external  ma- 
terial progress  of  the  parish  to  the 
school  and  then  to  the  spiritual  im- 
provement. Mention  was  made  above 
that  originally  a  log-house  served  as 
church  and  school ;  likewise  that  the 
pioneer  pastor  taught  school  for  a 
time  himself.  Later,  however,  laymen 
were  employed  in  this  task  to  help 
the  community.  This  parish  has  the 
unique  distinction  of  operating  a 
school,  which,  while  being  a  public 
school,  is  at  the  same  time  a  Catholic 
one.  This  system  for  Catholic  parishes 
has  its  great  blessings,  which  cannot 
be  denied,  but  at  the  same  time  there 
are  disadvantages  which  sometimes 
far  surpass  the  blessings.  Since  the 
organization  of  the  parish  the  fol- 
lowing were  employed  as  teachers :  H. 
Koelker,  H.  H.  Mette,  H.  H.  Nuxoll, 
John  Kroes,  Baltenwick,  Stilke, 
Frank  Hoene,  J.  Masquelet,  B.  Hues- 
mann,  Jos.  Kaufmann,  Henry  Schlem- 
mer,  Jacob  Karlin,  Henry  Weirich, 
William  Duerr,  Henry  Koch,  Peter 
Schneider,  Ferdinand  Vincke  and  J. 
M.  Hunkler,  who  is  at  present  in 
charge  of  the  school. 

Our  people  themselves  know  best 
the  teachers  who  were  employed  in 
training  of  the  youth.  Some  of  them 
acquired    prominence    as    musicians, 


302 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


among  them,  B.  Huesmann,  Jos. 
Kaufman  and  especially  Henry 
Schlemmer  who  composed  and  ac- 
quired a  patent  on  an  instrument 
made  of  violins.  One  feature,  a  boon 
for  coming  generations,  is  the  train- 
ing of  the  boys  in  reading  the  Latin 
Psalms.  This  knowledge  is  due  to  the 
efforts  of  the  teachers  and  the  Rever- 
end Pastor.  Since  the  growing  gener- 
ation can  now  read  Latin  fluently,  a 
good  choir  enhances  the  solemnities 
by  many  fine  selections. 

When  we  consider  the  spiritual  side 
of  the  parish,  there  is  no  doubt  but 
that  Green  Creek  has  had  special 
blessing  in  having  priests  who  were 
an  inspiration  to  their  flock  and  a 
flock  that  loved  and  obeyed  their 
priests. 


Again  the  Record  shows  that  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  were  not  less 
zealous  in  upbuilding  the  parish  and 
the  spiritual  life  of  the  same.  In  fact 
some  of  the  good  customs  and  habits 
of  the  people  can  be  traced  directly 
back  to  them. 

The  following  ladies  from  the  par- 
ish have  consecrated  their  lives  to 
God,  in  various  religious  orders: 
Anna  Kaufman,  Helene  Grimmig, 
Cecelia  Grimmig,  Therese  Grimmig, 
Catherine  Niemann,  Mary  Aulen- 
brock,  Anna  Ruholl,  Magdalen  Nie- 
man,  Bertha  Grimmig,  Edith  Powers. 

Reverend  Joseph  A.  Jansen,  the 
only  priest  from  this  parish,  was  or- 
dained in  1924,  and  now  labors  in  the 
mission  fields  in  China. 


Church  of  St.  Francis  Xavier,  Jerseyville,  Jersey  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 
Present  Pastor:  Reverend  John  Joseph  Clancy 


The  first  Catholic  service  ever  held 
in  Jerseyville,  and  perhaps  in  the 
County,  was  in  the  home  of  Mr. 
William  Shepard  in  the  fall  of  1841, 
Reverend  George  A.  Hamilton  offi- 
ciating. Previous  to  1839,  Thomas 
Carroll,  Mrs.  Mary  Cummings  and 
the  Carroll  family,  who  resided  at 
Otter  Creek,  were  the  only  Cath- 
olic families  in  this  county.  The 
number  was  increased  that  year  by 
the  arrival  of  William  Shepherd, 
James  Flannigan  and  William  Kelly, 
the  latter  being  the  first  man  ever 
married  by  a  priest  in  Jersey  Coun- 
ty. This  marriage  was  solemnized 
by  Father  Hamilton. 

After  Father  Hamilton,  Father 
Michael  Carroll  of  Alton  occasion- 
ally visited  Jerseyville  and  held 
services  in  private  houses  and  in  the 
court  house. 

In  1848-49  William  Shephard, 
Fred  Bertman  and  William  Kelly 
purchased  from  J.  A.  and  J.  C.  Barr, 
a  lot  upon  which  to  erect  a  church, 
but  it  was  not  until  1857  that  the 
building  of  a  small  frame  church 
was  commenced,  and  in  the  latter 
part  of  July,  1858,  it  was  dedicated 


by  Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  Bishop  of  Alton.  Reverend 
Thomas  F.  Mangan,  the  first  priest 
permanently  located  in  Jerseyville, 
came  here  in  August,  1858,  and  re- 
mained until  April,  1860,  in  which 
year  he  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Marrill.  The  latter  served  the  con- 
gregation until  February  1,  1861. 

Father  Laurent,  Father  Marril] 's 
successor,  built  a  comfortable  par- 
sonage and  purchased  a  suitable 
piece  of  ground  for  a  cemetery.  He 
remained  in  charge  until  February, 
1865.  Then  came  Father  Hoven  to 
be  succeeded  shortly  by  Reverend 
John  Sullivan.  During  Father  Sul- 
livan's time,  the  old  frame  church 
which  had  been  in  use  for  the  past 
ten  years  had  grown  too  small  for 
the  congregation  and  so  was  re- 
moved to  another  part  of  the  city 
where  it  served  the  purpose  of  a 
school  and  a  parish  meeting  house. 
The  energetic  Father  Sullivan,  with 
the  hearty  co-operation  of  his 
people,  began  the  building  of  a  now 
church,  the  corner  stone  of  which 
was  laid  in  May,  1868,  with  appro- 
priate ceremonies  by  the  Right   Rev- 


303 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


erend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  the 
then  Bishop  of  Alton.  On  July  4, 
1871,  the  new  church  was  solemnly 
dedicated.  Bishop  Jnncker  officiated 
in  the  presence  of  a  large  gathering 
of  the  faithful  and  many  priests 
from  among  whom  we  may  mention: 
Very  Reverend  John  J.  Janssen,  Al- 
ton, Illinois;  Fathers  P.  Brady, 
Springfield;  T.  Hickey,  Virden ; 
Peter  Mackin,  Carrollton;  Clement, 
Kaskaskia ;  John  Moher,  Alton ; 
David  Phalen,  St.  Louis,  Missouri ; 
Michael  Clifford,  Bunker  Hill;  L. 
Omster,  Westwoods;  John  0 'Sul- 
livan, Springfield ;  and  the  pastor, 
Reverend  James  Harty.  The  sermon 
on  the  occasion  was  preached  by  the 
Reverend  David  Phalen  of  St.  Louis, 
Missouri. 

The  main  body  of  the  church  is 
55x110  feet  and  it  is  built  in  the 
early  English  style.  The  height  of 
the  tower  from  the  pavement  is  140 
feet.  It  has  the  most  imposing  loca- 
tion of  any  building  in  the  city. 
It  seems  to  be  standing  in  the  middle 
of  the  four  principal  thoroughfares 
coming  into  the  city  from  the  four 
points  of  the  compass.  The  church 
has  a  seating  capacity  of  800  on  the 
main  floor,  and  250  in  the  gallery, 
making  a  maximum  seating  capacity 
of  1,050  persons.  The  structure  was 
planned  by  William  Cumbly  of  this 
city,  and  erected  in  the  best  manner 
of  workmanship  at  a  cost  of 
$25,000.00. 

On  December  1,  1868,  Reverend 
James  Harty  succeeded  Father  Sul- 
livan and  remained  here  for  the  long 
space  of  thirty-two  years,  and  until 
his  death,  July  19,  1899. 

Father  Bernard  Lee,  one  of  the 
greatest  church  builders  this  Di- 
ocese has  ever  known,  accomplished 
a  great  work  during  his  life  in  Jer- 
soyville.  The  credit  for  the  erection 
of  the  new  parish  school  and  house 


belongs  to  him.  He  remained  in 
charge  of  the  parish  until  July  1, 
1907,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  John  Joseph  Driscoll, 
M.R.,  who,  in  1914,  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  pastor,  Reverend  John 
J.  Clancy. 

Father  Clancy  was  born  in  Ire- 
land on  June  24,  1866.  He  made  his 
preparatory  studies  in  Ireland.  He 
entered  the  Seminary  of  Our  Lady 
of  Angels  at  Niagara  Falls,  New 
York,  in  1899.  Two  years  after,  he 
was  ordained  priest  at  the  Cathedral 
of  Alton  by  the  Right  Reverend 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
Diocese.  After  his  ordination  he  was 
sent  by  Bishop  Ryan  to  the  Cath- 
olic University  at  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  remained  there  until  he  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  resident  pastor  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  Church  at  Dalton 
City,  Illinois.  Previous  to  his  ap- 
pointment to  Jerseyville,  Father 
Clancy  served  as  pastor  of  St.  Cath- 
erine Church,  Virden,  and  of  St. 
James  Church,  Riverton.  Since  tak- 
ing charge  of  his  present  parish  he 
has  met  with  much  success  due  in 
great  measure  to  the  loyal  and  gen- 
erous co-operation  of  his  people. 

The  following  priests  served  as  as- 
sistants: Fathers  J.  F.  Murphy,  T. 
M.  Grast,  Lucas  Var  Ree,  P.  H. 
Masterson,  P.  D.  Curran,  M.  J.  Mee, 
F.  Shiels,  and  Francis  Lawler,  who  is 
assistant  at  the  present  time. 

St.  Francis  Xavier's  parish  has 
122  families  and  is  in  a  flourishing 
condition.  There  are  127  children 
in  school  taught  by  the  Dominican 
Sisters.  The  following  named  so- 
cieties help  to  quicken  parish  life : 
Sacred  Heai't  League,  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  Children  of  Mary,  and  the 
Holy  Name  and  Altar  Societies. 

Reverend  Francis  Lawler  now  as- 
sists Father  Clancy  in  the  administra- 
tion of  the  parish. 


Church  of  St.  Patrick,  Pana,  Christian  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  P.  Moroney 


To  write  the  full  story  of  St.  Pat- 
rick Parish,  Pana,  would  require  a 


large  volume.    Here,  however,  being 
limited  to  a  mere  historical  sketch, 


304 


Pana — St.  Patrick's  church.  Rev.  J.  P.  Moroney,  Pastor.  School  .  .  .  Paris — St.  Mary's 
Church,  Rectory,  School,  Rev.  J.  Cronin,  Pastor  .  .  .  Whitehall — All  Saints  Church  .  .  . 
Arenzville — St.  Fidelis  Church. 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


we  can  do  no  more  than  touch  briefly 
on  the  principal  aspects  of  the  Par- 
ish from  its  organization  to  the 
present  day.  But  even'  the  brief 
outline  of  a  congregation  that  has 
grown  from  the  few  to  the  many, 
and  from  poverty  to  a  comparative 
opulence  grandly  exemplified  in  a 
splendid  group  of  buildings  probably 
without  rival  of  its  kind  in  Illinois, 
will  doubtless  prove  both  interesting 
and  inspiring  to  the  reader. 

Away  back  in  1858,  the  year  after 
the  creation  of  Alton  as  a  Diocese, 
Father  Thomas  Cusack,  that  pioneer 
priest  of  blessed  memory,  organized 
the  St.  Patrick  Parish  of  Pana.  Two 
years  later  he  erected  a  modest 
frame  church  which  was  to  serve  the 
faithful  as  a  house  of  worship  until 
the  building  of  a  new  one  by  Father 
Ferdinand  Stick  in  1883.  During 
the  early  part  of  his  administration, 
Father  Cusack  was  assisted  by  Rev- 
erend Adolphus  Jacque.  Both  la- 
bored indefatigably  in  the  spiritual 
and  material  upbuilding  of  the  new 
Parish  in  the  face  of  privations 
characteristic  of  pioneer  missionary 
days. 

Once  organized,  the  parish  grew 
rapidly.  It  began  in  1858  with 
twelve  families;  seven  years  later, 
it  numbered  one  hundred  families. 
That  practically  all  the  early  mem- 
bers were  of  Irish  nationality  is  con- 
spicuously evident  from  the  Baptis- 
mal register  of  the  time  which  shows 
that  out  of  sixty-five  persons  bap- 
tized between  the  years  1863  and 
1865,  sixty-three  bore  distinctively 
Irish  names,  the  other  two  going  to 
the  German  and  French  national- 
ities. The  proportion  no  longer 
holds  good.  Those  of  Irish  extrac- 
tion are  today  comparatively  few. 
The  Slovaks  are  perhaps  the  strong- 
est single  unit  now  attending  church 
at  St.  Patrick. 

After  seven  years  of  work  abun- 
dantly crowned  with  success,  Father 
Cusack  bade  farewell  to  Pana  and 
began  the  organization  of  a  new 
Parish  at  Vandalia.  Reverend 
Julian  Turmel  then  took  charge  of 


St.  Patrick's,  and  it  was  during  his 
incumbency  (1865-73)  that  the  first 
parochial  school  was  started.  His 
immediate  successor,  Reverend  Fred- 
erick Lohman,  served  the  Parish  for 
a  little  more  than  a  year  to  be  then 
followed  by  Reverend  J.  Jacque  who 
remained  only  eight  months.  On 
October  24,  1875,  Father  John  Storp 
entered  office  and  remained  in 
charge  until  December  26,  1880.  The 
church  records  show  that  during  his 
five-year  pastorate  two  hundred 
persons  were  baptized,  many  of 
whom  are  today  the  pillars  of  St. 
Patrick's  congregation. 

Reverend  Henry  Joseph  Hoven 
was  the  next  Pastor  to  take  charge. 
His  stay  was  short;  from  January, 
1881,  to  October  of  the  same  year. 
Yet  during  these  ten  months  he  edu- 
cated the  people  to  the  necessity  of 
a  new  church  to  replace  the  old  one 
which  had  already  outlived  its  use- 
fulness. He  was  the  first  to  solicit 
funds  for  this  worthy  project.  This 
good  Father  visioned  a  great  future 
for  the  Catholics  of  Pana.  Were  he 
alive  today,  he  could  see  that  vision 
actually  realized. 

The  succeeding  incumbent,  Rev- 
erend Ferdinand  Stick,  sheparded 
the  Pana  flock  from  1881-1894.  His 
great  work  was  the  building  of  the 
new  church  projected  by  his  pred- 
ecessor. The  corner  stone  of  that 
edifice  was  laid  August  5,  1883,  by 
Bishop  Baltes.  The  dedication  took 
place  May  2  of  the  following  year, 
the  same  prelate  officiating.  In 
both  instances  large  and  enthusiastic 
crowds  were  present  to  witness  the 
inspiring  ceremonies.  The  solemnity 
of  the  dedication  was  greatly  en- 
hanced by  the  fact  that  the  Bishop 
on  that  occasion  confirmed  a  class 
of  seventy-five  persons.  The  new 
church  stood  complete  at  a  cost  of 
$16,000.00. 

Mention  must  be  here  made  of  a 
large,  wonderfully  clear  and  deep- 
toned  bell,  which  was  blessed  and 
placed  in  the  tower  of  the  church  in 
1886.  This  bell  now  stands  on  a 
belfry   erected   on   the   church   lawn 


305 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


and  still  continues  to  proclaim  to 
the  faithful,  as  in  days  gone  by,  its 
thrice  daily  message  of  joy. 

Father  Stick  was  also  instrumen- 
tal in  building  the  four-room  Sacred 
Heart  School  which  has  been  con- 
siderably enlarged  within  recent 
years. 

As  illustrative  of  the  size  of  the 
Parish  at  this  time  may  be  men- 
tioned the  fact  that  during  the  thir- 
teen years  of  Father  Stick's  pas- 
torate, there  were  950  baptisms,  150 
marriages  and  130  funerals. 

When  Father  Stick  was  trans- 
ferred to  Highland  in  1894,  Rev- 
erend William  Weigand  was  given 
charge  of  Pana.  His  term  (1895- 
1908)  was  marked  by  moderate  suc- 
cess. He  made  a  number  of  improve- 
ments on  the  church  property,  and 
was  earnest  in  the  discharge  of  the 
work  entrusted  to  his  care.  In  1908 
he  was  relieved  of  his  Parish  and 
assigned  the  less  onerous  position 
of  Chaplain  to  a  hospital.  He  died 
in  1925,  and  was  buried  in  the  Cal- 
vary Cemetery  of  his  home  town. 
Mt.  Sterling. 

The  pastors  of  St.  Patrick  Parish 
from  Father  Cusack  to  and  includ- 
ing Father  Weigand  were  assisted 
successively  by  Fathers  Paul  Sims, 
John  Kelly,  Antony  Hockmiller. 
George  Hensey,  W.  L.  Quatman,  A. 
Schokaert  and  A.  P.  Podgoresk. 

July  1,  1908,  a  successor  to  Father 
Weigand  was  named  in  the  person 
of  Reverend  John  P.  Moroney,  who, 
during  the  ten  preceding  years,  was 
Pastor  of  the  Mother  of  Sorrows 
Church,  Vandalia.  On  assuming 
charge,  the  new  Pastor  found  many 
difficulties  to  be  overcome.  Dis- 
sensions had  arisen  within  the  con- 
gregation during  the  reign  of  his 
predecessor  and  were  now  assuming 
serious  proportions.  Father  Mor- 
oney, however,  was  eminently  suited 
(none  more  so)  to  meet  and  solve 
the  delicate  situation.  He  was 
young,  full  of  priestly  enthusiasm, 
endowed  with  a  pleasing  personal- 
ity, and  a  spiritual  and  financial 
diplomat    to    his    finger    tips.      The 


result  was  that  in  a  very  short  time 
he  had  wiped  out  all  trace  of  trouble, 
and  had  the  congregation  working 
harmoniously  and  ready  to  obey  his 
slightest  behest. 

With  his  people  united  and  whole- 
heartedly behind  his  projects, 
Father  Moroney  began  a  series  of 
buildings  —  Parish  House,  Huber 
Memorial  Hospital,  Villa  St.  John 
(Nurses'  Home),  Community  House. 
a  large  addition  to  Sacred  Heart 
School,  and  the  new  St.  Patrick 
Church — which,  taken  in  the  group, 
have  as  yet  no  rival  in  this  Diocese. 
These  buildings  are  the  outcome  of 
the  trinity,  vision,  generosity,  and 
sacrifice,  the  story  of  which  would 
inspire  to  relate  in  detail.  But  here 
the  reader  must  be  content  with  a 
mere  mention  of  the  outstanding 
facts  explanatory  of  each.  The 
parsonage,  the  first  of  the  group  in 
order  of  time,  was  erected  and  ready 
for  occupancy  in  1911.  It  is  a  large 
handsome  home,  standing  on  a  lot 
formerly  owned  by  the  Dowlings. 
The  following  year,  the  Huber  Mem- 
orial Hospital  was  erected  on  a 
spacious  site,  five  blocks  south  of 
the  church.  This  hospital,  thorough- 
ly modern  in  design  and  equipment, 
is  state  accredited  and  can  easily  ac- 
commodate sixty  patients.  The 
Soeurs  Miserecordes  from  Montreal 
are  in  charge.  Next  came  the  sub- 
stantial addition  to  the  parochial 
school  effecting  an  almost  complete 
transformation  by  giving  it  four 
times  its  original  capacity.  The 
school  is  in  the  capable  hands  of 
eight  Dominican  Sisters  from  Sacred 
Heart  Convent,  Springfield,  Illinois. 
Villa  St.  John,  a  beautiful  combina- 
tion home  for  the  Hospital  Sisters 
and  Nurses,  and  a  large  Parish  Com- 
munity House,  one  of  the  first  and 
finest  of  its  kind  in  the  state,  were 
the  next  to  take  rise  under  the  in- 
spiration of  Father  Moroney. 

All  these  buildings  are  imposing 
in  design  and  substantially  con- 
structed of  brick. 

One  would  suppose  that  after  so 
much  work,  Father  Moroney  would 


306 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


now  rest  a  little.  But  not  so,  for  it 
was  then  he  began  the  crowning 
work  of  his  material  accomplish- 
ments, the  building  of  the  new  St. 
Patrick  Church.  This  splendid 
Romanesque  edifice  is  constructed 
of  steel,  cement  and  brick  with  Bed- 
ford Stone  trimmings.  The  corner 
stone  was  laid  August  21,  1924,  and 
quite  appropriately  on  March  17, 
1926,  the  new  St.  Patrick  Church— 
the  vision  splendid  realized — was 
solemnly  dedicated  by  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  Ordinary  of 
the  Diocese,  in  the  presence  of  a 
large  outpouring  of  clergy  and  laity. 
It  is  a  very  graceful  and  imposing 
structure ;  the  writer  has  seen  few 
such  in  the  Middle  West.  Its  crown- 
ing glory  is  its  magnificent  dome — 
the  sight  of  all  sights  worth  seeing 
in  Pana.  High  above  the  union  of 
the  transverse  lines  of  the  cruciform 
church  this  wonderful  half  sphere 
rests  beautiful  and  calm  as  if  held 
in  place  by  some  mighty  invisible 
hand. 

Let  me  summarize  by  saying  that 
this  new  church,  together  with  its 
five  auxiliary  buildings,  is  just  cause 
for  pride  among  the  Catholics  of 
Pana.  In  addition  it  is  a  great  civic 
asset  and  is  so  regarded  by  the  cit- 
izens in  general  irrespective  of  reli- 
gious affiliation. 

Father  Moroney's  material  accom- 
plishments, great  though  they  be, 
are  yet  but  the  compliment  to  his 
spiritual  labors  in  the  Parish.  Dur- 
ing his  administration  over  one 
thousand  persons  have  been  bap- 
tized, more  than  1,600  confirmed, 
over  400  couples  joined  in  holy  wed- 
lock, and  the  last  rites  of  Holy 
Church  pronounced  over  numerous 
dying  and  dead.  Since  1924  Bishop 
Griffin  has  visited  the  Parish  three 
times  and  on  each  occasion  con- 
firmed a  large  class. 

In  his  pastoral  work,  material  and 
spiritual,  Father  Moroney  has  re- 
ceived able  assistance  from  the  fol- 
lowing   named  priests    in    the    order 


herein  given :  Father  Francis  Shiels, 
Michael  Joseph  Mee,  Patrick  Fox, 
Andrew  E.  Robinson,  William  Whal- 
en,  Edmund  A.  Carey,  and  Joseph  E. 
Drackert,  the  present  assistant.  The 
Parish  Societies  too — Holy  Name,  B. 
V.  M.  Sodality,  Altar  and  St.  Ann  So- 
cieties, etc.,  have  ever  been  ready  to 
lend  a  helping  hand. 

A  notable  event  which  must  be  here 
recorded  is  the  celebration  of  Father 
Moroney 's  twenty-fifth  anniversary 
in  the  priesthood  which  took  place 
June  8,  1920.  On  that  occasion,  the 
Reverend  Jubilarian  's  popularity  was 
made  plainly  evident  by  the  number 
of  priests  and  people  who  attended 
the  festivities.  Very  Reverend  Dean 
Carroll  sang  the  Solemn  High  Mass, 
and  Doctor  W.  P.  Barr,  CM.,  of  Ken- 
rick  Seminary,  St.  Louis,  preached 
the  sermon. 

Pana  has  given  three  sons  to  the 
priesthood,  Fathers  Edmund  A. 
Brodmann,  James  O'Connor,  and  Leo 
Phillips,  and  many  consecrated 
daughters  now  serving  God  in  re- 
ligious communities  throughout  the 
country  claim  it  as  their  home  parish. 

Three  hundred  six  families  of 
various  nationalities  totaling  more 
than  twelve  hundred  persons  in  all 
make  up  the  congregation  at  the  pres- 
ent writing.  The  school  has  a  float- 
ing average  of  three  hundred  pupils. 

Reviewing  the  active  pastorate  of 
Father  Moroney  we  wonder  not  that 
he  should  break  under  the  strain 
necessitated  by  so  many  arduous  la- 
bors, spiritual  and  material.  In  1926, 
immediately  following  the  dedication 
of  the  new  church,  his  health  gave 
way  thus  compelling  him  to  take  a 
year's  vacation  to  restore  it.  During 
his  absence  Fathers  Dominic  F.  Lydon 
and  William  Sullivan  were  in  charge 
of  the  parish  the  former  for  the  first 
four  months  until  his  going  to  the  St. 
Louis  University,  and  the  latter  the 
remaining  eight  months  until  his  ap- 
pointment to  the  pastorate  of  Ston- 
ington.     Father  Moroney  is  now  re- 


307 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


newed  in  health  to  the  great  joy  of 
all  who  know  him  and  is  again  in  pas- 
toral    harness,     guiding    with    undi- 


minished devotion  the  destinies  of  the 
people  of  Pana  whom  he  has  so  long 
and  faithfully  served. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Paris,  Edgar  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1858 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Jeremiah  Cronin 


The  construction  of  what  is  now 
known  as  the  Big  Four  Railroad,  be- 
tween Terre  Haute  and  St.  Louis, 
brought  so  many  Catholics  to  Paris, 
through  which  the  road  passes,  that 
Reverend  Thomas  Ryan  changed  his 
residence  from  North  Arm  to  Paris  in 
1858.  In  1861,  Reverend  James 
Dempsey  succeeded  Father  Ryan,  re- 
mained only  a  few  months  and  was  re- 
placed in  Paris  by  Reverend  Joseph 
Vahey,  who  had  a  small  frame  church 
and  rectory  constructed  in  the  west 
part  of  town.  Up  to  this  time,  Mass 
was  offered  and  other  services  held  in 
structures  erected  originally  for  other 
purposes  in  different  parts  of  the  new 
town. 

Reverend  Henry  Joseph  Hoven 
succeeded  Father  Vahey  toward  the 
close  of  1862,  and  in  November,  1864, 
Father  Zingshein  took  Father  Hoven 's 
place.  Father  Laurent  was  put  in 
charge  in  1865,  and  Reverend  John  A. 
Sullivan  resided  here  from  1866  to 
1869.  Reverend  Longinus  Quitter 
seems  to  have  ministered  here  for  a 
short  time  before  the  incumbency  of 
Reverend  Thomas  F.  Mangan  in  1869 
and  1870.  Reverend  Sylvester  Wege- 
ner was  in  charge  from  1870  to  1873, 
and  Reverend  Adam  J.  Pennartz  in 
1873  and  1874,  then  came  Father 
Wegener  again  for  a  few  months  to 
be  succeeded  in  1874  by  Father  Bar- 
nard Hasse  who  remained  until  1880. 
Reverend  Philip  Joseph  Becker  had 
charge  for  a  short  time  in  1880  and 
the  Reverend  Patrick  Francis  Car- 
roll from  1880  to  1882;  then  came 
Reverend  Thomas  Masterson  from 
1882  to  1884,  and  Father  Joseph  Post- 
ner  from  1885  to  1898.  Father  Post- 
ner  labored  for  the  construction  of 
a  new  church  and  raised  some  fifteen 
thousand  dollars  for  this  purpose. 
Reverend     Bernard     Lee     succeeded 


Father  Joseph  Anthony  Postner  in 
1898.  Under  his  leadership,  the  pres- 
ent church  was  erected  on  North  Main 
Street,  a  splendid  Gothic  building  of 
brick  with  Bedford  stone  veneer,  hav- 
ing a  seating  capacity  of  six  hundred 
and  worth  at  least  $150,000.  Father 
Lee  also  built  a  substantial  brick 
school,  having  an  auditorium  large 
enough  to  seat  more  than  four  hun- 
dred. A  spacious  parsonage,  modern 
and  comfortable  also  stands  to  his 
credit.  These  two  buildings  are  worth 
not  less  than  $50,000. 

Reverend  Michael  J.  Minehan  as- 
sisted Father  Lee  from  1898  until 
1902,  taking  care  principally  of  the 
Catholics  resident  at  North  Arm,  for 
whom  Father  Lee  had  erected,  during 
the  time  of  his  residence  in  Paris,  a 
good  brick  church,  worth  today  not 
less  than  $20,000.  Reverend  John 
Crosson  succeeded  Father  Minehan 
and  remained  assistant  in  Paris  un- 
til 1905. 

Reverend  Patrick  Fallon  took  charge 
as  pastor  in  1904,  and  died  in  October, 
1921.  During  this  period,  besides 
Father  Crosson,  he  was  assisted  by 
Father  Peter  Masterson,  1905  to  1908  ; 
by  Father  John  Enright,  1908  to 
1910;  by  Father  James  McCarthy 
from  1910  until  his  death  in  an  auto- 
mobile accident,  together  with  John 
Dugan,  a  prominent  parishioner,  in 
September,  1915. 

Reverend  Michael  Donahoe  suc- 
ceeded Father  James  McCarthy  and 
remained  until  Reverend  Patrick  A. 
Lvons  took  Father  Fallon's  place  in 
1921.  Reverend  Philip  O  'Reilly  suc- 
ceeded Father  Donahoe  in  November, 
1921,  and  remained  until  June,  1924, 
when  Father  Daniel  O 'Grady  took  his 
place,  remaining  until  Januarj',  1925. 

After  the  death  of  Father  Lyons 
in  January,  1925,  Reverend  Jeremiah 


308 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY ALTON 


Cronin  was  appointed  to  his  place 
with  Reverend  William  J.  Wozniak 
assisting.  Father  John  Sullivan  who 
recently  came  from  Ireland,  is  now 
assistant. 

The  parish  school  at  St.  Mary's  has 
a  present  enrollment  of  sixty-three 
pupils.  The  Sisters  of  St.  Dominic  of 
Springfield,  Illinois,  are  in  charge  of 


the  school.  The  building  which  the 
Sisters  now  occupy  was  erected  dur- 
ing the  pastorate  of  Father  Fallon. 

At  the  present  writing,  the  parish 
has  180  families,  and  the  following 
active  societies:  Young  Ladies'  So- 
dality, Altar  Society,  Holy  Name  So- 
ciety, Holy  Childhood,  Propagation 
of  Faith,  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart. 


Church  of  St.  Louis,  Nokomis,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1859 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Clement  Johannes 


The  history  of  St.  Louis  Church 
of  Nokomis  dates  back  to  the  year 
1859,  when  Father  Colton  of  Litch- 
field attended  this  place  as  a  station, 
coming  about  once  a  year  to  give  the 
few  Catholics  in  this  vicinity  an  op- 
portunity of  performing  their  Eas- 
ter', duties.  This  was  three  years 
after  the  first  post  office  had  been 
established  here  upon  the  completion 
of  the  Alton  and  Terre  Haute,  now 
the  Big  Four  Railroad.  Until  1867 
irregular  services  were  held  in 
private  houses,  most  frequently  at 
the  home  of  Thomas  Tuohy,  who  was 
then  foreman  of  the  section  and  kept 
a  boarding  house  for  the  section  men 
in  a  building  which  stood  just  north 
of  the  railroad  and  just  east  of 
Spruce  street.  Beginning  with  1867 
Father  Thomas  Cusack  attended  No- 
komis regularly  once  a  month,  and 
services  were  held  in  what  was 
known  as  Blue's  Hall  at  the  corner- 
of  State  and  Spruce   streets. 

Father  Cusack  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Edward  Welch,  and  he  by 
Father  Julian  Turmell,  under  whom 
on  July  4,  1870,  the  congregation 
was  organized  with  the  incorporated 
title  "St.  Louis'  Roman  Catholic 
Church  of  Nokomis,  Montgomery 
County,  Illinois."  A  little  later  on, 
an  effort  was  made  to  change  the 
name  of  St.  Louis  to  St.  Patrick, 
but  permission  to  do  so  would  not 
be  granted. 

There  are  now  in  1925  only  two 
members  of  that  time  still  living: 
Mrs.  Mary  A.  Singer,  who  came  to 
Nokomis    in    1859,    and    Mrs.    Anna 


Monaghan,  who  came  about  the  year 
1867. 

In  1871  it  was  decided  to  build  a 
frame  church  34x54  feet  and  20  feet 
to  the  ceiling.  At  the  time  the  con- 
gregation numbered  but  25  families, 
about  half  of  them  Irish  and  half 
German,  and  it  was  found  a  difficult 
task  to  raise  the  $2,300  needed  to 
pay  for  the  church;  but  with  the 
generous  aid  of  Nokomis  merchants 
and  other  outsiders  it  was  finally 
accomplished. 

In  1873  Father  Frederic  Lohmann, 
located  at  Hillsboro,  bcame  the  at- 
tending priest  until  March,  1876, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Virnich,  who  remained 
in  charge  until  October,  1881.  In  the 
meantime  the  congregation  had  grown 
until  the  capacity  of  the  church  was 
taxed,  and  in  1879  an  addition  was 
built  large  enough  to  give  the  needed 
room.  Shortly  before  Father  Virnich 
left,  a  tract  of  land  containing  three 
acres  was  purchased  for  a  cemetery, 
which  in  due  time  was  consecrated. 

Reverend  John  Storp  became  pas- 
tor in  1881,  and  in  the  following  year 
bought  a  small  frame  building  situ- 
ated on  the  present  church  property 
for  the  sum  of  $924.00,  the  same  to 
be  used  as  a  rectory.  In  1883  an  ad- 
dition was  built  and  in  1884  Father 
Strop  took  up  his  residence  there, 
thus  becoming  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor. From  now  on  the  pastor's  time 
was  entirely  devoted  to  this  congrega- 
tion, whereas  before  it  had  been  at- 
tended from  Hillsboro  only  twice    a 


309 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


month.     There  were  at  this  time    a 
little  more  than  a  hundred  families. 

Reverend  Patrick  A.  Lyons  re- 
placed Father  Strop  in  November, 
1893  and  remained  until  July,  1897, 
when  Reverend  Clement  Johannes 
was  appointed  pastor. 

For  some  years  the  necessity  of  a 
new  church  had  been  recognized,  and 
the  new  pastor  was  urged  by  his 
superior  to  make  every  effort  in  his 
power  towards  the  attainment  of  that 
end.  On  May  1,  1898,  a  meeting  was 
called  to  consider  the  matter.  At  this 
meeting  the  pastor  offered  to  con- 
tribute $1,000  towards  the  erection  of 
a  new  and  handsome  church,  and  this 
aroused  the  enthusiasm  of  those  pres- 
ent to  such  a  degree  that  it  was  de- 
cided to  make  the  effort.  Father 
Johannes  immediately  began  an  ac- 
tive canvass  for  funds  and  met  with 
such  success  that  the  erection  of  a 
structure  of  which  the  congregation 
might  be  proud  was  soon  assured. 
Plans  were  secured,  and  under  the 
supervision  of  M.  Ohlman,  II.  J.  Ben- 
der and  William  Oberle,  directors, 
and  David  Herlihy  and  Frank 
Yackle,  trustees,  the  contract  was  let 
to  H.  Bergefeldt  of  Effingham,  and 
the  work  of  building  began.  On  July 
4,  1899,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  with 
impressive  ceremonies  by  the  Very 
Reverend  Vicar  General,  Timothy 
Hickey,  in  the  presence  of  a  great 
throng,  notwithstanding  the  rain 
which  was  almost  incessant  through- 
out the  day.  Work  continued  from 
that  time  until  completion  was 
reached,  and  on  May  24,  1900,  Ascen- 
sion Day,  the  finest  church  in  Mont- 
gomery County  was  dedicated,  a  last- 
ing and  magnificent  monument  to  the 
Catholics  of  Nokomis. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  lime- 
stone and  pressed  brick  in  Roman- 
esque style,  with  trimmings  of  Bed- 
ford stone  and  a  slate  roof,  and  cov- 
ers a  ground  space  of  55x120  feet. 
The  auditorium  is  84  feet  deep  and 
40  feet  from  floor  to  ceiling,  with 
beautiful  stained  windows  letting  in 
plenty  of  light.  A  tower  130  feet  high 
and  surmounted  by    a    large    gilded 


cross  rises  from  the  southwest  corner 
of  the  building,  and  contains  a  peal  of 
three  bells.  A  practical  organ  cost- 
ing $1,650.00  and  built  especially  to 
fit  the  surroundings  adorns  the  gal- 
lery, and  the  main  altar  at  the  op- 
posite end  was  erected  at  a  cost  of 
$1,000.00.  The  ceiling  and  side  walls 
are  beautifully  frescoed.  It  is  heated 
by  steam  and  lighted  with  236  incan- 
descent lights.  The  cost  of  the  church 
complete  was  $27,000. 

On  the  day  of  the  dedication  Bishop 
Ryan  of  Alton  celebrated  Mass  at  7 
o'clock  in  the  old  church  and  gave 
Holy  Communion  to  the  Confirma- 
tion class.  At  10  o'clock  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  new  church  began.  Bishop 
Ryan,  preceded  by  a  number  of 
priests,  proceeded  from  the  rectory  to 
the  main  entrance  of  the  new  church 
and  there  began  the  blessing  of  the 
structure.  When  the  doors  had  been 
thrown  open  for  admission  and  the 
building  was  well  crowded,  the  Rev- 
erend Andrew  Btuzkueben,  O.F.M., 
of  Quincy  delivered  an  impressive 
sermon  in  German.  Solemn  High 
Mass  was  then  celebrated,  with  Rev- 
erend John  Storp  as  celebrant,  Rev- 
erend Thomas  Masterson  as  deacon 
and  Very  Reverend  Patrick  J.  Car- 
roll as  sub-deacon ;  Very  Reverend  F. 
II.  Zabel,  D.D.,  and  Very  Reverend 
Ferdinand  Stik  assisting  at  the 
throne.  After  the  gospel,  Bishop 
Ryan  addressed  the  congregation  in 
English. 

In  the  afternoon  a  class  of  39 
males  and  27  females  was  confirmed 
by  Bishop  Ryan,  and  in  the  evening 
Father  William  Heffernan  of  Shel- 
byville  delivered  a  lecture,  taking  for 
his  subject  "The  Church,"  which  was 
treated  in  an  able  manner.  At  each 
service  the  new  church  was  filled  to 
its  capacity,  and  at  the  dedicatory 
service  not  all  who  wished  to  attend 
could  get  in. 

On  August  25th,  St.  Louis'  Day  of 
the  same  year,  a  peal  of  three  bells 
was  blessed  by  the  Very  Reverend 
Ferdinand  Stick,  D.D.,  after  a  Solemn 
High  Mass  celebrated  by  the  Very 
Reverend  Francis  H.  Zabel,  D.D.,  as- 


310 


EARLY   DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


sisted  by  Fathers  William  Weigand 
and  Henry  Eggenstein  as  deacon  and 
sub-deacon  respectively.  The  largest 
bell,  weighing  1,100  pounds,  was 
blessed  in  honor  of  St.  Louis ;  the  sec- 
ond, weight  600  pounds,  in  honor  of 
St.  Patrick,  and  the  smallest,  weigh- 
ing 350  pounds,  in  honor  of  St.  Boni- 
face. 

On  Sunday,  August  24,  1902,  our 
beautiful  stations  were  blessed  and 
erected  by  Reverend  Andrew  Butz- 
kueben,  O.F.M.,  then  pastor  of  St. 
Francis  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois.  In 
the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  the 
same  Father  blessed  a  large  iron 
crucifix  in  the  cemetery.  On  both  oc- 
casions he  also  delivered  the  sermon. 
During  the  course  of  the  year  1904, 
the  old  church  was  torn  down  and  re- 
built at  Witt,  where  it  was  given  the 
name  St.  Barbara. 

On  August  6,  1907,  a  cyclone 
struck  Nokomis  and  tore  away  the 
steeple  of  the  church  as  also  a  part 
of  the  main  roof ;  but  the  damage  was 
fully  covered  by  insurance,  and  soon 
a  more  beautiful  and  more  substantial 
steeple  replaced  the  old  one.  To- 
gether with  the  erection  of  a  new 
steeple  was  also  begun  the  building  of 
a  new  rectory  for  which  plans  had  al- 
ready been  accepted.  It  was  com- 
pleted towards  the  end  of  1908  at  a 
cost  of  $10,000.00,  exclusive  of  con- 
tents. 

As  a  result  of  the  sinking  of  two 
mines  in  the  neighborhood  of  No- 
komis, one  in  1906,  and  the  other  in 
1912,  the  congregation,  and  especial- 
ly the  number  of  children,  had  grown 
to  such  an  extent  that  a  school  became 
imperative.  Plans  for  a  school  and 
Sisters'  residence  combined  were 
submitted  by  the  architect,  F.  A. 
Ludewig  of  St.  Louis,  with  the  un- 
derstanding that  the  building  was  not 
to  be  much  in  excess  of  $25,000.  The 
contract  was  let  to  Mr.  H.  Wardein  of 
Alton  for  some  $26,000.00.  Work 
was  begun  in  the  Spring  of  1916  with 
the  intention  of  having  the  school 
ready  for  September,  but  it  was  soon 
evident  that  this  could  not  be  done. 
The  opening  of  the  school  did  not  take 


place  until  September,  1917,  in  which 
year  the  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
took  charge.  The  present  school  en- 
rollment is  161. 

On  August  20,  1918,  it  was  25  years 
since  Sister  Superioress  had  made 
her  profession.  In  order  to  celebrate 
the  day  of  her  Silver  Jubilee  in  a 
worthy  manner,  Miss  Bertha  J.  Sing- 
er and  the  pastor  had  the  chapel  of 
the  convent,  which  was  still  bare,  fur- 
nished with  a  beautiful  little  altar 
and  the  necessary  pews.  On  the  day 
itself  the  first  Mass — a  High  Mass- 
was  celebrated  there  by  the  pastor 
who  also  congratulated  the  jubilarian 
in  a  short  address  delivered  after  the 
Mass. 

On  May  30,  1920,  the  Golden 
Jubilee  of  the  parish  was  celebrated 
with  Solemn  High  Mass.  A  grand 
sermon  was  delivered  on  the  occasion 
by  Father  Fridolin,  O.M.C.,  and  a 
splendid  entertainment  given  in  the 
afternoon  and  the  next  day  in  the 
school  hall. 

On  September  19,  of  the  same  year, 
the  institution  of  Nokomis  Council 
No.  2189,  Knights  of  Columbus,  took 
place  with  a  big  initiation.  This  was 
followed  by  a  banquet  under  a  tent 
put  up  on  the  lawn  back  of  the 
church. 

On  May  26,  1922,  a  surprise  was 
sprung  on  the  pastor.  It  being 
twenty-five  years  since  his  appoint- 
ment to  Nokomis,  a  Solemn  High 
Mass  was  celebrated  to  commemorate 
the  occasion  and  Reverend  John  P. 
Moroney  preached  an  appropriate 
sermon.  On  the  same  day  an  enter- 
tainment was  given  in  the  school  hall 
at  which  a  purse  of  about  $3,000.00 
was  presented  to  the  Reverend  Jubi- 
larian who  at  once  placed  it  to  the 
church  account. 

On  the  following  June  15,  Corpus 
Christi  Day,  Reverend  Jerome  L. 
Marley,  a  child  of  the  congregation, 
celebrated  his  first  Solemn  High 
Mass,  Father  O'Malley  of  the  Ken- 
rick  Seminary  preaching  an  eloquent 
sermon  on  the  occasion.  Dinner  for 
the  visiting  clergy  and  the  relatives 
was  served  in  the  school  hall. 


311 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  Carlinville, 
Macoupin  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1859 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  George  P.  Hensey 


The  marshes  of  this  part  of  the 
State  were  drained  and  cultivated  by 
emigrants  from  Ireland,  England, 
and  Germany,  coming  here  as  early 
as  1820.  A  small  struggling  village 
was  started  in  the  midst  of  these 
swamps,  and  took  the  proud  name  of 
Carlinville  in  honor  of  Thomas  Car- 
lin,  then  Governor  of  Illinois. 

There  were  about  fifteen  Catholic 
families  in  and  around  this  village 
without  a  church  or  the  consolations 
of  religion.  The  exiles  from  Erin 
yearned  for  a  temple  of  God,  be  it 
ever  so  humble,  where  they  might  feel 
at  home  even  in  the  midst  of  poverty 
and  trackless  prairies.  Mr.  John 
Dohony,  a  pious  pioneer,  opened  his 
doors  and  fitted  up  a  room  in  his  log 
cabin  for  the  missionary  to  offer  the 
Holy  Sacrifice  of  Mass  and  to  admin- 
ister the  Sacraments.  Thus,  in  1857- 
58,  the  few  children  of  the  Church 
would  assemble  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
Dohony  before  a  rude  altar,  in  a  home 
of  poverty,  to  honor  and  thank  God, 
and  to  keep  the  Faith  they  received 
on  the  hallowed  soil  of  Ireland. 

The  Reverend  Patrick  Kerren  col- 
lected four  hundred  dollars  after 
many  heartaches  and  weeks  of  pa- 
tient toil  ,and  in  the  summer  of  1859 
a  small  brick  building  planned  under 
the  fostering  care  of  Fathers  Kerren 
and  Schreiber  was  completed  in  a 
month.  This  building,  though  small 
and  bearing  the  evidence  of  time,  still 
stands  on  the  west  part  of  the  parish 
property  as  a  silent  memorial  of  the 
piety  and  apostolic  zeal  of  pioneer 
priests  and  people.  This  was  the  first 
Temple  of  God  in  the  village  of  Car- 
linville. 

Soon  the  scattered  children  of  the 
Church  assembled  in  larger  numbers 
and  invited  the  exiles  of  Germany 
to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  religion. 
In  a  few  years,  the  congregation  in- 


creased to  thirty  families  and  chil- 
dren were  in  evidence  everywhere. 

Reverend  John  Janssen,  after- 
wards Bishop  of  Belleville,  saw  the 
necessity  of  a  larger  and  more  elab- 
orate structure.  In  November,  1867, 
Father  Janssen  planned  and  col- 
lected funds  for  the  magnificent 
building  of  today.  March  5,  1868, 
Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  D.D.,  then  Bishop  of  Alton, 
laid  the  corner  stone  of  St.  Mary's 
before  the  largest  throng  ever  as- 
sembled in  the  history  of  the  village. 
It  is  a  historical  fact  that  many  of 
the  faithful  in  spite  of  their  poor 
facilities  of  transportation  came  a 
distance  of  50  miles  to  be  present 
at  the  ceremony. 

In  the  summer  of  1869,  a  cyclone 
passed  over  Carlinville,  and  tested 
the  faith  of  the  pious  people  by 
leveling  the  Church  to  the  ground. 
After  this  catastrophe,  that  might 
shake  the  faith  in  any  heart,  we 
find  the  exiles  of  Erin  with  the 
patience  of  Job  and  the  faith  of  St. 
Peter  gathering  the  fragments  to- 
gether and  rebuilding  their  Temple 
of  God. 

The  Catholics  of  German  descent, 
however,  decided  to  separate  from 
the  Parish  and  to  build  a  church  of 
their  own.  Bishop  Baltes,  gave  ap- 
proval, and  soon  the  church  of  St. 
Joseph  was  erected,  and  still  claims 
the  children  of  those  that  aban- 
doned St.  Mary's  in  1859. 

The  present  magnificent  structure 
was  ready  for  divine  worship  in  a 
few  months,  and  the  saintly  Father 
Hoven  offered  the  first  Mass,  Au- 
gust 15,  1860. 

The  Church  of  St.  Mary  is  indeed 
a  beautiful  specimen  of  the  Gothic 
Architecture  with  harmony  all 
around.  The  interior  is  devotional 
and  beautified  by  masterpieces  of 
art.    The  three  altars  are  in  keeping 


312 


Nokomis  si.  Louis  Church,  Rev.  C.  Johannes,  Pastor,  Old  Church,  School  .  .  .  Lit*  h- 
field  Interior  of  si.  Main's  Church,  si.  Muni's  School,  Rectory  .  .  .  New  Berlin  Sacred 
Heart  of  Mary  Church,  School,  Rectory  .  .  .  Winchestei  si  Mark's  Church,  Re\  M.J. 
O'Mullane,  Pastor. 


Tk£  LIBRAKY 

Of  Thfc 

HRIYERSmf  OF  SLU«0»S 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY ALTON 


with  the  Gothic  taste,  and  the  sanc- 
tuary, gorgeous  and  spacious,  will 
accommodate  one  hundred  people. 
The  large  pipe  organ  is  the  latest  in 
organ  building  and  one  of  the  finest 
in  the  diocese. 

At  present  the  parish  has  85  fam- 
ilies and  the  following  societies 
which  contribute  much  to  its  social 
life:  Altar  Society,  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  Knights  of  Columbus, 
Catholic  Daughters  of  America, 
Catholic  Boys  Brigade,  and  Holy 
Name  Society. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  priests 
who,  from  the  earliest  records,  la- 


bored in  St.  Mary's  Parish:  Rev- 
erend Patrick  Kerren,  1858-59 ;  Rev- 
erend John  J.  Brennan,  1859-61 ; 
Reverend  Francis  Schreiber,  1861- 
67 ;  Reverend  John  Janssen,  1867-68  ; 
Reverend  Henry  Hoven,  1868-78 ; 
Reverend  Lawrence  Hoey,  1879-88 ; 
Reverend  John  Patrick  Kerr,  1889- 
93;  Reverend  John  C.  Daw,  1893- 
95 ;  Reverend .  Thomas  Masterson, 
1895-99;  Reverend  Thomas  Costello. 
1899-1909;  Reverend  Andrew  A. 
McDonnell,  1909-25;  Reverend  Wil- 
liam A.  Toomey,  Reverend  Andrew 
Robinson,  1925 ;  Reverend  George 
Hensey,  1925 . 


Church  of  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville,  Cass  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1859 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Joseph  0  'Dwyer 


The  first  organization  of  the  town 
of  Arenzville  occurred  July  9,  1853, 
when  the  first  election  for  Town 
Trustees  was  held.  A  Catholic,  Fran- 
cis Avery,  was  elected  the  first  pres- 
ident. 

Father  Heimerling  visited  Arenz- 
ville in  the  year  1859.  He  made  ar- 
rangements to  say  Mass  twice  a  year 
for  the  seven  Catholic  families  there. 
It  is  probable  that  he  attended  it 
from  Beardstown.  From  1866  to 
1868,  the  people  were  without  Mass. 
Reverend  Albert  C.  Busch  attended 
them  from  1868  to  1873,  but  only 
about  three  times  a  year  and  then 
Mass  was  celebrated  on  a  week  day. 

The  following  are  the  old  settlers 
from  1864  to  1871:  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Stauf,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sewalt,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hites,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stephan, 
Mrs.  Edward  Hienz,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Yeek  and  Mr.  Francis  Arenz. 

From  1859  to  1882,  Mass  was  said 
in  various  houses.  In  the  year  1882, 
a  few  Catholic  members  came  from 
Germany.    One  was  Valentine  Hab- 


ling,  who  proved  a  very  valuable  ad- 
dition to  the  church.  He  was  instru- 
mental in  buying  a  home,  consisting 
of  two  rooms,  which  was  situated  on 
the  site  of  the  present  church.  It  was 
well  calculated  to  provide  a  house  of 
worship  for  the  little  congregation. 
Reverend  William  Weigand  was  pas- 
tor at  this  time.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Gesenhues,  who,  realizing  that 
the  little  building  was  too  small  for 
the  congregation,  built  the  present 
church  which  was  dedicated  on 
October  13,  1899.  It  was  attended 
from  Beardstown  during  those  years 
until  in  the  year  1902,  Right  Rever- 
end James  Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
Illinois,  attached  it  to  Virginia. 

From  1902-06,  and  from  1906-15,  it 
was  attended  by  Reverend  Michael  J. 
Davis,  and  Reverend  Jeremiah  Cron- 
in,  respectively.  The  present  pastor, 
Reverend  Joseph  O 'Dwyer,  has  been 
in  charge  since  1915. 

The  congregation  at  this  writing 
consists  of  sixteen  families,  and  is  at- 
tended from  Virginia. 


Church  of  the  Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 

Litchfield,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1859 

Present  Pastor:    Very  Reverend  Patrick  F.  Carroll,  R.D. 


When  the  engineers  of    the    Terre 
Haute  and  Alton  railroad  were  lay- 


ing out  the  line  of  that  road,  they  in- 
dicated, in  a  general  way,  the    spots 


313 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN   ILLINOIS 


where  prospective  towns  might  be  lo- 
cated. The  site  of  what  is  now  Litch- 
field was  recommended  and  chosen 
for  a  town  where  the  undulating 
prairie  merges  into  the  broken  ground 
approaching  the  channel  through 
which  Shoal  Creek  runs,  as  affording 
good  drainage  and  possibly  a  good 
water  supply.  A  syndicate  composed 
of  Josiah  Hunt,  Chief  Engineer  of 
the  Railroad,  Honorable  Joseph  Gil- 
lespie of  Edwardsville,  and  others, 
bought  out  the  original  owners  and 
proceeded  to  lay  out  the  town.  This 
work  was  done  in  October,  1853  by 
the  County  Surveyor,  Thomas  A. 
Gray,  who  marked  the  main  streets 
as  well  as  the  boundary  lines  by  fur- 
rows plowed  through  the  corn  fields. 
The  interests  of  the  syndicate  were 
finally  sold  to  E.  B.  Litchfield  of 
Brooklyn,  New  York,  and  it  was  his 
name  that  was  given  to  the  town.  On 
November  24,  1854,  the  railroad  con- 
struction reached  the  western  lines  of 
Litchfield  and  was  made  the  occasion 
of  a  joyous  celebration  on  the  part 
of  the  people  of  the  surrounding 
country,  and  the  workmen — the  build- 
ers of  the  road.  The  rumor  that  the 
railroad  would  build  shops  here 
caused  quite  a  rise  in  real  estate 
values  and  lots  which  had  formerly 
sold  for  Ten  Dollars  now  advanced  to 
Fifty  Dollars.  At  the  close  of  1854 
there  had  been  erected  six  small 
frame  dwellings  and  by  the  close  of 
1855  their  number  had  increased  to 
ten.  In  1855,  toward  the  close  of  the 
year,  ground  was  broken  for  the  new 
railroad  shops  and  the  place  began 
to  assume  the  proportions  of  a  real 
city. 

Very  many  of  the  men  employed  in 
the  construction  of  the  railroad  were 
Irishmen — strong,  brainy,  and  vigor- 
ous in  body  and  mind,  and  above  all 
firm  in  the  love  of  their  religion  and 
the  utmost  fidelity  in  the  practice  of 
their  Faith.  Such  was  the  character 
of  the  founders  of  St.  Mary's  Parish. 
They  soon  won  and  then  retained  the 
respect  and  esteem  of  their  fellow  citi- 
zens. The  greatest  good  will  and  help- 


ful harmony  prevailed  everywhere. 
This  has  been  maintained  among  the 
representative  people  of  the  com- 
munity down  to  the  present  time. 
There  was  a  happy,  glad,  buoyant 
spirit  everywhere,  "And  the  resonant 
Irish  brogue  could  be  heard  on  every 
hand."  About  this  time  also  some 
immigrants  from  Ireland  bought  land 
and  proceeded  to  establish  their 
homes  in  this  community.  Among 
them  were  Michael  Kelly,  David 
Flynn,  Timothy  Dinkins,  John  Doran, 
Michael  Cleary  and  others. 

In  1856  the  Catholics  began  to 
build  homes  and  contributed  their 
share  to  the  substantial  advancement 
of  the  city.  In  1857  Reverend  P. 
Cody  from  Paris,  Illinois,  came  to 
minister  to  their  spiritual  needs.  He 
arrived  in  Litchfield  on  November  7, 
1857,  and  the  next  day  Mass  was  cele- 
brated for  the  first  time  in  Litchfield, 
in  the  home  of  John  Timmons  on 
the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Jackson 
Streets.  The  first  baptism  took  place 
on  November  8,  1857,  wl  tn  James, 
the  son  of  Michael  and  Catherine 
O'Neil,  was  baptized  in  their  home. 
Father  Cody  continued  to  come  to 
Litchfield  about  once  a  month  and 
celebrated  Mass  in  various  homes, 
particularly  in  those  of  Owen  Mc- 
Shane  and  Martin  Lynch.  Beginning 
about  the  middle  of  June,  1858, 
Father  James  J.  Brennan  of  Alton, 
looked  after  the  mission  until  Feb- 
ruary, 1859.  About  March  1,  1859, 
Reverend  Michael  Colton  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Litchfield  and  at  once  began  the  work 
of  providing  a  place  of  worship  for 
the  people.  His  efforts  were  gladly 
seconded  by  the  people  and  within  a 
year  a  modest  brick  church  was  erect- 
ed on  the  corner  of  Columbia  and 
Jackson  Streets.  The  pastor  was  able 
to  collect  about  one-half  of  the  cost 
as  well  as  look  after  the  providing  of 
materials  and  other  necessary  details 
of  the  work.  The  other  half  was  taken 
care  of  by  loans  made  by  the  members 
out  of  their  little  savings,  among 
them  was  one  by  Martin  Lynch  for 
Seven  Hundred  Dollars,  which  he  aft- 


314 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


erwards  generously  cancelled,  thus 
making  a  very  large  contribution  to 
the  Church.  In  November,  1860, 
Father  Colton  was  succeeded  by  Rev- 
erend C.  Gonant,  who  took  up  his 
residence  in  the  small  dwelling  near 
the  church,  rented  for  his  use  by  the 
congregation.  He  at  once  set  about 
liquidating  the  debt  which  the  con- 
gregation had  incurred  in  building 
the  church  and  also  raised  a  fund  for 
a  more  commodious  dwelling.  He  was 
soon  able  to  erect  a  neat,  substantial, 
two-story  brick  residence.  This  he 
paid  for  as  well  as  the  balance  due 
on  the  church. 

The  congregation  now  grew  by 
leaps  and  bounds,  for  a  considerable 
number  of  families  had  settled  on  the 
land  in  that  vicinity,  and  from  Mt. 
Olive  and  as  far  south  as  Staunton, 
from  Clyde  now  known  as  Hornsby, 
from  Gillespie  and  from  Raymond, 
came  people  to  St.  Mary's  as  their 
parish  church.  These  with  the  large 
number  of  workmen  in  the  shops,  on 
the  railroad,  and  in  the  Planet  Mill, 
constituted  a  large  parish.  This  will 
be  evident  when  we  note  that  the 
number  of  baptisms  in  the  year  1869 
had  risen  to  eighty-eight,  and  the 
Easter  Communions  to  Seven  Hun- 
dred Sixty.  In  January,  1870,  Father 
Gonant  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Leopold  Moczygemba,  O.M.C.,  who 
seeing  the  large  number  of  children 
that  thronged  the  church  on  Sundays, 
for  Catechism  and  Instructions,  set 
about  building  a  school.  He  moved 
out  from  the  dwelling  erected  by  his 
predecessor  and  made  it  the  central 
part  of  a  new  building,  placing  an 
addition  on  eacli  end,  one  for  the 
school  and  the  other  for  the  convent. 
The  school  and  convent  formed  quite 
an  imposing  building  for  that  time 
and  held  the  honor,  for  many  years, 
of  being  the  best  building  in  Litch- 
field. The  Ursuline  Sisters,  from  Al- 
ton, were  the  teachers  and  conducted 
a  very  successful  parish  school,  as 
well  as  an  academy  for  young  ladies. 
The  school  and  academy  were  patron- 
ized   by     considerable     numbers     of 


Protestants,  especially  those  of  Ger- 
man nationality  who  were  then  com- 
ing to  this  locality  in  large  numbers. 

Hardly  had  the  school  building 
been  finished  when  the  city  and  con- 
gregation suffered  a  very  severe  set- 
back in  the  removal  of  the  railroad 
shops  to  Mattoon.  A  very  large  num- 
ber of  the  people  who  worked  in  the 
shops  moved  with  them  to  that  city, 
among  them  many  Catholics.  The 
congregation,  however,  met  the  crisis 
with  fortitude,  and  with  the  building 
of  the  new  car  works  in  1872  the  town 
resumed  its  normal  condition  of  pros- 
perity. On  April  10,  1873,  Father 
Moczygemba  was  succeeded  by  the 
Reverend  Anthony  Vogt  who  con- 
tinued the  work  of  his  predecessor 
until  August,  1874,  when  he  in  turn 
was  succeeded  by  the  Reverend  J. 
Meckel. 

The  principal  event  occurring  dur- 
ing Father  Meckel's  administration 
was  the  coming  of  the  Hospital  Sis- 
ters of  St.  Francis,  from  Springfield, 
to  establish  a  hospital  in  Litchfield. 
They  occupied  a  small  building,  for- 
merly a  dwelling  on  the  corner  of 
Columbia  and  Jackson  Streets  op- 
posite the  church  and  from  this  mod- 
est beginning  has  developed  the  mag- 
nificent Hospital  now  located  on 
State  Street,  and  which  is  the  second 
largest  institution  of  its  kind  in  the 
Diocese.  The  congregation  is  indeed 
indebted  to  the  sisters  of  the  Hospital 
for  their  faithful  assistance  in  the  up- 
building of  the  parish  and  the  com- 
ing of  the  institution  marked  a  red 
letter  day  in  the  history  of  the  city, 
whether  it  be  considered  as  a  center 
radiating  Catholic  faith  and  life,  or 
as  exhibiting  the  power  of  Catholic 
Charity  or  as  a  financial  asset  in  the 
city's  development. 

On  January  1,  1876,  Father  Wil- 
liam Cluse  succeeded  Father  Meckel, 
continuing  his  pastorate  until  Oc- 
tober 1,  188] .  His  name  is  still  held 
in  benediction  in  the  parish  by  all 
who  knew  him.  During  his  adminis- 
tration the  new  cemetery,  five  acres 
in  extent  and  beautifully  located, 
was  purchased  and  laid  out  at   the 


315 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


cost  of  nearly  $1,000.00.  It  was 
consecrated  by  Bishop  Baltes  in 
June,  1876,  named  Holy  Cross  Cem- 
etery, and  into  it  are  now  gathered 
all  the  pioneer  settlers  with  scarcely 
an  exception  and  their  memory  is 
cherished  with  profoundest  respect 
and  grateful  admiration.  In  Oc- 
tober, 1881,  Father  Cluse  was  trans- 
ferred to  Germantown  and  Reverend 
Michael  Weis  was  appointed  to  suc- 
ceed him.  He  remained  only  a  few 
months  being  sent  on  May  1,  as 
pastor  to  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church 
in  Springfield. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1882,  Rev- 
erend Patrick  P.  Carroll  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  St.  Mary  Church 
and  on  August  1st  of  that  year  en- 
tered upon  his  duties.  He  was 
accorded  a  very  hearty  welcome  by 
the  community  at  large.  The  No- 
vember following  his  arrival,  a  fair 
was  held  which  netted  $1,102.10,  an 
amount  exceptionally  large  for  the 
time,  which  gave  the  people  the 
greatest  hope  that  they  would  be 
able  to  build  the  new  church  which 
Bishop  Baltes  had  declared  to  be  a 
"really  urgent  necessity". 

In  accordance  with  the  wish  of 
the  pastor,  a  meeting  was  called  in 
May,  1883,  to  apportion  among  the 
members  the  amount  each  should 
pay  to  raise  the  first  $10,000.00.  A 
few  minutes  before  the  hour  ap- 
pointed for  the  meeting  a  committee 
representing  the  German  portion  of 
the  congregation  called  on  Father 
Carroll  and  announced  their  deter- 
mination to  build  a  church  for  them- 
selves. This  withdrawal  of  a  little 
more  than  one-third  of  the  congrega- 
tion, already  diminished  in  numbers 
by  the  establishment  of  parishes  in 
the  neighboring  towns,  caused  some 
apprehension.  Nevertheless,  the 
morale  and  efficiency  of  St.  Mary's 
remained  unimpaired  by  the  defec- 
tion. Preliminary  steps  to  building 
the  new  church  were  taken  as  if 
nothing  had  happened.  Two  years 
were  devoted  to  collecting  funds  and 
providing  material  for  the  building. 
Six    lots,    facing    on    State    Street 


where  the  church  now  stands,  were 
purchased  from  Father  Cluse,  C.  J. 
Ludeman,  and  Peter  Kane  at  a  cost 
of  $1,800.00.  On  the  16th  of  May, 
1886,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  by 
the  Very  Reverend  John  Jannsen, 
Administrator  of  the  Diocese.  Very 
Reverend  Monsignor  Timothy  Hick- 
ey,  V.G.,  preached  the  sermon,  which 
was  a  masterpiece  of  earnest,  inspir- 
ing eloquence.  On  Christmas  morn- 
ing, in  1886,  the  first  Mass  was  cel- 
ebrated in  the  new  church  in  the 
presence  of  a  great  throng  of  people, 
happy  and  joyous  to  see  their  dream 
of  a  new  church  realized.  On  July 
1,  1888,  the  church  was  dedicated  by 
Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  while 
Bishop  Spaulding  of  Peoria,  with 
characteristic  eloquence,  preached 
the  sermon  of  the  occasion  to  a  large 
and  representative  audience. 

The  cost  of  the  church  without 
any  furnishings  was  $26,700.00.  This, 
with  the  cost  of  the  lots  upon  which 
it  stands,  brings  the  total,  not  in- 
cluding furnishings,  to  $28,500.00. 

In  1890  a  new  and  commodious 
pastoral  residence  costing  $8,700 
was  erected  beside  the  church  and 
facing  State  Street. 

After  nearly  twenty  years,  the 
walls  and  ceiling  of  the  church  had 
become  a  little  dingy  and  a  renova- 
tion was  thought  desirable.  Lieber 
Brothers  of  Louisville,  Kentucky, 
did  the  work  and  made  the  interior 
of  the  church  beautiful  indeed.  Mr. 
C.  Lieber  also  painted  the  figures  of 
the  four  Evangelists  which  adorn 
the  sides  of  the  sanctuary.  In  1902 
electric  lights  were  installed  in  the 
church  and  house  at  a  cost  of 
$312.00. 

That  same  year  the  interior  beauty 
of  the  church  was  further  enhanced 
by  the  installation  of  new  altars, 
stations  of  the  cross,  statuary,  etc. 
These  furnishings  were  all  donations 
by  the  pastor  and  the  people. 

In  1892  the  Dominican  Sisters 
from  Springfield  took  charge  of  St. 
Mary  School.  Mother  Thomasina 
was  superior  and  with  her  were 
Sister    Mary    Lawrence    and    Sister 


316 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Regina.  They  were  industrious, 
devout  religious  who  took  up  their 
work  with  a  sympathetic  interest  in 
their  precious  charges.  Their  work 
has  been  eminently  successful.  In 
1925  a  new  steam  heating  plant  was 
installed  in  the  convent  and  school, 
and  a  new  and  beautiful  chapel  ar- 
ranged for  the  Sisters,  and  other  im- 
provements made  at  a  cost  of 
$5,300.00.  The  hope  had  been  cher- 
ished that  an  entirely  new  school 
building  could  be  erected  to  take  the 
place  of  the  old  one  and  for  this 
purpose  a  fund  of  $20,000.00  was 
very  generously  subscribed.  How- 
ever, prices  of  material  and  the  cost 
of  construction  had  increased  to 
such  a  figure  that  it  was  thought 
best  not  to  incur  a  heavy  debt  in 
carrying  out  the  work  immediately. 
Accordingly,  the  money  was  invested 
in  Government  Bonds  at  a  rate  of 
interest  which  will  increase  it  to 
$30,000.00  in  ten  years.  This  will 
enable  the  congregation  to  build  a 
beautiful  and  well  appointed  new 
school  without  having  to  contract  a 
heavy  indebtedness.  Tn  the  mean- 
time the  old  school  building  will 
serve  its  purpose  very  well. 

The  following  gentlemen  have  had 
the  honor  of  being  Trustees  of  St. 
Mary  Church:  D.  J.  Allman,  B.  Mc- 
Shane,  Daniel  Ganey,  P.  Kelly,  D. 
Mclnerney,  R.  McElligott,  C.  B.  Mun- 
day,  and  M.  W.  Kniery. 

A  Cemetery  organization  estab- 
lished in  1925,  and  composed  of 
twelve  lay  members  and  Fathers  Car- 
roll and  Stengel,  see  to  it  that  God's 
Acre  is  kept  neat  and  trim  as  becomes 
the  last  resting  place  of  the  dear  de- 
parted dead. 

The  parish  at  present  consists  of 
115  families  totaling  about  426  souls, 
and  a  school  enrollment  of  115  pupils. 
From  this  history  of  St.  Mary 's  Par- 
ish it  must  not  be  inferred  that  the 
brick  and  mortar  period  engaged  all 
the  energy  of  the  congregation  for  the 
spiritual  part  has  been  truly  vital. 
The  Holy  Name  Society  claims  nearly 
every  man  in  the  congregation.  The 
League  of  the    Sacred    Heart    draws 


large  numbers  of  men  and  women, 
boys  and  girls,  to  Communion  every 
First  Friday.  The  Sodality  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  is  indeed  a  select 
group  of  the  best  young  ladies  in  the 
parish.  The  Society  of  the  Propaga- 
tion of  the  Faith  has  a  large  member- 
ship, and  the  children's  Auxiliary  to 
this  organization  includes  all  the 
children  in  the  parish.  The  Litch- 
field Council  of  the  Knights  of  Col- 
umbus has  a  large  membership  and 
their  strong  influence  is  always  for 
good.  From  out  of  the  parish  have 
come  six  priests.  Twelve  young 
ladies  have  entered  religious  com- 
munities of  Sisters. 

On  May  18,  1924,  Bishop  Griffin 
made  his  first  visit  to  Litchfield  and 
was  given  an  enthusiastic  welcome  by 
the  members  of  both  St.  Mary's  and. 
St.  Aloysius  Parishes,  while  a  parade 
of  about  100  automobiles  led  by  the 
Hillsboro  band  conveyed  him  to  St. 
Mary's  where  a  great  throng  of  peo- 
ple, Catholic  and  Protestant,  had  as- 
sembled on  the  lawn.  Father  Carroll 
introduced  Judge  Harry  C.  Stuttle 
who  made  a  fine  address  of  welcome, 
and  the  Bishop  fittingly  acknowl- 
edged the  sentiments  expressed  and 
the  welcome  given  him. 

On  Sunday  morning,  May  19, 
Bishop  Griffin  offered  the  first  Pon- 
tifical High  Mass  ever  celebrated  in 
this  section,  with  Father  Carroll  as 
assistant  priest,  Father  Oppenheim 
and  Father  Weigand  as  deacons  of 
honor,  and  Fathers  Tarrent  and  Sten- 
gel as  deacon  and  sub-deacon  respec- 
tively. Special  music  was  rendered 
by  the  choir  which  was  augmented  for 
the  service  by  an  orchestra  composed 
of  Mrs.  C.  F.  Bartling,  Mrs.  L.  A. 
Hussey,  and  Carl  H.  Zuber.  The 
Bishop  preached  a  beautiful  sermon 
and  confirmed  124  persons,  making 
the  day  one  long  to  be  remembered 
as  an  occasion  of  joyous  solemnity 
and  inspiring  interest. 

At  the  country's  call,  36  young 
men  of  the  congregation  enlisted  in 
the  late  war,  one  of  whom,  Edward  A. 
Kniery,   died    in    action    while    two 


317 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


others  died  as  a  direct  result  of  ail- 
ments contracted  in  the  service. 

A  history  of  St.  Mary's  Parish 
would  indeed  be  incomplete  without  a 
few  words  of  appreciation  of  the  un- 
tiring and  self-sacrificing  labor  of  our 
zealous  and  saintly  pastor,  Very 
Reverend  Dean  P.  E.  Carroll,  un- 
selfishly expended  during  his  forty- 
four  years  as  our  spiritual  director. 
Coming  to  St.  Mary  in  the  flower  of 
his  youth,  a  strong,  vigorous,  young 
priest,  he  immediately  took  up  the 
heavy  task  which  awaited  him  and  in 
the  face  of  numerous  obstacles  reared 
an  edifice  that  would  do  credit  to  a 
much  larger  congregation  than  that 
of  which  he  is  the  pastor.  His  school 
has  always  been  a  source  of  inspira- 
tion to  his  people,  and  every  year  his 
Novena  to  the  Sacred  Heart,  with  its 
brilliant  closing  service,  is  looked  for- 
ward to  with  joyous  anticipation,  not 
only  by  the  people  of  his  own  parish, 
but  by  the  priests  and  people  in  all 
the  surrounding  towns. 

Of  the  congregation  of  sturdy  Irish 
immigrants  who  received  Father  Car- 
roll as  their  pastor  upon  his  coming 
to  Litchfield,  only  a  few  remain,  but 
the  great  love  he  won  from  them  he 
now  gives  back  in  fullest  measure  to 
their  children  and  their  children's 
children.  His  brilliant  mind  and 
keen  intellect,  his  dignity  and  reserve, 
and  his  steadfast  fidelity  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  righteousness  command  for 
him  the  respect  and  esteem  of  his 
neighbors  of  all  classes  and  creeds. 
No  pastor  in  the  Diocese  is  more  loved 
and  respected  and  none  more  worthy 
of  honor. 

A  beautiful  and  co-operative  spirit 
of  good  will  exists  between  the  Catho- 
lics and  the  non-Catholics    of   Litch- 


field— a  spirit  in  no  small  measure 
due  to  the  benign  influence  of  the 
venerable  Dean  Carroll. 

Since  this  manuscript  of  the  his- 
tory of  St.  Mary's  Church  has  been 
written,  the  fund  started  in  1920  for 
improving  the  school  and  convent, 
amounting  to  $21,000.00,  has  encour- 
aged the  pastor  and  his  people  to  go 
forward  with  the  prospective  im- 
provements. 

Plans  were  prepared  by  E.  A.  Felix 
formerly  of  Litchfield,  now  of  St. 
Louis.  A  beautiful  new  community 
hall  and  auditorium  has  been  erected. 
The  front  is  particularly  imposing 
consisting  of  four  fine  columns  of 
classic  form  of  fine  Bedford  stone. 
The  dimensions  are  seventy-five  feet 
long  and  thirty-four  feet  wide.  The 
height  of  the  ceiling  is  twenty-two 
feet.  The  building  has  a  fine  stage 
and  seating  capacity  of  about  three 
hundred. 

The  convent  building  has  been  ve- 
neered with  Alton  buff  brick  to  har- 
monize with  the  new  building  and 
together  they  present  a  very  fine  ap- 
pearance. The  school  rooms  have 
been  remodeled,  new  floors  and  new 
ceiling,  giving  it  the  appearance  of  a 
new  structure. 

The  steeple  of  the  church  will  be 
started  at  once  generally  adding  to 
the  beauty  of  the  buildings. 

These  improvements  when  complete 
will  approximate  $27,000.00. 

The  veteran  Pastor,  Dean  Carroll, 
is  very  happy  over  the  successful 
completion  of  this  work,  which  rep- 
resents the  culmination  of  many  and 
varied  building  activities  sponsored 
by  him  during  his  long  and  fruit- 
ful pastorate  of  forty-six  years  in 
Litchfield. 


Church  of  All  Saints,  White  Hall,  Greene  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1859 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Frank  Lawler 


As  early  as  1859  Whitehall  had  an 
organized  Catholic  mission  which  was 
then  attended  from  Jerseyville,  and 
continued  so  to  be  attended  for  a 
number  of  years  afterwards.   In  1883 


a  church  building,  dedicated  to  All 
Saints,  was  erected  by  Reverend 
Joseph  Metzler,  the  then  incumbent 
of  Brighton.  A  resident  priest  in  the 
person  of  the    Reverend    John    Die- 


318 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


trick  was  now  sent  to  take  charge  of 
the  parish.  It  must  have  been  quite 
a  nourishing  parish  at  this  time  since 
only  important  congregations  were 
given  resident  pastors  in  an  age  when 
priests  were  so  scarce.  It  is  evident, 
however,  that  All  Saints  did  not  long 
remain  independent,  for  in  1886  we 
find  it  annexed  to  Murrayville  from 
which  place  it  was  administered  dur- 
ing the  following  few  years  by  Fath- 
ers Patrick  Fallon  and  Jeremiah 
Murphy,  successively.  They  were 
succeeded  by  Reverend  James  0  'Con- 
nell  of  Jacksonville  who  remained  in 
charge  only  a  short  time. 

In  1890  Whitehall  was  made  a  mis- 
sion of  St.  Athanasius,  Roodhouse,  its 
nearest  neighboring  parish  which  was 
but  four  miles  distant.  During  the 
five  years  of  its  annexation  to  Rood- 
house  it  was  attended,  first  bv  Father 
O'Brien  from  1890  to  1892,  and  from 
1892  to  1895  by  his  successor,  Rever- 
end Michael  J.  Davis.  After  this 
Father  O'Brien  of  Greenfield  had 
charge  for  a  number  of  years,  and 
later  Father  Fanning  of  Carrollton 
who  continued  to  take  pastoral  care  of 
it  until  1914  when  it  was  again  made 
a  mission  of  Jerseyville  to  which  it 
originally  belonged. 

Reverend  Francis  Shields,  Assist- 
ant Pastor  at  Jerseyville,  had  charge 
from  1915-1925.  During  this  decade 
of  years  he  ministered  faithfully  to 
the  spiritual  needs  of  the  congrega- 
tion of  Whitehall,  and  made  many  im- 
provements on  the  church  which  en- 
hanced its  appearance  considerably. 
He  was  replaced  by  Reverend  Rich- 
ard McKeogh,  who  remained  until 
May,  1926. 

All  Saints  Parish,  like  many  other 


small  town  country  parishes,  has  suf- 
fered a  sad  declension  with  the  pass- 
age of  years.  Many  Catholic  families 
moved  away,  others  died  out,  and  not 
a  few  grew  careless  in  the  practice  of 
their  religion  and  so  were  lost  to  the 
congregation.  At  one  time  it  had  a 
resident  pastor ;  today  it  is  reduced  to 
half  a  dozen  families  or  so,  with  little 
hope  of  future  increase.  Neverthe- 
less, the  present  congregation,  al- 
though only  a  remnant  of  its  former 
self,  is  making  a  gallant  effort  to  sur- 
vive even  as  a  mission  fondly  hoping 
for  the  day  when  other  Catholics  may 
settle  in  the  neighborhood  and  thus 
increase  their  number. 

All  Saints  church — it  was  built  by 
Father  Metzler  in  1883 — is  quite  a 
substantial  structure  with  a  seating 
capacity  many  times  greater  than  the 
needs  of  the  congregation.  Though 
erected  many  years,  it  is  still  in  a  fine 
state  of  preservation,  and  reminds  us 
of  a  day  when  the  faithful  in  White- 
hall were  more  numerous  and  pros- 
perous than  they  are  at  this  writing. 

Whitehall  itself  is  a  pretty  little 
town  of  slightly  less  than  2,000  in- 
habitants, situated  in  Greene  County 
about  25  miles  south  of  Jacksonville. 
Hard  Road  Route  3,  from  Jackson- 
ville to  St.  Louis  runs  through  the 
center  of  town  skirting  All  Saints 
Church  on  the  right  thus  affording 
an  easy  means  of  approach.  The  pop- 
ulation largely  consists  of  retired 
farmers.  There  is  one  industry  in 
town — a  tile  factory — but  it  does  not 
employ  many. 

All  Saints  Mission  is  still  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  Jerseyville,  and  is  now 
being  attended  by  Reverend  Francis 
Lawler. 


Church  of  St.  Mark,  Winchester,  Scott  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1860 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Michael  O  'Mullane. 


The  earliest  record  we  have  of 
Catholic  service  in  this  locality  is  at 
Meredosia,  where  the  first  attempt 
was  made  to  build  a  Catholic  church. 
After  this  we  hear  of  the  Jesuits  hold- 
ing services  at  Naples    for   the    scat- 


tered    Catholics    along    the    Illinois 
river. 

In  the  year  1835  Scott  was  declared 
a  county  by  the  General  Assembly, 
and  Winchester,  Illinois,  was  chosen 
as  the  county  seat.     Gradually   there 


319 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


was  an  influx  of  settlers  from  Vir- 
ginia and  Kentucky.  Among  the  early 
pioneers  we  meet  the  names  of  many 
Irish  Catholics.  The  roll  call  reads: 
Woods,  Riordan,  Dwyer,  Moore,  Bent- 
ler,  O'Donnell,  Guinanne,  Metzger, 
Kelley,  Callans,  McKeevers,  Lyons, 
Ryan,  O'Neal,  McAsey,  O  'Grady, 
Ring,  Brady,  Robinson  and  0  'Brien. 

Nearly  seventy  years  ago  the 
pioneer  Catholics  of  Winchester  at- 
tended Mass  at  the  hospitable  home  of 
John  Riordan.  This  service  was  con- 
ducted by  Reverend  Michael  Hurley, 
who  traveled  over  the  State  of  Illinois 
ministering  to  the  spiritual  needs  of 
the  Catholic  people.  Some  years  later 
Mass  was  celebrated  at  the  home  of 
James  Woods  in  Winchester.  Before 
the  Civil  War,  owing  to  the  increase 
in  the  number  of  Catholics,  it  was 
necessary  to  build  a  church  or  pur- 
chase a  suitable  hall  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  people.  In  the  mean- 
time Mass  was  celebrated  at  irregular 
intervals  in  the  Court-house  by 
Fathers  Thomas  Cusack,  Thomas 
Quigley,  D.D.,  and  Michael  Prender- 
gast.  Through  the  agency  of  James 
Woods  and  Timothy  Dwyer,  the  old 
Christian  church  was  purchased  and 
remodeled,  and  Reverend  Thomas 
Cusack  was  installed  as  resident  pas- 
tor. His  succesors  have  been  :  Fathers 
D.  Byrne,  Thomas  F.  Mangan, 
Michael  Clifford,  J.  Carter,  C.  G. 
Mangien,  Patrick  Kearney,  R.  Grant, 
H.  Welltake,  Francis  Hickey,  Daniel 
Toomey  and  Julian  Turmell.  These 
were  followed  by  Fathers  Gratza, 
John  J.  Boyle,  Jeremiah  Murphy 
who(  built  the  present  splendid  edi- 
fice),   Thomas    Masterson,    John    C. 


Daw,  Daniel  J.  Ryan,  Thomas  Cus- 
ack, Christopher  S.  Bell  and  Michael 
J.  O'Mullane  the  present  pastor.  Dur- 
ing the  pastorate  of  Father  0  'Mul- 
lane  the  rectory  and  church  have  been 
remodeled,  and  a  hall  built  with  all 
conveniences  for  entertainment,  and 
an  up-to-date  system  of  heating  in- 
stalled in  each. 

The  Parish  Societies  are :  Holy 
Name,  Altar  and  Purgatorial  Society, 
Sacred  Heart  League  and  Children's 
Sodality.  These  organizations  do  ex- 
cellent work  along  their  several  lines 
and  practically  every  member  of  the 
parish  is  enrolled  in  one  or  other  of 
them. 

Seventy  years  ago  twenty-one  Cath- 
olics gathered  at  the  banks  of  "Big 
Sandy"  river  to  be  present  at  the 
adorable  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass.  Today, 
in  Winchester  the  Catholics  are  fairly 
numerous  (80  families),  active  and 
prosperous. 

Many  were  the  difficulties  and  ob- 
stacles met  by  the  early  pioneers  of 
St.  Mark's  parish,  but  they  were 
never  submerged.  Lightly  then  may 
the  earth  rest  on  their  bosom,  and 
revered  be  the  mention  of  their 
names  in  the  Book  of  Life.  To  their 
survivors  and  co-workers  it  is  gratify- 
ing and  consoling  to  see  the  Christian 
work  begun  by  them,  reaching  per- 
fection. In  half  a  century  the  few 
of  the  past  have  become  the  many  of 
the  present,  so  that  strengthened  by 
Catholic  instruction,  the  sons  and 
daughters  of  St.  Mark  may  go  forth,  as 
many  have  done,  into  the  busy  world, 
strong  in  faith,  and  full  of  love  for 
God  and  their  fellow  man. 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  New  Berlin, 
Sangamon  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1860 
Present  Pastor:     Reverend  William  M.  Costello. 


The  old  State  Road,  in  the  pre-rail- 
road  days  one  of  the  principal 
avenues  of  east  and  west  traffic,  runs 
through  Sangamon  County  in  a  west- 
erly direction,  leaning    somewhat    to 


the  south.  About  half  way  between 
Springfield  and  Jacksonville  may  be 
seen  the  village  of  Berlin,  once  a  place 
of  considerable  commercial  impor- 
tance, and  an  active  contender  for  the 


320 


Quincy — St.    Francis    Solanus    Church,    School,    Oolleg<    and    Rectory,    Bei     <nit<itus 
Loefler,   O.F.M.,    Pastor  .  .  .  Shelbyville     Immaculate    Conception    Church    and    Reel 
.  .  .  Camp  Point— St.  Thomas'  Church  and  groups  oj  Holy  fame  and  Altai   Societies  .  .  . 
Greenfield — St.   Michael's    Church,    Rectory,    Rev.   Michael    Enright,    Pastor  .  .  .  Bloom- 
field — St.  Joseph's  Church. 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTOX 


State  Capitol  before  its  removal  from 
Vandalia  to  Springfield. 

On  the  coming  of  the  Wabash,  Ber- 
lin lost  most  of  its  importance,  and 
the  nearest  railroad  station  two  miles 
south  was  called  New  Berlin.  Tra- 
dition has  lost  the  names  of  the  early 
settlers,  but  their  origin  is  sufficient- 
ly indicated  in  the  name  they  gave.  A 
flourishing  German  Lutheran  Church 
still  attests  the  loyalty  with  which 
their  descendants  cling  to  the  Faith. 

Like  most  rural  congregations,  the 
Catholics  in  this  district  first  looked 
to  the  larger  neighboring  towns  for 
spiritual  guidance,  and  the  itinerant 
missionaries  at  first,  and  the  resident 
priests  of  Springfield  later,  looked 
after  their  welfare. 

The  first  name  on  the  register  is 
Father  John  Janssen,  then  pastor  of 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Spring- 
field, and  later  Bishop  of  Belleville. 
His  visits  began  January,  1859,  and 
continued  four  years.  At  first  Mass 
was  said  in  the  residence  of  Mr.  John 
Haugh,  a  building  still  to  be  seen,  but 
it  must  have  been  rather  crowded  and 
occasionally  noisy,  as  Father  Janssen 
sometimes  baptized  as  many  as  seven 
children  of  various  ages  on  the 
monthly  visits. 

At  this  time  the  parish  embraced, 
in  addition  to  its  present  limits,  much 
of  the  territory  now  included  in  the 
Ashland,  Alexander,  Franklin, 
Petersburg  and  Waverly  parishes, 
and  the  building  of  a  church  became 
a  necessity.  On  October  26,  1860,  the 
foundation  of  the  new  church  was 
laid.  It  was  ready  for  Christmas 
Mass  of  the  same  year.  Later  on  it 
was  used  as  a  school,  and  finally  sold 
and  moved  off  the  parish  grounds. 

New  Berlin  was  still  attended  from 
Springfield  by  Father  Janssen  and  his 
successor,  Father  Busch.  It  received 
its  first  resident  pastor,  Father  Gus- 
tavus  Mittinger,  in  the  beginning  of 
1866.  In  the  summer  of  the  next  year 
he  was  succeeded  by  Father  Francis 
Schreiber  whose  last  baptismal  record 
is  dated  October  6,  1872.  The  frame 
church  having  become  too  small,  the 
corner  stone  of  the  present  church,  a 


large  brick  structure  seating  400  was 
laid  in  the  summer  of  1871.  The  old 
church  was  converted  into  a  school. 

Father  Schreiber  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  John  F.  Mohr,  who,  for 
thirty-five  years  ministered  to  the 
wants  of  New  Berlin  and  surrounding 
country.  Father  Mohr's  first  care 
was  to  plaster  and  decorate  the  church 
left  unfinished  by  his  predecessor. 
Later  on  he  built  the  pastor's  resi- 
dence and  introduced  the  Dominican 
Sisters  in  place  of  lay  teachers  for  his 
school.  He  passed  to  his  reward  in 
1908  and  is  buried  in  the  Catholic 
cemetery  of  New  Berlin  among  those 
he  served  so  loyally  and  so  long. 

After  the  death  of  Father  Mohr, 
Reverend  Adolph  F.  Schneider  had 
charge  until  the  appointment  of 
Father  Wiliam  Weigand  in  July, 
1908.  About  this  time  Alexander 
was  made  a  mission  of  New  Berlin, 
and  an  assistant  to  take  care  of  it  was 
given  to  Father  Weigand,  Father  Os- 
car J.  Wernet,  and  later  Father  Fran- 
cis A.  Lucius.  In  1911  the  latter  was 
named  resident  pastor  of  Alexander 
which  under  his  leadership  has  since 
prospered. 

Under  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Weigand  the  new  brick  Catholic 
school  was  built  in  1915  and  a  resi- 
dence for  the  sisters  purchased  about 
the  same  time.  Because  of  ill  health, 
Father  Weigand  retired  in  1918  to  be 
succeeded  for  a  year  by  Father  Leo 
J.  McDonald,  who  was  succeeded  in 
turn  by  the  present  pastor  Father 
William  Costello. 

Father  Costello 's  contribution  to 
the  material  interests  of  the  parish 
was  the  remodeling  and  rather  exten- 
sive repairing  of  the  church,  the  pas- 
tor's residence  and  the  Sisters'  House, 
making  the  parish  plant  up-to-date 
and  modern. 

Besides  the  names  of  these  priests, 
the  records  show  the  names  of  Fathers 
Anselm  and  Samuel,  O.F.M.,  Father 
Timothy  Hickey,  Father  Theodore 
Bruener,  Father  Daniel  J.  Ryan, 
Father  Charles  Manuel  and  others, 
and  the  well-known  Vidi  et  approbavi 
Petrus  Joseph  Episcopus. 


321 


DIOCESE    OP    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


The  service  flag  of  this  parish  in 
the  late  war  had  forty-five  stars,  with 
four  gold  ones  at  the  end. 

The  parish  has  ninety-nine  families, 
and  fifty-six  children  in  school  under 
the  care  of  the  Dominican  Sisters  of 


the  Sacred  Heart  Convent,  Spring- 
field. It  has  also  the  following  flour- 
ishing societies:  Altar  Society, 
League  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Holy 
Name  Society,  and  the  Progagation  of 
the  Faith. 


Church  of  St.  Francis  Solanus,  Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1860 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Optatus  Loef fler,  O.F.M. 


Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  first  Bishop  of  Alton,  re- 
quested the  Franciscan  Fathers  to  es- 
tablish a  parish  and  an  institution  of 
higher  learning  in  Quincy.  In  ac- 
cordance with  this  request  Reverend 
Servatius  Altmix,  O.F.M.,  arrived  at 
Quincy  on  December  2,  1859.  At  that 
time  there  was  but  one  parish  in 
Quincy,  St.  Boniface,  numbering 
about  2,000  souls.  For  the  time  being 
Father  Servatius  rented  the  three 
story  brick  house  belonging  to  John 
Mast,  on  the  southeast  corner  of 
Maine  and  Eighth  Street,  which 
served  as  church,  monastery  and 
school. 

In  1860  a  church  and  monastery 
were  erected  on  the  northeast  corner 
off  Vine  and  Eighteenth  streets,  a  sec- 
tion of  Quincy  at  that  time  very 
sparsely  settled.  Part  of  the  mon- 
astery served  as  high-school  or  col- 
lege. In  the  same  year  the  St. 
Aloysius  Orphan  Society  of  St.  Boni- 
face parish  erected  an  orphanage  on 
the  northwest  corner  of  Twentieth 
and  Vine  Streets  and  turned  this 
building  over  to  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  free  of  charge,  to  be  used  as 
a  parochial  school.  Father  Mauritius 
Klostermann,  O.F.M.,  volunteered  to 
be  its  first  teacher  until  1865,  when 
the  Notre  Dame  Sisters  took  charge  of 
school  as  well  as  orphanage.  * 

In  the  fall  of  1862,  Reverend  Fer- 
dinand Bergmeyer,  O.F.M.,  succeed- 
ed Father  Servatius  as  pastor  of  the 
new  parish.  During  his  pastorate 
more  pews  were  installed  in  the 
church  on  account  of  the  rapidly  in- 
creasing families.  An  organ  was  also 
bought  and  the  church  decorated. 
Brother  Adrian,  O.F.M.,  assisted  by 


other  brothers  of  the  monastery  built 
new  altars  for  the  church. 

In  1870  Reverend  Nazarius  Kom- 
merscheidt,  O.F.M.,  was  appointed 
pastor.  In  1871  he  organized  the 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  and  in  1874 
the  Men's  Society  already  existing 
was  converted  into  the  St.  Francis 
Solanus  Building  Society.  Next  he 
devoted  his  attention  to  the  married 
women,  re-organizing  their  society  as 
a  branch  of  the  Confraternity  of 
Christian  Mothers.  Above  all,  how 
ever,  the  splendor  of  divine  worship 
was  dear  to  his  heart.  He  exacted 
strict  observance  of  the  rubrics,  and 
a  large  number  of  vestments  and 
sacred  vessels  were  procured  during 
his  rectorship.  At  his  death  in  1883 
the  St.  Francis  Building  Societv  had 
collected  a  fund  of  $30,000  for  a  new 
and  more  spacious  church. 

Reverend  Andrew  Butzkueben,  O. 
F.M.,  succeeded  Father  Nazarius.  His 
first  care  was  the  realization  of 
Father  Nazarius'  long  cherished  wish 
to  build  a  larger  church.  The  corner- 
stone for  the  present  church  was  laid 
April  26,  1885,  by  Bishop  Baltes,  and 
the  church  was  dedicated  October  24. 
1886,  by  the  Very  Reverend  John 
Janssen,  Administrator.  Within  a 
few  years  the  old  school  built  in  1884 
also  became  inadequate  for  the  ever 
growing  number  of  children,  so  that 
in  May,  1892,  the  corner  stone  was 
laid  for  the  present  parochial  school 
which  was  ready  for  occupancy  in  the 
following  spring.  The  plans  and 
specifications  for  church  and  school 
were  made  by  Venerable  Brother 
Adrian  Wewers,  O.F.M.  The  four 
bells  which  still  call  the  faithful  of 
St.  Francis'  parish  to  divine  service, 


322 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


were  dedicated  in  January,  1892.  In 
November,  1908,  Father  Andrew  cele- 
brated his  Silver  Pastoral  Jubilee  in 
the  midst  of  his  dearly  beloved  flock, 
and  in  the  space  of  the  following 
year  obedience  called  him  to  the  rec- 
torship of  Sacred  Heart  Parish,  In- 
dianapolis, Indiana. 

During  the  short  pastorate  of  Rev- 
erend Florentius  Kurzer,  O.F.M.,  suc- 
cessor to  Father  Andrew,  a  spacious 
home  was  erected  for  the  school  sis- 
ters, who  up  to  this  time  had  made 
their  home  at  the  Orphanage. 

In  the  beginning  of  1911  Reverend 
Paulus  Teroerde,  O.F.M.,  succeeded 
Father  Florentius.  His  health  fail- 
ing him,  however,  he  went  to  Arm- 
strong Springs,  Arkansas,  in  the  fall 
of  the  same  year,  where  he  died  on 
December  18th  of  the  same  year.  Un- 
til the  appointment  of  a  new  pastor  in 
the  course  of  the  following  year,  Rev- 
erend P.  Columban  Valentine,  0.  F. 
M.,  assistant  to  Father  Paul,  acted  as 
administrator  of  the  parish. 

During  the  summer  of  1912,  Rev- 
erend Didacus  Gruenholz,  O.F.M., 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  parish. 
To  his  musical  ears  the  old  organ 
seemed  antiquated,  and  in  conse- 
quence a  fine  new  organ  with  electric 
action  was  purchased.  He  also  pulled 
the  parish  "out  of  the  mud"  by  pav- 
ing Vine  Street  between  17th  and 
18th  Streets,  and  17th  Street  be- 
tween the  Sisters'  Home  and  the 
church.  Also  a  new  boiler  house  and 
up-to-date  toilet  rooms  were  built  in 
connection  with  the  school. 

In  July,  1918,  Father  Didacus,  an 
eloquent  and  forceful  speaker,  was 
appointed  a  member  of  the  Mission 
Staff  of  the  Franciscan  Province  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  and  his  successor, 
the  present  pastor,  Reverend  Optatus 
Loeffler,  O.F.M.,  was  selected,  and  he 
is  trying  to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of 
his  predecessors. 

Of  Catholic  societies  there  are  in 
the  parish :  the  Holy  Name  Society, 
senior  and  junior  branches  the  Chris- 
tian Mothers'  Society;  the  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality  and  the  Third  Order 
of  St.  Francis.  Of  Fraternal  Societies 


there  are  represented  the  Western 
Catholic  Union,  with  two  branches 
for  men  and  one  for  women,  and  the 
Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  with  one 
court  for  men  and  one  for  women. 

Besides  these  there  are  established 
in  the  parish  societies  and  confra- 
ternities for  various  purposes,  viz : 
the  Confraternity  of  the  Immaculate 
Heart  of  Mary  for  the  Conversion  of 
Sinners;  the  Society  of  the  Holy 
Childhood  and  the  Franciscan  Mis- 
sionary Union  as  branches  of  the  So- 
ciety for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith ;  the  Confraternity  of  the  Holy 
Rosary. 

During  all  these  years  the  people 
of  St.  Francis  parish  have  shown 
themselves  zealous  and  docile,  ever 
ready  to  co-operate  with  their  pastor 
in  any  good  work. 

No  history  of  the  parish,  however 
brief,  would  be  complete  without 
mention  of  some  of  the  Fathers  of  the 
Monastery  who  assisted  the  pastors 
at  the  altar,  in  the  confessional  and  in 
the  pulpit.  Most  prominent  among 
these  were  :  P.  P.  Mauritius  Baukholt, 
Benignus  Schuetz,  Arsenius  Fahle, 
Seraphine  Lampe,  George  Wehmeyer, 
Germain  Heinrichs,  Raymond  Holte, 
Francis  Werhand  and  Benice  Aschen- 
bach  as  assistants  proper,  besides 
Irenaeus  Bierbaum  and  Michael  Rich- 
ard, as  well  as  many  others  too  numer- 
ous to  mention. 

As  a  fruit  of  the  spiritual  work  of 
the  Fathers  we  can  point  to  quite  a 
few  vocations  to  the  priesthood,  secu- 
lar and  regular,  as  well  as  many  to 
the  sisterhoods.  Out  of  St.  Francis 
parish  to  date  have  come  fifteen 
priests ;  ten  clerics  and  advanced  stu- 
dents are  preparing  for  the  priest- 
hood ;  five  young  men  have  entered 
the  religious  life  as  Brothers,  and 
about  eighty  young  ladies  have  re- 
nounced the  world  and  its  enticements 
and  have  found  peace  and  happiness 
in  the  cloister. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  did  not 
confine  their  activities  to  St.  Francis 
parish,  but  throughout  these  years 
have  ministered  to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  personnel  of  St.  Mary's  Acad- 


323 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


emy,  St.  Mary's  Hospital,  St. 
Aloy sins'  Orphan  Home,  and  for 
awhile  also  to  St.  Vincent's  Home  for 
the  aged.  Outside  of  Quincy  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  had  charge  at 
one  time  or  another  for  shorter  or 
longer  periods,  of  the  following  mis- 
sions: 

St.  Anthony's  Church,  Melrose 
Township,  Adams  County,  Illinois ; 
St.  Joseph's  Church,  Palmyra, 
Marion  County,  Missouri; St. Joseph's 
Church,     Columbus    Road,    Adams 


County,  Illinois;  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Warsaw,  Illinois;  St. 
Joseph's  Church,  Louisiana,  Pike 
County,  Missouri ;  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Church,  Ewing,  Missouri ;  St. 
Joseph's  Church,  Mt.  Sterling,  Brown 
County,  Illinois;  Bloomfield,  Illinois; 
Westwoods,  Illinois;  Roodhouse,  Illi- 
nois; West  Point,  Illinois;  Mount  St. 
Mary 's  Missouri ;  Hagers  Grove,  Mis- 
souri ;  Bowling  Green,  Missouri ; 
Clarksville,  Missouri;  St.  Clements, 
Missouri. 


Church  of  St.  Michael,  Greenfield,  Greene  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1860 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Michael  Enright 


Catholics  began  to  settle  in  and 
around  the  present  city  of  Greenfield, 
Illinois,  about  the  year  1854.  Among 
the  first  were  the  Peuters,  Scotts, 
Fitzsimmons,  Cafferys,  Erthals  and 
McCarthys.  Priests  from  Jerseyville 
and  later  from  Carrollton  would  oc- 
casionally visit  them  and  administer 
the  sacraments  and  offer  Mass  in 
private  homes.  In  the  year  1860,  ef- 
forts were  made  to  erect  a  church,  al- 
though this  intention  was  not  carried 
out.  However,  a  piece  of  ground,  the 
so-called  "flat-iron  lot"  was  bought 
in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  town 
and  lay  waste  there  for  twenty  years. 

In  the  meantime,  Catholics  settled 
on  the  banks  of  the  Macoupin  Creek, 
south  of  the  present  town  of  Rock- 
bridge and  erected  a  small  church. 
The  resident  priest  of  Jerseyville,  and 
after  1865,  the  pastor  of  Carrollton, 
visited  this  place  of  worship  on  a 
week  day  once  every  month.  The 
Catholics  of  and  around  Greenfield 
availed  themselves  of  this  opportunity 
to  comply  with  their  religious  duties. 
In  the  fall  of  1877,  Reverend  Thomas 
Cusack,  located  at  Shipman,  Illinois, 
took  charge  of  both  Rockbridge  and 
Greenfield  Missions.  Now  services 
were  held  regularly  in  the  Rockbridge 
church  by  the  venerable  pioneer  every 
first  Sunday  of  the  month. 

In  December,  1878,  Father  Cusack 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Joseph  D. 
Metzler,  who  a  short  time  before  had 


taken  charge  of  the  Brighton,  White 
Hall,  and  Roodhouse  Missions.  Serv- 
ices were  held  at  Rockbridge  church 
the  third  Sunday  of  every  month  un- 
til April,  1881,  and  after  that  time 
discontinued. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1879, 
Catholic  citizens  of  Greenfield,  fore- 
most among  them — Captain  Thomas 
Doyle,  Bernard  Bird,  Leo  Siegel, 
Joseph  Madden  and  Caffery  Brothers, 
again  considered  erecting  a  church  in 
their  town.  This  time  their  efforts 
were  crowned  with  success,  and  the 
first  step  was  taken  by  incorporating 
the  congregation  under  the  State  Law 
of  March  8,  1869.  A  meeting  of  the 
people  was  held  in  the  first  days  of 
March,  1880,  and  the  congregation 
was  placed  under  the  protection  of 
St.  Michael  the  Archangel.  Mr.  Pat- 
rick Peuter  and  Patrick  Joseph  Mad- 
den were  elected  and  appointed  as 
trustees  of  the  newly  organized  con- 
gregation. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  held 
March  21,  1880,  it  was  unanimously 
resolved  to  sell  the  old  lots  in  the 
southeastern  part  of  the  town  and  to 
purchase  new  lots  in  the  western  part, 
since  every  one  considered  the  old 
property  insufficient  for  the  erection 
of  a  good  building.  So  the  lots  at  the 
corner  of  Chestnut  and  Sheffield 
Streets  were  bought  from  W.  P.  Bur- 
roughs and  G.  T.  W.  Sheffield  for 
$300.00  on  March  22,  1880,  the  deed 


324 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


being  drawn  up  in  the  name  of  Right 
Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  Bishop 
of  the  Diocese  of  Alton,  Illinois.  The 
deed  was  recorded  at  Carrollton 
County  Court  of  Greene  County, 
August  21,  1880,  in  book  57,  page  257, 
and  sent  to  the  Chancery  Office  at  Al- 
ton, December  28,  1880.  The  old  lots 
in  the  Lemasters  Addition  to  the  town 
of  Greenfield  were  sold  for  $100. 

During  the  Spring  months  of  1880, 
a  collection  was  started  for  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  funds  for  the  build- 
ing of  the  church.  The  people  sub- 
scribed liberally  and  were  generously 
assisted  by  those  who  were  not  of  the 
Faith.  Nearly  $1,650.00  was  collect- 
ed. In  the  month  of  June,  the  Rector, 
Father  Metzler,  ordered  Lucas  Pfeif- 
fenberger,  architect  of  Alton,  Illinois, 
to  draw  the  plans  for  the  new  church. 
These  plans  were  adopted  by  the  trus- 
tees, approved  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Baltes  of  Alton,  and  bids  for 
the  work  were  called  for.  On  Sep- 
tember 2,  1880,  Reverend  Joseph  Dan- 
iel Metzler  being  authorized  by 
Bishop  Baltes,  blessed  and  laid  the 
cornerstone  of  the  church ;  Reverend 
William  Cluse,  Rector  of  Litchfield 
Church  assisting  and  preaching  the 
sermon  in  English.  A  large  number 
of  Catholics  and  those  of  other  denom- 
inations were  present.  On  April  24, 
1881,  Father  Metzler  blessed  the 
church  in  honor  of  St.  Michael  the 
Archangel,  and  on  the  same  day  Mass 
was  offered  in  the  church  for  the  first 
time. 

In  June,  1885,  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes  visited  St. 
Michael's  Church  and  administered 
Confirmation  to  81  children  and 
adults.  On  the  same  day  the  Bishop 
formally  dedicated  the  church.  The 
following  priests  were  present  at  the 
ceremony :  Fathers  Augustine  J. 
Sauer,  Charles  J.  Zwiesler,  Clement 
Aloys  Sommer,  Peter  Kaenders,  Pat- 
rick Fallon,  and  the  Pastor  Reverend 
Joseph  Daniel  Metzler.  The  sermon 
was  delivered  in  English  by  Reverend 
Augustine  Sauer. 

The  fine  church  bell  now  in  use  was 


blessed  on  October  24,  1893,  by  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan  in  honor  of  St. 
Joseph. 

Father  Metzler  continued  to  minis- 
ter to  the  people  until  1896.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Francis  X. 
Smith.  Reverend  Henry  Becker  took 
charge  of  St.  Michael's  congregation 
April  1,  1899.  In  1902,  Father  Kehoe 
became  rector  of  St.  Michael  and  ad- 
ministered until  1907.  Until  the  year 
1903,  St.  Michael  was  an  out  mis- 
sion. There  was  no  residence  for  a 
priest  save  a  little  structure  of  two 
rooms  erected  by  Father  Metzler  in- 
tended to  accommodate  a  priest  stay- 
ing over  night  for  Sunday  Mass.  The 
present  rectory  was  built  by  Father 
Kehoe  who,  in  1907,  took  up  his  resi- 
dence here. 

The  congregation  of  St.  Michael's 
up  to  the  year  1905,  embraced  not 
only  the  Catholic  population  living 
within  the  present  day  limits  of 
Greenfield  Parish,  but  also  many  of 
those  living  in  and  around  Hagaman 
and  all  those  living  around  Kemper. 
The  former  separated  when  St.  Cath- 
erine's church  was  built  in  Hagaman 
by  Father  Kehoe  in  1905,  the  latter 
forming  their  own  congregation  when 
Father  Denis  O'Brien  built  the 
church  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist  at 
Medora  in  1915.  St.  John's  was  then 
served  as  a  mission  church  by  the  rec- 
tor of  Greenfield  until  December, 
1924. 

After  Father  Kehoe,  Reverend  E. 
J.  McAuley  followed  as  pastor  from 
1907  to  1909 ;  Reverend  George  Hen- 
sey  from  1909  to  1910 ;  Reverend 
Denis  O'Brien  from  1910  to  1920. 
Following  Father  O'Brien  as  rector 
came  Reverend  Michael  Costello,  who, 
in  the  short  stay  from  November, 
1920,  to  July,  1922,  accomplished 
much  in  introducing  modern  improve- 
ments into  the  residence  and  church. 
The  present  rector,  Reverend  Michael 
Enright,  took  charge  on  July  1,  1922. 

On  September  7,  1924,  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  made 
his  first  official  visit  to  St.  Michael's 
Parish,  Greenfield,  and  administered 


325 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation  to 
seven  adults  and  sixteen  children. 
On  that  happy  occasion,  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  delivered  a  very  ap- 
propriate and  eloquent  sermon  to  a 
capacity  congregation  of  Catholics 
and  non-Catholics.  In  attendance  on 
the  Bishop,  besides  the  pastor,  were : 
Fathers  Michael  Enright,  Michael  A. 
Tarrent,  Thomas  Cusack,  Dennis  J. 
Ryan,  and  many  others  of  the  neigh- 
boring clergy. 


The  following  vigorous  societies  do 
much  good  work  in  the  parish :  Altar 
Society,  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart, 
Holy  Name  Society  and  the  Propaga- 
tion of  the  Faith. 

At  present  the  congregation  con- 
sists of  42  families  of  Irish  and  Ger- 
man ancestry,  the  Irish  predom- 
inating. The  majority  of  these  fami- 
lies belong  to  the  farming  class  and 
live  in  the  neighborhood  of  Green- 
field. 


Church  of  St.  TnoMAs,  Camp  Point,  Adams  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1860 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Edmund  J.  Scanlan 


When  the  Chicago,  Burlington  & 
Quincy  railroad  was  being  built  from 
Quincy  to  Chicago,  the  Irish  laborers 
employed  on  the  work  at  the  little 
town  of  Camp  Point,  built  a  church 
which  was  placed  under  the  patron- 
age of  St.  Patrick.  This  building  was 
erected  in  1860.  There  were  about 
sixty  families  in  this  neighborhood  at 
that  time. 

As  the  laying  of  the  tracks  pro- 
gressed the  Irish  laborers  left  Camp 
Point  and  the  Catholic  population 
dwindled  until  now  there  are  only  ten 
families  in  the  parish.    Meantime  the 


name  of  the  church  was  changed  from 
St.  Patrick  to  St.  Thomas.  The 
Church  at  Camp  Point  is  now  an  out- 
mission  attended  once  a  month  from 
Liberty. 

The  first  pastor  of  St.  Patrick,  now 
St.  Thomas,  was  the  Reverend  A.  B. 
Rinckes.  When  Father  Thomas 
Cusack  founded  the  parish  of  St. 
Brigid  at  Liberty  he  took  care  of  the 
Camp  Point  parish  also.  Since 
Father  Cusack 's  time  this  custom  has 
been  followed  by  the  pastor  of  the 
Liberty  Church. 


Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  Shelbyville, 

Shelby  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1862 

Present  Pastor:  Reverend  Lawrence  K.  Winking 


In  the  decades  following  the  founda- 
tion of  Shelbyville,  County  seat  of 
Shelby  County  in  Central  Illinois,  a 
few  Catholic  families  moved  in  at 
various  times.  For  quite  a  while  these 
pioneers  seem  to  have  been  without 
any  spiritual  ministration.  In  1859 
Reverend  Anthony  Vogt  visited  them 
for  the  first  time.  He  came  from 
Decatur,  via  Mattoon,  and  gave  the 
Catholics  at  Shelbyville  intermittent 
service  in  private  homes,  until  1862, 
when  the  first  church,  a  frame  struc- 
ture on  South  First  Street  was  built. 
From  1862  to  1865  Father  Vogt  as- 
sisted by  Father  Thomas  Cusack,  who 
seems  to  have  resided  in  Shelbyville 


at  least  for  a  time,  continued  to  serve 
these  good  folks  in  their  little  church 
dedicated  under  the  title  ' '  Church  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  B.  V.  M." 
If  Father  Cusack  was  not  the  first 
resident  pastor,  Reverend  Julian 
Turmel,  who  came  in  1865  to  minis- 
ter to  the  fifteen  families,  certainly 
was. 

This  little  frame  structure  was  suf- 
ficient for  the  needs  of  the  Shelby- 
ville parish  until  the  late  70 's.  In 
1877,  when  the  parish  had  grown  to 
the  number  of  thirty-five  families,  the 
pastor,  Reverend  John  Storp,  sug- 
gested building  a  new  church  to  ac- 
commodate the  growing  parish.     His 


326 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


suggestion  was  well  taken  and  all  the 
parish  put  forth  their  best  efforts,  so 
that  in  1879,  Right  Reverend  Peter 
J.  Baltes,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
dedicated  the  present  church  on 
North  "Washington  Street.  It  is  a 
splendidly  built  edifice,  and  bids  fair 
to  house  the  Catholics  of  Shelbyville 
for  many  a  year  to  come.  While  not 
a  large  church,  it  is  convenient  and 
substantial,  giving  every  promise  of 
being  sufficient  for  all  needs  for 
many  years. 

The  parish  house  was  built  at  the 
same  time,  connected  with  the  church, 
and  is  also  fit  for  many  years  of 
service. 

Father  Storp  also  opened  a  school 
conducted  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Poor 
Handmaids  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  un- 
fortunately was  short-lived,  closing  in 
1880  or  1881.  Since  that  time  the 
parish  has  remained  almost  stationary 
in  numbers,  neither  growing  nor  de- 
creasing to  any  appreciable  extent. 
At  the  present  time  there  are  some 
forty  families  scattered  in  and  about 
Shelbyville  attending  the  Immaculate 
Conception  Church. 

In  1912  during  the  pastorate  of 
Reverend  Herman  Gesenhues,  the 
roof  of  the  church  was  set  on  fire  by 
sparks  from  a  burning  structure  in 
the  neighborhood,  destroying  the 
tower  and  the  roof.  The  church  was 
promptly  repaired,  however,  losing 
only  the  tower,  which  was  consider- 
ably shortened.  With  the  intercession 
of  the  Immaculate  Virgin,  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  the  parish  placed  under 
her  protection  may  continue  to  do 
good  work  in  Shelbyville  and  the  sur- 
rounding country. 

Since  its  inception,  the  following 
priests  have  labored  in  the  parish : 
Fathers  Anthony  Vogt,  1859-63,  1864- 
65  (coming  regularly  from  Decatur  to 
the  missions)  ;  Thomas  Cusack,  1863- 
64;  Julian  Tunnel,  1865-72  (probably 
the  first  resident  pastor)  ;  M.  Quin- 
lan,  1872-73 ;  John  Adolphus  Jacque, 
1873-75;  (lived  for  a  while  at  As- 
sumption) ;  John  Storp,  1875-81 
(builder    of    the    present     church)  ; 


Henry  Joseph  Hoven,  1881-91 ;  Aug- 
ust J.  Sauer,  1891-93 ;  John  R.  Ma- 
honey,  1893-95 ;  James  Joseph  Dough- 
erty, 1895-97;  J.  M.  J.  Reade,  1897- 
98 ;  Francis  B.  Kehoe,  1898-99 ;  Wil- 
liam A.  Heffernan,  1899-1901 ;  James 
Vincent  Martin,  1901-03;  Patrick 
Loughnev,  1903-05;  Herman  Gesen- 
hues, 1905-13 ;  John  M.  Heslin,  1913- 
19;  Michael  Crowley,  1919;  Timothy 
McKeogh,  1919-24,  and  Lawrence  H. 
Winking,  1924 . 

The  parish  has  three  well-organized 
societies:  Holy  Name,  St.  Rita's  and 
Altar  Societies. 

Among  the  first  families  of  the 
early  days  were  the  Brophys,  Cur- 
rans,  Donnellys,  Earps  (who  donated 
the  first  church  property),  Delaneys, 
Fitzgeralds,  Gaffneys,  Junckers, 
Kellys,  Kingstons,  Pollards,  Sulli- 
vans,  and  Whalens.  All  these  pioneers 
have  gone  the  way  of  all  flesh.  Honor 
to  these  folks  of  bygone  days  who 
built  well  because  they  built  upon  a 
sound  foundation. 

While  there  never  was  a  mission  as 
such  served  by  the  priests  of  Shelby- 
ville, these  men  did  at  times  hold 
services  in  nearby  towns,  such  as  Sul- 
livan, Tower  Hill,  and  Windsor.  To 
this  dajr  Catholics  in  out-lying  towns 
come  to  Shelbyville,  in  fact  they  num- 
ber approximately  one-third  of  the 
forty  families  now  constituting  the 
parish. 

Shelbyville  itself,  situated  on  the 
Okaw  River  one  hundred  miles  north- 
east of  St.  Louis,  dates  its  first  settle- 
ment to  1825  or  '26,  when  the  first 
cabin  was  built  in  the  confines  of  the 
present  town.  In  the  Fall  of  1827 
the  first  store  was  opened.  Very  soon 
the  little  town  played  an  important 
part  in  the  life  of  central  Illinois  by 
reason  of  its  prominent  men,  such  as 
the  Thorntons  and  S.  W.  Moulton.  It 
is  a  typically  American  town  with  a 
history  of  patriotism  and  sacrifice, 
conservative  and  consequently  sound 
in  a  business  way.  The  early  settlers 
were  for  the  most  part  Methodists, 
Presbyterians  and  Campbellites  by 
creed,  and  these  throe  sects  are  still 
the  most  prominent   in   the   religions 


327 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


life  of  the  community.  It  is  but  fair 
to  state,  however,  that  though  Catho- 
lics   are    a    very    decided    minority, 


bigotry,  once  so  rampant  here,  is  now 
fast  dying  out  to  the  great  good  of 
the  community  at  large. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Bloomfield,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1862 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Charles  John  Flori 


The  exact  beginnings  of  St.  Joseph's 
congregation,  Bloomfield,  are  shroud- 
ed in  obscurity.  The  available  rec- 
ords selected  from  an  old  sketch  of 
St.  Peter's,  Quincy,  disclose  that  Rev- 
erend Peter  McGirr  who  was  sent  to 
Quincy  in  1862  had  recorded  one 
page  of  baptisms  in  the  Bloomfield 
church  records,  signed  by  Reverend 
Thomas  Cusack,  C.P.,  thus  indicating 
that  it  was  either  an  out  mission  at 
the  time,  or  that  the  Catholics  of  the 
vicinity  of  Bloomfield  were  receiving 
spiritual  attention  from  St.  Law- 
rence 0 'Toole's,  by  which  name  the 
present  St.  Peter's  was  then  known. 

Father  McGirr 's  parents  and  other 
immediate  relatives  of  his  family  had 
settled  down  at  Bloomfield  at  this 
time  after  their  arrival  from  Ireland. 
With  them,  or  soon  after,  others  of 
the  Irish  race  settled  down  on  the 
farm  lands  to  clear  the  timber  and 
prepare  the  soil  for  cultivation.  When 
their  numbers  had  increased  suf- 
ficiently, they  agreed  on  a  church 
property  and  decided  to  erect  a 
church  building  of  their  own.  (Who- 
ever wishes  may  read  in  the  county 
records  of  Adams  County  a  minute 
description  of  the  location  of  this 
church  property,  dated  January  11, 
1871.)  Soon  a  frame  church  and  rec- 
tory were  erected  and  a  cemetery  plot 
secured.  The  same  church  building 
stands  today  in  a  fairly  preserved 
condition,  but  the  parish  house  which 
had  become  a  dilapidated  wreck  was 
cleared  away  in  the  fall  of  1918.  A 
beautiful  grove  of  oak  and  cedar 
trees  still  adorns  the  location  and 
traces  of  gravel  walks  and  a  gravel 
road  leading  from  the  main  highway 
tell  the  story  of  a  once  well-kept 
church  grounds. 

The  once  beautiful  kept  hedge 
fences    that    surrounded    the    entire 


property  were  uprooted  in  the  fall  of 
1923  on  account  of  unsightliness. 
These  are  all  reminders  of  a  parish, 
once  vigorous,  now  in  decay. 

Had  it  been  possible  for  Father  Mc- 
Girr to  extend  his  indomitable  zeal  to 
the  establishment  of  a  parochial  school 
in,  or  near  Bloomfield,  the  parish 
would  not  now  be  struggling  for  ex- 
istence in  the  face  of  great  odds.  But 
with  the  gigantic  task  he  had  on  his 
hands  at  St.  Peter's  Quincy,  he  had 
very  little  time  to  give  to  our  mis- 
sions. This  fact,  however,  is  evident, 
that  he  loved  the  peaceful  life  and  the 
reposeful  surroundings  of  Bloomfield, 
as  his  dying  request  was  to  be  buried, 
after  life's  fitful  fever,  in  the  beauti- 
ful plot  of  St.  Joseph's  Cemetery, 
where  a  large  tombstone  of  glazed 
granite  marks  his  last  resting  place. 

From  the  records  dating  back  to 
1863,  it  appears  the  following  fami- 
lies were  old  settlers :  Smith,  Demp- 
sey,  Donacho,  Quinn,  Miles,  Tenford, 
Brady,  Carolan,  McLaughlin,  Martin, 
McCane,  Gleason,  Kelly,  Hogan,  Cur- 
ran,  Rone,  Eagen,  Grant,  Carroll, 
Conners,  Shaffer,  Rogers,  Ward, 
Tully,  Clark,  Morrison,  McClean 
Daugherty,  Gunn,  Rudden,  Nolan, 
Lynch,  Brennan,  Peterson,  Fitzger- 
ald, Campbell,  Flick  and  Gold.  Many 
of  the  descendants  of  these  families 
are  scattered  throughout  the  states. 

The  glorious  days  of  Bloomfield 
were  under  the  administration  of 
Reverend  P.  J.  Kerr,  who  was  resi- 
dent there  from  1875  to  1885,  when 
Reverend  Clement  Johannes  took 
charge.  Father  Johannes  remained 
until  the  fall  of  1888,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Herman 
Gesenhues.  These  priests  did  not  have 
an  easy  life.  Besides  attending  to 
Bloomfield,  which  was  then  a  substan- 
tial parish,    they    looked    after    such 


328 


Quincy—Rcv.  J.  J.  Driscoll,  Pastor  St.  Peter's  Church,  Rev.  Peter  McCHrr  (Dec'd), 
and  Rev.  John  P.  Kerr  (Dec'd),  former  Pastors,  School  and  Sisters'  Residence  .  .  .  Beth- 
any— St.  Isidore  Church   and   Rectory,   Rev.  C.  ■/.   Fanning,   Pastor   .    .    .    Meppen — St. 

Ins, /ill's  ('Intnh.  Rev.  S.  ('.  Krhnwirerkrr.  Pastor.  Rectory,  Sisters'  Residence. 


Bf  Th*. 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


distant  places  as  Mt.  Sterling,  Buston, 
Liberty  and  Camp  Point  on  the 
Columbus  Road.  These  places  were 
not  actually  far  distant  as  estimated 
at  the  present  time,  but  in  those  days 
of  impassable  roads  such  journeys 
were  long  and  tedious  ones.  Many  of 
the  old  parishioners  still  living  recall 
how  often  these  priests  said  Holy 
Mass  in  private  homes  and  braved  the 
hardships  of  travel  on  sick-calls, 
hardships  that  the  priests  of  this,  a 
softer  age,  would  scarcely  be  able  to 
endure.  It  is  said  that  these  pioneer 
priests  of  Adams  County  were  great 
lovers  of  fine  horses,  and  that  nearly 
all  their  long-distance  trips  were 
made  on  horseback.  Warsaw,  Lor- 
raine and  Clayton  are  also  mentioned 
among  the  places  visited  by  these  old 
missionaries. 

The  following  pastors  of  Bloomfield 
came  in  succession:  Fathers  John 
Dieterich,  George  Pesch,  T.  J.  Butler, 
Francis  J.  Hussey,  John  McVeigh 
who  was  the  last  resident  pastor  of 
Bloomfield;  Paul  Reinfels,  and 
Charles  J.  Flori.  Father  McVeigh 
left  Bloomfiield  in  1903  when  St. 
Joseph's  on  the  Columbus  road  gave 
promise  of  being  the  most  thriving 
parish  in  the  northern  part  of  Adams 
County.  The  promise,  however,  was 
never  realized  for  all  too  soon  decay 
set  in  until  today  the  parish  is  almost 
negligible  in  numbers.  Catholic  in- 
fluence, however,  is  still  felt  in  the 
Bloomfield  territory,  and  no  one  could 
force  the  few  members  left  there  to- 
day to  abandon  their  little  church  and 
cemetery.  It  is  to  be  regretted,  how- 
ever, that  there  is  no  oncoming  gen- 
eration and  this  almost  spells  doom. 


So  the  life  of  St.  Joseph's,  Bloom- 
field, was  just  exactly  43  years.  The 
first  announcement  in  its  records  is 
the  baptism  of  Mary  Jane  Smith  on 
June  4,  1863.  The  latest  record  as  a 
parish  with  resident  pastor  is  Anna 
Mary  Hummel,  dated  September  1, 
1906,  by  Reverend  John  McVeigh. 

During  the  administration  of  Rev- 
erend Paul  Reinfels  some  improve- 
ments were  made  on  the  church  build- 
ing, a  new  roof,  interior  decorations 
of  walls  and  altars  and  sacred  ves- 
sels, but  since  1915  little  substantial 
improvement  has  been  made  due  to 
the  fewness  of  members  left  to  defray 
such  expenses.  Today  there  are  only 
seven  families  left,  and  all  within  a 
stone's  throw  of  the  hard  state  road 
leading  to  Quincy. 

In  1921  the  pastor,  Reverend 
Charles  J.  Flori,  urged  by  repeated 
requests,  isued  a  printed  call  to  all 
available  former  members  of  the 
Bloomfield  parish  to  contribute 
towards  a  fund  for  the  permanent 
maintenance  of  St.  Joseph's  Ceme- 
tery, but  the  response  was  disap- 
pointing, only  one  third  of  the  known 
living  survivors  answering  the  call.  A 
little  over  #300.00  was  received  to 
meet  a  planned  outlay  of  at  least 
$1,000.00,  according  to  the  present 
price  of  work  and  material.  A  beau- 
tiful new  cross  and  corpus  were  do- 
nated by  a  relative  of  Father  McGirr, 
and  a  basis  for  it  was  donated  by  the 
trustee,  John  Carolan,  and  perma- 
nently placed  by  him. 

The  Ladies'  Altar  Society  have  a 
bank  account  of  several  hundred  dol- 
lars which  they  pledge  to  use  only  in 
case  of  urgent  parish  necessity. 


Church  of  St.  Peter,  Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1862. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Joseph  J.  Driscoll 


Before  his  consecration  as  Bishop 
of  Detroit,  Michigan,  the  Reverend 
Peter  Paul  Lefevre  visited  Quincy 
periodically  and  held  services  for  both 
the  English  and  German  speaking 
Catholics.    The  formation  of  parishes 


and  their  division  along  national 
lines  began  with  the  arrival  of  Father 
Brickwedde  from  Germany  who  was 
appointed  to  organize  a  German  par- 
ish, and  Father  St.  Cyr,  who  was 
appointed     pastor     of     the     English 


329 


DIOCESE   OK   Sl'RINGKIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


speaking  people  by  the  Bishop  of  St. 
Louis.  He  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Hilary  Tucker,  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor of  the  English  speaking  people. 

Father  Tucker  began  the  erection 
of  a  brick  church  (St.  Lawrence)  on 
the  site  now  occupied  by  St.  Peters  on 
Eighth  and  Main  streets.  He  was 
transferred  in  1846.  From  this  year 
until  1862,  the  congregation  had  for 
its  pastors:  Reverend  Francis  Der- 
win,  Reverend  Patrick  McElliearn, 
Reverend  James  Dempsey,  Reverend 
M.  McLoughlin.  During  this  period 
the  congregation  was  numerically 
weak  and  financially  embarrassed  by 
the  bankruptcy  of  the  Northern  Cross 
railroad  on  which  many  of  its  mem- 
bers depended  for  employment.  The 
tireless  energy  of  self-sacrificing  pas- 
tors and  people  enabled  it  to  survive 
those  perilous  times  until  the  year  of 
1862,  when  it  took  on  a  new  life  and 
from  that  time  on  kept  apace  with 
the  growth  of  the  city. 

Father  Peter  McGirr  was  appoint- 
ed pastor  in  the  year  1862.  In  him 
his  congregation  soon  recognized  an 
able  and  learned  leader.  He  was  a 
man  of  powerful  physique,  of  indom- 
itable will  power  and  apostolic  zeal, 
an  indefatigable  worker  with  tact 
and  prudence  and  with  a  kind  heart 
that  endeared  him  to  his  people.  He 
visioned  the  future  needs  of  the  con- 
gregation with  its  ever  increasing 
membership  and  planned  according- 
ly. He  purchased  a  rectory,  opened 
a  parochial  school  and  in  the  year 
1868  commenced  work  on  the  spacious 
edifice  of  St.  Peters.  When  complete 
a  church  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
long,  sixty-four  feet  wide  with  a 
tower  two  hundred  and  twelve  feet 
high,  stood  before  him  as  a  monument 
to  his  zeal.  With  much  material  and 
labor  donated,  he  was  able  to  build 
this  magnificent  church  at  the  low 
figures  of  $20,000.  Later  he  built  the 
new  rectory  adjoining  the  church. 
For  over  thirty  years  God  blessed  St. 
Peters  congregation  through  the  zeal 
and  sanctity  of  Father  McGirr.  He 
was  called  to  his  reward  in  1893.  His 


good  work  was  successfully  continued 
by  Father  Kerr  who  was  appointed 
irremovable  rector  by  the  late  Bishop 
Ryan.  Father  Kerr  did  much  spiritu- 
ally and  financially  for  the  congrega- 
tion. As  a  recognition  of  his  splendid 
work,  he  was  appointed  Dean  of  the 
Quincy  Deanery.  He  died  March  2, 
1914,  and  is  buried  in  the  priests'  lot 
in  St.  Peter's  Cemetery. 

Father  John  Joseph  Driscoll  was 
appointed  irremovable  rector  of  St. 
Peters  and  assumed  the  duties  of  pas- 
tor October  1,  1914.  Like  his  prede- 
cessors, he  has  made  many  improve- 
ments, notably  the  church  tower,  new 
organ,  and  the  purchase  of  the  Gov- 
ernor Wood  property  on  Eleventh 
and  State  for  a  parochial  school, 
chapel,  convent,  and  club  house. 

From  every  viewpoint,  the  Gover- 
nor Wood  property  is  considered 
among  the  most  desirable  and  valu- 
able property  in  Quincy  for  school 
purposes.  At  present  190  parochial 
school  children  enjoy  the  benefits  of 
space  and  location  which  it  affords. 
St.  Peter's  congregation  is  to  be  con- 
gratulated on  having  acquired  it. 

Reverend  Daniel  J.  O'Hanlon  is 
the  present  assistant. 

The  following  priests  have  served 
as  assistants  at  St.  Peter's:  Reverend 
John  Brennan,  1889  to  1890;  Rever- 
end William  Joseph  McGuire,  1890  to 
1893;  Reverend  C.  Brady,  1894  to 
1895;  Reverend  Francis  J.  Hussey, 
1896  to  1898;  Reverend  Michael 
Blooman,  1899  to  1903;  Reverend 
Jeremiah  Cronin,  1905  to  1906;  Rev- 
erend Michael  J.  Foley,  1907  to  1913 ; 
Reverend  Thomas  Calnan,  Adm., 
1913  to  1914;  Reverend  Amos  E. 
Giusti,  1913  to  1919;  Reverend  Ed- 
mund Scanlan,  1919  to  1927. 

Reverend  John  Joseph  Driscoll,  J. 
L.  Flynn  and  Emmett  Corcoran  form 
the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  parish. 

St.  Peter's  parish  was  prominently 
identified  with  patriotic  activities  in 
Quincy  during  the  World  War.  Many 
of  its  boys  went  to  fight  over  seas; 
some  of  them  never  to  return. 


:>,:!() 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


The  parish    has    these    serviceable 
and  progressive  societies :  Holy  Name 


Society,  Altar  Society,  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart. 


Church  op  St.  Patrick,  Trowbridge,  Shelby  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1863 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Michael  J.  Crowley 


St.  Patrick's  Church,  near  Trow- 
bridge, was  erected  in  the  year  1863, 
under  the  supervision  of  Reverend 
Father  Schloesser,  O.F.M.,  of  Teu- 
topolis,  from  which  place  it  was  at- 
tended. It  was  dedicated  in  1864  by 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  Henry 
Damian  Juncker,  Bishop  of  the  Dio- 
cese. 

Seven  acres  of  timber  land  were 
donated  by  Patrick  McAndrew  as  a 
site  for  the  church.  The  building  was 
54x30  feet.  In  1866,  the  church  was 
made  larger.  During  the  pastorship 
of  Reverend  Francis  Moening,  0.  F. 
M.,  1869-70,  a  school  was  built. 

The  first  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion were  the  families  of  Cornelius 
Barrett,  Edward  Barrett,  Michael 
Barrett,  and  Patrick  McAndrews.  The 
first  subscription  list  shows  the  names 
of  the  following:  Patrick  McAn- 
drew, William  Teaters,  Edward  Bar- 
rett, Mr.  Constant,  Mr.  Gehant,  Mr. 
Leopold,  Mr.  Robihan,  Michael  Bar- 
rett, Cornelius  Barrett,  Danile  Sims, 
Mr.  Weisbrick,  Mr.  Leserer,  John 
Cabbes,  and  James  Ryan.  Later  lists 
show  the  following  names :  Nicholas 
Hiffman,  John  McClory,  John  Hunk, 
Chris  Doran,  Owen  McVey,  William 
Coulter,  Arthur  Quinn,  Edward 
Quinn,  John  Donahoe,  James  Dona- 
hoe,  Godfrey  Doll,  Jeremiah  Sheehan, 
Thomas  McRan,  Joseph  Mihlbachler, 
Michael  Volkman  and  Patrick 
Whalen. 

Many  members  of  the  congregation 
were  Irish  or  of  Irish  descent.  There 
were  four  French  families,  several 
German  families,  and  two  Bohemian 
families.  Most  of  the  families  came 
from  Ohio,  Missouri,  Kentucky,  and 
Tennessee. 

Former  and  present  pastors  :  Fran- 
ciscan Fathers — Killian  Schloesser, 
1862-69  ;  Paulinus  Weis,  1868  ;  Fran- 
cis   Moening,    1869-70;    Ustace    Nie- 


moller,  1870-71 ;  Francis  Albers,  1871- 
73;  John  Ring,  1873-74;  Herman 
Wirtz,  1874-76 ;  Victor  Aertker,  1876- 
77;  Clementine  Lohrbacher,  1877; 
Father  Theodore,  1877-79;  Pacificus 
Kohnen,  1879  ;  Bonaventure  Faulhaber, 
1880-81 ;  Norbert  Wilhelm,  1881-85; 
Beninus  Schultz,  1885-86 ;  Stephen 
Schols,  1886;  and  Fidelis  Kaercher, 
1886-88.  Secular  priests:  Fathers 
John  Gratza,  1888-89 ;  James  Vincent 
Martin,  1889-91;  Patrick  Lyons, 
1891-93;  J.  T.  Butler,  1893-96;  Wil- 
liam Murphy,  1896-1901;  Francis 
Kehoe,  1901-02 ;  John  J.  Corcoran, 
1902-06;  Thomas  McGrath,  1906-08; 
Francis  Curran,  1908-17;  Patrick  J. 
Beary,  1917-26,  and  Michael  J.  Crow- 
ley, present  pastor. 

St.  Patrick's  Parish  gave  to  re- 
ligion the  following :  Reverend  Aug- 
ustine McClory,  O.F.M.,  who  for  a 
time  engaged  in  missionary  work  and 
later  figured  in  the  spreading  of  the 
Franciscan  missions  in  California. 

Sisters  from  the  congregation  : 
Mother  Mary  Vincent  Hunk,  Superior 
General  of  the  Franciscan  Sisters  of 
Mary  Immaculate,  St.  Francis  Acad- 
emy, Joliet,  Illinois;  Margaret  Hunk, 
Sister  Xavier;  Mary  Hoffman,  Sister 
Paul ;  Catherine  Hoffman,  Sister  Mon- 
ica, and  Elizabeth  Moran,  Sister  Isa- 
bel ;  all  of  the  Franciscan  Order ; 
Maria  Wilson,  Sister  Mansoetta,  and 
Jane  Wilson,  Sister  Odona  both  of  the 
Notre  Dame  Order;  Mary  Otter,  Sis- 
ter Antonio,  Ursuline  Order;  Wini- 
fred Moran,  Sister  M.  Patricia,  Mercy 
Order,  and  Anna  McClory,  Sister  M. 
Josephine,  Charity  Order. 

Old  parishioners  still  living  are : 
Mrs.  Jane  McClory,  and  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Wilson. 

Shelby  County  was  created  by  an 
act  of  the  assembly  in  1827.  Big 
Spring  Township,  in  which  Trow- 
bridge is  located,  takes  its  name  from 


331 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


a  spring  called  Big  Spring  which  is 
about  a  mile  from  St.  Patrick's 
Church.  Around  this  spring  the  early 
settlers  built  their  homes.  Here  was 
built  the  first  water  mill  where  corn 
and  wheat  were  ground  and  lumber 
sawed.  In  this  locality  the  first 
school  made  its  appearance  and  the 
first  post  office,  Big  Spring,  was  es- 
tablished. 

A  priest  from  Vandalia  occasional- 
ly visited  the  scattered  families  until 
1862,  when  the  few  Catholics  sought 
and  obtained  permission  to  establish  a 
mission  under  the  care  of  the  Fran- 
ciscan Fathers  of  Teutopolis.  The 
building  of  St.  Patrick's  Church  led 
several  Catholic  families  to  settle 
near.  The  Clover  Leaf  (now  called 
Nickel  Plate)  Railroad  was  built 
through  Big  Spring  near  the  church 
in  1881  and  1882.  Soon  a  store  was 
built  and  a  post  office  established  and 
called  Clover  Leaf.  Several  years 
later,  railroad  officials  changed  the 
name  to  Trowbridge  because  it  is  lo- 
cated between  two  branches  of  the 
Little  Wabash,  hence  the  bridges. 

Until  the  Franciscan  Fathers  began 
in  1862  to  hold  services  the  only  op- 
portunity the  Catholics  had  to  hear 


Mass  and  receive  the  sacraments  was 
when  a  priest  made  an  occasional 
visit  or  it  was  possible  for  them  to  go 
to  Teutopolis  or  Green  Creek,  a  dis- 
tance of  about  15  miles. 

Father  Killian  Schloesser  adver- 
tised in  Catholic  papers  that  land  was 
to  be  had  here  and  a  Catholic  church 
built.  In  1863,  a  sufficient  number  of 
Catholics  had  settled  to  begin  the 
erection  of  a  church  which  was  com- 
pleted and  dedicated  the  following 
year.  Before  the  church  was  built, 
Mass  was  celebrated  in  the  McAndrew 
home.  St.  Patrick's  was  attended  by 
the  Franciscan  Fathers  of  Teutopolis 
until  1888. 

Since  1889,  it  has  been  attended 
from  Neoga.  Mass  is  now  celebrated 
there  every  Sunday  and  Holyday  at 
8  :00  and  10  o  'clock  alternately.  It 
has  a  membership  at  present  of  115 
souls.  The  church  is  in  good  repair. 
In  September  of  the  present  year, 
1925,  a  new  roof  was  put  on,  the  in- 
terior of  the  church  neatly  frescoed, 
pews  and  wood-work  varnished  and 
equipped  with  new  lights. 

Father  Crowley,  present  pastor  of 
Neoga,  attends  the  spiritual  needs  of 
Trowbridge. 


Church  of  St.  Anne,  Edgewood,  Effingham  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1864 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  Marion 


In  the  Spring  of  the  year  1864, 
about  eleven  families  living  within  a 
radius  of  fifteen  miles  of  Edgewood 
appealed  to  the  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes  of  Alton,  Illinois, 
for  permission  to  organize  a  parish. 
Permission  was  granted  and  the  work 
of  organizing  the  new  parish  was  in- 
trusted to  the  Franciscan  Fathers  of 
Teutopolis,  Illinois,  who  proceeded 
with  the  work  by  calling  a  meeting  of 
the  few  Catholics  around  Edgewood. 
The  wishes  of  the  Bishop  were  made 
known,  and  those  assembled,  among 
whom  were  Louis  Schoen  and  John 
Casey  who  were  active  participants, 
at  once  organized  and  pledged  $400.00 
as  a  beginning  of  the  work. 

Mr.  Schoen  and  Mr.  Casey  secured 


a  site  in  the  west  end  of  the  little  vil- 
lage of  Edgewood  and  there  a  small 
frame  church  was  erected  at  a  cost  of 
$1,000.  From  the  year  1864  until 
1879,  the  mission  was  in  charge  of  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  of  Teutopolis. 
Then  it  was  given  to  the  pastoral  care 
of  secular  priests.  From  1879-86  it 
was  attended  by  Father  Reisen  from 
Flora ;  from  1886-90,  by  Reverend  J. 
B.  Schnelton,  and  from  1890-93  by 
Reverend  P.  A.  Lyons,  of  Altamont. 

In  the  year  1893,  the  care  of  this 
mission  was  entrusted  to  Neoga  par- 
ish, and  from  that  time  to  1907,  Fath- 
ers William  Murphy,  J.  J.  Corcoran, 
B.  Keogh,  and  T.  F.  McGrath  attend- 
ed twice  a  month  in  the  given  order. 

In  the   Autumn    of    1917,    Right 


332 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  appoint- 
ed Reverend  Edmond  Flynn  as  the 
first  resident  pastor.  At  once  pro- 
visions were  made  for  a  parochial 
residence,  and  one  was  erected  in  1908 
to  serve  the  reverend  pastor. 

In  1910,  Reverend  Edmund  Flynn 
was  appointed  pastor  of  Shipman  and 
Reverend  Adolph  Schneider  became 
his  successor  at  Edgewood  where  he 
remained  in  charge  until  his  death  in 
1918.  Father  Montruchio  succeeded 
Father  Schneider  but  remained  in 
charge  only  a  few  months.  Reverend 
Daniel  Doyle  then  took  charge  of  the 
parish  September  30,  1914,  and  in 
1915  erected  the  present  church  at  a 
cost  of  $8,000.  A  fine  high  altar  and 
new  stained  glass  windows  added 
much  to  the  appearance  of  the  new 
church. 

During  his  stay,  Father  Doyle  did 
a  great  deal  for  the  congregation  both 
spiritually  and  materially.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Edmund  But- 
ler, who,  however,  remained  only  a 
few  months. 

The  present  pastor,  Reverend  J. 
Marion  was  appointed  in  July,  1919. 
Under  his  leadership  the  remaining 
debts  on  the  parsonage  and  the  new 
church  were  paid  off  and  many  need- 


ed improvements  were  made.  He  or- 
ganized the  Holy  Name  Society  to 
which  every  young  man  and  every 
married  man  in  the  parish  belongs. 
The  young  and  married  ladies  all  be- 
long to  the  Altar  Society.  The  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  also 
has  a  branch  established  here. 

The  congregation  once  numbered 
forty-eight  families,  but  owing  to 
deaths  and  the  general  tendency  to 
move  to  more  prosperous  neighbor- 
hoods the  congregation  has  been  re- 
duced almost  one  half.  Although 
most  of  them  are  of  modest  means  and 
have  to  work  hard  for  a  living,  never- 
theless they  are  always  willing  to  do 
their  utmost  for  their  church. 

In  1924  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese, 
visited  the  parish  and  confirmed  a 
class  of  forty-six  children. 

The  religious  standing  of  the  par- 
ish is  excellent.  The  people  approach 
the  sacraments  frequently,  and 
though  many  of  them  live  a  great  dis- 
tance from  the  church,  yet  so  long  as 
the  roads  remain  good  they  are  faith- 
ful in  attending  and  fill  the  church 
on  Sundays  and  Holydays  of  Obliga- 
tion. 


Church  of  St.  Isidore,  Bethany,  Moultrie  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1864 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Charles  J.  Fanning 


St.  Isidore  church  is  situated  three 
miles  north  and  one  half  mile  west  of 
the  town  of  Bethany,  and  about 
twenty  miles  southeast  of  Decatur, 
Illinois.  As  early  as  1857  a  few 
Catholic  families,  mostly  of  Irish  ex- 
traction, had  migrated  west  and 
settled  in  what  is  now  Dora  Town- 
ship, Moultrie  County.  Those  fami- 
lies managed  to  visit  Decatur  or  Mat- 
toon  a  few  times  a  year  to  hear  Holy 
Mass  and  receive  the  Sacraments. 

Father  Anthony  Vogt  who  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  St.  Patrick  church 
in  Decatur  and  surrounding  country 
in  1859  labored  untiringly  for  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  the  early  settlers. 
Hearing  of  the  difficulties  which  the 


people  of  this  community  had  to  en- 
counter in  getting  to  Decatur,  it  being 
a  journey  of  two  days  for  the  round 
trip,  Father  Vogt  volunteered  to  visit 
the  settlers  at  stated  times  in  order  to 
minister  to  their  spiritual  wants,  hav- 
ing made  arrangements  to  that  effect 
in  the  summer  of  1863.  Mr.  Edmund 
Bresnan,  though  not  the  first  settler, 
took  advantage  of  this  opportunity  to 
invite  Father  Vogt  to  make  use  of  his 
humble  home  for  the  celebration  of 
holy  Mass.  In  the  meantime,  Mr. 
Bresnan  notified  the  families  in  the 
surrounding  country.  When  the 
blessed  day  arrived  there  was  a  gath- 
ering of  eleven  families  to  assist  at 


333 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


the  first  Mass  celebrated  in  Moultrie 
County. 

After  Mass  and  a  practical  sermon 
on  the  beauty  of  the  faith  and  the  re- 
ward for  those  who  persevere  therein, 
he  advised  the  men  to  consult  among 
themselves  about  the  erection  of  a 
small  church.  Beyond  all  expecta- 
tions, they  imediately  pledged  them- 
selves to  a  sum  of  over  six  hundred 
dollars.  Encouraged  by  this  interest, 
Father  Vogt  purchased  a  forty  acre 
tract  of  railroad  property  on  which 
was  built  a  frame  church.  This  church 
was  finished  in  1864  and  dedicated  to 
St.  Isidore,  patron  of  farmers. 

Father  Vogt  continued  to  attend 
St.  Isidore  from  Decatur  once  a  month 
on  a  week  day  until  his  transfer  to 
Macon  in  1870  from  which  place  he 
visited  it  twice  a  month  on  Sunday 
until  1873. 

Father  Timothy  Hickey  attended 
St.  Isidore  from  Decatur  for  a  short 
time  until  Father  Manasses  Kane  be- 
came pastor  of  Macon  in  succession  to 
Father  Vogt.  Following  is  the  list  of 
priests  who  attended  St.  Isidore's 
from  its  beginning  until  the  present 
time :  Fathers  Anthony  Vogt,  1863- 
73;  Timothy  Hickey,  1873-74;  M. 
Kane,  1874-75;  E.  McGowan,  1875- 
98;  William  Costello,  1898-1900;  J.  J. 
Corcoran,  1900-02  ;  J.  V.  Martin,  1903- 
04;  J.  J.  Dougherty,  1904-09;  J.  M. 
Davis,  1909-19;  and  C.  J.  Fanning, 
1919,  to  the  present  time. 

Reverend  Edward  McGowan  who 
attended  it  as  a  mission  from  Macon 
from  1875  to  1883  built  the  present 
parochial  residence  and  was  the  first 
resident  pastor.  He  enlarged  the 
church  at  this  time  as  the  members  of 
the  congregation  came  from  all  over 
Moultrie  County. 

In  1891  Father  McGowan  saw  the 
need  of  a  larger  and  more  substan- 
tial building  to  accommodate  the 
people.  There  was  a  division  of 
opinion  among  them  as  to  where  the 
church  should  be  built.  The  congrega- 
tion being  divided,  a  church  was  built 
at  Dalton  City,  four  miles  west  of 
here.  Father  McGowan  constructed 
a  brick  church  on  the  site  of  the   old 


building  to  accommodate  the  people 
in  the  eastern  part  of  the  county.  A 
few  years  later  he  built  a  frame 
church  at  Sullivan  which  he  attended 
once  a  month  for  about  two  years. 

In  the  year  1910  a  coal  mine  was 
opened  at  Lovington,  a  town  about 
eight  miles  east  of  St.  Isidore,  and  so 
many  Catholic  families,  principally 
from  Scotland  and  Austria-Hungary, 
moved  there  to  seek  employment  that 
in  1914  the  late  Bishop  Ryan  was  pe- 
titioned and  permission  was  granted 
to  build  a  church  at  Lovington.  Rev- 
erend M.  J.  Davis  built  a  small  frame 
church  which  was  dedicated  to  St. 
Mary,  Mother  of  God,  on  August  15, 
1915. 

Reverend  J.  V.  Martin  was  the  only 
pastor  of  St.  Isidore  who  died  here, 
and  his  pastorate  was  from  1903  to 
January,  1904.  In  1910  Reverend  M. 
J.  Davis  enlarged  the  parochial  resi- 
dence by  the  addition  of  two  rooms, 
and  in  1916  a  lighting  system  was  in- 
stalled for  the  house  and  church.  In 
1920,  the  basement  of  the  house  was 
enlarged  and  cemented  and  made 
more  convenient  and  comfortable  by 
the  addition  of  modern  improvements. 
The  congregation,  realizing  the  need 
of  a  suitable  place  for  socials  and  en- 
tertainments, donated  their  services 
in  digging  the  basement  under  the  en- 
tire church.  All  were  very  generous 
in  giving  their  hand  to  the  work,  and 
in  a  very  short  time  a  commodious 
basement  was  the  result  with  little  or 
no  expense.  A  larger  furnace  was  in- 
stalled, and  in  the  same  year,  1921, 
the  church  was  redecorated  by  Wil- 
liam Kloer  of  St.  Louis.  At  the  pres- 
ent time  the  church  and  house  are  in 
a  good  state  of  preservation. 

Of  the  early  settlers,  Mrs.  Cornelius 
McCarthy  and  Mrs.  Michael  Griffin 
are  the  only  two  living  in  this  com- 
munity. Mother  Teresa  of  the  Ursu- 
line  Academy  of  Decatur,  Illinois, 
supplied  the  dates  for  the  early  his- 
tory of  St.  Isidore.  It  was  in  her 
father's  house  that  the  first  Mass  was 
celebrated  in  this  community.  Sis- 
ter Helen  Madigan,  now  deceased, 
was  also  a  member  of  the  Ursuline  Or- 


334 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


der  and  one  of  the  early  settlers.  Sis- 
ter M.  Eleanor,  Sister  Munda,  and 
Sister  Thedocia  are  members  of  the 
Dominican  Order  and  formerly  be- 
longed to  this  parish. 

Ten  young  men  from  this  parish 
answered  their  country's  call  during 
the  World  War,  eight  serving  in  the 
army  and  two  in  the  navy. 

This  part  of  the  Country  prior  to 
1859  was  a  virgin  prairie  owned  by 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  Com- 
pany. Irish  settlers  came  to  the  lo- 
cality and  acquired  some  property. 
The  land  was  unimproved,  undrained 
and  because  of  its  low  marshy  condi- 
tion there  was  little  hope  for  immedi- 
ate profitable  production.  This  con- 
dition was  relieved  later  by  the  con- 
struction of  a  drainage  system ;  splen- 


did yields  resulted  and  the  value  of 
the  land  was  notably  enhanced. 
Farms  which  sold  for  five  dollars  per 
acre  in  1861  gradually  grew  in  valua- 
tion until  the  present  day  they  are 
priced  at  $250  per  acre. 

The  members  of  the  congregation 
as  it  stands  today  are  almost  without 
exception  direct  descendants  of  the 
early  settlers  so  that  the  property 
passed  from  father  to  son  and  grand- 
son. 

Death  has  claimed  some,  while 
others  have  answered  the  call  of  the 
cities,  so  that  the  families  are  fewer 
and  their  farm  holdings  more  exten- 
sive. There  are  now  only  thirty  fami- 
lies with  a  total  of  one  hundred  and 
forty-two  souls,  men,  women  and 
children. 


Church  of  the  Forty  Martyrs,  Tuscola,  Douglas  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1865 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Joseph  P.  Jordan 


Tuscola,  in  the  heart  of  the  corn 
belt,  is  an  agricultural  city  and  the 
County  seat  of  Douglas  County.  The 
present  census  is  very  close  to  three 
thousand.  The  original  town  was  laid 
out  by  Messrs.  Terry,  Mulhallan  and 
Cornelius,  July  9,  1857. 

There  were  very  few  Catholics  in 
Douglas  County,  and  it  was  not  until 
1865,  that  Father  Thomas  Mangan, 
located  at  Paris,  fifty  miles  distant, 
came  to  Tuscola  at  infrequent  inter- 
vals, and  then  not  on  Sunday,  to  look 
after  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  four 
or  five  families  scattered  over  the 
country.  This  hardy  missionary  min- 
istered to  the  people  for  some  years, 
offering  Holy  Mass  in  the  homes  of 
Martin  Cogley,  Brian  Roche,  and 
Thomas,  Patrick,  and  Michael  Cum- 
mings.  Father  Michael  Quinlan  suc- 
ceeded Father  Mangan  and  con- 
tinued the  visits  into  Douglas  County, 
stopping  at  Areola  to  the  south,  where 
he  performed  a  like  service  to  a  little 
larger  congregation.  About  this 
time  the  McGinis  family  donated  a 
site  for  a  church,  but  the  families 
were  so  few    and    the    visits    of    the 


priests  so  infrequent  that  the  hoped- 
for  church  was  never  built  on  that 
site,  and  the  property  was  bought  in 
for  taxes. 

Reverend  J.  B.  Diepenbrock,  who 
became  in  1875,  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor at  Areola,  eight  miles  south,  was 
able  to  give  Tuscola  a  little  more  at- 
tention because  he  was  nearer  and 
had  not  so  large  a  territory  to  cover. 
He  also  offered  the  Holy  Sacrifice  of 
the  Mass  in  the  homes  of  the  faithful. 
The  county  authorities  were  kind 
enough  on  certain  occasions  to  give 
the  use  of  the  County  court  room  for 
worship. 

The  earliest  Catholic  settlers  in  this 
locality  were  Irish  and  came  here  with 
the  building  of  the  Illinois  Central 
and  C.  I.  &  W.  Railroads,  which  gave 
them  employment.  As  they  were  not 
farmers  they  had  no  horses  to  carry 
them  to  Areola,  where  Father  Diepen- 
brock was  having  Mass  each  Sunday, 
so  they  either  walked  the  entire  dis- 
tance of  eight  miles  or  rode  on  hand 
cars. 

The  zealous  Father  Diepenbrock 
called  the  little  flock  of  ten  families 
together  at  the  Court  House  and  sujr- 


335 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


gested  the  building  of  a  church.  En- 
thusiastically, they  went  to  work  and 
through  the  efforts  of  the  late  Con- 
gressman Joseph  G.  Cannon,  non- 
Catholic,  and  president  of  the  First 
National  Bank  ,and  Patrick  Sloan, 
two  lots  were  donated  for  church  pur- 
poses. The  lots  were  ideally  located 
at  Vanallen  and  Center  streets,  just 
opposite  the  Court  House.  A  sub- 
scription of  $500.00  was  taken  up, 
and  in  1880  the  first  Catholic  Church 
in  Tuscola  and  the  second  in  Douglas 
County,  was  dedicated  to  its  sublime 
purpose,  under  the  name  and  patron- 
age of  the  Forty  Martyrs. 

Most  of  the  work  was  done  by  the 
men  of  the  parish  and  the  building 
was  erected  at  a  cost  of  seven  or  eight 
hundred  dollars.  To  this  little  frame 
structure  of  20x40  feet,  Father  Diep- 
enbrock  came  once  a  month  until 
1884,  when  Reverend  P.  M.  O'Dono- 
hoe  became  pastor  at  Areola.  This 
service  was  continued  through  the 
pastorates  of  Fathers  D.  J.  Moroney, 
1887  to  1891,  and  J.  V.  Martin,  who 
was  the  last  pastor  at  Areola  to  serve 
the  parish  at  Tuscola. 

In  1901,  Reverend  Thomas  Moore, 
pastor  at  Hume,  Illinois,  was  given 
charge  of  the  Tuscola  Mission.  Father 
Moore  made  the  long  trip  of  twenty 
miles  every  other  Sunday.  During  his 
pastorate,  the  church  was  enlarged  by 
the  addition  of  a  sanctuary  and  a 
sacristy.  The  latter  room  also  served 
as  a  lodging  place  when  the  priest  re- 
mained over  night.  A  choir  loft  was 
added  to  the  building  through  the 
generosity  of  the  Frank  Cabalak  fam- 
ily of  Villa  Grove. 

An  effort  was  made  at  this  time  by 
Father  Moore  to  purchase  an  adjoin- 
ing lot  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a 
parsonage  in  the  hope  that  a  resident 
pastor  might  be  secured,  but  the 
project  failed  for  various  reasons, 
principally  because  the  price  was  held 
to  be  rather  high  for  the  struggling 
parish.  Reverend  George  Hensey 
succeeded  Father  Moore  at  Hume  in 
the  year  1905,  and  continued  the  work 
at  Tuscola.  About  this  time  rail- 
road   shops    were    located    at    Villa 


Grove,  four  miles  north  and  seven 
miles  east  of  Tuscola.  Father  Hen- 
sey found  that  quite  a  few  Catholics 
were  employed  there  and  so  informed 
the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese.  The 
Bishop  thereupon  sent  Reverend  Wil- 
liam Quattman  to  Tuscola  in  the 
year,  1906,  and  instructed  him  to 
build  a  church  at  Villa  Grove  and  at- 
tend it  as  a  mission  from  Tuscola. 
Father  Quattman  met  with  much  suc- 
cess and  soon  obtained  the  donation 
of  two  lots  as  a  site  and  built  a  church 
there.  He  attended  Villa  Grove  each 
Sunday  and  soon  had  a  very  fine  lit- 
tle congregation.  During  this  time 
and  until  1908,  there  being  no  parson- 
age at  Tuscola,  Father  Quattman 
lodged  at  the  hotel.  He  now  began  an 
active  campaign  for  a  parsonage  and 
this  materialized  in  1908  in  a  fine 
priest's  home,  costing  $3,000.00  which 
were  paid  off  in  a  very  few  years. 

Father  Quattman  continued  to 
serve  Tuscola  and  Villa  Grove  until 
November,  1917,  when  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Sigel,  Illinois,  and  Reverend 
August  M.  Hohl,  who  had  been  an 
assistant  at  St.  John's,  Quincy,  was 
sent  to  Tuscola.  At  this  time  the 
parish  numbered  about  30  families. 

The  old  frame  church  was  begin- 
ning to  show  the  ravages  of  time  and 
also  found  to  be  too  small  for  the  con- 
gregation. In  the  Fall  of  1920, 
Father  Hohl,  at  a  meeting  of  the  con- 
gregation suggested  that  a  building 
fund  be  started  which  should  culmin- 
ate in  the  building  of  a  new  house  of 
God.  He  met  with  the  co-operation 
of  the  parish  and  after  five  years, 
over  $23,000.00  had  been  accumulated 
for  the  new  church.  In  September, 
1924,  the  farmers  of  the  parish  who 
could  spare  the  time  volunteered  to 
help  with  the  work. 

A  place  had  to  be  found  for  the 
old  church  so  that  services  might  be 
held  while  the  building  was  being 
erected.  It  was  decided  to  purchase 
three  lots  just  west  of  the  church  and 
located  on  the  southwest  corner  of 
Vanallen  and  Center  Streets  for  that 
purpose.  Edwin  F.  Meister,  the  pres- 
ent City  Attornev  and  a  member  of 


336 


Tuscola — Reo.  J.  P.  Jordan,  Pastor,  Forty  Marlins.  Church,  Rectory  .  .  .  Shipman — 
Rectory,  Rev.  Joseph  McKeogh,  Pastor.  St.  Denis  Church  .  .  .  Michael— Rev.  Michael 
Sheehy,  Pastor.  St.  Michael's  Church,  First  Church  Building,  Rectory. 


Areola  *t.  John's  Chmrh  .  .  .  Charleston — Rectory \  Her.  •/.  ./.  Connolly,  Pastor. 
St.  Charles  Church  .  .  .  Bishop  Creek — Rev.  Eugene  Hagedorn,  O.F.M..  Pastor,  St.  Aloy- 
sius  Church,  Rectory,  School  .  .  .  Virdcn — St.  Catherine's  Church  and  Rectory,  Rev.  Geo. 
J.  Kenney,  Pastor  .  .  .  Illiopolis — Visitation  B.  V.  M.  Church,  Rectory. 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


the  congregation,  obtained  the  lots  for 
the  parish  at  the  very  reasonable 
figure  of  $1,500.  It  is  the  hope  of  the 
congregation  to  be  able  to  build  a 
school  on  this  site  when  it  is  no  long- 
er needed  for  a  church ;  there  being  a 
real  need  for  a  school  in  this  com- 
munity. 

Under  the  direction  of  J.  P.  Moore- 
head,  who  charged  nothing  for  his 
work,  the  farmers  moved  the  old 
building  to  the  other  site  just  pur- 
chased and  put  in  the  concrete  foun- 
dation for  the  new  church.  Thomas 
Francis  Imbs,  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
was  chosen  as  the  architect  for  the 
new  church.  He  drew  plans  for  a 
clerestory  Lombardic  Romanesque 
brick  church,  which  pleased  the  con- 
gregation. The  new  church  was  to 
cost  something  like  $30,000.00  with- 
out equipment  and  was  to  seat  350.  In 
May,  1925,  the  building  committee 
composed  of  the  Trustees,  A.  S.  Hart- 
mann,  Richard  Powers  and  James 
Kennedy  and  James  Melody  gave  the 
contract  to  J.  P.  Moorehead.  Work 
was  at  once  begun  and  it  is  hoped  that 
the  building  will  be  ready  for  occu- 
pancy by  Christmas  of  this  year, 
1925. 


The  parish  at  present  numbers  200 
souls  and  the  people  are  of  Irish  and 
German  parentage.  The  Catholics  of 
this  city  have  enthusiastically  con- 
tributed their  share  toward  the  up- 
building of  the  city  and  county.  The 
parish  cherishes  its  service  flag  with 
nine  stars,  the  number  of  her  young 
men  who  went  to  war  at  the  country's 
call  in  the  recent  great  conflict.  They 
all  returned  but  not  unscathed.  One 
was  terribly  injured  and  remains  a 
cripple  for  life,  and  two  were  so  bad- 
ly gassed  that  they  are  forever  ban- 
ished from  their  home  to  live  in  a 
more  salutary  climate. 

Father  Hohl  had  the  happiness  of 
seeing  his  new  church  dedicated  on 
May  12,  1926,  by  the  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  assisted  by 
several  priests,  in  the  presence  of  one 
of  the  largest  and  most  representa- 
tive gatherings  that  Tuscola  has  ever 
witnessed. 

In  September,  1927,  Father  Hohl 
was  promoted  to  the  important  par- 
ish of  St.  Paul  in  Highland,  Illinois, 
and  Reverend  Joseph  Jordan  was 
transferred  from  Grafton  to  the 
church  of  Tuscola. 


Church  op  St.  Denis,  Shipman,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1865 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Joseph  McKeogh 


St.  Denis'  congregation  was  organ- 
ized in  the  beginning  of  the  year 
1865.  Reverend  A.  B.  Rinkes  came 
once  a  month  from  Bunker  Hill,  Illi- 
nois, and  said  Mass  for  the  people  in 
the  home  of  John  Lunstead,  an  Irish 
immigrant.  For  three  years,  until  the 
church  was  built,  Mass  was  offered  up 
once  a  month  in  this  house  . 

In  July,  1865,  Reverend  A.  B. 
Rinkes  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  P. 
O'Halloran,  who  also  came  from 
Bunker  Hill  for  about  a  year. 

In  1866,  Reverend  P.  O'Halloran 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Denis 
O 'Sullivan  who  came  from  Alton,  Illi- 
nois. For  nearly  two  years  he  said 
Mass  in  the  same  house.  Towards  the 
end  of  the  year,  1867,  he  procured  a 


lot,  the  gift  of  a  Protestant,  Mr. 
Shultz,  and  in  1868  he  built  St.  Denis' 
Church.  The  men  of  the  congrega- 
tion did  much  of  the  work,  and  as  a 
consequence  the  church  cost  but  little. 
It  was  a  small  church  without  any 
straining  after  beauty  or  architecture, 
but  was  sufficiently  large  to  accom- 
modate the  congregation.  The  people 
were  proud  of  their  little  church,  be- 
cause it  filled  a  long  felt  want  in  their 
lives. 

The  congregation  was  composed  al- 
most wholly  of  Irish  immigrants  who 
left  Ireland  in  the  dark  days  of  the 
famine  years  to  seek  the  freedom  and 
fortune  denied  them  in  their  own 
land  by  a  tyrant  invader. 

They  did  not  possess  much  of  the 


337 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


wealth  of  the  world,  but  their  hearts 
were  aflame  with  the  fire  of  Divine 
Love,  and  they  considered  no  sacri- 
fice too  great  to  be  made  for  their 
faith.  Theirs  was  a  noble  heritage 
and  they  were  determined  to  pass  it 
on  to  future  generations.  They  were 
loyal  and  devout  Catholics,  faithful  to 
God  and  true  to  their  church. 

The  southwestern  part  of  Macoupin 
County,  Illinois,  in  which  Shipman  is 
located  was  at  that  time  for  the  most 
part  a  wooded  wilderness,  and  these 
immigrants  cut  the  trees,  cleared  the 
ground,  cultivated  the  land  and  turn- 
ed the  barren  wastes  into  food  pro- 
ducing soil.  Such  were  the  people 
that  built  the  Catholic  church  in 
Shipman,  Illinois — about  forty  fami- 
lies in  all. 

Reverend  Denis  0 'Sullivan  was 
succeeded  in  1870  by  Father  Clifford. 
In  1874,  Father  Clifford  was  succeed- 
ed by  Father  Tearney  who  remained 
about  two  years. 

In  the  Spring  of  1876,  the  congre- 
gation purchased  a  small  house  next 
to  the  church,  and  in  the  Summer  of 
the  same  year,  Reverend  Thomas  E. 
Cusack  came  to  live  in  Shipman — the 
first  resident  pastor  of  St.  Denis 
Church.  Up  to  this  time  Mass  was 
said  only  once  a  month,  but  now 
Mass  was  to  be  said  every  Sunday  and 
the  people  were  happy. 

For  eleven  years  Father  Cusack 
labored  zealously  for  his  little  flock. 
He  faithfully  ministered  to  their 
spiritual  needs;  he  was  their  friend 
and  counsellor  in  their  trials  and  dif- 
ficulties and  he  shared  in  their  joys 
and  sorrows.  In  1887  he  surrendered 
his  soul  into  the  hands  of  his  Maker 
after  a  life  of  long  and  faithful  serv- 
ice in  the  Master's  vineyard.  He  was 
an  uncle  of  Reverend  Thomas  Cusack, 
present  pastor  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception  Church,  Mattoon,  Illinois. 
Immediately  after  the  death  of 
Father  Cusack,  Reverend  James  V. 
Martin  was  appointed  to  take  charge 
of  St,  Denis  church.  In  1889,  he  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  John  J. 
Smith,  who  in  turn  was  succeeded  by 


Reverend  William  O'Keefe  in  1891. 
During  the  year  1891  Father  0 'Keefe 
repaired  the  rectory,  built  an  ad- 
dition to  it  and  made  it  much  more 
comfortable.  The  repairs  cost  about 
$1,700.00. 

From  1892  to  1924,  Shipman  saw 
the  following  succession  of  pastors : 
Fathers  M.  J.  Davis,  pastor  for  a  few 
months  in  1892;  Charles  Carr,  from 
1892  to  1894,  (later  he  went  west  for 
the  good  of  his  health  and  is  now  pas- 
tor of  a  flourishing  parish  in  Den- 
ver) ;  P.  N.  Bourke,  1894  to  his  death 
in  1896;  Thomas  O'Reilly,  1896  to 
1902;  D.  J.  Ryan,  for  a  short  period 
in  1902,  till  the  appointment  of  E. 
B.  Kehoe  who  was  succeeded  by  A.  A. 
McDonald  in  the  following  year.  In 
1904,  Father  McDonald  enlarged  the 
church  and  decorated  the  interior, 
the  whole  improvements  costing  about 
$1,000.  July  of  1909  saw  Reverend 
A.  F.  Schneider  as  pastor  and  Decem- 
ber the  same  year,  Reverend  E.  F. 
Flynn.  The  latter  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  I.  Kershevich,  who,  after  a 
few  months  stay,  was  replaced  by 
Father  P.  P.  McGuinness.  During 
his  incumbency,  Father  McGuinness 
extensively  remodelled  the  rectory  by 
adding  to  it  four  rooms  and  making 
it  modern  in  every  respect.  The  cost 
was  $2700.00.  In  1922  Father  Mc- 
Guinness was  promoted  to  Murray- 
ville  and  the  vacancy  made  by  his 
departure  was  filled  by  Reverend 
Joseph  McKeogh  who  has  continued 
as  pastor  up  to  the  present  time. 

Shipman  has  a  population  of  about 
330  people,  and  the  C.  &  A.  Railroad 
runs  through  it.  There  are  no  fac- 
tories in  town  except  a  canning  fac- 
tory, and  that  has  not  worked  for 
nearly  two  years.  The  chief  industry 
is  agriculture. 

During  the  past  seventy  years 
nothing  of  any  historical  importance 
has  taken  place  in  the  little  town,  and 
the  people  for  the  most  part  "have 
kept  the  even  tenor  of  their  ways." 

Mrs.  Tunstead,  now  moving  on  to 
her  ninetieth  year,  but  still  able  to 


338 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


attend  Mass  every  Sunday,  is  the  old- 
est member  of  the  congregation.  It 
was  in  the  house    of   her   brother-in- 


law  that  Mass  was  first  celebrated  in 
Shipman.  She  is  the  connecting  link 
between  the  past  and  present. 


Church  op  St.  Michael,  Michael,  Calhoun  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1865 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Michael  Sheehy 


Calhoun  County,  often  spoken  of  as 
"The  Kingdom"  and  "The  Apple 
Orchard  of  Illinois,"  was  established 
in  1825,  was  settled  by  woodmen  who 
cleared  the  land  and  transformed  it 
into  fertile  farms.  The  first  record 
we  have  of  a  Catholic  Service  was  at 
Brussels  in  1845,  when  it  was  visited 
by  Father  Carroll  of  St.  Matthew's 
Church,  Alton.  He  continued  to  vis- 
it the  scattered  Catholics  of  Calhoun 
at  stated  times  until  the  end  of  1849. 
The  old  cemetery  at  Michael  was 
used  for  the  first  time  that  year ;  the 
old  monuments  show  that  it  was  used 
at  first  as  a  public  cemetery,  as  many 
of  them  bear  the  names  of  non-Catho- 
lics. As  time  went  on,  Michael  be- 
came a  ratholic  settlement  and  the 
cemetery  was  used  exclusively  for 
Catholic  purposes. 

The  Jesuit  fathers  from  St.  Charles, 
Missouri,  served  the  spiritual  needs 
of  the  Catholics  of  Calhoun  from 
1850  to  1852,  as  it  is  a  matter  of  rec- 
ord that  they  ministered  to  an  Irish 
colony  between  Hardin  and  Ham- 
burg, known  as  the  Gleeson  settle- 
ment. This  colony  has  long  since  dis- 
appeared. 

In  1852,  Father  John  Molitor  was 
appointed  pastor  of  Brussels  by 
Bishop  Vandevelde  of  Chicago,  and  it 
is  a  matter  of  record  that  he  cele- 
brated Mass  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Deg- 
erlia,  now  occupied  by  John  Godar 
near  the  present  "Degerlia  Land- 
ing," (three  miles  south  of  Michael). 
Father  Molitor  died  a  few  months 
after  his  appointment  and  the  Jesuit 
Fathers  again  took  charge  until  the 
appointment  of  Father  Regal  to  Brus- 
sels in  1853.  He  served  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  Catholics  of  the  county 
until  1859,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Raphael  who  celebrated  Mass 
in  the  homes  of  Leonard  Ewen,  Mr. 


Bomkamp,  and  the  aforesaid  Mr. 
Degerlia. 

In  1861  he  built  a  little  log  church 
at  Michael  which  still  stands.  The 
land,  three  and  three-fourths  acres, 
was  donated  by  Andrew  Ulrich,  who 
then  owned  the  farm  now  in  posses- 
sion of  John  Stelbrink.  Up  to  1864 
this  congregation  had  Mass  every  two 
months. 

In  1864,  Meppen  received  its  first 
resident  pastor,  and  from  that  time 
until  1871,  this  congregation  was  at- 
tended twice  a  month  by  the  Fathers 
from  Meppen  and  Brussels.  During 
1871  Father  Quitter  of  Fieldon  was 
in  charge.  From  1872  to  1877,  it 
was  again  attended  from  Brussels  and 
Meppen.  In  1877,  Father  Freimuth 
was  appointed  resident  pastor  of 
Michael.  He  set  to  work  and  built 
churches  at  Kampsville  and  Hardin. 

Reverend  Clement  Aloys  Sommers 
took  charge  December  8,  1878,  and  at- 
tended all  three  churches  on  alternate 
Sundays.  He  built  the  present 
church  at  Michael  in  1882,  and  on 
April  18,  of  the  same  year,  purchased 
from  Samuel  Weisman  the  property 
on  which  the  present  parsonage 
stands.  The  old  cemetery  was  aban- 
doned for  the  one  at  the  back  of  the 
present  parsonage  in  1883.  On  May 
29,  1884,  the  church  was  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Baltes,  and  on  the  following 
day  the  cemetery  was  consecrated  and 
the  bells  blessed.  Father  Sommers 
remained  thirteen  years  at  Michael, 
and  his  long  stay  so  wove  his  person- 
ality into  the  lives  of  the  people,  that 
his  uame  shall  abide  in  their  mem- 
ories as  long  as  life  remains. 

Reverend  Clement  Johannes  came 
here  July  4,  1892.  He  built  the 
present  parsonage  a  few  months 
after  his  arrival,  as  the  old  one 
was    destroyed    by    a    wind    storm. 


339 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


lie  built  the  parsonage  at  Kamps- 
ville  in  1894,  and  was  appointed 
the  first  resident  pastor  in  1895. 
His  name  is  still  held  in  bene- 
diction at  Michael  as  a  true  priest  and 
a  loving  friend. 

Father  Connelly  became  rector  in 
November,  1895.  Father  Dougherty 
was  sent  here  as  assistant  to  take  care 
of  Hardin  in  1899,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Father  McGrath  in  March,  1900. 
His  successor,  Father  Kelly,  remained 
from  1902  until  1904.  In  the  same 
year  Father  Connelly  built  a  parson- 
age at  Hardin  and  a  resident  pastor 
was  appointed  there  the  following 
year. 

Father  Connelly  was  an  enthusiast 
about  his  work,  and  he  had  the  talent 
of  spreading  sacred  fire.  Plain  and 
simple  in  his  own  life,  kind  and  hos- 
pitable to  others,  he  endeared  himself 
to  all.  In  him  the  poor  and  afflicted 
always  found  a  friend. 

Reverend  J.  B.  Wardein  was  ap- 
pointed as  successor  to  Father  Con- 
nelly in  1905.  He  was  in  poor  health 
at  the  time,  and  to  add  to  his  misery, 
had  to  contend  against  the  preten- 
tions of  some  restless  members.  Nev- 
ertheless, his  humility,  zeal  and  piety 
won  for  him  the  admiration  and  re- 
spect of  the  cream  of  the  congrega- 
tion. He  left  Michael  in  August, 
1910,  and  Father  Hickey  of  Hardin 
attended  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the 
people  until  the  appointment  of 
Father  Kipping  in  March,  1911. 

Among  the  many  improvements 
made  by  Father  Kipping  may  be 
mentioned  the  frescoing  of  the  church 
and  the  placing  of  an    artistic    iroD 


fence  around  same.  Great  indeed  was 
the  sorrow  when,  in  November,  1912, 
he  had  to  bid  his  adieu  and  leave  for 
a  larger  field. 

Father  O'Mullane  was  appointed 
as  Father  Kipping 's  successor.  For 
nine  years  he  labored  zealously  for 
the  welfare  of  the  congregation,  mak- 
ing many  improvements  both  in  the 
church  and  parsonage. 

The  present  incumbent,  Father 
Michael  Sheehy,  (a  priest  he  is  to  all 
the  country  dear)  took  charge  Novem- 
ber 1,  1921,  and  his  work  has  been 
abundantly  blessed  by  God.  In  1922 
he  purchased  a  site  for  a  new  ceme- 
tery. During  his  stay  at  Michael,  the 
parishioners  have  shown  themselves 
to  be  loyal  and  truly  devoted  Catho- 
lics— loyal  to  God,  to  His  Church,  and 
to  the  priests.  He  made  the  Holy 
Year  pilgrimage  to  Rome  in  1925,  and 
on  his  return  the  parishioners  pre- 
sented him  with  a  purse  of  $500.00  as 
a  token  of  appreciation  of  his  labors 
among  them. 

Among  the  early  settlers  whose 
names  are  recorded  may  be  mentioned 
the  following :  Bellms,  Roths,  Roentz, 
Trauflers,  Ewens,  Klunks,  Schneiders, 
Baumans,  Upprichs,  Fischers,  Gress, 
Roehls,  Days,  Hughes,  McGuires, 
Condons,  Kellys,  Corbetts  and  Camp- 
bells. The  only  surviving  settlers  are 
Mr.  Corbett  and  Mr.  Campbell.  The 
other  first  settlers  have  gone  to  their 
reward,  but  their  children  are  now 
reaping  the  fruits  of  their  labors  and 
are  as  devoted  to  the  Church  as  were 
their  fathers.  The  present  trustees 
are  Frank  Traufler  and  Martin  Ban- 
man. 


Church  of  St.  Charles,  Charleston,  Coles  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1865 

Present  Pastor:   Reverend  John  J.  Connolly 


The  history  of  the  Faith  in  Charles- 
ton goes  back  to  the  year  1854. 
Charleston  at  that  time  was  a  small 
country  town,  with  no  waterworks, 
no  electric  lights,  no  telephones,  no 
paved  streets,  no  sidewalks,  no  im- 
provements of  any  kind.    Travel  was 


hard  and  uncertain,  and  it  was  a  long 
journey  for  a  man  to  come  from  his 
farm  to  town  to  transact  business  or 
to  attend  Mass  on  Sundays.  Today 
Charleston  is  a  thriving  modern  city 
of  about  7,000  inhabitants.  Among 
its  many  interesting  institutions  is  a 


340 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


large  State  Normal  School  which 
trains  boys  and  girls  for  the  teaching 
profession. 

Prior  to  1865  there  was  no  Catholic 
church  building  in  Charleston,  but 
services  were  held  in  private  homes 
and  in  halls  over  buildings  on  the 
public  square.  History  tells  us  that 
the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered  in  the 
store-room  of  Cornelius  Owens,  now 
the  J.  B.  Mitchell  Grocery  Store. 
Reverend  Thomas  Ryan  of  North 
Arm,  Edgar  County,  ministered  to 
the  spiritual  wants  of  his  little 
pioneer  flock,  composed  of  a  few  im- 
migrants from  Ireland  and  Germany, 
all  of  whom  have  passed  away  years 
ago  to  their  eternal  reward. 

In  1865  Reverend  Denis  Tierney 
was  sent  to  Charleston  to  become  its 
resident  priest,  and  on  his  arrival 
the  congregation  purchased  the  old 
Christian  Church  which  they  used 
until  it  was  destroyed  by  the  storm  in 
1868.  During  the  following  four 
years  services  were  held  in  the  court- 
house. Father  Mangan  of  Mattoon, 
and  Father  Sullivan  of  Paris  were  in 
charge.  In  1872  Reverend  Sylvester 
Wegner  of  Paris,  erected  a  small 
brick  church  on  the  same  lot,  which 
was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Baltes  the 
following  year.  In  1884,  Reverend 
David  Moroney  became  pastor;  in 
1888  Reverend  M.  O'Donoghue;  in 
1892,  Reverend  Joseph  Finnegan;  in 
1894,  Reverend  C.  A.  Snyder,  and  on 
October  16,  1897,  Reverend  J.  J. 
Driscoll. 

During  the  incumbency  of  Father 
Snyder,  the  increase  of  the  congrega- 
tion made  it  necessary  to  erect  a  new 
building,  of  which  the  above  named 
built  the  foundation,  and  Father 
Driscoll,  the  superstructure  of  the 
splendid  pressed-brick  church,  which 
now  raises  aloft  its  tall  spire  emble- 
matic of  the  high  and  courageous 
spirit  of  Catholic  pride  inherent  in 
our  forefathers.  On  June  27,  1898, 
the  corner-stone  of  the  present  beau- 
tiful structure  was  laid,  and  in  Oc- 
tober,   one    year    afterward,    Bishop 


James  Ryan  of  Alton  dedicated  the 
church. 

In  the  Spring  of  1900  the  old  par- 
sonage was  moved  and  a  commodious 
two-story  building  with  slate  roof  and 
all  modern  conveniences  took  its 
place.  The  old  church  was  re- 
modeled and  converted  into  a  hall. 

When  Father  Driscoll  left  in  1903, 
Reverend  William  Costello  was  ap- 
pointed pastor,  and  for  sixteen  years 
guided  the  destinies  of  the  congrega- 
tion. The  debt  was  cleared;  new  al- 
tars were  installed;  windows  depict- 
ing the  mysteries  of  the  Faith  made 
their  appearance  and  the  interior  was 
newly  decorated. 

In  1919  Father  John  J.  Connolly 
became  pastor.  In  1924,  the  old  hall 
now  in  its  "sear  and  yellow  leaf" 
gave  place  to  a  beautiful  scenic  gar- 
den pool  and  Grotto  of  the  Virgin.  In 
1923,  was  installed  a  magnificent 
pipe  organ,  long  a  dream  of  the 
church,  now  a  reality;  a  replica  of 
the  Grotto  at  Lourdes  serves  as  a  con- 
stant inspiration,  and  the  white 
marble  topped  Communion  rail, 
flanked  by  Victory  Angels,  serves  as 
a  fitting  symbol  of  the  church  mili- 
tant and  the  church  triumphant. 

There  are  about  120  families  now — 
seventy-five  Catholic,  and  the  rest 
mixed  and  single  persons.  Our  war 
record  can  stand  comparison  with  that 
of  any  other  denomination  :  eighteen  of 
our  boys  joined  the  colors,  twelve  of 
whom  went  overseas  and  saw  action. 
Fortunately  all  came  home,  strong 
and  hearty,  after  doing  "their  bit." 
In  the  recent  drive  for  the  Cathedral 
fund,  the  parish  contributed  more 
than  its  quota. 

The  Altar,  Holy  Name,  and  Sacred 
Heart  Societies  must  be  credited  with 
fine  parish  work  in  a  financial  and 
spiritual  way. 

The  successors  of  the  Catholic 
pioneers  that  established  the  little 
parish  for  the  honor  and  glory  of  God 
are  as  follows :  Allwells,  Bachmanns, 
Driscolls,  Downers,  Daugheitvs, 
Guineys,  Jacobs,  Kanes,  Malones^ 
McCarthys,  McGurtys,  McMahons, 
Pendergasts,  Tahans  and  Whalens. 


341 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  Arcola,  Edgar  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1865 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  William  Pietsch 


Reverend  Thomas  Ryan,  Pastor  of 
Baldwinville  or  North  Arm,  Edgar 
County,  attended  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  few  Catholics  of  Arcola  as 
early  as  1853.  In  1861  he  moved  to 
Mattoon  and  continued  his  visita- 
tions. In  1865  with  Reverend 
Thomas  Mangan  as  pastor,  subscrip- 
tions were  taken  for  a  church  and  the 
new  church,  a  frame  structure,  was 
dedicated  to  the  honor  of  St.  John 
the  Baptist  January  22,  1871. 

Father  Mangan  was  also  instrumen- 
tal in  having  a  church  built  in  Hum- 
bolt  six  miles  to  the  south,  in  1870. 
It  was  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Angels 
and  was  a  mission    of    Arcola    until 

1900,  when  it  was  sold,  owing  to  the 
small  numbers  and  its  proximity  to 
other  parishes,  the  parishioners  at- 
taching themselves  to  Arcola,  princi- 
pally, a  few  to  Charleston. 

Father  Mangan  was  succeeded 
June,  1871,  by  Reverend  Charles 
Gonant.  In  the  spring  of  1872  Rev- 
erend Michael  Quinlan  was  appointed 
to  the  charge,  and  remained  three 
years.  Then  Reverend  A.  J.  Pennartz 
stationed  at  Paris,  attended  for  six 
months.  Reverend  John  B.  Diepen- 
brock  became  the  pastor  in  1875,  and 
continued  in  office  until  1884,  during 
which  time  a  commodious  frame  par- 
sonage was  erected.  A  church  was 
also  built  in  Tuscola  eight  miles  to  the 
north  in  1880,  which  remained  a  mis- 
sion of  Arcola  until  1901  when  it  was 
attached  to  Hume  in  Edgar  County 
with  Reverend  Thomas  Moore  the  pas- 
tor. Father  Diepenbrock  left  in  1884 
to  become  chaplain  in  St.  John's  Hos- 
pital, Springfield,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Reverend  P.  M.  Donohoe  who  was 
followed  in  1887  by  Reverend  D.  J. 
Moroney.  Father  Moroney  remained 
in  charge  until  1891.  That  year  Rev- 
erend J.  V.  Martin  was  appointed. 
His    pastorate    ended    November    1, 

1901.  Reverend  William  A.  Heffer- 
nan  followed  and  soon  steps  were 
taken  to  build   a  new   church,   some- 


thing long  contemplated.  The  present 
brick  structure — one  of  the  most 
beautiful  churches  in  the  diocese  and 
which  today  could  not  be  duplicated 
for  thrice  the  amount — was  erected  in 
1902  at  a  cost  of  twenty-five  thousand 
dollars.  Father  Heffernan  was  suc- 
ceeded in  office  by  Reverend  Thomas 
Costello  July  1,  1907,  during  whose 
pastorate  many  improvements  were 
made. 

In  1915  a  new  pipe  organ  and  new 
stations  of  the  cross  were  installed. 
The  parsonage  built  by  Father  Die- 
penbrock was  destroyed  by  fire  De- 
cember 3,  1917  and  was  replaced  by 
a  brick  veneer  structure.  The  year 
1925  saw  considerable  improvements 
on  the  interior  of  the  church  in  the 
way  of  decoration,  a  new  system  of 
lighting  and  minor  improvements. 

After  eighteen  years  of  faithful 
service,  Father  Costello  in  1925  was 
promoted  to  Carrollton  and  his  place 
at  Arcola  filled  by  Reverend  William 
Toomey  whose  pastorate  continued  up 
to  July,  1927,  when  Reverend  Wil- 
liam Peitsch  became  incumbent. 

As  early  as  1856  Catholics  of  Irish 
stock  settled  here,  many  of  whom 
took  an  active  part  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  community.  Patrick  H. 
Monahan  was  one  of  the  first  broom- 
corn  brokers  of  this  section.  His  son 
Thomas  is  prominent  in  the  business 
today.  Thomas  Lyons  also  a  broom- 
corn  broker,  organized  the  Arcola 
State  Bank  in  1894  and  remained  at 
its  head  until  his  death  in  1917.  He 
was  a  prime  mover  in  giving  Arcola 
its  water-works,  its  first  street  pave- 
ment and  its  library.  Patrick  James 
and  Michael  Lyons,  Michael  Coan,  J. 
H.  Sullivan  and  Andrew  Schneider 
were  among  the  early  business  men. 
Mr.  Schneider  engaged  in  the  bakery 
business  in  1877  and  Schneider's 
Broad  is  still  famous  over  this  part 
of  the  state  to  this  day.  Although  he 
died  in  1917,  the  bakery  is  run  by  the 
Schneider    family.       Mr.    Schneider 


342 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


served  as  Mayor  two  terms,  11)11-1915 
when  considerable  public  improve- 
ments took  place.  Thomas  J.  Mona- 
han  was  Mayor  two  terms,  1907-1911. 
Present  Catholics  in  business :  T.  E. 
Lyons,  President  State  Bank ;  P  J. 
Goggin,  lumber  dealer;  John  Haley, 
jeweler;  J.  J.  Melody,  Ford  agent; 
Hugh  Cunningham,  Dry  Goods  ; 
Healy  &  Healy,  Publishers  of  the  Ar- 
colian,  a  weekly;  Albert  McLane, 
Post-master;  Kennedy  Brothers,  Gro- 
cers. 

More  than  one  half  of  the  parish  is 


engaged  in  agriculture,  most  of  the 
farmers  owning  their  farms.  And 
what  farms  too  !  Perhaps  in  the  whole 
country  there  is  no  finer  or  more  pro- 
ductive soil  than  that  to  be  found 
within  the  limits  of  St.  John  the  Bap- 
tist parish. 

At  the  present  writing  the  parish 
has  seventy-three  families  and  three 
societies — Holy  Name,  Altar  and 
Sacred  Heart — which  supply  leader- 
ship to  all  parish  activities. 

During  the  World  War  the  parish 
Service  Flag  showed  fifteen  blue 
stars  with  one  of  gold. 


Church  op  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop  Creek,  Effingham  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1865 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Eugene  Hagedorn,  O.F.M. 


Samuel  Bishop  settled  here  in  1838. 
The  next  settler  was  Mr.  Christian 
Riemann  a  German  and  a  Catholic, 
A.  D.  1838.  With  characteristic  Ger- 
man industry  and  patience  he  entered 
and  tilled  the  land  now  owned  by 
Mr.  Henry  Voss.  Mr.  Riemann  died 
in  1868.  The  next  Catholic  settlers 
were:  Franz  Westendorff  (1839), 
Joseph  H.  Brummer,  Dieterich 
Kremer,  Herman  Vonderheide, 
Henry  Mette,  Bernard  Sietmann, 
(January,  1847),  Bernard  Sand- 
scheuper,  Henry  Probst,  John  Beck- 
man,  George  Boeckenhold,  (1846), 
Bernard  Bierman,  Dieterich  Repking, 
Barney  Niemerg,  and  others.  Messrs. 
Jacob  Fuelle,  Clem  Brumleve,  the 
Mindrups  and  Hawickhorsts  at  first 
lived  at  Bishop  Creek.  Most  of  these 
came  here  from  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
others  came  directly  from  Germany, 
Westphalia,  Hannover  and  Olden- 
burg, via  New  Orleans,  St.  Louis  and 
Vandalia.  The  first  teacher  known 
was  Mr.  S.  Field,  before  1852.  The 
first  grist  mill  was  owned  by  Mr. 
Armstrong. 

At  first  the  Catholic  pioneers  had 
to  go  to  Teutopolis,  about  six  or  more 
miles  away,  in  order  to  satisfy  their 
religious  needs.  Yet  even  amid  the 
greatest  privations  and  hardships 
these  sturdy  men  realized  the  need  of 
educational  advantages,  and  in  1852 


organized  a  ' '  School  Society ' '  to  build 
a  log  or  block  school.     Mr.  Theodore 
Repking   was    authorized    to   borrow 
$80.00  for  erecting  a  school.    It  seems 
to  have  cost  about  $49.00.     The  first 
teacher  they  engaged  was  Mr.  H.  H. 
Huels  who  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  a 
classical  education  and  had  taught  in 
a  higher  institution  in  England.     He 
had  to  write  his  own  Certificate,  prob- 
ably because  the  official  in  question 
was  incompetent.     His  salary  is  said 
to  have  been  $15.00    per    year.     His 
residence  was  under  the  same  roof  as 
the  school,  separated  only  by  an  open 
corridor.     This  school   gave   way  to 
the  present  brick  structure  in  1877. 
It  caused  an  expenditure    of   $1,000. 
The  teacher  and  organist's  residence 
was  partly  built  by  the  parish,  partly 
by  the  district,  according  to  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Dust.  As  early  as  1853  did  the 
Bishopers  think  of  erecting  a  church 
of    their    own.      About    twenty-five 
horsemen   escorted   the   Reverend 
Joseph  Zoegel,  (pastor  at   Teutopolis 
November,    1850- June,    1854)    to   the 
40    acres    they    had    purchased     for 
church  and  school  purposes  from  Mr. 
Barney  Niemerg    in    January,    1852, 
for    the     consideration     of    $120.00. 
Some     lumber     had     already     been 
bought,  but  the  execution  of  the  plan 
struck  a  snag.     According  to  Charles 
Eversman,   ("Historj-  of    Effingham 


34:; 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


County")  in  1883  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  wanted  a  solid  brick  church  or 
none.  Others  think  that  the  unfinish- 
ed church  at  Teutopolis  may  have  de- 
layed it.  The  black  walnut  weather- 
boards were  sold  to  Mr.  Niemerg  and 
are  still  to  be  seen  on  the  old  home. 
The  money  was  put  on  interest. 
Fathers  Zoegel  and  Charles  Raphael 
did  however  come  out  occasionally  to 
say  Mass.  Father  Mathias  Hilter- 
mann,  O.F.M.,  seems  to  have  come 
about  once  a  month  to  say  Mass,  and 
give  instructions  for  young  and  old. 
In  1862,  St.  Joseph's  Men's  Society 
was  founded. 

Following  is  the  list  of  teachers  as 
usually  given  though  the  sequence  is 
not  entirely  correct:  Messrs.  H.  II. 
Huels,  1852  54;  Theodore  Repking, 
Henry  Nienaber,  John  Borgmann, 
1856;  Henry  Klinkhammer,  Bernard 
Wernsing,  Henry  Kempker,  Henry 
Peters,  Henry  Ackersmann,  Gotesleben 
(Peter?),  Leo  Baltenwick,  Ferdinand 
Heimeier,  1863-73 ;  Christopher  Guit- 
hues,  1872-80;  Theodore  Guithues, 
1880-90;  Joseph  Hotze,  1890-05; 
Rudolph  Merz,  1905-07;  Miss  Mar- 
garet Thoele,  1907-08;  Mr.  John 
Weber,  1908-10;  Charles  H.  Wor- 
mann,  1910-17 ;  H.  C.  Weirich,  1917- 
19;  George  Hentschel,  1919-23,  and 
William  J.  Duerr,  1923 . 

One  time  Very  Reverend  Killian, 
O.F.M.,  had  a  very  difficult  sick  call 
to  Bishop  Creek.  The  roads  in  those 
days  must  have  beggared  description 
to  judge  from  present  conditions  in 
bad  weather.  He  therefore  declared  : 
"Now  the^Bishopers  shall  have  their 
own  church."  The  Building  Commit- 
tee consisted  of  Messrs.  John  H. 
Westendorff,  John  Joseph  Hartke, 
Bernard  Sietmann,  Joseph  H.  Mette 
and  A.  Repking.  Reverend  Rayner- 
ius,  O.F.M.,  had  obtained  permission 
from  the  Ordinary  of  the  Diocese  to 
"build  where  priest  and  people  saw 
fit." 

Father  Nazarius  Kommerscheid, 
O.F.M.,  was  appointed  the  first  pas- 
tor and  probably  built  the  church.  On 
April  20,  1865,  the  corner  stone  was 


laid  by  the  Very  Reverend  Killian 
Schloesser,  O.F.M.  He  enclosed  in  it 
a  newspaper  containing  the  news  of 
the  dastardly  murder  of  President 
Lincoln.  The  first  Mass  in  the  still 
unfinished  church  was  said  by  the 
Reverend  P.  Kroeger,  who  had  been 
formerly  a  clerk  in  the  F.  J.  Wasche- 
fort  store,  and  who  was  now  collect- 
ing for  his  poor  church  in  this  vicin- 
ity. The  dimensions  of  this  church 
were  60x40  feet,  and  the  cost  about 
$7,000.  In  the  spring  of  1866  Very 
Reverend  Killian  Schloesser  dedi- 
cated the  church  under  the  invoca-. 
tion  of  St.  Aloysius.  The  sermon  was 
likewise  preached  by  Father  Killian. 

January  12,  1867,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  II.  D.  Juncker  visited  St. 
Aloysius  church  at  Bishop  Creek. 
After  the  ceremony  Bishop  Juncker 
spoke  a  few  heartfelt  words. 

The  brick  church  erected  in  1865-66 
soon  threatened  to  collapse  and  had  to 
be  braced,  owing  to  the  poor  sand- 
stone used  in  its  construction.  Father 
Paulinus  Tolksdorf,  O.F.M.,  (Septem- 
ber 1888-1891)  realized  the  necessity 
of  a  new  structure  and  began  to  take 
up  a  house  to  house  collection  for  this 
purpose.  The  result  was  $595.00. 
This  proved  that  the  parishioners 
realized  the  need  of  a  new  structure 
and  were  willing  to  make  sacrifices 
for  it.  His  successor,  Father  Naza- 
rius Kaiser,  O.F.M.  worked  for  the 
same  end.  When  the  preparations 
were  advanced  so  far,  the  superiors 
ordered  the  pastor  to  exchange  place 
with  the  Reverend  Alardus  Andre- 
scheck,  O.F.M.,  rector  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  parish  at  Lillyville,  Cumber- 
land County,  where  the  elderly  father 
had  just  displayed  great  skill  in 
building  a  new  church  at  a  low  cost. 

After  much  deliberation  the  pres- 
ent site  was  agreed  upon.  The  mooted 
second  question  of  how  the  church 
should  face  was  decided  by  Father 
Alardus  according  to  the  rubric 
which  calls  for  the  altar  facing  east. 

The  designs  for  the  new  house  of 
God  were  drawn  by  the  well  known 
Franciscan  Architect,  Brother  Adrian 


344 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Wewer.  The  edifice  proved  to  be  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  churches  in  this 
section  and  well  may  the  Bishop 
people  be  proud  of  their  place  of  wor- 
ship built  in  the  impressive  Roman- 
esque style.  It  is  about  130  feet  long 
by  55  feet  wide.  The  steeple  rises  to 
a  height  of  140  feet,  and  the  cross  is 
6  feet  high.  On  the  west  side  several 
rooms  were  added;  the  one  on  the 
northwest  serves  as  a  sacristy,  the 
other  on  the  southwest  side  as  the 
pastor 's  office ;  the  two  rooms  above 
them  as  bedrooms. 

The  windows  of  plain  colored  glass 
are  from  the  firm  of  G.  A.  Misch  of 
Chicago,  Illinois,  most  of  them  cost- 
ing $55.00  each.  The  one  east  of  the 
organ  cost  probably  $80.00.  They 
were  donated  by  the  four  societies  of 
the  parish,  by  Mr.  Anthony  Repking, 
Joseph  Mette,  Sr.,  Joseph  Hartke,  Sr., 
the  building  committee,  the  Joseph 
Worman  family.  The  two  smaller 
ones  of  the  facade  bear  the  names  of 
Mr.  John  Tappehorn. 

On  April  8,  1893,  the  Very  Rever- 
end Michael,  O.F.M.,  Provincial  of 
the  Franciscan  Province  of  the  Sacred 
Heart,  laid  the  corner  stone  and 
preached  in  German  and  English. 
From  December  8,  1894,  when  the 
church  was  finished  and  had  been 
privately  blessed  with  episcopal  per- 
mission, Father  Alardus  regularly 
held  divine  service  therein.  On  the 
following  September  8,  1895,  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D|D.,  dedi- 
cated the  new  church.  The  solemn 
High  Mass  was  sunj?  by  Reverend 
Polycarp  Rhode,  O.F.M.,  pastor  and 
guardian  at  Teutopolis,  Illinois.  At 
the  departure  of  Father  Alardus  the 
expenditures  for  the  new  church 
amounted  to  $14,500.  Its  present 
value  is  at  least  $75,000.00. 

When  Father  Alardus  left,  Father 
Marcus  Thienel,  O.F.M.,  was  again 
sent  to  take  charge  of  St.  Aloysius 
church  for  a  few  months,  till  Rever- 
end Eusebius  Helle,  O.F.M.,  arrived. 
During  his  administration  (August, 
1899-September,  1903), the  old  church 
was  torn  down  and  the  material  sold. 


An  addition  was  built  to  the  teacher's 
house ;  a  pavement  was  laid  to  the 
church.  In  1900  St.  Aloysius  con- 
gregation numbered  about  86  fami- 
lies (German,  77,  English,  9)  with  88 
pupils  in  school;  First  Communi- 
cants, 9 ;  marriages,  10 ;  funerals,  2.  A 
Mission  was  held  in  1902,  and  in  1903 
Mrs.  Mary  Burghardt  bequeathed 
$122.00  to  the  church. 

Father  Eusebius  found  a  worthy 
successor  in  the  Reverend  Clete  Giers- 
chewski,  O.F.M.,  (September,  1903- 
September,  1905).  During  his  admini- 
stration "the  debts  began  to  vanish 
like  fog  before  the  rays  of  the  sun." 
And  yet  he  said  little  about  money 
and  made  considerable  improvements. 
Thus  he  installed  the  confessional 
($105.00)  and  the  steam  heating 
plant  ($1,032.55)  and  paid  off  about 
$2,350,  leaving  an  indebtedness  of 
$1,215. 

When  obedience  called,  Father 
Clete  elsewhere,  the  genial  Father 
Ivo  Beu,  O.F.M.,  came  in  September, 
1905,  to  fill  the  vacancy.  He  invited 
Mr.  Hepfinger  of  Chicago,  Illinois, 
to  decorate  St.  Aloysius  church.  The 
work  was  done  in  a  very  creditable 
manner  for  the  consideration  of 
$700.  While  putting  up  the  scaffold- 
ing for  the  painter,  Mr.  Henry  Voss, 
one  of  the  trustees  met  with  a  very  re- 
grettable accident.  He  had  the  mis- 
fortune of  running  a  pine  sliver  into 
his  right  hand.  Unable  to  find  it,  he 
worked  till  evening,  when  he  was  un- 
able to  continue.  Despite  medical 
care  he  remained  an  invalid  for  the 
rest  of  his  days,  being  unable  to  make 
use  of  his  forearm. 

Instead  of  a  fixed  salary,  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  took  up  a  "spring 
and  a  fall  Termin"  or  collection  of 
victuals,  the  value  of  which  till  about 
1892  averaged  about  $170.00  to 
$200.00 ;  later  on  cash  payments  were 
accepted  to  be  more  like  other  par- 
ishes. In  1905  the  Dieterich  church 
of  Mary  Immaculate  was  ready  and 
Reverend  Bede  Carberry  at  St. 
Joseph's  College  was  appointed  first 
pastor  until  the  Bishop  could  provide 


345 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


a  resident  pastor.  In  1905  the  Bishop 
parish  numbered  only  65  families 
with  60  pupils.  Father  Ivo  installed 
two  side  altars  at  a  cost  of  $600.00, 
and  a  sidewalk  for  $129.00. 

His  successor  was  the  Reverend 
Didacus  Gruenholz,  O.F.M.  who  after 
several  weeks  had  to  exchange  places 
with  the  Reverend  Edmund  Roediger, 
O.F.M.,  a  former  missionary  to  China. 
The  new  pastor  purchased  some  ban- 
ners, new  statues,  and  above  all  a  fine 
pneumatic  pipe  organ  of  the  Wick 
Brothers  Pipe  Organ  Company, 
which  cost  $1,650,  including  freight. 
After  the  dedication,  Mr.  Wick  gave 
a  sacred  concert  in  the  afternoon.  In 
1907  the  pastor's  salary  had  been 
raised  to  $400.00.  Mr.  John  Weber 
was  teacher  and  organist  at  this  time. 

Reverend  Adjutus  Budde,  O.F.M., 
the  successor  of  Father  Edmund  re- 
mained only  half  a  year,  when  Rev- 
erend Albert  Bruesermann,  O.F.M., 
assumed  the  burden  of  the  pastorate, 
(1910,  September,  1912).  Another 
Pyxis  had  been  given  by  Mr.  John 
Beckmann  and  a  chalice  by  the  rela- 
tives of  Reverend  Christopher  Guith- 
ues,  O.F.M.,  on  the  occasion  of  the  lat- 
ter's  first  Mass  in  the  spring  of  1887. 
Father  Albert  also  introduced  the 
Nine  Fridays  with  remarkable  suc- 
cess. To  give  a  more  artistic  appear- 
ance to  the  church,  the  pastor  solicit- 
ed donations  for  a  number  of  statues, 
mostly  of  great  value  in  art  and 
adorned  two  of  the  middle  nave  pil- 
lars with  them.  The  expenditure 
was  $600.00. 

In  September,  1912,  Father  Faus- 
tin  Hack,  O.F.M.,  was  appointed  pas- 
tor of  St.  Aloysius  and  ably  guided 
its  destinies  until  January,  1917.  As 
the  old  boiler  had  gone  out  of  com- 
mission, he  installed  a  new  Prox 
boiler  at  a  cost  of  $427.90,  in  1916, 
erected  a  temporary  hall  for  the 
golden  jubilee  celebration,  and  had 
the  high  altar  shipped  to  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  and  rebuilt  by  the  J.  C. 
Weber  Company.  The  result  is  an 
artistic  altar  worthy  of  the  beautiful 
church. 


The  50th  anniversary  of  building 
the  first  church  at  Bishop  Creek  was 
duly  commemorated  September  25-27, 
1915.  A  temporary  hall  had  been 
built  for  this  occasion.  A  successful 
mission  was  preached  from  October  22 
to  29,  1916,  by  the  Reverend  John 
Joseph  Brogger,  O.F.M.,  with  Father 
Linus  Koenmund,  O.F.M.,  assisting 
at  the  solemn  services.  Father  Faus- 
tin  also  installed  a  new  boiler.  After 
administering  to  the  parish  for  four 
years  he  was  assigned  to  the  "Fran- 
ciscan Herald"  staff,  and  Reverend 
Paschal  Foerster,  O.F.M.,  was  sent  to 
replace  him.  (January,  1917-Septem- 
ber,  1918).  He  sold  a  number  of  fine 
trees  and  purchased  three  paintings : 
"The  Good  Shepherd,"  "The  Agony 
in  the  Garden,"  and  "The  Annuncia- 
tion." The  temporary  hall  was  torn 
down  and  sold.  Mr.  John  Mette  do- 
nated a  pulpit  and  the  group  of  the 
Death  of  St.  Joseph,  a  very  artistic 
work.  Mrs.  Catherine  Cremer  nee 
Mette,  donated  $100.00  and  again 
$600.00  to  the  parish.  The  latter  sum 
was  used  to  pay  the  pastor's  salary. 

In  September,  1918,  Reverend  Pas- 
chal left  for  Hermann,  Missouri,  and 
Reverend  Benedict  Pfeifer,  O.F.M., 
took  charge  of  St.  Aloysius  parish  at 
Bishop  Creek.  In  the  summer  of 
1920,  Father  Isadore  Fosselmann, 
O.F.M.,  was  appointed  his  successor. 
During  his  incumbency  the  tool-shed 
with  much  lumber,  a  fine  old  pulpit, 
etc.,  burned.  When  the  Provincial 
Chapter  in  1921  elected  Father  Isa- 
dore guardian  at  Teutopolis,  Rever- 
end Wolfgang  Kraus,  O.F.M.,  was 
sent  to  attend  St.  Aloysius  from  the 
summer  of  1921  to  the  end  of  July, 
1924.  He  made  extensive  repairs  on 
the  organist's  and  teacher's  resi- 
dences, renewed  the  gutters  of  the 
church,  and  bought  several  copes  and 
sets  of  green  vestments  for  Forty 
Hours  Adoration.  Right  Reverend 
Adalbert  Schuecker,  O.F.M.,  Vicar 
Apostolic  in  China, administered  Con- 
firmation to  a  class  of  forty  children 
on  May  10,  1923. 

Father  Wolfgang's  successor  is  the 


346 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY ALTON 


Reverend  Eugene  Hagedorn,  O.F.M., 
since  July  29,  1924.  To  provide  rec- 
reation for  the  young  people,  he  or- 
ganized a  baseball  club  and  gave  the 
boys  a  playground  near  the  church. 
Besides  a  number  of  minor  improve- 
ments made,  he  sought  to  put  the 
parish  on  a  sound  financial  basis.  The 
plan  of  building  a  hall  as  a  com- 
munity center  met  with  much  op- 
position and  was  postponed  owing  to 
the  almost  complete  failure  of  crops 
in  1925. 

In  November,  1925,  the  congrega- 
tion numbered  66  families  and  about 
350  souls.  The  80  children  attend 
four  district  schools.  The  priest 
comes  from  Teutopolis  on  Friday, 
gives  instructions  on  Saturday,  Sun- 
day and  Monday.  The  parish  so- 
cieties are :  St.  Joseph 's  Men  and 
Holy  Name;  St.  Mary's  Christian 
Mother 's  Society ;  St.  Aloysius  Young 
Men  and  Holy  Name;  St.  Teresa's 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality;  the  Holy 
Childhood  Association,  and  the  Fran- 
ciscan Missionary  Union. 

Confirmation  was  administered  at 
Bishop  Creek  Church  by  Right  Rever- 
end Bishop  Baltes  on  April  30,  1883 ; 
by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  James 
Ryan,  on  October  26,  1888 ;  by  the 
same  at  Effingham  on  October  12, 
1919 ;  by  Bishop  Ad.  Schmuecker, 
O.F.M.,  in  Bishop  Creek.  At  all  other 
times  the  Sacrament  of  Confirma- 
tion was  administered  at  Teutopolis. 


Reverend  Christopher  Guithues  is 
the  only  priest  the  parish  can  claim, 
and  he  was  born  at  Carlisle,  Illinois. 
His  father,  however,  taught  school  at 
Bishop  Creek  for  ten  years.  At  the 
same  time  he  was  sexton  and  organist 
while  William  (such  was  Father 
Christopher's  baptismal  name) 
studied  there  or  at  St.  Joseph's  Col- 
lege. 

Sister  Mary  Repking,  now  at  Wich- 
ita, Kansas,  was  for  twelve  or  more 
years  Provincial  of  the  Sisters  of  the 
Precious  Blood  at  Ruma,  Illinois. 
Sister  Eustacia  (Ida)  Goeckner;  Sis- 
ter M.  Maurita  (Helen)  Probst;  Sis- 
ter M.  Prudentia  (Helen)  Niemerg; 
Sister  M.  Cosma  (Lena)  Beckman. 
All  these  are  Sisters  of  the  Precious 
Blood. 

Some  of  the  oldest  settlers  are :  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Repking  nee  Sandschafer, 
born  in  Germany  and  came  with  her 
parents  to  Bishop  Creek  in  1846,  at 
the  age  of  nine  years.  Mrs.  Phil 
Sandschafer  nee  Uptmor,  is  slightly 
younger;  Mr.  Barney  Goeckner  is 
about  85  years  old  and  came  about 
55  years  ago  to  Bishop  Creek.  Mr. 
Joseph  Hartke  came  with  his  father 
from  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  his  native 
place,  about  1856.  Mr.  Joseph  Wor- 
man,  Sr.,  in  1869  came  from  Green 
Creek,  Illinois,  where  his  father 
settled,  about  1840.  Mr.  Barney 
Probst,  age  77  years,  whose  parents 
came  from  Germany  in  1846. 


Church  of  St.  Catherine,  Virden,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1866 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  George  J.  Kenney 


Virden,  Illinois,  a  small  mining 
center  in  Macoupin  County,  one  of 
the  oldest  Catholic  settlements  in 
the  diocese  of  Springfield,  received 
its  early  spiritual  attention  from  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield,  Illinois.  Later  it 
was  attached  to  St.  Mary's  Parish, 
Carlinville.  Reverend  Francis 
Schreiber,  then  pastor  of  St.  Mary's 
Church,  attended  it  regularly  from 
1864   to    1866,    saying   Mass  'in    the 


McCabe  and  Mark  Kelley  homes. 
The  first  resident  pastor,  Reverend 
J.  Henderson,  was  appointed  in 
April,  1866. 

During  the  sixty  years  of  its  ex- 
istence, St.  Catherine's  parish  has 
had  twenty  resident  pastors: 

1866-67,  J.  Henderson;  1867-68, 
R.  Grant;  1868-69,  Michael  Clifford; 
1869-70,  Dennis  Tierney  and  D. 
Tnmey;  1870-73,  T.  Hickey;  1873- 
77,  Laurence  Ryan;  1877-81,  Daniel 


347 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Ryan ;  from  1881  to  1884  the  pastors 
resided  elsewhere ;  1881-82,  Jeremiah 
Murphy,  Auburn;  1882-83,  Joseph 
Finnegan,  Auburn  ;  1883-84,  L.  Hins- 
sen,  Springfield;  1884-87,  P.  J. 
O'Reilley;  1887-88,  James  Howard; 
1888-90,  M.  J.  McCormack;  1890-91, 
Wm.  McGuire;  1891-94,  Thomas  J. 
Morrow ;  1894-99,  J.  J.  Clancy ;  1899 
-1903,  Francis  Hussey ;  1903-04,  C. 
Nell;  1904-13,  Thomas  J.  Carroll; 
1913-24,  P.  J.  Masterson;  1924-25, 
William  Sloan,  and  the  present  pas- 
tor, Reverend  George  J.  Kenney, 
was  appointed  in  January,  1925. 

The  original  church,  a  good  sized 
frame  building,  is  still  in  use.  When 
it  was  erected  it  was  considered  a 
very  large  church  and  was  called 
the  ' '  Cathedral  of  the  Prairies. ' '  To 
Reverend  J.  Henderson,  the  first 
pastor,  belongs  the  credit  for  the 
erection  of  St.  Catherine  Church  in 
1866. 

In  1904  Reverend  C.  Bell,  present 
pastor  of  Murrayville,  added  the 
tower  and  bell.  During  the  pastorate 
of  Reverend  Thomas  Carroll,  1904- 
13,  the  sacristy  was  built.  Reverend 
P.  J.  Masterson,  now  of  Staunton, 
had  the  old  church  painted,  redeco- 
rated and  refurnished  in  1923.  The 
rectory  connected  with  the  church 
was  built  by  Reverend  Laurence 
Ryan,  pastor,  1877-81.  Reverend 
J.  J.  Clancy,  Reverend  Thomas  J. 
Carroll  and  Reverend  P.  J.  Master- 
son  made  many  improvements  on  the 
residence.  The  parish  hall  on  Hen- 
derson Street  became  the  property 
of  the  parish  in  1910.  Reverend 
Thomas  Carroll  was  the  purchaser. 

At  the  time  the  parish  was  organ- 
ized there  were  about  twenty  fam- 
ilies of  mostly  Irish  and  German 
extraction.  It  grew  slowly  until 
1908,  when  owing  to  the  mines  a 
great  number  of  Slovak  people  set- 
tled in  Virden.  This  unexpected  in- 
crease in  Catholic  popidation  taxed 
the  church  to  the  limit.  After  long 
and  persistent  appeals  for  a  separate 
church  and  a  priest  of  their  own 
tongue,  Bishop  Ryan  acceded  to  their 


wishes.  The  cornerstone  of  the  new 
church,  known  as  the  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  was  laid  in  1914,  and  a  short 
time  later  the  building  was  ready 
for  services. 

With  the  opening  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  St.  Catherine's  found 
its  congregation  back  to  normal.  At 
present  the  congregation  consists  of 
about  eighty-five  families  of  Irish, 
German  and  Italian  birth  or  lineage. 

It  is  but  just  to  record  here  the 
names  of  the  old  parishoners  who 
have  labored  long  in  the  service  of 
this  venerable  church :  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Delehanty,  Mrs.  Mary  Doyle, 
Mrs.  Jacob  Noll,  Mrs.  Ellen  Cody, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert  Moffitt,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Peter  Sadones,  Miss  Kate 
Whalen,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Andrew  Mc- 
Whinnie,  Mrs.  Margaret  Muhlen- 
beck,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  Curran, 
Misses  Mae  and  Kate  Curran,  Mrs. 
Mary  Meyers,  Mr.  D.  Whalen,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Joseph  Ebers,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Henry  Ebers,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John 
Ebers,  Miss  Elizabeth  Ebers,  John 
McCarthy,  Mrs.  Agnes  Kane,  Mrs. 
James  Curvin,  Mrs.  James  H. 
Murphy,  Mrs.  Margaret  Bishop,  Mrs. 
Walter  Skehan,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Steve 
Streble,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William 
McCready,  Albert  Vincent,  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Summers  and  Mrs.  Philip 
Mullen. 

At  the  time  of  the  world  war  there 
were  thirty-one  young  men  of  this 
parish  who  served  the  colors,  one  of 
whom,  Charles  Perks,  made  the 
supreme  sacrifice  for  his  country. 

The  early  records  of  the  church 
show  that  the  pastor  of  St.  Cather- 
ine's attended  a  great  number  of 
places  that  now  have  more  flourishing 
and  prosperous  parishes,  namely : 
Morrisonville,  Raymond,  Farmers- 
ville  and  Auburn.  He  likewise  looked 
after  the  spiritual  needs  of  Girard, 
Nilwood,  "Sugar  Creek"  now  Chat- 
ham, and  many  other  small  settle- 
ments of  pioneers. 

At  the  present  time  St.  Patrick's 
church,  Girard,  Illinois,  is  the  only 
old  mission  left  to  the    care    of    St. 


348 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Catherine's.    The  church  at  Girard,  a 
small  frame  structure,  was  built    in 
1886  by  Reverend  P.  J.  0  'Reilly,  now 
pastor  of  St.  Joseph's,  Springfield. 
In  October,    1924,    Reverend    Wil- 


liam Sloan  added  the  station  of 
Standard  City  to  the  care  of  Virden. 
Standard  City  is  a  small  mining  town 
near  Carlinville  controlled  by  the 
Standard  Oil  Company. 


Church  op  the  Visitation  op  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
Illiopolis,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1866 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Thomas  F.  McGrath 


Before  the  Civil  War,  few  Catholics 
were  to  be  found  in  or  near  Illiopolis. 
After  its  close  and  for  the  next  ten  or 
twelve  years,  many  families,  mostly 
of  Irish  extraction,  settled  on  farms 
north  of  the  town  along  the  Sanga- 
mon and  Logan  County  lines.  Mass 
was  celebrated  for  the  first  time  in  the 
village  at  the  home  of  Doctor  Bernard 
Stuve  in  the  spring  of  1866.  Later 
the  home  of  Patrick  Murphy  was  used 
and  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year 
the  first  church  building  was  com- 
pleted, a  small  frame  structure  forty- 
two  feet  by  twenty-four  feet,  to  ac- 
commodate the  few  Catholics  living 
between  Springfield  and  Decatur. 
Father  Vogt  of  Decatur  attended  the 
wants  of  the  congregation  most  of  the 
time  and  occasionally  priests  from 
Taylorville,  Macon  and  Springfield 
came. 

In  1876,  while  Reverend  Manasses 
Kane  was  in  charge,  the  little  church 
was  enlarged  by  an  addition  to  meet 
the  needs  of  the  increasing  congrega- 
tion, which  at  the  time  numbered  sev- 
enty-five or  eighty  families. 

In  December,  1877,  Father  Charles 
Manuel  was  assigned  to  Illiopolis  and 
remained  there  for  twenty-four  years 
until  his  death  in  1901.  His  remains 
lie  near  the  entrance  in  the  Catholic 
Cemetery,  one  mile  south  of  the  vil- 
lage. During  his  incumbency,  Father 
Manuel  organized  congregations  and 
built  churches  at  Buffalo,  Riverton, 
and  Niantic,  small  towns  along  the 
Wabash  Railroad  between  Springfield 
and  Decatur.  lie  also  built  a  two- 
story  structure  adjoining  the  church 
and  secured  some  additional  lots  to 
the  west  with  a  view  to  the  erection 
of  a  new  church  thereon    when    the 


congregation  felt  better  able  to  bear 
the  expense.  In  1895,  the  work  was 
undertaken  and  a  fine  brick  building 
with  a  towering  belfry  and  steeple 
was  begun  and  completed.  This  is 
indeed  a  monument  to  the  zeal  and 
taste  of  the  Rector  and  to  the  gener- 
osity of  the  congregation.  Reverend 
W.  A.  Pachlhoffer,  newly  ordained, 
assisted  Father  Manuel  in  the  last 
months  of  his  illness  and  remained  as 
pastor  for  another  year. 

In  October,  1902,  Reverend  J.  C. 
Daw  took  charge  of  the  Illiopolis  and 
Niantic  congregations  and  had  ad- 
ministered to  the  parishes  for  seven- 
teen years  when  in  1919  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Vandalia  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  Diocese.  A  few  years  after 
his  assignment  to  Illiopolis,  the  old 
parsonage,  while  being  raised  to  re- 
place the  crumbling  foundation,  col- 
lapsed and  the  pastor  and  congrega- 
tion decided  to  abandon  it  and  build 
on  a  line  with  the  church.  A  modern 
rectory  in  keeping  with  the  new 
church  adjoining  was  the  result. 

Father  Daw's  administration  was 
one  of  progress  in  every  way.  In  1890, 
the  parish  was  divided,  a  new  congre- 
gation having  been  organized  and  ;i 
new  church  erected  at  Niantic  less 
than  five  miles  away. 

There  are  at  the  present  time 
(1927)  fifty-five  families  in  the  Illi- 
opolis parish,  nearly  all  of  them  far- 
mers and  most  of  them  land  owners. 
They  are  mostly  of  Irish  descent  and 
are  far  and  favorably  known  for  their 
intense  devotion  to  religion  and  love 
of  the  priesthood.  Many  boys  from 
this  parish  enlisted  in  the  late  war, 
one  of  whom,  Andrew  J.  Blair,  died 
as  the  result  of  injuries  sustained  in 


349 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFrELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


action  over  seas.  Many  of  its  daugh- 
ters too,  are  to  be  found  laboring  in 
the  fields  of  the  religious  life.  Two 
healthy,  active  organizations — the 
Altar  and  Holy  Name  Societies — 
flourish  within  its  confines. 

On  the  first  day  of  May,  1919,  the 
Reverend  Thomas    F.    McGrath    suc- 


ceeded Father  Daw  and  is  the  pres- 
ent pastor.  Under  Father  McGrath 's 
wise  and  practical  leadership,  many 
church  improvements  have  been  made 
and  many  more  are  in  contempla- 
tion. A  heavy  debt  too,  which  bur- 
dened the  parish  when  he  came,  has 
been  considerably  reduced. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Meppen,  Calhoun  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1867 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Stephen  C.  Schauwecker 


St.  Joseph  Church,  Meppen,  Illi- 
nois, Calhoun  County,  was  built  in 
the  year  1864.  It  is  located  four 
miles  north  of  Brussels,  and  twelve 
miles  south  of  Hardin,  Illinois.  The 
first  pastor  of  Meppen  was  Reverend 
Francis  Witthaut,  who  was  born  in 
the  year  1831,  ordained  to  the  holy 
priesthood  April  17,  1864,  and  was  as- 
sistant priest  at  St.  Boniface  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  until  he  came  to 
Meppen,  December  23,  1864.  The 
new  and  first  church  of  Meppen  not 
being  entirely  completed  when  Father 
Witthaut  came,  Mass  was  said  in 
Henry  Kiel's  house.  The  first  mem- 
bers of  St.  Joseph's  Church  were  the 
following : 

Henry  Kiel,  Barney  Baalman, 
Peter  Haselhorst,  Henry  Hillen, 
Henry  Osterman,  Herman  Osterman, 
William  Fuller,  Lucas  Tepen,  Lucas 
Flanigan,  William  Behrens,  Lucas 
Lenbes,  Frank  Duennebach,  Barney 
Kotte,  Severine  Santen,  William 
Pehn,  Herman  H.  Pohlman,  Mat- 
thias Breer,  Herman  Imming,  Martin 
Haselhorst,  Nicholaus  Siemer,  Mein- 
ard  Siemer,  Barney  Hegger,  Lucas 
Klass,  Henry  Weigman,  Gerhard 
Kohn,  John  B.  Droege,  Manus  Boe- 
ing, Anton  Westerman,  Gerhard 
<;  meter,  Barney  Sievers,  Gerhard 
Hagen,  Joseph  Wallendorf. 

None  of  the  above  mentioned  is 
living  at  the  present  time. 

A  two  story  rectory  of  eight  rooms 
was  built  by  Father  Witthaut  in  1866, 
and  the  parochial  school  in  1874.  In 
1890  the  roof  of  the  church  was  slated 
and  the  tower  completed.  In  1895 
the  interior  of  the  church  was  paint- 


ed. After  having  been  pastor  of 
Meppen  for  about  38  years,  Father 
Witthaut  resigned  on  account  of  old 
age  in  the  year  1902,  and  spent  the 
rest  of  his  life  in  St.  Mary's  hospital, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  where  he  died  in  the 
year  1910.  His  remains  were  brought 
to  Meppen  and  laid  to  rest  in  St. 
Joseph 's  cemetery. 

After  the  resignation  of  Father 
Witthaut  in  1902,  Reverend  Henry 
Becker  was  appointed  pastor  of  Mep- 
pen. It  was  through  him  that  the 
large  pipe  organ  was  installed  in 
1903.  During  his  pastorate  the  sis- 
ter's residence  was  built  in  1905.  Up 
to  this  time  the  children  of  the 
parochial  school  were  taught  by  the 
following  lay  teachers :  Martin  De- 
kinder,  Anton  Anders,  Edward  Reine- 
ker,  Joseph  Schenbel,  John  Kieffer,  J. 
C.  Karlin,  J.  V.  Schiffer  and  John 
Haas.  Since  the  arrival  of  the  Sis- 
ters of  the  Most  Precious  Blood, 
whose  mother-house  was  in  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, at  the  time,  (now  in  Pennsyl- 
vania) the  children  have  been  taught 
by  the  sisters.  The  present  enroll- 
ment of  pupils  is  66. 

Reverend  Henry  Becker  was  pastor 
until  1908,  when  Reverend  J.  B. 
Wand  was  appointed  to  be  his  succes- 
sor. It  was  during  Reverend  J.  B. 
Wand's  time  that  the  furnace  was  in- 
stalled in  the  year  1908.  The  successor 
to  Father  Wand  was  Reverend  J.  B. 
Wardein  who  decorated  the  church  in 
1916. 

The  present  pastor,  Rev.  S.  C. 
Schauwecker,  succeeded  Father  War- 
dein and  has  been  pastor  of  Meppen 
since  June  1,  1919. 


350 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE— QUINCY — ALTON 


The  first  trustees  of  St.  Joseph's 
Church  were :  Henry  Kiel  and  John 
B.  Droege.  The  trustees  at  the  pres- 
ent time  are :  Henry  M.  Siemer  and 
Ben  Kiel. 

Calhoun  County,  sometimes  humor- 
ously called  ' '  The  Kingdom, ' '  was  es- 
tablished in  1825.  It  lies  in  beautiful 
but  unhappy  isolation  in  the  sharp 
angle  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the 
rivers,  Mississippi  and  Illinois.  Be- 
cause of  the  natural  difficulties  pre- 
sented by  its  peculiar  situation  it  has 
never  been  able  to  attract  railroads 
within  its  borders.  As  a  result,  its 
growth  has  been  considerably  retard- 
ed in  the  past.  But  its  transportation 
outlook  for  the  future  is  much 
brighter,  for  by  a  recent  act  of  the 
State  Legislature  a  bridge  is  to  be 
built  within  the  next  two  years  over 
the  Illinois  River  at  Hardin,    which, 


when  completed,  will  greatly  facili- 
tate communication  and  commerce 
with  the  outside  world. 

From  all  that  has  been  said  it  must 
not  be  inferred  that  Calhoun  is  a  poor 
and  altogether  undesirable  county  in 
which  to  live.  As  a  matter  of  fact 
many  of  its  inhabitants  are  well-to-do 
and  practically  everyone  of  them  has 
enough  to  live  in  at  least  frugal 
plenty.  The  Illinois  Blue  Book  for 
1925-26  gives  the  following  interest- 
ing data  with  regard  to  Calhoun's 
revenue  for  1924 :  Total  crop  value, 
$1,462,270;  total  live  stock  value, 
$786,640.  Its  principal  source  of 
revenue  is  its  far-famed  apple 
orchards.  The  inhabitants  there  are 
plain,  industrious  and  religious  peo- 
ple among  whom  it  is  a  pleasure  to 
labor. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  William  Michael 


Carlinville,  the  county  seat  of 
Macoupin  County,  has  a  population 
of  about  six  thousand  and  is  situated 
on  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad, 
forty  miles  southwest  of  Springfield. 

In  the  year  1867,  the  German  ele- 
ment of  the  local  St.  Mary  Church 
(till  then  the  only  Catholic  congrega- 
tion in  Carlinville)  petitioned  Bishop 
Juncker  for  permission  to  establish  a 
new  parish  and  build  a  church  of 
their  own.  This  they  did  largely  on 
the  advice  of  Father  Ostrop  who  was 
then  stationed  at  St.  Mary  Church, 
Alton,  and  who,  on  certain  occasions, 
ministered  to  their  spiritual  needs.  On 
receiving  episcopal  approbation,  two 
trustees,  John  Mueller  and  Michael 
Boehm,  were  selected,  and  a  building 
committee  consisting  of  Peter 
Schaefer,  Michael  Boehm,  Adam 
Becker,  Frank  Link,  Adam  Flori, 
John  Schaefer,  Conrad  Dietz,  John 
Eiter,  Joseph  Link,  William  Mees, 
Ferdinand  Knitzer,  and  John  Muel- 
ler, was  appointed  to  devise  ways  and 
means  for  carrying  into  execution  the 
new  project.  Under  the  leadership 
of  the  building  committee  a  collection 


was  taken  up  which  netted  $7,276.00 
— a  comparatively  large  sum  at  that 
time. 

A  suitable  location  having  been 
secured,  the  building  was  begun  in 
1868,  and  on  July  7  of  that  year  the 
corner  stone  was  laid  by  Bishop 
Juncker,  Ordinary  of  the  Diocese. 
For  some  time  after  the  parish  was 
irregularly  attended  by  Father  H.  J. 
Hoover,  the  then  pastor  of  St.  Mary 
until  it  received  a  resident  priest  in 
the  person  of  Reverend  Henry  Egg- 
onstein,  a  newly  ordained  priest  who 
had  made  his  studies  in  Muenster, 
Germany. 

Among  the  many  donations  made 
to  the  new  church  were  two  side 
altars,  communion  railing,  pulpit, 
one  stained-glass  window,  stations  of 
the  cross,  pictures,  and  a  note  of 
$1,200.00— all  by  Mrs.  Anna  Water- 
meier.  Mr.  Cooper  Westermeier  do- 
nated the  statues  of  St.  Joseph  and 
the  Blessed  Virgin. 

The  name  of  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor and  his  successors  are  as  follows : 
Fathers  H.  Eggenstein,  May  5,  1870, 
to  November  1,  1877;  F.  A.  Ostrop, 


351 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


November  1,  1877,  to  July,  1892; 
Clement  Sommer,  July,  1892,  to  Sep- 
tember 1,  1899 ;  Henry  Ader,  Septem- 
ber 1,  1899,  to  March  5,  1909;  Henry 
J.  Hoover,  1909,  to  October,  1911,  and 
William  Michael,  who  has  had  charge 
from  1911  to  the  present  time. 

During  the  incumbency  of  Father 
K.  A.  Ostrop  the  parish  of  St.  Joseph 
(for  that  was  the  name  given  to  the 
new  congregation)  flourished  both 
spiritually  and  materially  as  never 
before  or  since.  It  was  he  who  cleared 
away  an  existing  debt  of  $10,000.00 
which  had  heavily  burdened  the  par- 
ish for  many  years,  and  put  an  ad- 
dition of  forty  feet  to  the  church 
which  gave  it  the  dimensions  of  125 
by  40  feet,  with  a  tower  110  feet  high. 
In  addition  he  bought  three  acres  of 
land  opposite  the  rectory  with  the 
hope  that  some  day  a  large  parochial 
school  might  be  built  thereon.  The 
good  Father  saw  to  it  that  every  two 
years  the  parish  had  a  mission — these 
missions  usually  resulted  in  great 
spiritual  profit  to  the  congregation. 

The  present  rectory,  a  commodious 
building,  was  erected  during  the  pas- 
torship of  Reverend  Henry  Ader 
(1899-1909). 

The  present  trustees  are  Henry  C. 
Hesseldenz  and  Joseph  Watermeier. 

Thirty-four  young  men  of  our  par- 
ish enlisted  during  the  late  war,  three 


of  whom  engaged  in  battle  and  one 
was  shell  shocked. 

The  following  societies  are  organ- 
ized in  the  parish :  Altar  Society, 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  Western 
Catholic  Union,  and  Knights  of 
Columbus. 

In  October,  1924,  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  made  his 
first  episcopal  visitation  to  the  parish 
and  confirmed  a  class  of  106. 

It  may  be  of  interest  to  note  that 
the  remains  of  General  John  M.  Pal- 
mer are  buried  in  our  City  cemetery. 
He  was  a  general  in  the  Civil  War, 
was  elected  Governor  of  Illinois  in 
1868,  was  nominated  U.  S.  Senator  in 
1890  and  nominated  for  President  by 
the  Gold  Democrats  in  1896,  but  re- 
fused the  nomination. 

The  industrial  life  of  the  city  is 
paralyzed  at  present  for  our  coal 
mines,  our  only  industry,  have  been 
shut  down  since  April,  1925,  and  no- 
body seems  to  know  when  (if  indeed 
ever)  they  will  be  opened  again. 

But  the  110  families  which  consti- 
tute the  congregation  are  for  the  most 
part  religious  and  some  are  very 
pious.  The  Mass  is  always  well  at- 
tended, and  at  the  Forty  Hours, 
regularly  held  every  year,  the  church 
can  not  accommodate  the  crowds.  It 
is  the  same  with  the  missions. 


Church  op  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1867 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  M.  Heslin 


Among  the  gently  sloping  hills  in 
the  heart  of  the  prairie  land  in  south 
central  Illinois,  nestles  the  thriving 
and  beautiful  little  city  of  Hillsboro. 
A  vast  and  rolling  prairie  stretches 
out  to  the  east  and  southward  but  on 
the  west  and  north  are  the  hills ;  some 
of  them  are  tall  and  steep  with  frown- 
ing cliffs  crested  with  trees,  and 
others  are  great  mounds  of  sloping 
earth.  From  the  summit  of  all  these 
hills  one  can  look  down  upon  the  red 
roofs,  the  spires,  towers  and  factories 
hidden  in  the  trees  of  the  city  of  the 


hills  that  has  seen  the  progress  of  a 
century  gather  within  her  realms. 

History  has  it  that  in  the  year  1824 
two  Englishmen  were  passing  through 
this  section  of  Illinois,  and,  seeing  the 
beauty  of  this  country  saw  the  pos- 
sibility of  erecting  a  village  on  the 
site  of  the  present  city.  This  they  did 
and  the  hamlet  was  named  "Hills- 
borough." If  this  is  merely  a  legend, 
no  one  knows,  but  Hillsboro  can 
trace  her  growth  from  that  date,  and 
today  her  factories,  plants,  mines, 
business  section,  her  paved  streets 
and  beautiul  residential  sections  have 


352 


Carlinville — St.  Joseph's  School,  Rectory,  Rev.  William  Michael,  Pastor,  St.  Joseph's 
Church  .  .  .  I'iverton — St.  Janus'  Church,  Rectum  .  .  .  IIMsboro  St.  Agnes  Church 
and  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  M.  Heslin.  Pastor  .  .  .  Paloma  Rectory,  St.  Joseph  Church  and 
School,  Rev.  C.  J.  Flori,  Pastor. 


M  LIBRARY 

OF  TH£ 

KHIYMTY  OF  H.U3HHS 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


attracted  much  attention  and  ad- 
miration. 

Hillsboro  is  the  county  seat  of 
Montgomery  County.  The  present 
court  house  is  the  third  the  county 
has  had.  In  1830,  a  court  house  was 
built  of  logs  on  the  present  square.  It 
was  a  crude  building,  but  it  was  quite 
sufficient  for  the  legal  business  of 
that  day.  Judge  Roundtree  filled  all 
the  offices  in  the  court  house  himself 
and  served  the  people  for  forty-nine 
years.  When  the  first  court  house 
proved  too  small,  it  was  replaced  by  a 
larger  building  and  then  the  present 
structure,  an  edifice  of  stone  like  an 
old  castle  in  architecture  was  built, 
being  reconstructed  from  the  mate- 
rials of  the  second  building. 

Few  Catholics  were  living  here 
when  Hillsboro  first  began,  and  even 
to  this  day  Hillsboro  remains  predom- 
inantly non-Catholic.  The  first  Mass 
in  Hillsboro  was  said  about  the  year 
1840,  in  the  house  of  Richard  Tynan, 
which  house  still  stands  on  Seward 
Street  Hill,  being  the  present  home  of 
Mr.  Edward  Ludwig,  Sr.  For  some 
time  Mass  was  said  there  once  a 
month  by  Father  Gronan  who  was  re- 
siding at  Litchfield. 

Within  a  few  years  Catholics  began 
so  to  increase  in  number  that  new  and 
more  adequate  quarters  became  an 
imperative  necessity.  In  the  mean- 
time the  basement  of  the  Unitarian 
Church  (which  then  stood  where  the 
present  post  office  now  stands)  was 
selected  as  a  temporary  place  of  wor- 
ship, and  here  Mass  was  said  until 
1870,  when  the  new  church  of  St. 
Agnes  was  dedicated.  In  connection 
with  the  building  of  this  church,  Mr. 
Robert  Stewart,  a  wealthy  convert, 
deserves  special  mention.  It  was  he 
who  donated  the  ground  on  which  the 
church  and  parsonage  were  built. 

Father  Lohmann,  the  first  pastor  of 
St.  Agnes'  Church,  came  here  in  1870. 
At  this  time  he  was  called  from  a 
retreat  in  Alton  to  prepare  Richard 
Tynan  for  death.  Father  Lohmann 
was  then  made  pastor  of  the  church. 

The  first  funeral  was  that  of  the 
mother   of   Edward   Ludwig,    Sr.,    a 


prominent  Hillsboro  business  man. 
The  first  marriage  to  be  celebrated 
was  that  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patrick 
Murphy  of  Coffeen,  who  died  but  re- 
cently. Father  Lohmann 's  first  sick 
call  was  to  the  home  of  Xavier  Huber 
who  lived  in  the  country.  Father 
Lohmann  was  a  plain,  conservative 
man.  Until  1876  he  was  pastor  here 
and  then  he  was  sent  to  Clinton,  his 
place  being  filled  by  Father  Vernich. 

Father  Vernich  was  a  very  chari- 
table priest,  a  kind  and  loving  father. 
He  remained  pastor  until  1881  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  Father  Storp, 
who,  in  turn,  remained  from  1881  to 
1 884.  Father  Storp  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Gesenhues.  During  the  lat- 
ter's  pastorate,  Hillsboro  saw  its 
hardest  times,  due  to  general  labor 
depression.  There  was  no  work  to  be 
found  and  money  was  so  scarce  in  the 
congregation  that  even  the  most 
necessary  church  repairs  had  to  be  in- 
definitely postponed.  As  a  result  of 
this,  the  pastor  and  people  suffered 
much.  It  is  said  of  Father  Gesenhues 
that  often  he  would  have  gone  hungry 
had  not  good  friends  from  outside 
given  timely  assistance. 

In  1888,  Father  Becker  took  Father 
Gesenhues'  place.  Times  changed; 
conditions  improved,  and  fortunate- 
ly continue  improving  to  this  day. 
Father  Becker  sold  the  old  parsonage 
and  built  a  new  one  modelled  on  a 
Swiss  home.  The  house  still  stands 
as  a  parsonage,  and  though  it  is  not 
a  convenient  residence,  it  is  very 
unique  and  interesting  in  structure. 
In  1889  Father  Becker  left  this  com- 
munity to  be  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Thomas  Masterson. 

During  Father  Masterson 's  twenty- 
two  years  here,  he  did  much  good 
work  and  endeared  himself  to  all, 
Catholic  and  non-Catholic,  by  his  win- 
ning personality.  He  greatly  im- 
proved the  church  by  the  addition  of 
a  pipe  organ  and  furnace,  a  new  steel 
ceiling  and  tabernacle. 

The  parish  grew  under  his  admini- 
stration from  100  to  300  families.  The 
community  also  prospered.  Stone 
buildings  were  replacing  the  wooden 


353 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ones  and  factories  were  being  built.  A 
mine  was  dug  and  a  smelter  erected 
in  the  community  a  short  distance 
smith  of  Hillsboro.  Many  foreign 
Catholics  being  attracted  by  the  grow- 
ing industries,  settled  there.  This 
gave  rise  to  Taylor  Springs.  Another 
mine  had  been  dug  east  of  Hillsboro, 
and  the  miners  were  gathered  into  a 
little  village  named  Corteamp.  The 
Catholics  in  both  communities  were 
able  to  attend  Mass  easily  by  car  lines 
running  to  Hillsboro. 

At  last  Father  Masterson's  health 
began  to  fail ;  lie  was  advancing  in 
years  and  there  was  too  much  work 
to  be  done  in  such  a  scattered  parish. 
At  his  request  he  was  assigned  the 
quiet  parish  of  Holy  Trinity  in  Ston- 
ington,  Illinois,  where  he  labored 
faithfully  until  1927  when,  through 
serious  illness,  his  resignation  be- 
came advisable. 

Father  John  Heslin  succeeded 
Father  Masterson  and  it  is  due  to  his 
efforts  that  St.  Agnes  Church  owes 
its  present  condition.  The  grime  and 
dust  of  half  a  century  marred  the 
walls  of  St.  Agnes  and  Father  Hes- 
lin saw  the  necessity  of  redecorating 
the  interior.  During  the  summer  of 
1925,  artists  were  employed  and  in  a 


short  time  a  wonderful  transforma- 
tion was  effected. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  note  that 
in  the  early  days  of  St.  Agnes  Church 
burials  were  made  either  in  the  Bluff 
or  Cress  Hill  cemeteries,  the  bodies 
being  later  removed  to  the  newly  pur- 
chased Catholic  cemeteiy.  One  of 
the  parishioners,  Mr.  John  Arney,  a 
brother  of  William  and  George  Arney, 
was  wounded  in  the  Civil  War  in  the 
retreat  of  Shiloh.  He  died  and  was 
buried  in  the  Bluff  cemetery. 

As  St.  Agnes  has  no  Catholic 
school,  Father  Heslin  conducts  cate- 
chism classes  at  suitable  times  and 
suitable  places  during  the  week.  At 
present  the  parish  has  155  families, 
600  souls  in  all.  One  hundred  eighty- 
five  received  confirmation  in  May, 
1924,  at  the  hands  of  the  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin.  There  are 
three  societies:  Altar  Society,  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality,  and  Holy  Name 
Society. 

It  is  Father  Heslin 's  hope  that 
within  a  few  years  Hillsboro  will  have 
a  new  Catholic  school  and  a  new 
Catholic  church.  The  parishioners 
and  residents  of  Hillsboro  hope  that 
Father  Heslin  will  be  in  this  com- 
munity long  enough  to  see  his  hopes 
realized. 


Church  op  St.  Joseph,  Paloma,  Adams  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1867 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Charles  Flori 


At  the  close  of  the  Civil  War,  sev- 
eral Catholic  veterans  settled  in  what 
is  now  the  western  section  of  Gilmer 
Township  in  Adams  County.  In  a 
few  years  their  numbers  were  aug- 
mented by  some  families  who  had 
emigrated  from  Germany.  Their  in- 
dustry and  frugality  soon  made  them 
prosperous,  and  they  felt  the  need  of 
a  closer  community  life.  Naturally 
their  thoughts  first  turned  towards 
the  establishment  of  a  congregation. 

On  March  11,  1867,  they  sent  a  pe- 
tition, accompanied  by  a  subscription 
of  $625.00,  to  the  Vicar  General,  Very 
Reverend  Herman  Joseph  Schaefer- 
meyer,  to  be  allowed   to  establish    a 


new  parish  on  the  Columbus  Road, 
ten  miles  northeast  of  Quincy.  The 
Bishop,  Right  Reverend  Henry  Da- 
mian  Juncker,  gave  his  approval  with 
a  warning  not  to  go  too  heavily  in 
debt.  By  October  of  the  same  year, 
the  new  limestone  church  of  St. 
Joseph  was  completed  at  a  cost  of 
$2,135.00.  It  was  dedicated  on  May 
1,  1868,  and  was  henceforth  known  as 
"The  Rock  Church  on  Columbus 
Road."  The  beautiful  but  simple 
high  altar  was  donated  by  Henry 
Schenk. 

In  the  same  year,  1868,  a  parochial 
school  was  built  costing  $535.00. 
When  the  church  building  was   fin- 


354 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  TIIE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


ished,  a  debt  of  $1,000.00  remained 
to  be  paid  by  the  little  community. 
Within  a  few  years  this  debt  was 
wiped  out  through  the  untiring  ef- 
forts of  parish  societies.  The  erection 
of  the  school  left  no  debts. 

When  the  church  was  opened,  there 
were  twenty-one  families  in  the  con- 
gregation, and  they  were  making  good 
progress.  Unfortunately,  however,  a 
conflict  arose  as  to  what  language 
should  be  employed  by  the  priest  in 
his  sermons.  This  continued  for 
many  years,  doing  much  harm  to  the 
peace  of  the  congregation.  In  the 
school  the  same  error  was  continued 
for  many  years.  By  1873  the  parish 
had  grown  to  forty  families,  services 
were  now  being  held  twice  a  month, 
but  as  yet  there  was  no  resident 
priest. 

In  accordance  with  the  wishes  of 
the  Bishop,  the  Franciscan  Fathers 
took  active  charge  of  St.  Joseph 
church,  which  they  faithfully  attend- 
ed from  the  College  in  Quincy  until 
the  year  1888,  when  Reverend  Her- 
man Gesenhues,  a  secular  priest,  was 
put  in  charge.  Father  Gesenhues  at- 
tended it  from  Bloomfield  until  he 
was  sent  to  Shelbyville,  Illinois. 

The  school  when  first  opened,  1875, 
had  an  attendance  of  only  eight  chil- 
dren. By  1878,  the  number  had  grown 
to  thirty-five.  For  years  lay  teachers 
were  employed.  In  1919  the  old  school 
was  condemned  as  unsanitary  by  the 
health  authorities,  and  a  new  modern 
school  building  was  erected  in  con- 
formance to  the  laws  of  the  State  of 
Illinois,  at  a  cost  of  $3,500.00.  Today, 
1926,  the  attendance  of  children  at 
school  is  practically  the  same  as  it 
was  in  1878. 

In  1903  a  cyclone  damaged  the  old 
"Rock  Church"  beyond  repair  and 
necessitated  the  erection  of  a  new 
building.  A  frame  structure  was 
built  90x45  feet,  twice  the  size  of  the 
old  building,  to  meet  the  increasing 
membership. 

The  first  resident  pastor  of  the 
parish,  Reverend  Francis  M.  Mc- 
Veigh, under  whose  supervision  the 
second  church  was  erected,  as  well  as 


a  commodious  rectory.  Father  Mc- 
Veigh died  on  July  21,  1906,  and  was 
buried  in  Calvary  Cemetery. 

During  the  vacancy,  Reverend 
Clement  Moorman  and  Reverend 
Anthony  Zurbonsen  attended  to  the 
spiritual  wants  of  the  parish.  On  Sep- 
tember 1,  Reverend  Paul  Reinfels  was 
appointed  pastor  by  the  Bishop,  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan.  During  Father 
Reinfels'  pastorate  many  needed  im- 
provements were  made  in  the  church 
and  school  property.  Father  Rein- 
fels remained  here  until  April,  1919, 
when  Reverend  Charles  J.  Flori  was 
appointed  pastor.  The  new  pastor 
found  the  people  eager  to  support  him 
in  his  effort  to  carry  out  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  Bishop.  A  new,  modern 
and  sanitary  school  building  was 
erected,  and  the  church  was  deco- 
rated in  a  way  befitting  a  house  of 
God.  The  two  side  altars  were  do- 
nated by  the  Henry  Wiewel  family 
and  the  Ladies'  Altar  Society. 

In  1923  two  acres  of  land  were 
purchased  to  be  used  for  a  new  ceme- 
tery and  also  part  of  it  for  school 
recreation  and  parish  festivities. 

Among  the  old  parishioners  still 
living  are  William  Rossmiller,  Bei*- 
nard  Reckes,  George  O'Hare,  Patrick 
O'Hare,  Joseph  Goehl,  Wilhelmina 
Mayer,  Conrad  Unmissig,  Mary  Hum- 
mel, Catherine  Cramsey,  Henry 
Gramke,  Joseph  and  William  Star- 
man,  Roman  Ohnemus,  Louisa  Wie- 
wel, Elizabeth  and  Teresa  O'Hare, 
and  William  Zanger,  Sr. 

St.  Joseph  has  also  contributed  to 
the  higher  vocations.  On  the  records 
are  found  the  names  of  two,  Francis 
Patrick  Murphy  and  John  Henry 
Gramke,  who  have  embraced  the 
priesthood.  Emma  Mary  Ohnemus 
has  become  a  member  of  the  Sisters 
•  of  the  Poor  of  St.  Francis. 

The  parish  Societies  are  the  Holy 
Name  Society;  Ladies'  Society;  and 
Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood  for 
children. 

To  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Enning  of 
Quincy,  Illinois,  is  due  much  credit 
for  her  many  generous  gifts  in 
various    ways    to  the    people    of    St. 


355 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Joseph's  congregation.  Her  ex- 
emplary work  has  been  a  great  help 
and  inspiration  to  the  parish  and  de- 
serves special  mention. 

From  1888  to  1928  the  following 
pastor's  names  appear  on  the  church 
records :    Herman    Gesenhues,    John 

Church  of  St.  James,  Riverton, 

Established 

Present  Pastor:  Reverend 

The  village  of  Riverton  situated  on 
the  banks  of  the  Sangamon  River 
some  seven  miles  northeast  of  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  is  one  of  the  oldest 
towns  in  Sangamon  County.  It  was 
first  known  as  Jimtown,  then  How- 
lett,  and  now  bears  the  name  of  Riv- 
erton. 

In  the  summer  of  1867  a  mine  was 
sunk  and  this  brought  an  increase  in 
population  of  the  then  Jimtown.  In 
this  same  year  Reverend  John  Sulli- 
van, pastor  of  Immaculate  Conception 
Church  of  Springfield,  came  out  to 
Jimtown  to  organize  the  Catholics  as 
a  mission,  to  be  attended  from  Spring- 
field. Mass  was  first  said  in  the  priv- 
ate home  of  Edward  Ready  and  later 
the  use  of  the  school  house  was  ob- 
tained for  Divine  Services.  The  Mis- 
sion was  named  St.  James. 

Riverton  continued  to  be  attended 
from  Springfield  by  Fathers  Sullivan, 
Ilickey  and  Brady  until  1878,  when 
the  charge  was  given  to  Father 
Charles  Manuel,  pastor  of  Visitation 
Church,  Illiopolis.  In  1871  Reverend 
Patrick  Brady  built  a  small  frame 
church  wherein  Divine  Services  were 
held.  Father  Manuel  continued  to 
attend  the  Mission  at  Riverton  until 
November,  1884  when  it  received  its 
first  resident  pastor,  Reverend  J.  B. 
Deipenbrock.  The  residence  which  is 
still  in  use  was  built  by  Father 
Manuel  in  1884. 

Father  Deipenbrock  remained  un- 
til November,  1885,  and  was  succeed- 
ed by  Reverend  J.  Iiiggins.  In  the 
spring  of  1887,  the  church  burned  on 
a  Sunday  morning  just  as  the  service 
was  closing.  The  fire  was  caused  by 
an  overheated  furnace.     The  church 

356 


Dieterich,  George  Pesch,  Thomas  J. 
Butler,  James  Hussey,  Francis  M. 
McVeigh,  Paul  Reinfels,  Charles  J. 
Flori. 

In  October,  1925,  there  were  sixty- 
five  families  and  a  healthy  growth 
was  assured  for  the  future. 

Sangamon  County,  Illinois 

in  1867 

Andrew  E.  Robinson 

structure  was  completely  destroyed 
but  some  of  the  furnishings  were 
saved.  A  new  church  slightly  larger 
was  immediately  rebuilt  by  Father  J. 
Iiiggins,  who  remained  in  charge  of 
the  parish  until  October,  1888,  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  V. 
O'Keefe. 

Father  O'Keefe  remained  until 
October,  1890  when  Father  James 
Sweeney  a  young  but  not  overly 
strong  man,  was  sent  to  take  charge. 
In  June,  1892,  Father  Charles  Sny- 
der was  appointed  pastor  of  Riverton. 
During  Father  Snyder's  pastorate 
many  improvements  were  made  in  the 
parish  house  and  church.  New  pews 
were  installed  and  a  new  bell  erected. 
It  was  also  during  the  regime  of 
Father  Snyder  that  Buffalo  became  a 
Mission  of  Riverton.  Father  Snyder 
remained  as  pastor  until  the  Fall  of 
1894  when  Father  Thomas  Riley  suc- 
ceeded to  the  pastorate.  He  remained 
in  charge  for  two  years  and  in  1896 
Father  James  0 'Boyle  was  appointed 
pastor. 

Father  0 'Boyle  was  forced  by  ill 
health  to  give  up  the  parish  and 
Father  John  J.  Corcoran  then  assist- 
ant to  Father  Howard  in  Springfield, 
was  sent  to  assume  charge  in  1897. 
Father  Corcoran  remained  until  Sep- 
tember, 1899,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  Reverend  John  J.  Clancy  who  re- 
mained in  charge  until  1914. 

In  1906  Father  Clancy  remodeled 
and  enlarged  the  church  and  made 
many  improvements  in  the  church 
and  residence  during  his  fifteen  years 
in  the  pastorate.  In  October,  1914, 
he  was  transferred  to  Jerseyville. 
Father  Higgins  was  appointed  to  take 


EARLY   DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY— ALTON 


his  place  but  was  in  Ireland  at  the 
time  and  before  he  returned,  Father 
Flaherty  was  appointed  to  Riverton. 
He  remained  for  eight  years  and  in 
September,  1922,  was  moved  to  Van- 
dalia.  From  October  until  Decem- 
ber the  parish  was  attended  by  Father 
Thomas  McGrath  of  Illiopolis. 

In  December,  1922,  Father  Amos 
Guisti,  pastor  of  Waverly,  was  trans- 
ferred to  Riverton.  Father  Guisti  re- 
mained until  August,  1924.  He  made 
many  improvements  in  the  house  and 
church.  In  August  Reverend  Mamul 
Rua,  formerly  professor  at  De  Paul 
University,  Chicago,  was  assigned 
to  the  parish.  Father  Rua  remained 
until  October,  1925,  making  necessary 
repairs  on  the  church.  In  October, 
1925,  Reverend  Andrew  E.  Robinson, 


S.T.L.,  was  appointed  pastor  of  Riv- 
erton. 

The  first  trustees  of  the  parish  were 
Patrick  Mullen  and  Thomas  Smith. 

The  first  settlers  were  chiefly 
Irish,  English  and  Germans.  Some 
of  the  early  settlers  still  living  in  the 
parish  are :  Mrs.  K.  0  'Connor,  James 
Flemming  and  Michael  Davern.  In 
1894  Italians  started  moving  into 
Riverton,  and  now  the  population  is 
chiefly  Italian. 

The  mission  church  of  St.  Joseph, 
Buffalo,  was  begun  in  1882  when 
Father  Manuel  of  Illiopolis  built  a 
small  frame  church.  In  1892  Father 
Snyder  was  given  charge.  Since  1892 
the  Mission  of  Buffalo  has  been  at- 
tended from  Riverton. 


Church  of  St.  Michael,  Sigel,  Shelby  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1867 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  George  Faller 


Sigel  is  situated  in  the  southeast 
part  of  Shelby  County  on  the  Illi- 
nois Central  Railroad.  It  is  seven 
miles  north  of  Effingham  and  twenty 
miles  south  of  Mattoon.  Sigel  was  laid 
out  in  September,  1863  by  a  Mr. 
Charles  Underwood,  surveyor  for  the 
Hon.  Francis  Hoffman  who  at  one 
time  was  Lieutenant  Governor  of 
Illinois. 

The  first  building  in  the  new  town 
was  erected  by  Martin  Gay  who  be- 
came the  first  store-keeper  and  post- 
master. Originally,  the  first  post- 
office  was  known  as  "Hooker,"  in 
honor  of  "Fighting  Joe"  Hooker  of 
Civil  War  fame.  Later  on,  when  a 
post  office  in  Illinois  called  Sigel  was 
discontinued,  the  post  office  in  this 
town  succeeded  to  the  name,  a  name 
by  which  the  town  was  known  from 
the  beginning. 

The  early  settlers,  mostly  German- 
American,  bestowed  the  name  on  the 
town  in  honor  of  General  Franz  Sigel, 
who  distinguished  himself  in  the 
Civil  War  at  the  battle  of  Pea  Ridge, 
Missouri.  On  October  10,  1891,  Sigel 
was  honored  by  a  visit  from  General 
Sigel.     The  occasion  was  mai'ked  by 


the  presence  of  a  large  crowd  of 
people  from  far  and  near.  The  dis- 
tinguished visitor  was  given  a  gold 
headed  cane.  He  afterwards  donated 
his  portrait,  which  now  hangs  in  the 
town  hall. 

In  1867  the  town  of  Siegel  was  in- 
corporated. The  town  board  held  its 
first  meeting  on  July  4,  1867.  It  con- 
sisted of  Messrs.  Joseph  Fruchtl, 
John  Kirn,  Adam  Kieselback,  trus- 
tees, John  Mumper,  secretary,  and 
John  Kroes,  treasurer.  None  of  the 
original  settlers  of  Sigel  are  now  liv- 
ing, but  many  of  their  descendants 
are  to  be  found  in  this  vicinity. 

Among  the  early  settlers  of  this 
community  were  many  Catholics. 
They  attended  to  their  religious  du- 
ties at  Green  Creek  and  Trowbridge. 
As  their  numbers  increased  they  re- 
solved to  have  a  church  of  their  own. 
The  first  steps  in  this  direction  were 
probably  taken  in  1866.  In  an  old 
book  we  find  the  minutes  of  a  meeting 
of  the  Sigel  Catholics  held  January 
10,  1867.  At  this  meeting  a  commit- 
tee composed  of  Jacob  Zirngibel,  Lu- 
bert  Husmann  and  Peter  Walzer  was 
instructed  to  wait  on  Bishop  Juncker 


357 


DIOCESE   OF   Sl'KINCKIEIiD    IN"    ILLINOIS 


at  TVutopolis  and  request  him  lo  send 
a  priest  to  Sigel  to  organize  a  Catho- 
lic parish.  On  May  27,  1S68  Father 
Kilian,  O.F.M.,  by  order  of  the 
bishop  proceeded  to  Sigel.  He  at 
once  took  charge,  appointed  a  build- 
ing committee  composed  of  Lubert 
Ilusmann,  John  Xordmann,  Simon 
Bremer  and  Louis  Steger.  The  site 
for  the  new  church  was  donated  by 
Mr.  F.  A.  Hoffman  a  non-Catholic. 
The  new  church  was  a  frame  building. 
On  September  29,  1867,  the  Feast  of 
Saint  Michael  the  dedication  took 
place,  Reverend  Kilian  officiating. 
The  new  parish  was  placed  under  the 
patronage  of  St.  Michael  the  Arch- 
angel. On  the  day  of  dedication  a 
baptism  took  place,  that  of  Henry 
Suingler  who  is  still  a  member  of  the 
parish. 

Father  Kilian  had  now  finished 
the  task  assigned  him.  His  duties  as 
Provincial  of  the  Franciscan  Order 
would  not  permit  him  to  continue  as 
pastor  of  Sigel,  hence  with  the  ap- 
proval of  Bishop  Juncker  he  assigned 
the  new  parish  to  the  care  of  Rever- 
end Nazarius  Komnierseheid  who  at- 
tended it  twice  a  month  from  Green 
Creek. 

In  1868  a  parochial  school  was 
built,  the  first  teacher  being  Mr.  John 
Heller.  Secular  teachers  had  charge 
of  the  school  until  the  advent  of  the 
Franciscan  Sisters  in  1879.  Among 
the  lay  teachers  was  Joseph  Nacke, 
who  afterwards  entered  the  priest- 
hood, and  who  is  now  chaplain  of  a 
Catholic  Hospital  in  Waterloo,  Iowa. 

Father  Nazarius  remained  pastor  of 
Sigel  until  December,  1869,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Ambrose 
Janssen,  O.F.M.,  from  December, 
1869,  to  September,  1871.  In  ad- 
dition to  his  Sigel  charge,  Father 
Ambrose  attended  a  small  parish  in 
Spring  Point  Township,  Cumberland 
County,  about  five  and  a  half  miles 
east  of  Sigel.  This  congregation  num- 
bered from  twelve  to  fourteen  fami- 
lies. It  was  the  first  Catholic  parish 
organized  in  Cumberland  County. 
Services  were    discontinued    in    1881 


arid  the  church,  a  small  frame  build- 
in"',  was  torn  down  in  1883. 

Father  Ambrose  was  replaced  by 
leather  Sebastian,  O.F.M.,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1871  During  his  incumbency 
more  ground  was  bought  for  church 
purposes.  When  Father  Sebastian 
was  transferred  in  September,  1875, 
to  Herman,  Missouri,  he  was  succeed- 
ed by  Reverend  Dominic  Florian, 
O.F.M.,  in  September,  1875,  who  re- 
mained until  July  2,  1879. 

His  administration  was  a  notable 
one.  In  addition  to  buying  more  land 
he  built  a  spacious  two  story  frame 
school  which  was  also  to  serve  as  resi- 
dence for  the  sisters.  He  made  ar- 
rangements for  the  Franciscan  Sis- 
ters of  Joliet,  Illinois,  to  take  charge 
of  the  school,  but  before  their  arrival 
he  was  assigned  to  Teutopolis.  His 
successor  was  Reverend  Andrew  Butz- 
kueben,  O.F.M.,  July  21,  1879,  to 
November,  1883.  His  pastorate  proved 
a  most  eventful  one.  The  outlook  was 
now  most  promising. 

The  good  Sisters  or  St.  Francis  had 
arrived  in  the  fall  of  1879  and  had 
taken  charge  of  the  parish  school. 
The  poor  people  had  made  many  sac- 
rifices in  behalf  of  their  religion,  but 
at  this  time  they  little  realized  the 
jrreater  sacrifices  that  were  in  store 
for  them.  On  December  13,  1879,  the 
frame  church  that  had  served  them  as 
a  place  of  worship  was  burned  to  the 
ground.  They  were  forced  to  hold 
services  in  an  upper  room  of  the 
spacious  school  house. 

Here  again  the  people  of  St.  Mich- 
ael's met  the  situation  that  confront- 
ed them.  They  decided  this  time  to 
build  a  brick  church  102x45  feet,  with 
a  tower  125  feet  high.  All  entered 
heart  and  soul  into  the  project,  giving 
generously  of  their  labor  and  means. 
The  architect  for  the  new  church  was 
the  Venerable  Brother  Adrian  We- 
wer,  O.F.M.  Father  Andrew  collect- 
ed money  in  various  churches  in 
Missouri  and  in  Illinois.  One  of  the 
members  of  the  building  committee, 
H.  W.  Gier,  is  still  alive,  and  faith- 
fully performs  his  duties  as  sexton  of 
the  church.     The  corner  stone  of  the 


358 


Sigel  Rectory,  School,  Rev.  George  /■.'.  Faller,  Pastor,  St.  Michael's  Church  .  .  . 
Quincy  St.  Mary's  Old  School,  \eu  School,  Rev.  /■'.  A.  Nieoling,  Pastor,  St.  Mary's 
Church,    Rectory  .  .  ,  m     St.    Michael's   Church,    Rev.    P.    H.   Masterson,   Pastor, 

Sistt  rs'  Rt  ■  Old  Chu     h,  >  hool. 


TK£  LIBRARY 

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«MYtt$IT]f  Of  MfNOlR 


EAKLY    DAYS  OF   THE  DIOCESE} QUINCY ALTON 


new  church  was  laid  on  May  10,  1880 
by  the  Ordinary  of  the  diocese,  Right 
Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  assist- 
ed by  the  neighboring  priests. 

The  new  church  was  not  yet  under 
roof  when  on  October  23,  1880,  the 
new  school  house  took  fire  and  burned 
to  the  ground.  This  disaster,  al- 
though a  stunning  blow  to  the  good 
people  of  St.  Michael's,  did  not  dis- 
hearten them.  The  good  Father  An- 
drew and  his  faithful  floefe  again  be- 
stirred themselves,  and  made  tempor- 
ally provisions  for  holding  church 
services  and  conducting  the  school. 
The  winter  of  1880-1881  will  never 
fade  from  the  memory  of  the  old 
parishioners  of  St.  Michael.  The 
school  was  rebuilt  and  on  October  27, 
1881,  the  dedication  of  the  new  St. 
Michael  church  and  school  took  place 
with  Bishop  Baltes  officiating.  The 
new  church  cost  $7,000.00  exclusive 
of  the  work  and  materials  donated  by 
the  parishioners.  It  was  well  equipped 
with  altar,  pews  and  statues.  Two 
bells,  the  large  one  dedicated  to  St. 
Michael  the  Archangel,  the  smaller 
one  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  call 
the  people  to  Divine  Worship. 

There  was  general  regret  when 
Father  Andrew  was  transferred  to 
Quincy  in  November,  1883.  This 
humble  Franciscan  had  endeared  him- 
self to  the  people  of  St.  Michael ;  his 
memory  is  held  in  benediction.  Father 
Andrew  was  followed  in  Sigel  by 
Reverend  Eustachius  Bruggemann, 
O.F.M.,  who  remained  until  1884; 
came  Reverend  Alexius  Bernard,  O. 
F.  M.,  (1884-summer,  1887). 

Reverend  Florence  Kurzer,  O.F.M., 
was  the  last  Franciscan  to  have 
charge  of  St.  Michael.  His  tenure 
was  for  but  a  few  months  duration, 
when  the  Franciscan  Fathers  gave  up 
the  Sigel  parish.  This  congregation 
is  indebted  to  the  Franciscan  Fathers 
for  their  self-sacrificing  labors.  All 
beginnings  are  usually  difficult. 
When  the  Franciscan  Fathers  attend- 
ed Sigel,  they  did  so  under  trying 
circumstances.  The  journey  from 
Teutopolis  to  Sigel  was  over  bad 
roads,  especially   in   the    winter   and 


spring,  but  be  it  said  to  their  credit 
that  weather  conditions  never  pre- 
vented them  from  performing  their 
duty.  How  much  of  the  faith  of  the 
people  of  St.  Michael  is  due  to  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  is  known  but  to 
God. 

Reverend  L.  Reisen,  now  pastor  of 
St.  Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Spring- 
field, was  the  first  secular  priest  to 
take  charge  of  the  St.  Michael  parish. 
He  came  to  Sigel  on  October  21,  1887, 
and  remained  till  October  14,  1896. 
During  Father  Reisen 's  administra- 
tion the  parochial  residence  was  built 
in  1892.  He  busied  himself  in  im- 
proving the  appearance  of  the  church 
property.  The  beautiful  trees  were 
planted  under  his  direction.  Father 
Reisen  bought  many  articles  for  the 
church  and  took  a  special  interest  in 
the  cemetery.  The  people  of  St. 
Michael  were  deeply  affected  when 
their  beloved  pastor  was  transferred 
to  Springfield  in  October,  1896.  The 
successor  to  Father  Reisen  was  the 
Reverend  A.  J.  Pennartz,  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois. 

A  new  era  dawned  for  St.  Michael 
parish  with  the  coming  of  the  new 
pastor.  He  was  a  man  of  superior 
education,  having  graduated  with 
high  honors  from  the  University  of 
Louvain,  Belgium.  His  judgment  car- 
ried great  weight  among  his  fellow 
priests,  being  a  wise  and  prudent 
counsellor,  a  true  father  and  friend, 
and  a  zealous  shepherd  of  souls.  Un- 
der his  direction  many  improve- 
ments were  made  in  the  church,  resi- 
dence, school  and  cemetery.  He  also 
took  an  active  part  in  the  Central 
Verein  of  Illinois.  At  his  obsequies 
it  was  said  of  him  that  he  was  at  once 
an  ideal  gentleman  and  an  ideal 
priest.  During  Father  Pennartz  \s 
illness  in  1900  he  was  assisted  by  the 
Reverend  Eugene  Hagedorn,  O.F.M., 
and  Reverend  William  Pachelhofer, 
new  pastor  of  the  Seered  Heart 
church  at  Lilvville. 

On  October  28,  1908,  St.  Michael 
parish  celebrated  the  twenty-fifth  an- 
niversary   of    the     blessing     of      the 


359 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


church.  September  29,  1917  the 
Golden  Jubilee  of  the  parish  was  ob- 
served. On  November  10,  1917, 
Father  Pennartz  died  in  St.  An- 
thony's Hospital,  Effingham,  Illinois, 
and  on  November  14th  his  funeral  was 
held  from  St.  Michael  Church,  with 
burial  in  the  church  cemetery  near 
the  large  crucifix  erected  there.  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  Alton,  presided  at  the  obsequies  in 
the  presence  of  fifty-six  priests. 

Reverend  S.  P.  Hoffman  was  ap- 
pointed administrator  of  the  parish 
and  acted  in  that  capacity  until 
December  1,  1917.  Reverend  Wil- 
liam L.  Quatman,  for  eleven  years 
pastor  of  Forty  Martyrs  Church,  Tus- 
cola, Illinois,  became  pastor  of  St. 
Michaels  Church,  December  1,  1917. 
He  is  still  pastor  and  carries  on  with 
splendid  success  the  good  work  of  his 
predecessors. 

St.  Michaels  parish  can  well  be 
proud  of  its  history.  From  its  ranks 
twenty  young  ladies  have  joined  re- 
ligious orders,  and  one  of  the  mem- 


bers of  the  parish  has  entered  the 
priesthood,  namely,  Reverend  F. 
Hess,  now  of  the  Peoria  Diocese. 
Brother  Ferdinand  Moser,  a  convert, 
and  a  veteran  of  the  World  War,  is  a 
member  of  the  Holy  Cross  Com- 
munity, Notre  Dame,  Indiana.  Twenty 
young  men  of  the  parish  joined  the 
army  in  the  World  War. 

St.  Michael's  School  has  a  present 
enrollment  of  eighty-five  children, 
with  three  Franciscan  Sisters  in 
charge. 

The  parish  boasts  of  a  number  of 
flourishing  societies:  St.  Michael's 
Society  for  Married  Men,  Society  of 
Christian  Mothers,  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality,  St.  Aloysius  Sodality  for 
Young  Men,  Children  of  Mary,  Holy 
Name  Society,  and  the  League  of  the 
Sacred  Heart. 

N.S. — Since  above  was  written 
Father  Quatman  has  been  promoted 
to  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Springfield, 
June,  1927,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  George  Faller. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1867 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Frederick  Niebling 


On  the  advice  of  Reverend  Herman 
Schaefermeyer,  pastor  of  St.  Boni- 
face Church,  the  Catholics  living  on 
the  south  side  of  the  city  met  in  the 
year  1865,  and  erected  a  school  for 
their  children,  many  of  whom  had  to 
walk  a  mile  or  more  to  church  and 
school. 

The  first  effort  to  build  a  church 
was  made  in  the  following  year  on  the 
suggestion  of  Reverend  Reinhart,  at 
the  time  assistant  priest  at  St.  Boni- 
face Church.  It  was  named  St.  Mary 
in  honor  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion. Good  progress  was  made  so  that 
on  the  7th  of  June,  1867,  the  corner 
stone  was  laid.  On  December  8,  1867, 
the  church  was  so  far  completed  that 
the  first  mass  was  said  in  it,  the  build- 
ing of  the  tower  being  deferred  to  a 
later  date. 

About  this  time  Father  Reinhart 's 
health  began  to  fail  and   he   was   re- 


lieved by  Reverend  Theodore  Brue- 
ner,  who  arrived  on  December  31, 
1867,  and  took  up  his  work  at  once. 

The  second  school  was  built  in  1868, 
and  was  finished  about  Christmas  of 
that  year.  It  also  served  as  the 
parochial  residence. 

Sad  news  reached  the  parishioners 
when  their  beloved  pastor,  Father 
Bruener  was  called  to  the  Teachers' 
Seminary  of  Milwaukee  to  succeed 
Dr.  Salzmann,  who  had  died.  He  de- 
parted for  his  new  charge  on  the 
evening  of  April  30,  1874. 

The  new  pastor,  Reverend  Gerhard 
Mirbach,  arrived  in  May,  1874,  and 
at  once  took  up  the  work  where  his 
predecessor  had  left  off.  The  build- 
ing of  the  church  tower  was  begun  in 
May,  1878,  and  in  December,  1880, 
three  large  new  bells  were  hung  in  the 
belfry. 

Little  can  we  realize  the  gloom  of 


360 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


the  parishioners,  many  of  whom  had 
worked  and  contributed  for  years  to 
complete  and  beautify  their  church, 
when,  in  some  unknown  manner  the 
church  caught  fire  on  the  cold  and 
early  morning  of  February  3,  1891, 
and  was  completely  destroyed. 

Not  unduly  discouraged  by  this 
misfortune,  the  pastor  and  his  flock 
immediately  set  to  work,  and  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord  being  with  them, 
it  was  not  long  before  they  had  a  tem- 
porary frame  building  erected  in 
which  they  were  able  to  hold  services. 
The  new  church,  as  it  now  stands,  was 
erected  in  1891,  and  designed  by  the 
later  Brother  Adrian,  0.  P.  M.,  and 
four  years  after,  a  new  Sisters' 
house  was  built. 

Reverend  Francis  Reinhart  was 
pastor  from  1867  to  1868;  Reverend 
Theodore  Bruener,  from  1868  to 
1874;  Reverend  Gerhard  Mirbach, 
from  1874  to  1895;  Reverend  Joseph 
Locher,  from  1895  to  1904;  Reverend 
Joseph  Maurer,  from  1905  to  1906; 
Reverend  Anthony  Zurbonsen,  from 
1906  to  1920 ;  Reverend  Frederick  A. 
Niebling,  from  1920  to  the  present 
time. 

Reverend  John  B.  Wand  was  As- 
sistant Pastor  from  1893  to  1895 ; 
Reverend  Anton  Qieneke,  from  1895 
to  1899 ;  Reverend  August  Forster, 
1899  to  1901 ;  Reverend  John  Stube, 


from  1902  to  1904;  Reverend  A. 
Hochmiller,  1904;  Reverend  Paul 
Reinfels,  1905  to  1906;  Reverend 
Adolph  Schneider,  1907  to  1909 ;  Rev- 
erend J.  Telken,  1909  to  1911;  Rev- 
erend B.  Wubbe,  1911  to  1913;  Rev- 
George  Nell,  1913 ;  Reverend  Godfrey 
Guthausen,  1914  to  1915;  Reverend 
Joseph  Klaes,  from  1915  to  1919  ;  Rev- 
erend Lawrence  Winking,  1919  to 
1920. 

The  school,  which  has  been  in  ex- 
istence from  the  very  foundation  of 
the  parish,  was  in  charge  of  lay  teach- 
ers until  1897;  Sisters  of  the  Poor 
Handmaids  of  Christ  from  1897  to 
1898;  Franciscans  from  Milwaukee 
from  1898  to  1903  in  which  last  men- 
tioned year  it  was  placed  in  the  care 
of  the  Sisters  of  the  Most  Precious 
Blood  who  still  continue  its  teachers. 
The  new,  magnificent  structure  was 
erected  in  1923  at  a  cost  of  $125,000. 
It  has  a  present  debt  of  $75,000 
which,  however,  is  being  appreciably 
reduced  every  year.  At  this  writing, 
the  school  enrollment  is  249  children. 

Thirty-six  boys  from  the  parish 
fought  in  the  World  War,  one  of 
whom  died  in  action. 

Parish  Societies :  Married  ladies ; 
Young  ladies;  St.  Mary's  Society  for 
Young  Men;  and  St.  Joseph's  Ben- 
evolent Society. 


Church  of  St.  Michael,  Staunton,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1867 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Patrick  H.  Masterson 


According  to  the  information  at 
hand  and  the  oldest  records  we  can 
find,  St.  Michael  parish  at  Staunton 
was  permanently  established  in  the 
year  1867.  It  seems  that  Reverend 
Patrick  J.  O'Halloran  was  the  first 
pastor.  Then  came  Father  John  Clif- 
ford, who  in  turn  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Frederick  Lohmann,  who  took 
up  three  subscriptions  for  a  new 
church  which  was  partially  built  by 
the  end  of  1867.  Father  Lohmann 
was  succeeded  by  Father  Kuhlmann 
in  the  year  1875,  who  in  turn  was  re- 
placed by  Father   Janssen    in    1877, 


and  he  remained  in  charge  until  1881 
when  Father  Schlegel  was  appointed 
pastor.  Father  Schlegel  was  succeed- 
ed in  1884  by  Father  Happe  who  con- 
tinued in  office  just  a  few  months 
and  was  succeeded  by  Father  Hasse 
who  was  pastor  until  1885.  Father 
Hasse  was  replaced  by  Father  Die- 
trich who  held  the  post  until  1888 
when  Father  Zurbonsen  became  pas- 
tor and  remained  until  July,  1898. 
Father  Postner  then  took  up  the  reins 
and  held  them  until  1907  when 
Father  Duval  became  pastor  and  re- 
mained in  office  until  June  29,  1924, 


361 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


when  the  present  incumbent,  Father 
P.  H.  Masterson,  took  charge. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Duval  there  were  four  assistant 
priests  in  Staunton :  Father  Stepun- 
cik,  Father  Kershevich,  Father  Pow- 
ell and  Father  O'Hanlon.  The  first 
two  were  necessitated  by  the  opening 
of  a  mission  in  Livingston ;  the  latter 
two  on  account  of  Father  Duval's  im- 
paired health. 

The  first  purchase  of  church 
property  was  made  in  1867  when 
three  lots  were  obtained  from  James 
Dwyer;  the  old  church,  the  present 
rectory  and  school  were  built  later  on 
these  lots.  This  church  no  longer  fit 
for  use  was  pulled  down  some  eight 
years  ago.  Since  then  the  upper  story 
of  the  school  building  has  been  used 
for  church  purposes.  The  rectory  was 
built  by  Father  Zurbonsen  in  1888, 
and  later  modernized  by  Father  Post- 
ner  and  Father  Duval.  The  present 
school,  a  spacious  and  handsome 
building  was  built  by  Father  Postner 
in  1904.  During  Father  Duval's 
pastorate  the  property  on  the  east 
and  west  was  purchased  by  him,  so 
that  today  it  is  one  of  the  largest  and 
finest  in  the  diocese.  The  four  room 
sisters'  house  was  also  enlarged  and 
modernized  by  him  in  1923. 

On  October  13,  1924  ground  was 
broken  by  the  men  of  the  parish  for 
the  new  St.  Michael  church  which 
was  completed  within  a  year.  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  the 
Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois,  with 
much  solemnity  dedicated  the  new 
edifice  in  the  presence  of  fifty  priests 
of  this  and  the  neighboring  dioceses 
and  a  lay  congregation  of  one  thou- 
sand souls.  This  handsome  building 
of  Romanesque  architecture  was  fin- 
ished at  a  cost  of  $110,000.00  and  is 
justly  the  pride  not  only  of  the  parish 
but  of  the  city  of  Staunton. 

In  1888  the  Catholic  Cemetery  was 
purchased  by  Father  Zurbonsen 
"after  great  difficulties"  which  is 
being  used  to  this  day,  though  almost 


filled  to  its  capacity.  Later  Father 
Duval  bought  a  track  of  land  east  of 
the  town  to  meet  the  needs  of  his 
flock.  This  new  property  has  not  yet 
and  may  never  be  used  for  cemetery 
purposes. 

According  to  the  best  records  we 
can  place  our  hands  upon,  this  parish 
was  made  up  of  some  thirty  fami- 
lies to  begin  with,  consisting  chiefly 
of  German  and  Irish.  We  take  this 
from  the  subscription  list  for  the  first 
church  in  1867,  where  the  names  of 
Cotter,  McMullen,  Kelly,  Gauer,  Mon- 
ohan,  Kelly,  Hoog,  McGrath,  Kene- 
fick,  Dwyre,  Monohan,  Newman,  Mar- 
tin, Hoog,  Egelhoff,  Buerger,  Cald- 
well, Demsey,  Schnell,  Weber,  Wise, 
Reese,  Allen,  Bumgartner,  Sambach, 
Weigers,  Miller,  Larkin,  Harword, 
Coerver,  Duffy,  Canfield,  Dillon,  Dug- 
gan,  Minke,  McDonald,  Kennedy, 
Callahan,  Haern,  Langen,  Detten, 
Monohan,  Langen  and  Buerger  still 
in  the  parish.  The  parish  at  the  pres- 
ent time  consists  of  243  families  of 
different  nationalities. 

Practically  every  adult  member  of 
the  congregation  is  enrolled  in  one  or 
other  of  the  parish  organizations :  St. 
Ann's,  St.  Michael's,  Holy  Name. 
League  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Daugh- 
ters of  Isabella,  Knights  of  Columbus, 
Western  Catholic  Union  and  the 
Slovak  and  Croatian  Societies  of 
Catholic  men  and  women. 

Forty-two  young  men  of  the  parish 
served  in  the  World  War.  Many  of 
them  were  in  the  "thick  of  the  fight" 
and  a  few  were  wounded  but  not  one 
was  killed. 

In  this  brief  historical  sketch  we 
should  be  remiss  if  we  failed  to  men- 
tion that  the  home  of  the  late  John 
Coerver  was  partially  used  as  the 
first  Catholic  school  in  Staunton, 
with  an  enrollment  of  some  twenty- 
five  children,  which  since  has  in- 
creased to  two  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight.  The  school  is  taught  by  five 
Ursuline  Sisters. 


362 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Church  op  St.  Peter,  Petersburg,  Menard  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1868 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Timothy  Michael  Moloney 


From  our  little  mountaintop  we 
gaze  backward  over  fifty-seven  years 
of  time.  About  us  lie  the  same  smil- 
ing fertile  valleys  and  wooded  hills 
that  so  pleased  a  little  band  of  loyal 
sons  of  Holy  Mother  Church,  when 
they  selected  this  eminence  on  which 
to  erect  their  Temple  to  God.  In  all 
probability  they  remembered  that 
saying  of  Our  Blessed  Lord,  "A  city 
seated  on  a  mountain  cannot  be  hid. 
Perchance  they  thought  of  the  his- 
toric background  of  the  picture  and 
so  placed  St.  Peter  high  on  pictur- 
esque Petersburg's  noblest  hill. 

Picturesque  background  indeed  it 
is  for  such  a  shrine,  fitting  pulpit 
from  which  the  little  edifice  might 
preach  its  silent  sermon  to  the  world, 
and  its  sweet  toned  bell  send  forth 
across  the  verdant  vales  the  same 
message  it  rings  out  today,  clear  and 
sweet  to  the  re-echoing  hills,  the  wel- 
come of  the  Saviour,  "Come  to  Me." 

Here  in  little  Menard,  the  beauti- 
ful, the  patriotic,  were  spent  the  plas- 
tic years  in  the  young  manhood  of 
that  magnetic  man,  our  own  Abra- 
ham Lincoln.  In  1842  he  surveyed 
and  planned  Petersburg,  whose  tow- 
ering homes  crown  its  verdant  hills. 
To  the  southeast  lies  Old  Salem, 
whose  history  is  so  inextricably  inter- 
woven with  the  life  of  that  great 
emancipator.  There  is  the  village 
store  wherein  he  earned  the  appella- 
tion— "Honest  Abe."  There,  he  dis- 
tinguished himself  as  postman,  inde- 
fatigable student  and  kindly  man; 
there,  grew  his  romance,  and  it  was 
from  Old  Salem  he  went  forth  a  rep- 
resentative man,  the  pride  of  the 
State  of  Illinois  and  of  our  nation. 

In  such  a  setting  the  first  Catholic 
congregation  of  Petersburg  ought  to 
place  the  jewel  of  their  Faith.  Sixty- 
years  ago  they  chose  this  site  and 
erected  here  their  little  City  of  God. 
To  them  was  sent  on  May  4,  1868,  as 
their  first  pastor,  Father  Cluse,  now 


Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Cluse  of 
the  Diocese  of  Belleville,  Illinois. 
Petersburg  was  his  first  field  of  labor, 
being  just  ordained  by  the  first 
Bishop  of  Alton  (now  Springfield), 
Right  Reverend  Henry  Damien 
Juncker. 

Father  Cluse  was  pastor  of  this  lit- 
tle flock  for  four  years,  during  which 
time  he  opened  a  school  in  the  sacristy 
of  the  church,  and  also  began  attend- 
ing the  mission  of  Greenview,  where 
he  celebrated  Holy  Mass  once  a  month 
in  the  hall  over  Marbold's  store. 

The  second  pastor  of  St.  Peter  was 
Reverend  Theodore  Wegman,  who 
succeeded  Father  Cluse  September  8, 
1872,  and  who  was  transferred  to  the 
church  of  St.  Boniface  at  Quincy, 
Illinois,  in  December  of  the  same 
year. 

The  financial  difficulties  of  this 
period  may  easily  be  imagined  from 
the  fact  that  the  receipts  from  all 
sources  amount  to  a  total  of  $228.64. 

Reverend  Augustus  Joseph  Sauer 
took  charge  of  St.  Peter's  parish  on 
January  1,  1873.  During  his  pastorate 
of  nearly  five  years,  the  little  Catholic 
school  on  the  hill  was  erected.  Up 
to  this  time  school  had  been  held  in 
the  sacristy,  as  before  mentioned ; 
then  by  the  Ursuline  Sisters  of 
Springfield  in  the  basement  of  the 
present  home  of  George  Gibson,  aft- 
erwards in  the  rectory,  and  at  length 
the  urgent  needs  of  a  growing  parish 
made  the  present  building  a  neces- 
sity. 

The  new  Calvary  Cemetery  was 
blessed  October  19,  1876.  The  ground 
had  been  purchased  in  1875  for 
$575.00. 

From  Petersburg  Father  Sauer 
was  transferred  to  Carrollton,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Bernard 
W.  Ahns,  December  7,  1877. 

Reverend  Owen  O'Hare  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  pastorate  of  St.  Peter 


363 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


on  August  23,  1878,  and  was  trans- 
ferred to  St.  Joseph's  church,  Cairo, 
Illinois,  on  June  15,  1880. 

The  fifth  pastor,  Reverend  Thomas 
A.  Hogan,  was  destined  to  end  his 
pastoral  duties  here.  He  came  to 
Petersburg  on  June  24,  1880,  and  la- 
bored there  for  almost  four  years.  He 
became  seriously  ill  on  January  8, 
1884,  and  died  at  the  parochial  resi- 
dence January  12th.  His  remains 
were  sent  to  Wisconsin  for  burial. 

On  January  15  Reverend  W.  J. 
Merscher  became  pastor  for  two  years. 
He  was  transferred  to  Ashland,  Illi- 
nois, in  December,  1885.  During 
Father  Merscher 's  pastorate  the 
parochial  school  was  closed  owing  to 
lack  of  funds  and  to  the  small  num- 
ber of  pupils. 

Reverend  Bernard  Hasse  the  next 
pastor,  remained  in  Petersburg  thir- 
teen years,  until  July,  1897.  Then 
Reverend  Thomas  McGraw,  the  pres- 
ent pastor  of  Illiopolis,  Illinois,  of- 
ficiated at  St.  Peter  until  Reverend 
William  Futterer  was  appointed  by 
the  late  Bishop,  Right  Reverend 
James  Ryan.  Meanwhile  St.  Peter's 
parish  throve,  and  Father  Futterer 
found  it  advisable  to  make  many  im- 
provements in  the  little  church.  A 
furnace  was  installed,  the  church 
frescoed  and  the  main  altar  erected. 
After  a  long  and  faithful  pastorate, 
Father  Futterer 's  health  failed,  and 
during  his  vacation  abroad  he  died  at 
Munich,  Germany. 

After  the  death  of  Father  Futterer, 
Reverend  Peter  Curran,  the  present 
pastor  of  Dalton    City,    Illinois,   was 


temporary  pastor  until  October,  1910, 
when  Reverend  John  J.  Connolly  re- 
ceived the  official  call  to  take  charge. 

In  June,  1919,  Father  Connolly 
was  appointed  to  Charleston,  Illinois, 
and  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pas- 
tor, Reverend  T.  M.  Maloney.  Owing 
to  a  lingering  illness  Father  Maloney 
was  forced  to  apply  for  leave  of 
absence  in  1925  and  went  to  San  An- 
tonia,  Texas,  to  recuperate.  During 
the  absence  of  Father  Maloney,  St. 
Peter's  parish  was  taken  care  of  by 
Reverend  E.  J.  Powers  as  Admin- 
istrator. 

The  pioneer  families  and  builders 
of  St.  Peter's  numbered  about  thirty- 
six,  and  were  of  German  and  Irish 
nationalitjr.  Petersburg  being  an  ag- 
ricultural center,  the  majority  of  the 
congregation  are  farmers. 

The  oldest  settlers  were :  Michael 
Kelly,  John  Rebbe,  Patrick  Kelly, 
Cornelius  O'Rourke,  Frank  Luth- 
ringer,  Edward  Gleason,  James  Fahy, 
William  Kern,  Patrick  Cronin,  Pat- 
rick and  John  Guinan,  Mrs.  Mary 
Guinan,  Mrs.  John  Lavin,  Mrs.  Gor- 
man, Mrs.  Kelly,  Mrs.  C.  Scully,  Tim- 
othy Foley,  Daniel  Leahy,  John  Hil- 
derbrandt,  Milo  Vogt,  Charles  Dun- 
cheon,  John  Lamberg,  Patrick  Dow- 
ney, John  Meehan,  John  Downey, 
Michael  0  'Rourke,  Charles  0  'Rourke, 
Nicholas  Fahy,  Jeremiah  Scully, 
Phillip  Scully,  Adam  Johns,  Bernard 
Faul,  Phillip  Miller,  Captain  Gleason, 
James  Carey,  Michael  Gleason  and 
Phillip  Carroll.  Mrs.  Mary  Guinan 
and  Mrs.  John  Lavin  are  the  only 
survivors. 


Church  op  St.  Basil,  Chandlerville,  Cass  County,  Illinois 
Established  in  1868 
Present  Pastor  :   Reverend  Joseph  0  'Dwyer 


Chandlerville  lies  on  the  the  south- 
ern side  of  the  Sangamon  River, 
where  a  broad  strip  of  bottom  land 
varying  from  one  to  two  miles  in 
width  forms  the  entire  northern 
boundary  of  the  village. 

The  first  settlers  here  as  in  other 
new  countries  were  at  first  very  poor. 
They  lived  in  rather  poorly  construct- 


ed log  cabins  many  of  which  were 
without  windows.  They  hauled  their 
grain  to  Beardstown  and  sold  it  at 
a  nominal  price,  and  as  there  were  no 
bridges  at  that  time  it  was  often  a 
dangerous  undertaking. 

The  Catholic  settlers  of  Chandler- 
ville were  of  Irish  and  German  de- 
scent.    The    names    of    all    the     old 


364 


Petersburg — 8t.  Peter's  Church,  Rev.  v.  .1/.  Molont  y,  Pastor,  Rectory  .  .  .  Franklin  - 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  iter.  E.  I).  Butler,  Pastor,  Rectory  .  .  .  Greenview — St.  Mary"s 
Church  .  .  .  Greenville — St.  Lawrena   Church,  Rer.  •/.  ./.  Enri<iht.  Pastor. 


m  LIBRARY 

fiFM 

UNIVSftOT  OF  ILLINOIS 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Catholic  settlers  cannot  be  ascer- 
tained, but  the  following  comprised  a 
part  of  the  congregation :  Markets, 
Neffs,  McCarthys  and  Schaffs.  About 
twelve  Catholic  families  composed  the 
congregation  when  Mass  was  first  said 
here.  Strange  to  say  the  parish 
though  small  when  first  organized  had 
twice  as  many  families  as  it  has  at 
this  writing ;  nor  is  there  much  hope 
that  it  will  grow  in  the  immediate 
future. 

The  Chandlerville  Catholic  church 
was  first  organized  at  the  residence 
of  John  McCarthy  in  1868.  It  was 
attended  by  Reverend  A.  C.  Busch 
from  Beardstown.  Reverend  M.  C. 
Ryan  having  succeeded  Father  Busch, 
served  the  mission  from  1876  to 
1892.  During  Father  Ryan's  pas- 
torate the  members  attended  Mass  in 
a  hall  over  Neff's  store  which  they 
rented  at  $25.00  a  year.  Pius  Neff 
was  instrumental  in  procuring  the 
hall  and  paid  the  rent  out  of  his  own 
income. 

In  1892  Reverend  P.  J.  McManus 
succeeded  Father  Ryan  in  Virginia 
and  from    there    attended    also    the 


Chandlerville  congregation  for  whom 
he  celebrated  Mass  once  a  month. 
From  1893  to  1895  it  was  attended 
from  Jacksonville.  Then  the  follow- 
ing priests  had  charge  of  it  in  suc- 
cession: Reverend  F.  J.  Nieskel, 
Reverend  T.  McGrath,  Reverend  M. 
Davis  and  Reverend  J.  Cronin.  In 
1915  Father  Cronin  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Joseph  O'Dwyer  who  has 
had  charge  of  it  ever  since. 

Among  the  early  Catholics  who 
figured  prominently  in  the  civic  life 
of  Chandlerville  may  be  mentioned 
Pius  Neff  who  settled  there  in  the 
year  of  1864.  He  was  School  Treas- 
urer of  Chandlerville  Township  for 
fifteen  years.  He  held  town  board 
offices  seven  times  and  acted  as  Presi- 
dent of  the  Board  for  four  terms. 
Andrew  Market  held  the  position  of 
School  Director  for  a  number  of 
3'ears. 

The  congregation  at  the  present 
time  consists  of  about  six  families, 
with  little  or  no  prospect  of  increas- 
ing. The  outlook  therefore,  is  not 
particularly  promising. 


Church  op  St.  Mary,  Greenview,  Menard  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1868 

Present  Pastor:  Reverend  Timothy  Michael  Maloney 


The  little  town  of  Greenview,  Illi- 
nois is  situated  twelve  miles  southeast 
of  Petersburg.  A  short  time  after 
Father  Cluse  (first  pastor)  came  to 
Petersburg  in  1868,  he  started  a  mis- 
sion station  at  Greenview,  and  gave 
the  few  Catholics  there  Holy  Mass 
once  a  month.  For  a  while  they  wor- 
shipped in  a  hall  over  Marbold's  store, 
then  in  Engle's  Hall. 

About  the  year  1881  a  coal  mine 
was  opened  in  the  vicinity  and  the 
little  congregation  increased  consid- 
erably. The  pastor  of  Petersburg  at 
the  time  (Father  Hogan)  secured  a 
building  for  $600.00  known  as  "the 
old  skating  rink,"  which  was  fitted 
up  as  a  church  in  1883. 

After  some  years  the  coal  mine  was 
worked  out,  and  many  Catholics 
moved  away.  At  the  time  Father  Con- 


nolly came  to  Petersburg,  Greenview 
church  was  in  a  very  dilapidated  con- 
dition and  was  not  considered  worth 
repairing.  The  congregation  got  to- 
gether and  built  the  present  beauti- 
ful little  church.  "While  under  con- 
struction, Mass  was  celebrated  in  the 
home  of  John  McLery.  The  new 
church  of  St.  Mary  was  dedicated  on 
June  4,  1915,  and  decorated  by 
Father  Maloney  during  the  summer 
of  1923.  Since  the  time  when  Father 
Cluse  came  to  minister  to  the  Catho- 
lics of  Greenview  in  1868  up  to  Father 
Maloney 's  arrival  in  1919,  Holy  Mass 
was  celebrated  there  once  a  month. 
The  congregation  now  has  Mass  every 
Sunday.  It  has  always  been  and  still 
remains  a  mission  of  Petersburg. 

The   pioneers  were   Irish    agricul- 
turalists, and  were  as   follows:   Mal- 


365 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


achy  Doran,  Martin  Ryan,  M.  Hub- 
ley,  Mike  Dorgan,  William  Looby, 
Larry  Looby,  Charlie  O'Rourke, 
James  Fahey,  Phillip  Fahey,  Thomas 
Lehaney,  James  Looby,  and  John  Mc- 
Lery.  James  Looby  and  John  Mc- 
Lery  are  the  only  survivors. 

The  following  priests  have  attend- 
ed St.  Mary's  mission  church  from 
186S  to  the  present  year,  1927:  Father 
Cluse,  1868  to  1872 ;  Reverend  Theo- 
dore Wegman,  1872  to  1873;  Rev- 
erend A.  J.  Sauer,  1873  to  1877 ;  Rev- 


erend Bernard  Ahne,  1877  to  1878; 
Reverend  Owen  0 'Hare,  1878  to  1880; 
Reverend  Thomas  A.  Jogan,  1880  to 
1884,  (died  there);  Reverend  W.  J. 
Merscher,  1884  to  1885;  Reverend 
Bernard  Hasse,  1885  to  1897 ;  Rever- 
end Thomas  McGrath,  1897  to  1898; 
Reverend  William  Futterer,  1898  to 
1910;  Reverend  Peter  Curran,  1910; 
Reverend  John  Connolly,  1910  to 
1919 ;  Reverend  T.  M.  Maloney,  1919 
to  the  present. 


Church  of  St.  Lawrence,  Greenville,  Bond  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1868 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  J.  Enright 


The  Catholic  congregation  at 
Greenville,  Bond  County,  Illinois, 
may  be  said  to  date  from  the  time 
when  Mass  was  first  said  in  a  private 
residence  about  the  year  1868.  The 
congregation  then  numbered  about  a 
half  dozen  members.  From  that  time 
Mass  was  said  occasionally  by  priests 
from  Vandalia  until  the  first  church 
was  built  and  dedicated  to  St.  Law- 
rence by  the  Reverend  L.  Quitter, 
pastor  at  Vandalia  in  the  year  1878. 
Services  were  then  regularly  held 
once  a  month  and  the  parish  still  at- 
tended from  Vandalia  by  Father 
Quitter  to  the  year  1881;  by  Rev. 
erend  Charles  Geier  from  1881  to 
1885;  by  Reverend  John  J.  Hig- 
gins  from  1885  to  1886 ;  by  Reverend 
Henry  Becker  from  1886  to  1888;  by 
Reverend  Patrick  M.  Bourke  from 
1888  to  1893;  by  Father  Carr  from 
1893  to  1895;  by  Reverend  B.  Lee 
from  May,  1895  to  September,  1895. 

At  the  time  the  sacred  edifice  was 
built  in  1878  to  about  the  year  1884 
the  best  known  members  of  the  congre- 
gation and  those  chiefly  interested 
and  instrumental  in  building  the  first 
church  were :  Frank  Parent,  Peter 
Pepin,  Louis  Lehn,  Lawrence  McGin- 
nis,  Patrick  Clare,  Joseph  Karm, 
Adam  Willman  and  Mrs.  Seewald. 
Frank  Parent  by  far  the  oldest  mem- 
ber of  the  congregation  living  or  dead, 
who  resided  in  Greenville  many  years 
before  even  the  first  Mass  was  said  in 


the  community,  is  at  this  writing  still 
alive,  and  now  makes  his  home  in 
Texas.  Mr.  Parent  it  was,  also,  who 
in  his  home  adjacent  to  the  church,  al- 
ways housed  and  entertained  the 
priests  before  a  parochial  residence 
was  built.  With  the  exception  of  the 
French  Canadians,  Frank  Parent  and 
Peter  Pepin  and  the  Irishmen  Law- 
rence McGinnis  and  Patrick  Clare, 
the  congregation  was  mainly  com- 
posed as  it  is  today  of  those  of  the 
German  race  or  origin. 

In  1895  Reverend  John  P.  Maroney 
was  appointed  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor. He  built  the  parochial  residence 
and  put  an  addition  to  the  church. 
In  1898  he  was  removed  to  Vandalia 
and  his  successor,  Reverend  S.  P. 
Hoffman.  During  his  pastorate  from 
1898  to  1901  he  established  sodalities 
and  bought  about  ten  acres  of  ground 
adjacent  to  town  for  a  cemetery. 
Among  the  first  three  buried  in  the 
new  cemetery  were  the  staunch  work- 
ers, main  supporters  and  oldest  mem- 
bers of  the  church :  Lawrence  Mc- 
Ginnis and  Patrick  Clare. 

In  1901  Reverend  A.  Hochmiller 
succeeded  to  the  parish,  and  he  in 
turn  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Wil- 
liam A.  Pachelhofer  in  1902.  For  six 
years  Father  Pachelhofer  was  in 
charge,  and  added  a  sacristy  to  the 
church  and  put  a  bell  in  the  church 
tower.  From  1908  to  1910,  Reverend 
Francis  J.  Harbe  was  pastor.     After 


366 


EARLY  DAYS  OP  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


three  months  administration  of  the 
parish  by  Reverend  J.  P.  Munday, 
Reverend  John  J.  Enright  became 
pastor. 

No  sooner  had  Father  Enright  ar- 
rived in  Greenville  in  October,  1910, 
than  Greenville's  first  Catholic 
church  was  consumed  by  fire.  The 
origin  of  the  fire  remains  a  mystery. 
From  October,  1910  to  January  14, 
1912,  Mass  was  said  successively  in 
a  derelict  bank  building,  a  dance  hall 
and  in  the  court  house.  In  the  mean- 
time the  corner  stone  for  the  new 
church  was  laid  by  Very  Rever- 
end E.  L.  Spalding    on    August    10, 

1911,  the  Feast  of  St.  Lawrence,  and 
the  sermon  was  preached  by  Reverend 
Michael  J.  Foley  of  the  Western 
Catholic.  The  first  Mass  was  said  in 
the  new  church  on  January  14,  1912, 
and  the  dedication  took  place  July  26, 

1912,  by  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan, 
Bishop  of  Alton.  The  sermon  on  the 
occasion  being  preached  by  Father 
Wilson  then  of  Effingham.  The  new 
church  is  a  very  imposing  brick 
structure,  96x42  feet,  trimmed  in 
Bedford  stone,  with  large  entertain- 
ment hall  in  basement,  representing 
then  an  outlay  of  $20,000. 

It  called  for  a  big  tax  on  the  con- 
gregation's resources,  poor  as  it  was. 
The  subscribers'  list  was  headed  by 
Ben  Lehn  with  $1,000.00.  Other 
members  did  their  utmost  and  no 
small  amount  was  contributed  by 
Greenville's  non-Catholic  citiens.  To 
the  credit  of  the  congregation  let  it 
be  said  that  with  the  exception  of 
about  $100.00  nothing  was  collected 
from  any  source  outside  of  Green- 
ville, so  that  this  comparatively  gi- 
gantic work  was  undertaken  and  paid 
for  entirely  by  a  few  poor  Catholic 
families. 

With  the  building  of  the  church 
the  parochial  residence  was  thorough- 
ly renovated  and  modernized,  so  that 
the  Catholics  could  now    boast    thev 


had  a  church  and  residence  second  to 
none  in  this, — a  city  of  many 
churches.  Mention  must  be  made  of 
the  great  moral  support  given  by  the 
Biggane  sisters  and  by  the  ever  faith- 
ful trustee,  Joseph  Potthast. 

Looking  back  to  the  days  when  the 
first  church  was  a  mission  church, 
great  credit  is  due  to  a  Catholic 
gentleman,  Valle  Harrold,  from  St. 
Genevieve,  Missouri,  who  removed  to 
Greenville  in  Father  Becker's  and 
Father  Rourke's  time.  Editor  of  the 
Greenville  Sun  for  some  years,  he  or- 
ganized and  taught  a  Sunday  School 
class  and  coached  the  boys  in  the  serv- 
ing of  Mass.  He  did  not  stay  long 
enough  for  the  congregation's  good, 
soon  leaving  for  Portsmouth,  Ohio, 
where  he  also  wielded  the  editorial 
pen  and  in  later  years  became  post- 
master at  Portsmouth.  And  in  the 
struggles  of  the  first  resident  pastor, 
the  Catholics  still  revere  the  memory 
of  Mr.  Steven  Hoiles  and  Mr.  Charles 
Watson,  two  non-Catholic  gentlemen 
who  not  only  gave  their  material 
support,  but  were  vitally  interested  in 
the  success  of  young  Father  Maroney. 

The  last  parish  report  for  the  year 
ending  1924  shows  fifty-six  families 
in  the  parish,  consisting  of  forty- 
three  Catholic  and  thirteen  families  of 
mixed  religion,  embracing  a  total  of 
one  hundred  sixty-seven  souls,  with 
an  average  attendance  of  thirty  in  the 
Sunday  school  class.  The  last  in- 
stallment of  debt  was  paid  off  in  1918. 
In  1922  the  congregation  purchased 
a  house  and  two  lots  adjacent  to  the 
church  property  for  the  nominal  sum 
of  $1,650  in  the  hope  that  some  day 
the  parish  may  expand  and  the  new 
property  be  used  for  school  purposes. 
For  thirty  years  now  Greenville  has 
had  resident  pastors,  and  for  more 
than  half  of  that  time  the  parish  has 
been  entrusted  to  the  care  of  Rever- 
end John  J.  Enright. 


367 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Church  of  St.  Boniface,  Edwardsville,  Madison  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1869 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Ernest  J.  Eckhard 


St.  Boniface  parish  of  Edwards- 
ville, Illinois,  has  existed  since  Janu- 
ary 1,  1869.  Prior  to  this  date  the 
Catholics  of  German  descent  were 
members  of  St.  Mary  parish,  which 
was  established  in  Edwardsville  about 
the  year  1841.  From  1850  to  1860  a 
large  number  of  German  Catholics 
immigrated  to  Madison  and  surround- 
ing counties.  Among  the  early 
settlers  we  find  the  names  of  John  S. 
Trares,  Lawrence  Hellrung,  Frank 
Ilarles,  Henry  Epping,  William  Har- 
mann,  Andrew  Foehrkolb,  Adam 
Schwartz,  Christopher  Schwartz, 
Martin  Berber,  Andrew  Gremer, 
Joseph  Merkel,  John  Bast,  Anton 
Wieneke,  Henry  Bange,  Balthasar 
Vogel,  Chris  Wuchnerpfening,  Jacob 
Grevel  and  Henry  Fischer. 

Desirous  of  having  a  church  of 
their  own,  these  Germans  under  the 
direction  of  Reverend  William  Kuch- 
enbuch,  pastor  of  St.  Mary,  1865-67, 
purchased  for  St.  Boniface  parish  the 
present  property  (500x200  feet). 

In  the  spring  of  1869  plans  and 
specifications  for  the  new  church 
were  submitted  by  A.  Druiding  of  St. 
Louis,  Missouri,  and  the  contract  for 
the  building  was  awarded  to  H. 
Melcher  of  St.  Louis  at  a  cost  of 
114,000.  This  did  not  include  plaster- 
ing. The  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion provided  for  the  excavation  and 
hauling  of  material. 

The  cornerstone  of  the  church  was 
laid  by  "Very  Reverend  Peter  Joseph 
Baltes  of  Belleville,  Illinois,  then  Ad- 
ministrator of  the  Diocese  of  Alton, 
June  2,  1869.  The  building  was 
pushed  forward  so  rapidly  that  by 
October,  1869,  it  was  ready  for  occu- 
pancy. On  August  24,  1873,  the  new 
St.  Boniface  Church  was  solemnly 
dedicated  by  Right  Reverend  Peter 
Joseph  Baltes,  who  had  been  bishop 
of  the  diocese,  assisted  by  many  of 
the  neighboring  clergy.  The  church 
is  Gothic  in  structure,  and  the  dimen- 


sions are  55x120  feet,  with  a  tower 
rising  to  the  height  of  120  feet. 

Reverend  Father  Rustige  was  ap- 
pointed first  pastor  of  St.  Boniface 
Church,  January  1,  1869.  During  his 
administration,  a  combination  school 
and  rectory  were  erected  in  1871,  at 
a  cost  of  12,531.50.  Sisters  of  the 
Precious  Blood  were  the  first 
teachers. 

On  May  31,  1870,  confirmation  was 
administered  for  the  first  time  in  St. 
Boniface  Church  by  Bishop  Baltes,  to 
a  class  of  142. 

It  is  evident  that  Father  Rustige 
did  much  fine  work  while  pastor  of  St. 
Boniface,  but  Providence  decreed  that 
he  should  not  long  enjoy  the  fruits  of 
his  labors,  for  on  November  6,  1873, 
broken  in  health,  he  signed  his  name 
with  trembling  hand  for  the  last  time 
on  the  parish  records,  resigned  his 
charge  and  retired  to  St.  Mary  In- 
firmary, St.  Louis,  where  he  died  in 
1874,  at  the  early  age  of  33. 

Reverend  Charles  Oberprantacher 
succeeded  Father  Rustige  as  pastor  of 
St.  Boniface,  in  1873.  During  his 
short  administration  of  eight  months, 
two  side  altars  with  statues  and  a  pul- 
pit were  installed  in  the  church. 

His  successor  was  the  Reverend 
John  Mark  who  remained  pastor  of 
St.  Boniface  until  October  1,  1875, 
when  he  left  the  diocese  of  Alton  to 
labor  in  the  diocese  of  Fort  Wayne. 

Reverend  Charles  Kuhlman  stayed 
but  six  months.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Gerhard  Janssen  whose 
pastorate  continued  until  January  16, 
1881,  when,  with  the  sanction  of 
Bishop  Baltes,  he  exchanged  pastor- 
ates with  Reverend  Augustine 
Schlegel  of  Mt.  Carmel,  Illinois. 
Father  Schlegel 's  first  care  was  the 
building  of  a  new  parochial  school  at 
a  cost  of  $3,638.10.  The  school  was 
dedicated  on  Thanksgiving  Day,  1882, 
by  the  pastor,  assisted  by  several 
neighboring  priests. 


368 


Edwardsville— School,  Rev.  E.  J.  Eckhard,  Pastor,  St.  Boniface  Church,  Rectory, 
Sisters'  Residence,  Rev.  F.  D.  Metzler,  former  Pastor  .  .  .  Island  Grove— Rev.  George  1/ 
Nell.  Pastor.  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Rectory,  Group  of  Old  Residents  .  ■  ■  Troy — Rectory, 
St.  Jerome's  Church. 


IKE  LIBRARY 
UMIVEflSRTY  OF  ILUM 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE QUINCY — ALTON 


The  following  church  improvements 
were  made  during  the  closing  years 
of  Father  Schlegel  's  pastorate :  A  new 
high  altar  at  the  cost  of  $728.30;  a 
pipe  organ  at  $1,314.00;  art  glass 
windows,  $398.90;  and  a  steam  heat- 
ing plant  at  $1,298.  A  four-room 
frame  house  was  also  built  to  serve  as 
a  temporary  dwelling  for  the  sisters 
and  the  rectory  was  remodeled  and 
cement  walks  laid. 

After  fifteen  strenuous  and  success- 
ful years,  Father  Schlegel  was  pro- 
moted to  the  irremovable  rectory  of 
St.  Paul  at  Highland  where  he  labor- 
ed faithfully  till  his  death  in  1903. 

The  next  pastor  of  St.  Boniface  was 
Father  Metzler,  a  native  of  West- 
phalia, Germany.  With  his  coming  in 
1896,  the  Precious  Blood  Sisters  were 
replaced  by  three  Sisters  of  St.  Dom- 
inic of  Racine,  Wisconsin.  In  Novem- 
ber of  the  same  year,  four  new  bells 
were  placed  in  the  tower  of  the  Church, 
and  in  1899,  an  electric  light  system 
was  installed  in  the  church.  Next 
year  the  church  was  frescoed  and  the 
altars  decorated  at  a  cost  of  $1,284. 
In  1901,  the  Sewing  Society  donated 
a  new  set  of  Stations  of  the  Cross,  and 
a  new  Communion  Rail. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1905, 
the  Sisters  of  St.  Dominic  left  Ed- 
wardsville  and  their  place  was  taken 
by  the  Poor  Handmaids  of  Jesus 
Christ  who  have  been  in  charge  of  the 
school  ever  since. 

In  1913,  a  spacious  new  school  (62 
x90x40  ft.)  was  built  at  a  cost  of 
$26,383.80,  the  basement  of  which  is 
used  for  a  dining  room  and  kitchen 
and  play  rooms.  There  are  four  rooms 
on  the  ground  floor  that  will  easily  ac- 
commodate 200  pupils.  The  second 
floor,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  600, 
is  equipped  for  entertainment. 

In  1915,  the  parish  purchased 
twenty-three  acres  of  land  north  of 
Edwardsville,  just  outside  the  city 
corporation,  ten  acres  of  which  are 
used  for  cemetery  purposes.  This 
cemetery  is  maintained  by  a  Cemetery 
Society,  of  which  every  member  of 
the  parish  having  an    income,    auto- 


matically becomes  a  member  and  is 
assessed  $1.00  per  year. 

Father  Metzler  resigned  in  1918,  his 
resignation  being  largely  due  to  the 
unsettled  condition  of  the  community 
during  the  war.  He  was  falsely  ac- 
cused of  being  unpatriotic  and  as 
opinion  was  strong  against  him,  he 
thought  it  better  to  tender  his  resig- 
nation to  Bishop  Ryan.  But  the 
Bishop,  convinced  of  Father  Metz- 
ler's  sterling  character  as  a  priest  of 
God  and  a  citizen  of  Edwardsville, 
declined  to  accept  his  resignation, 
deeming  the  whole  affair  a  burst  of 
fanaticism.  He  advised  Father  Metz- 
ler to  take  an  indefinite  leave  of  ab- 
sence until  the  affair  would  adjust  it- 
self. When  this  advice  proved  unsat- 
isfactory in  its  fulfillment,  Father 
Metzler  prevailed  upon  the  Bishop  to 
appoint  Reverend  Clement  Stolze  as 
temporary  pastor  of  St.  Boniface. 

During  the  short  administration  of 
Father  Stolze,  things  quieted  down. 
In  the  meantime,  Father  Metzler  act- 
ed as  chaplain  to  the  Poor  Handmaids 
of  Jesus  Christ  at  Donaldson,  In- 
diana. Later  he  returned  to  his  birth- 
place in  Germany  where  he  resided 
happily  with  his  sisters  until  his 
death  in  1926. 

Reverend  Ernest  J.  Eckhard,  the 
present  incumbent,  was  appointed 
pastor  May  28,  1919.  Father  Eck- 
hard was  born  at  Alton,  1880,  was 
educated  at  the  Pontifical  Joseph- 
inium  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  was  or- 
dained there  in  1906.  On  his  coming, 
the  old  system  of  charging  each  pupil 
school  fees  was  abolished  and  the 
whole  burden  of  supporting  the 
school  was  placed  on  the  shoulders  of 
the  parish. 

In  the  spring  of  1920,  the  old  school 
was  remodeled  into  a  spacious  and 
convenient  convent  for  the  sisters.  In 
1924,  Father  Eckhard  had  extensive 
repairs  made  in  the  interior  of  the 
church.  For  some  time  termites  had 
infested  the  floor  and  some  of  the  pil- 
lars of  the  church.  Before  being  de- 
tected, these  insects  had  so  far  pro- 
gressed in  their  havoc  that  the  build- 
ing became  unsafe  for    use.     Several 


369 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


pillars  were  replaced,  a  qcw  floor  laid, 
the  pews  remodeled,  and  two  new  ex- 
its made.  This  work  was  done  by  A. 
J.  Hoffman  of  Edwardsville.  Max 
Autenrieb  frescoed  the  church  very 
beautifully  and  refinished  the  altars. 
In  addition  a  new  organ  was  installed 
at  a  cost  of  $5,000.  The  funds  for  the 
organ  were  furnished  by  the  St. 
Boniface  Choral  Club.  The  total  cost 
of  repairs  was  about  $13,000.  The 
debt  of  the  parish,  amounting  to  $10,- 
000.00,  was  paid  off  in  1926. 

Several  daughters  from  St.  Boni- 
face have  embraced  the  religious  life 
in  different  orders.  They  are :  Mary 
Hoppe,  Mary  Levora,  Barbara  Le- 
vora,  Ellenora  Kellerman,  Mary  Bra- 
betz,  Adela  Bosen,  and  Sister  Magna, 
now  deceased.  Reverend  Clement  T. 
Stolze,  present  pastor  of  Bunker  Hill, 
has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first 
priest  ordained  from  St.  Boniface 
parish. 

During  the  world  war,  fifty  young 


men  of  the  parish  served  either  in  the 
U.  S.  A.  Army  or  Navy.  Of  these, 
Frank  Khatz  and  John  J.  Bast  died 
in  action.  One  of  our  young  ladies 
served  as  a  Red  Cross  Nurse. 

Present  status  of  St.  Boniface 
Parish : 

According  to  the  parish  census  of 
1925,  there  are  734  souls.  Of  these 
326  are  married,  165  unmarried  over 
sixteen  years  of  age,  and  242  chil- 
dren under  sixteen  years  of  age. 

Enrollment  in  St.  Boniface  school, 
86  girls,  66  boys,  total  152. 

The  parish  has  the  following  or- 
ganizations :  Holy  Name  Society,  112 
members;  St.  Boniface  Benevolent 
Society,  74  members;  Propagation  of 
Faith,  168  members;  Altar  Society 
for  married  ladies,  118  members; 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  66  members; 
Children  of  Mary,  boys  and  girls,  52 
members;  Holy  Childhood  Associa- 
tion, 164  members. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Island  Grove,  Jasper  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  George  M.  Nell. 


In  the  fall  of  1864,  John  Mam- 
moser  and  family  settled  on  a  farm 
adjoining  that  of  Mr.  A.  J.  Cowell, 
who  had  come  to  this  vicinity  in  1857, 
settling  on  a  farm  adjoining  that  of 
James  L.  Crews,  who  had  settled  here 
in  1846.  The  Mammosers  were  the 
first  Catholic  family  to  settle  here.  At 
that  time  neither  Dietcrich  nor 
Wheeler  was  in  existence.  The  neigh- 
borhood post  office  was  at  A.  G. 
Cowell's,  to  which  place  the  mail  was 
brought  from  Teutopolis  about  once 
or  twice  a  month.  D.  B.  Crews  was 
the  mail  carrier  for  some  time.  The 
log  school  house  was  still  in  use  when 
Mr.  Mammoser  and  his  family  settled 
at  Island  Grove. 

The  next  Catholic  settler,  Mathias 
Meinhart,  the  father  of  Matthew  and 
Michael,  came  in  the  spring  of  1865. 
In  the  course  of  the  next  few  years 
the  following  other  Catholic  families 
arrived :  Joseph  Weishaar,  Michael 
Trapp,  Peter  Lux,  Landelin  Koebele, 


Martin  Lustig,  Joseph  Meyers,  John 
Diekmann,  Thomas  Mulquin,  Francis 
Dannan  and  John  Grace,  so  that  by 
the  close  of  1870  there  were  12  Catho- 
lic families  in  this  community. 

The  closest  Catholic  church  being 
at  Teutopolis,  these  early  settlers  ex- 
perienced considerable  difficulty  in 
going  to  Church.  For  this  reason 
Landelin  Koebele  in  the  fall  of  1870, 
offered  four  acres  of  land  in  Section 
33,  Range  8,  Town  8,  to  be  used  for 
Church  property,  and  he  personally 
asked  Bishop  Baltes  for  the  organi- 
zation of  the  new  parish.  Bishop 
Baltes  commissioned  Father  Mauritius 
Klosterman,  O.F.M.,  to  examine  con- 
ditions, and  if  he  considered  it  ex- 
pedient, to  organize  the  parish. 
Father  Mauritius  came  out  in  1871 
and  at  once  decided  the  twelve  fami- 
lies should  have  a  church  of  their  own. 
Brother  Camillus  drew  the  plan  of 
the  Church,  following  the  general 
plan  of  the  college    chapel    of    that 


370 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


time.  March,  1872  the  foundation 
was  started,  but  although  the  build- 
ing was  finished  in  the  fall  of  1873,  it 
was  impossible  to  finish  the  interior 
that  year  on  account  of  the  bad 
weather. 

In  the  Spring  of  1874  Dr.  Evers- 
man  of  Teutopolis  donated  an  altar 
for  the  church,  and  sixteen  benches, 
seating  80  people,  were  installed.  On 
the  25th  of  March,  1874,  on  the  Feast 
of  the  Annunciation,  the  first  Mass 
was  celebrated  in  the  new  church. 
Father  Mauritius  held  the  services.  At 
his  suggestion  the  parish  chose  St. 
Joseph  as  its  patron. 

An  interesting  incident  in  this 
connection  is  that  on  account  of  the 
slowness  of  the  mail  service  at  that 
lime,  the  Bishop  for  some  time  did  not 
hear  that  the  parish  had  chosen  St. 
Joseph  as  its  patron.  In  the  mean- 
time the  Bishop  had  placed  the  new 
parish  under  the  patronage  of  St. 
Venantius,  and  had  it  inscribed  in  the 
recorder's  office  at  Newton  by  this 
name.  Father  Meinalphus  with  the 
Bishop's  consent,  had  this  matter  cor- 
rected in  the  recorder's  office. 

The  second  Mass  was  celebrated 
shortly  after  Easter,  and  for  a  while 
the  new  parish  had  Mass  only  once  a 
month,  the  Franciscan  Fathers  at  the 
college  there  taking  turns  in  coming 
out,  until  in  September  of  1874,  Rev- 
erend Meinalphus  Schmitz,  O.F.M., 
was  appointed  first  pastor. 

Father  Meinalphus  lived  in  the 
sacristy,  and  it  was  due  to  his  efforts 
that  most  of  the  early  church  furnish- 
ings were  procured.  He  was  especial- 
ly fortunate  in  his  gifts  from  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  at  the  college  who 
gave  him  a  number  of  vestments,  a 
silver  chalice,  a  communion  rail, 
candle  sticks,  a  stove,  a  bed,  a  table, 
chairs,  etc.  Bishop  Baltes  also  helped 
the  parish  with  vestments,  and  Father 
Meinalphus  was  able  to  get  numerous 
presents  of  necessary  articles  from 
friends  who  requested  their  names 
were  not  to  become  known.  Brother 
Linus  painted  the  fourteen  stations 
which    were    canonically    erected    by 


Father  Meinalphus.  One  of  the  par- 
ishioners who  wished  to  be  left  un- 
known donated  a  ciborium,  while  Mr. 
Joseph  Weishaar  made  a  personal 
collection  among  the  members  of  the 
parish  to  buy  the  new  monstrance. 

Father  Meinalphus  also  started  a 
parochial  school,  the  school  room  be- 
ing above  the  sacristy.  The  first 
teacher  was  Joseph  Ehrhardt,  who  in 
April,  1877,  as  Brother  Onesimus, 
joined  the  Franciscans. 

In  the  summer  of  1875  Mass  was 
celebrated  every  three  weeks,  and 
from  the  third  Sunday  after  Pente- 
cost of  the  same  year,  every  two 
weeks. 

In  1876  the  parishioners  raised 
$55.00  with  which  to  buy  a  bell  for 
the  church.  About  the  same  time,  on 
June  4th,  1876,  the  parish  also  bought 
a  new  organ. 

On  June  4th,  1876,  the  Young 
Men's  Society  was  organized  with  a 
membership  of  twelve.  The  first 
treasurer  being  Stephen  Koebele,  and 
the  secretary,  John  Ohlendorf.  On 
November  12th,  1876,  the  Young 
Ladies  were  organized,  electing  Ther- 
esia  Meinhart,  treasurer,  and  Philo- 
mena  Koebele,  secretary.  These  so- 
cieties were  both  organized  under  the 
pastorship  of  Father  Marcus,  to  whom 
we  also  are  indebted  for  starting  the 
chronicle  of  the  parish  from  which 
most  of  the  early  facts  contained  in 
this  Souvenir  have  been  taken. 

On  September  4th,  1876,  the  par- 
ishioners voted  to  introduce  pew  rent, 
making  the  minimum  rental  $5.00.  At 
this  time  Mr.  Mathias  Meinhart  do- 
nated three  extra  benches  to  the 
Church  to  be  used  for  the  singers  and 
the  school  children. 

In  1876  Matilda  Koebele  started  to 
teach  school  for  a  salary  of  $10.00  per 
month. 

The  board  of  the  pastor  at  Lande- 
lin  Koebele 's  for  the  year  1876  was 
$12.00. 

In  the  year  1876  Father  Felix  Hoss- 
bach,  O.F.M.,  held  a  three  days  mis- 
sion, ending  on  All  Saints.  The 
Irish  members  of  the  parish  also  took 
part  in  this  mission,  Father  Francis, 


371 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


O.F.M.,  preaching  three  English  ser- 
mons for  their  special  benefit.  Alto- 
gether 80  people  went  to  Holy  Com- 
munion, of  whom  eleven  were  Irish 
members.  Father  Marcus  was  very 
well  satisfied  with  the  results  of  the 
mission. 

On  the  26th  of  September,  1880,  it 
was  decided  to  build  a  parish  school 
house,  and  a  subscription  was  taken, 
amounting  to  $159.50.  $90.85  was 
taken  out  of  the  Church  treasury  and 
$45.00  was  borrowed  from  Mathias 
Meinhart,  which  he  later  donated  to 
the  parish.  Altogether,  the  school 
building  cost  $295.35.  The  building 
committee  consisted  of  Mathias  Mein- 
hart, Joseph  Meinhart,  Joseph  Weis- 
haar,  Landelin  Koebele,  N.  Schu- 
macher and  N.  Faber.  The  building 
was  started  on  the  21st  of  October. 
The  roof  was  placed  on  the  school 
November  12,  but  on  account  of  the 
bad  weather  the  building  could  not  be 
finished  until  April  of  the  following 
year.  The  school  was  first  opened  for 
use  September  19,  1881,  with  fourteen 
children.  Miss  Matilda  Koebele  was 
again  engaged  to  teach  the  children 
at  $10.00  per  month. 

On  the  18th  of  December  1881 
Father  Paulus  Teroerde,  O.F.M.,  gave 
a  three  days  mission.  Ninety-eight 
people  received  the  Sacraments. 

In  October,  1882  the  Young  Men's 
Sodality  bought  their  banner,  and 
November  26th,  1882,  the  Young 
Ladies'  Sodality  also  bought  a  banner. 

In  1884  under  the  pastorship  of 
Father  Hugolinus  Storff,  O.F.M.,  the 
Church  being  too  small  to  accommo- 
date all  the  people,  the  partition  be- 
tween the  sacristy  and  the  church  was 
taken  out,  and  the  whole  building 
used  for  the  church.  The  vestment 
case  was  placed  on  the  Gospel  side, 
and  the  college  at  Teutopolis  present- 
ed the  parish  with  nine  pews. 

In  1884,  under  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Francis  Ilaase,  O.F.M.,  the 
Young  Men's  Sodality  bought  an  or- 
gan costing  $50.00.  The  teacher, 
Miss  Lena  Wessel,  was  the  organist. 
Father  Francis  had  a  platform  built 


on  the  Epistle  side  at  the  back  of  the 
church  for  the  choir. 

On  the  19th  of  March,  1885,  Father 
Francis  called  a  general  meeting  of 
all  members  of  the  parish  at  which  a 
building  society  was  organized  to 
raise  money  to  build  an  addition  to 
the  church.  Every  member  of  the 
building  society  was  to  pay  $6.00 
yearly  for  this  purpose.  The  building 
committee  appointed  at  this  meeting, 
consisted  of  Martin  Lustig,  president ; 
Mathias  Meinhart,  treasurer;  Lande- 
lin Koebele  and  Joseph  Schumacher, 
assistants. 

In  1886,  under  the  pastorship  of 
Father  Fidelis  Kaercher,  O.F.M.,  a 
20-foot  addition  was  built  to  the  east 
end  of  the  church,  the  same  heighth 
and  width  as  the  old  building.  The 
size  of  the  whole  church  now  was 
22x75  feet,  giving  the  church  a  new 
sanctuary  and  a  sacristy,  plus  a  liv- 
ing room  for  the  priest  on  the  second 
floor  over  the  sacristy.  We  are  now 
reaping  the  benefit  of  this  addition, 
for  without  it  our  hall  would  not  be 
large  enough  to  serve  as  our  Com- 
munity Hall. 

On  the  20th  of  October,  1888,  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  James  Ryan  of  Al- 
ton, visited  the  parish,  confirming 
twenty  people. 

On  the  20th  of  September,  1889, 
Father  Leo  held  a  week's  mission  in 
the  parish,  daily  preaching  two  Ger- 
man and  one  English  sermon. 

Even  with  the  new  addition  the 
church  was  getting  too  small,  and  in 
the  fall  of  1889  a  meeting  was  held  to 
decide  whether  to  build  a  new  Church 
or  not.  Thirty  men  were  present,  and 
as  the  vote  was  15  for  and  15  against, 
the  matter  was  dropped  for  the  time 
being. 

In  the  year  1888  a  Teutopolis  friend 
of  the  parish  donated  $150.00  to  buy 
a  new  altar  at  Island  Grove.  This  was 
done  in  1891,  the  altar  being  so  built 
that  in  case  a  new  church  was  erected, 
the  altar  could  be  altered  accordingly. 

On  the  12th  of  November,  1899,  the 
parish  had  its  first  Thirteen  Hours 
Devotion    under    the    pastorship    of 


372 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


Father  Timothy.  One  hundred  thirty- 
five  people  went  to  Holy  Communion. 

In  1900  the  young  Men's  Sodality 
bought  a  new  organ  for  $50.00.  At 
the  same  time  the  Mothers'  Society 
bought  a  new  carpet  for  the  sanc- 
tuary. 

On  the  19th  of  March  the  old  time 
building  society  was  changed  into  a 
Married  Men's  Society. 

On  April  22nd,  1900,  the  Holy 
Childhood  Society  was  organized. 

In  November  of  1899,  Father  Tim- 
othy took  up  a  subscription  for  build- 
ing a  new  Church.  The  amount 
raised  was  $1932.75,  payable  in  1900. 
The  new  Church  was  to  be  of  brick, 
and  the  old  Church  was  to  remain  to 
be  used  later  as  a  school.  Mr.  Lande- 
lin  Koebele  donated  the  acre  of  land 
on  which  the  present  church  stands, 
and  on  the  13th  of  October,  1901, 
the  corner  stone  of  the  new  church 
was  laid  by  Father  Hugolinus,  assist- 
ed by  Fathers  Samuel  and  Casimir. 

The  following  document  was  placed 
in  the  corner  stone : 

QJifta  13tl)  nag  nf  (§ttaber 
A.  S.  1 901  at  3  f.M.  unorr 
tljp  rngtt  nf  Pnne  2jrn Xll  1, 
tnfyen  ttj?  SUgljt  Srurreno 
Uamra  Kgan  was  biatjnn  nf 
tljia  Hinrra?  of  Alton,  ann 
Heupmtn  ©imntljg  fHannim, 
(3.  3.  M.  pastor  of  ifns'OIott- 
grrgatinn-uitjen  Mr.  GJijrnonrp 
Knnaeuplt  l?ao  aurrrpnrn  fir. 
BiUtam  ifflrSunlry,  latrlg 
killfo.  aa  nrrainrnt  of  tljp 
Uniteo  BtattB  of  Nnrtlj  Amer- 
tra.  ann  Mr.  SUrljarn  |fat?a 
roaa  gnnernnr  nf  tljta  H>tate  of 
Jllinoia:  tljia  rnrnrratntip  for 
a  mm  rourrtj  in  Ijnnnr  nf  &t. 
3/narnlj  tnaa  lain  in  tljp  nrra- 
pnrr  nf  a  grrat  mnltitnnr  nf 
npnnlr  by,  tbr  Berg  Itrurrrnn 
#.  f  ugnlinua  £tnrff,03.iF.{!L 
•prnoinrial  nf  tlje  frnuinrr  nf 
tljf  £arr?u  impart  nf  3Jeana, 


aaatatrn  bg  the  Hern  fRrtt*r?no 
%.  Bummi  iiarkr,'©.  3.  M., 
Srrtnr  nf  Bt.  Snaeplj  (Enlleg? 
at  ulrutnnnlia  aa  #ubn?arnn, 
ano  tlje  Srorrrno  p.  iHaurua 
Irink,  (§.  3.  M.,  aa  ittastrr 
nf  (£?  rnnnnira. 

Mrs.  Stoeckert  of  Toledo,  Illinois, 
donated  $100.00  for  the  new  Church, 
and  so  did  Mrs.  Burkhardt  of  Teuto- 
polis.  While  Father  Timothy  and  his 
people  were  busily  working  on  the 
new  church.  His  successor  was 
Father  Apollinarus  Johmann  who 
finished  building  the  Church.  Brother 
Leonard  drew  the  plans  of  the  new 
Church,  which  was  built  by  A. 
Frueehtel  of  Sigel  and  John  Hadaller 
of  the  parish.  The  members  of  the 
building  committee  and  their  assist- 
ants were  Michael  Lux,  Michael  Koe- 
bele, Joseph  Bierman,  Victor  Lustig, 
John  Mammoser  and  Leo  Jansen. 
These  men  daily  took  turns  in  help- 
ing with  the  building,  and  the  other 
men  of  the  parish  helped  with  the 
work  whenever  possible.  This  volun- 
teer work,  plus  the  donations  of  lum- 
ber, sand,  etc.,  made  it  possible  that 
in  spite  of  the  estimated  cost  being 
over  $15,000.00,  the  actual  cash  out- 
lay of  the  parishioners  was  only  $11,- 
000.00.  Father  Apollinarus  finished 
the  Church  and  had  the  first  services 
in  it  on  June  28,  1903.  However,  be- 
fore Father  Hugolinus  dedicated  the 
church  on  October  4th,  1903,  Father 
Apollinarus  was  transferred,  and 
Father  Cosmos  took  his  place.  The 
size  of  the  new  church  building  was 
45x117,  the  sanctuary  being  27  feet 
deep. 

On  December  2, 1907,  Michael  Mein- 
hart  released  the  parish  from  paying 
four  notes  amounting  to  $368.00. 

In  1906  during  Father  Isidore's 
pastorate,  the  parish  school  was 
taught  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Precious 
Blood  from  O 'Fallon,  Missouri.  The 
old  school  building  was  moved  next 
to  the  old  church  building,  and  a 
small  addition  built    connecting    the 


373 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


two  buildings,  giving  the  sisters  a 
number  of  small  rooms  for  their 
dwelling.  The  body  of  the  old  church 
building  was  used  for  two  school 
rooms.  This  arrangement  was  con- 
tinued until  about  1913,  when  the 
parish  found  it  too  difficult  to  main- 
tain. 

Among  the  sisters  who  were  at 
Island  Grove  during  this  period  were  : 
Sisters  M.  Eulalia,  M.  Rosalia,  M. 
Gonzaga,  M.  Georgiana,  M.  Oralia,  M. 
Canesia  and  M.  Alexia.  Among  the 
secular  teachers  who  at  various  times 
have  taught  the  Island  Grove  school 
are  the  following:  Mr.  Joseph  Ehr- 
hard,  (Brother  Onesimus),  Matilda 
Koebele,  (at  present  Sister  Ludovica), 
Anna  Ilussmann,  Lena  "Wessel,  Mary 
Ordner,  Anna  Jansen,  (at  present. 
Sister  Michaelis),  Anna  Mulvaney. 
Rose  Gardiwine,  Joe  Hellenbacker. 
Henry  Uptmor,  Maggie  Brey,  Dena 
Abing,  Pauline  Stockman,  Gertrude 
Kaufman,  Marie  Green  and  Berna- 
dette  Maginn. 

On  December  29th,  1917,  the 
Church  built  in  1901  was  destroyed 
by  fire  caused  by  a  defective  flue. 
Only  $4,000.00  worth  of  insurance 
was  carried,  but  the  people  at  once 
resolutely  started  to  organize  for  re- 
building their  church.  Subscriptions 
were  taken  up  and  by  December  8, 
1918,  under  the  pastorship  of  Father 
Vitalis,  the  rebuilt  Church  was  dedi- 
cated by  Father  Philip. 

Brother  Christopher  had  charge  of 
the  rebuilding  in  which  the  neighbor- 
ing parishes  very  generously  assisted 
the  unfortunate  parish,  Teutopolis 
alone  giving  $800.00.  The  parish 
members  themselves  subscribed  gener- 
ously, and  the  remaining  money  re- 
quired was  borrowed.  The  rebuilding 
of  the  church  cost  about  $13,000.00,  ex- 
clusive of  the  work  and  the  donations 
of  material  by  members  of  the  parish. 
Under  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Ephrem  in  June,  1922,  the  new  altar 
costing  $1,375.00  was  installed  and 
paid  for  by  popular  subscriptions.  At 
the  time  this  altar  was  secured  the 
parish  had  fully  recovered  from   the 


financial  set-back  of  the  fire,  as  prac- 
tically all  the  debt  occasioned  by  it 
had  been  paid. 

Right  Reverend  James  Ryan  in 
June  of  1922  appointed  Father  Nell 
the  first  resident  pastor  of  the  par- 
ish, the  change  to  take  place  on  July 
1st.  The  parish  activities  since  that 
time  are  too  recent  to  need  more  than 
a  mere  mention.  The  following  clip- 
ping from  St.  Joseph's  Parish  Bulle- 
tin of  July  1st,  1923,  gives  a  good 
summary  of  the  first  year's  york: 

"Today  starts  St.  Joseph's  second 
year  of  being  a  full  fledged  parish 
with  a  resident  priest.  The  outlook 
for  the  future  is  much  brighter  than 
it  was  a  year  ago,  and  by  continued 
pulling  together  during  the  next  few 
.years  as  we  have  done  in  the  past 
year,  we  can  get  our  parish  affairs  into 
first  class  shape.  The  following  are  a 
few  of  the  many  things  that  have 
been  done  during  the  past  year: 

Plus  the  regular  parish  happenings 
the  house  has  been  remodeled  to  serve 
for  resident  priest's  house,  and  in  ad- 
dition have  room  for  the  State  Office 
cf  the  Catholic  Union  of  Illinois,  put 
a  roof  on  the  hall,  installed  electric 
lights  in  house,  Church,  hall  and 
grounds,  taken  up  the  census,  held  a 
successful  picnic  without  selling 
chances,  had  the  Fall  District  Con- 
vention of  the  Effingham  District  of 
Catholic  Union  of  Illinois,  had  numer- 
ous parish  plays  afternoons  and  eve- 
nings during  the  summer,  during  fall 
and  winter  had  many  parish  parties 
for  the  young  people,  had  a  number 
of  free  moving  pictures  and  a  few 
with  paid  admission,  had  several  eve- 
ning stereopticon  entertainments,  had 
a  three  short  plays  entertainment,  or- 
ganized the  Young  People's  S.  A.  ('. 
and  the  monthly  Agricultural  Meet- 
ings, started  a  parish  library  and 
planted  an  experimental  soybean 
field,  had  a  weekly  Parish  Bulletin 
most  of  the  time,  nearly  doubled  the 
Sunday  collection,  placed  the  church 
finances  on  a  budget  basis,  etc. 

The  second  year's  activities  have 
been  very  much  along  the  same   gen- 


374 


EARLY  DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY — ALTON 


eral  lines  as  the  first.  The  following 
is  a  short  resume  of  the  main  events . 

Plus  the  regular  parish  work, 
took  up  a  subscription  among  the 
members  of  the  parish  to  pay  off  all 
the  debts  this  year,  had  a  Christmas 
party  with  a  present  for  every  parish 
member,  closely  co-operated  with  the 
Farm  Bureau  in  changing  the  type  of 
farming  to  dairying,  organizing  milk 
routes,  getting  two  community  regis- 
tered Holstein  sires,  making  a  survey 
of  our  community  dairy  problem,  road 
dragging,  use  of  limestone,  planting 
of  legumes,  better  poultry  practice, 
including  a  one  day  school  in  capon- 
izing,  held  a  soybean  demonstration 
on  the  experiment  field,  held  a  one 
day  Farm  Account  school,  assisted  in 
the  Farm  Bureau  Membership  drive, 
organized  a  Farm  Bureau  baseball 
team,  showed  some  seventy-five  edu- 
cational films  free,  gave  fifteen  recrea- 
tional full  evening  picture  shows  on 
a  season  ticket  costing  $1.00,  and  in 
addition  showed  a  number  of  recrea- 
tional pictures  at  regular  prices,  pub- 
lished '  Our  Community  News, '  and 
took  an  active  part  in  whatever  other 
community  work  happened  to  present 
itself. 

On  account  of  the  small  number  the 
parish  can  only  hope  to  accomplish 
through  team  work.  Perhaps  no  single 


other  factor  has  helped  as  much  to 
bring  about  this  parish  solidarity  as 
the  Parish  Bulletin.  It  has  helped  to 
form  a  definite,  correct,  sane,  uni- 
form, united  parish  public  opinion  on 
all  strictly  parish  affairs,  as  also  on 
all  other  extra  parish  matters  the 
members  were  legitimately  interested 
in.  It  has  aroused  the  spirit  of  own- 
ership, co-operation,  parish  enthusi- 
asm, personal  emulation,  as  well  as  a 
parish  esprit  de  corps.  The  Parish 
Bulletin  has  made  the  parish  'OUR 
Parish';  its  obligations  'OUR'  ob- 
ligations ;  its  success  or  failure, 
'OUR'  successes  or  failure." 

After  helping  to  form  an  opinion 
and  arousing  enthusiasm  for  it.  it  has 
furnished  us  publicity,  making  pos- 
sible united,  intelligent  parish  action 
based  on  understanding.  Each  one 
knew  what  was  to  be  done  by  all,  when 
it  was  to  be  done,  how  it  was  to  be 
done,  and  when  the  work  was  over 
with  what  success  it  had  been  done. 

It  is  the  strict  policy  to  use  no 
money  cleared  from  moving  pictures 
or  dramatic  entertainments  for  strict- 
ly parish  purposes.  All  money  of  this 
kind  is  used  to  pay  for  social,  educa- 
tional and  recreational  purposes  for 
the  benefit  of  the  entire  community. 
All  parish  expenses  are  met  direct  by 
the  parish  members  themselves. 


Church  of  St.  Jerome,  Troy,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  J.  Klaes. 


Though  we  find  in  the  "Catholic 
Directory"  for  1854  the  mention  of  a 
church  at  Troy,  Madison  county,  it 
is  probable  that  it  was  only  under 
contemplation.  It  is  stated  also  that 
it  was  attended  from  Highland  and 
in  1859  from  Collinsville. 

In  1870  Reverend  P.  Peters,  rector 
of  St.  Paul,  Highland,  bought  a  piece 
of  land  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present 
public  high  school.  In  1881  Reverend 
A.  Kersting,  his  assistant,  full  of  zeal, 
fervor  and  enthusiasm,  soon  brought 
the  scattered  Catholics  in  Troy  to- 
gether. Mass  was  said  in  a  small 
rented  hall  over  Burke's    blacksmith 


shop  and  for  a  time  in  the  upper  part 
of  the  building  on  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  Main  and  Market  street,  which 
was  destroyed  by  fire  only  a  few  years 
ago. 

In  1883  he  built  a  small  frame 
church  where  the  home  of  Mrs. 
Sophia  Peter  now  stands,  in  such  a 
way  as  to  have  it  easily  removed, 
should  the  location  chosen  become  un- 
suitable. It  was  incorporated  under 
the  name  of  St.  Jerome  Church. 

Shortly  after  this,  in  August,  1884, 
Reverend  Joseph  Jele  came  in  his 
turn  to  attend  the  new  field.  He  had 
charge  over  it  for  four  years. 


375 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


After  him,  in  September,  1888, 
Reverend  Wimar  Obercloerster.  Like 
his  predecessors,  Father  Oberdoerster 
worked  hard  in  Troy.  Under  his  care 
a  better  plot  was  secured.  He  bought 
twelve  lots  from  the  Highland  Brew- 
ing Company  on  Main  street,  five 
blocks  north  from  the  Pennsylvania 
railroad  depot  in  the  addition  to  Troy 
which  is  known  as  Brookside.  The 
little  frame  church,  built  by  Father 
Kersting  was  moved  to  this  property. 
It  still  stands  today  and  is  part  of  the 
building  which  served  as  a  school  in 
later  years  and  is  now  used  for  social 
purposes.  Father  Oberdoerster  built 
an  eight-room  rectory  at  a  cost  of 
$1584.00  and  in  1892  was  appointed 
the  first  resident  priest  and  pastor  of 
Troy.  After  several  years  of  fruitful 
labor  he  was  transferred  to  Pierron 
where  he  died  in  1897.  Reverend 
August  Forster  (1894-1899)  the  sec- 
ond pastor  of  Troy,  arrived  in  July, 
1894,  and  he  was  directed  by  Bishop 
Ryan  to  build  a  new  church.  The 
good  Father  Forster  at  once  put  forth 
his  best  endeavors  to  accomplish  what 
seemed  to  many  an  almost  impossible 
task  hopeless  of  ultimate  success.  And 
how  he  worked  day  by  day,  week  by 
week,  incessantly  and  cheerfully  for 
and  with  the  people  of  Troy.'  On 
Thanksgiving  day,  1895,  the  corner- 
stone for  the  present  church  was  laid 
and  the  church  was  dedicated  in  1896. 
Mr.  Henry  J.  Schoemaker  and  Miss 
Kate  Thuron  of  Glen  Carbon  was  the 
first  couple  to  be  married  in  the  new 
church. 

The  church  is  of  Gothic  style.  Tt 
was  built  by  Val  Reis  &  Sons  of  Belle- 
ville, at  a  cost  of  $5,700.00.  The 
stained  glass  windows  were  imported 
at  a  cost  of  $233.00.  With  church  fur- 
niture it  came  to  $10,000.00.  There 
were  at  this  time  twenty-two  families 
in  Troy  who  subscribed  a  total  of 
$1025.00.     There     were     thirty-three 


families  in  Black  Jack  who  subscribed 
$3370.00.  Father  Forster  was  a  great 
musician,  being  able  to  write  music, 
to  play  any  instrument.  He  organ- 
ized a  band  which  helped  him  mate- 
rially in  financing  the  affairs  of  the 
church. 

In  August,  1899,  he  was  transferred 
to  Quincy  and  the  Reverend  A.  Wie- 
neke  took  charge  of  the  congregation 
and  for  the  next  fifteen  years  (1899- 
1914)  remained  its  pastor.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1914,  he  was  transferred  to 
Marine. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  pastors 
who  succeeded  him :  Fathers  B.  Mon- 
truchio,  1914— September,  1915 ;  C.  T. 
Stolze,  J.C.D.,  September,  1915;  Wil- 
liam A.  Pachelbofer,  October,  1915 — 
July,  1918 ;  A.  M.  Jaschke,  July,  1918 
—July,  1920 ;  J.  J.  Klaes,  July,  1920, 
to  the  present. 

In  1924  the  Church  was  decorated 
at  a  cost  of  $1,000.00  by  Mr.  M.  Au- 
tenrieb.  Two  large  paintings,  St. 
Jerome,  the  Patron  of  the  Church  and 
the  Good  Shepherd,  grace  the  sanc- 
tuary. The  Blessed  Trinity  is  repre- 
sented over  the  Arch  with  the  inscrip- 
tion :  "Gloria  Patri  et  Filio  et  Spiritui 
Sancto." 

The  ceiling  on  the  gospel  side  has 
three  saints,  namely:  St.  Agnes,  St. 
Anne  and  St.  Cecilia.  The  ceiling  on 
the  opposite  side  shows  St.  Francis, 
St.  Lawrence  and  St.  Aloysius.  New 
Gothic  lights  have  been  installed.  The 
communion  railing  has  been  shorten- 
ed and  is  set  off  by  two  standing  can- 
delabra angels.  A  new  carpet  for 
the  sanctuary,  three  rubber  runners, 
a  St.  Joseph  statue  and  another  votive 
stand  have  been  procured.  For  the 
rectory,  a  steam  boiler,  several  new 
rugs,  new  furniture  have  been  bought 
and  many  improvements  made.  The 
church  cross  has  been  fitted  with  elec- 
tric lights,  which  when  turned  on  at 
night  may  be  seen  for  many  miles. 


Church  of  St.  Alphonsus,  Brighton,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1868. 
Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Patrick  J.  Malloy. 


The     history     of     St.     Alphonsus 
Church,  Brighton,  dates  back  to  1860, 


when  Father  Ostrop  said  Mass  at   in- 
tervals in  the  Catholic  homes  in  and 


376 


EARLY   DAYS  OF  THE  DIOCESE — QUINCY— ALTON 


around  Brighton.  The  first  evidence 
of  a  parish  organization  is  in  the  fall 
of  1868.  The  mission  was  served  be- 
tween 1868  and  1878  by  Fathers  Loh- 
man  and  Eggenstein.  About  the  year 
1878  the  present  site,  then  occu- 
pied by  a  store  building  and  resi- 
dence, was  purchased.  The  store 
building  was  utilized  for  services  un- 
til it  was  removed  to  give  place  to  a 
handsome  Gothic  brick  edifice.  In 
1878  Reverend  Joseph  Daniel  Metzler 
was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
Brighton  and  was  given  Greenfield  as 
a  mission.  The  cornerstone  of  the 
church  was  laid  June  1st,  1881  by 
Father  John  Janssen,  and  the  church 
was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Baltes, 
September  26,  1883.  The  bell  was 
blessed  by  Bishop  Ryan  on  September 
8th,  1892. 

Between  the  years  1896  and  1911 
the  parish  was  served  by  Father. 
Smith,  McVeigh,  Becker  and  Maurer. 
In  July,  1911  Father  John  Marion 
took  charge,  and  during  his  admini- 
stration a  new  residence,  replacing 
the  old  one  which  had  stood  through- 
out the  varying  changes,  was  erected 

Succeeding  Father  Marion  wen1 
Fathers  Telken,  Kipping  and  Spee- 
man  successively.  In  February,  1923, 
during  the  administration  of  the  lat- 
ter, a  devastating  fire  laid  Brighton  'a 
handsome  and  completely  equipped 
church  in  ruins.  It  was  a  crisis  for 
the  diminished  congregation,  because 
it  seemed  almost  impossible  ever  to 
replace  the  structure.  Only  $4,000 
insurance  was  carried  on  building  and 
contents,  and  owing  to  a  successive 
failure  of  crops,  the  farmers  who 
largely  make  up  the  thirty  families 
which  form  the  present  congregation, 
were  unable  to  offer  any  large  dona- 
tions. To  meet  the  emergency  of  the 
moment,  Father  Walter  Speeman  fit- 


ted up  rooms  in  the  residence  to  serve 
as  a  temporary  chapel. 

On  June  29,  1924,  the  present  pas- 
tor, Reverend  Patrick  J.  Molloy,  was 
appointed.  Acting  on  encouragement 
from  and  imbibing  some  of  the  enthusi- 
asm of  the  present  energetic  Bishop, 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D. 
plans  for  rebuilding  were  immediate- 
ly started.  After  careful  study  it  was 
found  that  the  greater  portion  of  the 
old  walls  could  be  utilized,  and  hence 
it  was  advisable  to  duplicate  insofar 
as  was  practical  the  original  church, 
with  the  exception  that  a  large  base- 
ment was  added.  In  September,  1924, 
the  contract  was  let  and  work  was 
rapidly  pushed,  so  that  before  the  ad- 
vent of  severe  weather  the  building 
was  safely  under  roof.  The  first  Mass 
was  offered  in  the  new  church  on 
March  12,  1925,  and  the  edifice  was 
opened  for  public  worship  on  Sunday, 
March  15,  1925.  The  main  altar  is  a 
gift  of  the  late  T.  W.  Froelich,  and 
the  side  altars,  stations  and  windows 
are  all  gifts  of  members  of  the  con- 
gregation. The  old  Baptist  church  on 
North  Street  was  purchased  and  used 
for  services  until  the  new  building 
was  ready  for  occupancy. 

June  14,  1925,  is  a  memorable  day 
in  Brighton.  On  that  date  the  new 
church  was  dedicated  by  Right  Rever- 
end James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  assisted 
by  many  clergy  from  Alton  and  sur- 
rounding parishes.  It  was  the 
Bishop's  first  visit  to  Brighton,  and 
his  discourses  delivered  at  both  morn- 
ing and  afternoon  services  made  a 
deep  impression  on  the  vast  concourse 
which  had  journeyed  from  far  and 
near  to  hear  and  see  him. 

The  little  congregation  now  shoul- 
ders a  great  financial  burden,  but  pas- 
tor and  people  look  out  upon  the  fu- 
ture with  optimism,  and  hope  and 
trust  in  God. 


377 


Right  Reverend  Petek  Joseph  Baltics,  D.D.  {Dec'd) 

Bishop  of  Alton 

1870—1886 


TBE  LIBRARY 

OF.Tht 

UNtVEBSKTY  OF  1LUSWS 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Episcopate  of  Right  Reverend 

Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D. 

Readers  have  noted  the  remarkable  growth  of  parishes  during  the  admini- 
stration of  Bishop  Juncker  as  detailed  in  the  previous  chapter.  While  much 
of  the  growth  was  attributable  to  the  incoming  drift  of  population,  it  must  also 
be  recognized  that  the  Bishop's  promptness  in  meeting  the  needs  of  the  various 
communities,  accounts  for  a  great  deal  of  the  increase. 

Bishop  Juncker,  as  the  reader  will  agree,  was  a  holy  man,  whose  entire 
life  was  devoted  to  his  Church,  and  without  regard  to  exterior  facts  or  circum- 
stances. Nothing  is  remembered  of  his  life  except  his  never  ceasing  activities 
in  the  Church. 

His  successor.  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  was  also  a  man 
of  devotion,  but  because  he  was  more  aggressive  in  many  respects,  he  occupied 
a  somewhat  different  position  in  the  public  estimation.  Because  he  did  things 
expressively  and  was  decisive  and  unequivocal  in  all  of  his  dealings,  he  had 
critics  and  some  enmity.  He  was,  nevertheless,  a  devoted  churchman  and  a 
Bishop  in  every  particular. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  growth  of  the  parishes,  though  somewhat  fewer 
numerically,  was  nevertheless  very  extensive  during  his  administration,  and 
best  of  all  they  were  staunch  and  vigorous  organizations,  never  begun  without 
clear  justification,  and  encouraged  and  sustained  effectively  by  the  Bishop. 

From  the  best  available  sources  the  following  sketch  of  Bishop  Baltes  has 
been  prepared : 

Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes.  D.D. 

Second  Bishop  of  Alton, 

1870-1886. 

Ensheim,  in  Rhenish  Bavaria,  claims  the  honor  of  being  the  birthplace  of 
the  second  Bishop  of  our  diocese,  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D. 
There  he  first  saw  the  light  of  day  on  April  7,  1821.  When  six  years  old  he 
emigrated  with  his  parents  to  America.  The  family  settled  in  the  State  of  New 
York.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  took  private  lessons  and  thereafter  continued 
his  classical  course  at  Holy  Cross  College,  Worcester,  Massachusetts.  He  studied 
philosophy  and  theology  at  the  Seminary  of  St.  Mary  of  the  Lake,  Chicago, 
whilst  he  himself  was  instructor  in  German  and  acted  as  prefect  of  studies.  On 
May  21,  1853,  he  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  at  the  Grand  Seminary  of 
Montreal. 

His  first  mission  was  Waterloo,  in  Monroe  County,  where  he  remained  until 
1855,  when  he  was  ordered  to  Belleville. 

379 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 

In  Belleville  his  first  care  was  to  place  the  parochial  school  on  a  solid  basis. 
For  this  purpose  he  called  in  the  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.  His  attention 
was  next  directed  to  building  a  new  church.  Everything  seemingly  went  well 
in  spite  of  many  oppositions  and  difficulties  when  owing  to  some  defects  in 
construction  the  grand  edifice,  which  was  nearing  completion,  collapsed.  Un- 
daunted and  undismayed  by  these  reverses,  Father  Baltes  resumed  work  again 
only  more  complete  and  secure. 

The  dedication  of  St.  Peter's,  now  the  Belleville  cathedral,  was  a  day  of 
triumph  for  the  indomitable  rector.  Archbishop  Kenrick  of  St.  Louis,  preached 
during  the  Pontifical  Mass  celebrated  by  Bishop  Juncker,  and  Reverend  Patrick 
John  Ryan,  the  late  Archbishop  of  Philadelphia,  delivered  in  the  evening  one 
<>f  his  best  lectures,  never  to  be  forgotten  by  those  who  had  the  privilege  to 
hear  it. 

When,  in  1866,  Bishop  Juncker  went  to  Baltimore  to  attend  the  Second 
Plenary  Council,  his  choice  fell  upon  the  Belleville  rector  as  his  theologian. 
Upon  the  suggestion  of  Archbishop  Purcell  of  Cincinnati,  he  was,  on  the  way  to 
Baltimore,  made  Vicar  General  of  the  Alton  diocese.  When  Bishop  Juncker 
died,  Father  Baltes  was  appointed  Administrator  of  the  vacant  See. 
During  his  administratorship  he  obtained  from  the  Illinois  State  Legislature 
the  passage  of  a  law  under  which  the  Catholic  congregations  and  institutions 
of  the  diocese  could  be  incorporated,  entitled :  "An  Act  to  provide  for  the  hold- 
ing of  Roman  Catholic  Churches,  Cemeteries.  Colleges  and  other  property." 
It  Avas  a  wise  and  prudent  move  on  his  part,  as  was  repeatedly  demonstrated 
soon  after  the  law's  enactment. 

On  September  24,  1869,  Very  Reverend  Administrator  Baltes  was  appoint- 
ed by  Pope  Pius  IX  to  succeed  Bishop  Juncker.  The  consecration  of  the  new 
Bishop  took  place  in  1he  church  built  by  him,  St.  Peter's  in  Belleville,  January 
23,  1870.  As  nearly  all  the  Bishops  were  in  Rome  attending  the  Vatican  Coun- 
cil, the  difficulty  was  to  secure  Bishops  for  the  occasion.  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Luers  of  Fort  Wayne,  one  of  the  few  who  had  remained  at  home,  was 
the  consecrator,  assisted  by  Bishop  Toebbe,  of  Covington — just  consecrated  him- 
self—and by  the  Very  Reverend  P.  J.  Ryan,  Vicar  General  and  Administrator 
of  St.  Louis. 

Father  Baltes  had  been  great  as  pastor,  he  became  even  greater  as  Bishop. 
This  he  proved  by  submitting  the  whole  diocese  in  all  its  varied  activities  to  a 
thorough  reorganization.  He  established  regulations,  laws  and  discipline  and 
demanded,  indiscriminately,  obedience  and  respect  for  Episcopal  authority  He 
waged  an  unrelenting  war  on  some  of  the  foremost  and  ablest  Catholic  news- 
papers of  the  land,  which  had  again  and  again  assailed  his  authority  in  matters 
of  discipline.  Ambitious  in  his  work,  he  aimed  at  finding  himself  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  finest  body  of  clergymen  in  the  country  and  a  time  came  when  it  was 
deemed  an  honor  to  belong  to  the  Diocese  of  Alton. 

He  was  the  first  Bishop  to  be  consecrated  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  although 
the  church  had  flourished  there  for  nearly  two  centuries.     Bishop  Baltes  took 

380 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF   RIGHT   REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


up  his  residence  in  Alton  at  once  as  Bishop,  and  began  his  work  for  the  advance- 
ment of  the  church  in  his  Diocese. 

As  his  predecessor  of  pioneer  days  had  placed  the  Diocese  in  an  excellent 
material  condition,  securing  priests  and  sisters,  building  churches,  schools  and 
charitable  institutions,  the  new  bishop  turned  his  attention  more  to  the  laws, 
discipline  and  spiritual  government  of  the  church.  He  himself  penned  the  fol- 
lowing lines :  ' '  From  the  time  we  were  placed  at  the  head  of  the  Diocese  up  to 
the  present  moment,  our  unremitting  endeavors  have  always  been  directed 
toward  the  bringing  about  as  complete  a  uniformity  as  possible  in  matters  per- 
taining to  the  government  of  the  parishes  as  well  as  in  the  observance  of  the 
rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  church  at  divine  service  and  the  administration  of 
the  sacraments." 

To  this  end  were  directed  his  Pastoral  Instruction,  written  in  three  parts, 
his  encyclicals,  his  private  and  public  remarks  and  instructions  at  the  annual 
retreats  and  elsewhere.  In  his  Pastoral  Instruction  the  chapter  on  the  use  of 
church  bells  and  the  chapter  on  bees-wax  candles  are  characteristic  Whilst  en- 
gaged in  this  kind  of  work,  he  did  not  forget  the  material  needs  of  his  Diocese, 
which  advanced  with  a  steady  and  healthy  growth  under  his  able  guidance.  At 
the  time  of  his  death,  there  were  in  the  Diocese  190  churches,  169  priests,  100 
parochial  schools,  11,000  pupils,  taught  by  the  Brothers  of  the  Holy  Cross  and 
Sisters  of  various  communities. 

Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  Baltes  was  a  learned,  zealous  and  faithful  bishop. 
He  was  more  staid  and  dignified  than  his  predecessor,  formed  in  a  different 
mold,  with  a  more  commanding  mien,  more  reserved  and  more  difficult  of  ap- 
proach.   He  reigned  and  ruled,  and  his  Diocese  prospered  under  him. 

After  a  life  of  great  activity,  Bishop  Baltes  died  February  15,  1886.  His 
funeral  took  place  February  19,  and  was  attended  by  Archbishops  Feehan  of 
Chicago,  Kenrick  of  St  Louis,  Heiss  of  Milwaukee,  by  Bishop  Hogan  of  Kansas 
City,  by  one  hundred  and  sixty  priests  and  vast  crowds  of  the  laity.  The  re- 
mains were  deposited  in  the  vault  under  the  sanctuary  of  the  Cathedral  beside 
those  of  his  predecessor,  Bishop  Juncker. 

PARISHES  ESTABLISHED  BY  BISHOP  BALTES 

Church  op  St.  Gertrude,  Grantfork,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  John  B.  Wardein. 


The  history  of  this  parish  dates 
back  to  the  year  1870.  On  September 
first  of  that  year  a  meeting  of  some 
thirty  Catholic  men  of  this  vicinity 
was  held  under  the  direction  of  the 
Reverend  Peter  Peters,  at  that  time 
rector  of  St.  Paul  Church,  Highland, 
Illinois. 

Preparatory  steps  were  then  taken 
to  organize  a  new  parish  and  to  build 
a  church,  to  be  known    as    St.    Ger- 


trude's in  the  village  formerly  called 
Saline,  located  about  six  miles  north 
of  Highland.  Later  the  name  of  this 
town  was  changed  by  postal  authori- 
ties, and  called  Grantfork. 

At  the  meeting  a  list  of  subscrip- 
tions was  made  for  the  proposed  new 
church  and  the  sum  of  $3,000.00  was 
assured.  Almost  two  years  elapsed 
before  building  was  begun.  In  July, 
1871,  Nicholas  Trantner  and  Casper 


;581 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IX    ILLINOIS 


Lauer  were  duly  appointed  as  the 
first  trustees  of  the  new  parish. 

Then  the  loyal  townsman,  John 
Bardill.  generously  donated  a  whole 
bloek  on  which  the  church  was  to  be 
built.  In  1872  a  brick  building  60x40 
feet  was  erected,  and  during  a  num- 
ber of  years  it  remained  unfinished 
outside,  and  inside  unfurnished  ex- 
cept what  was  absolutely  necessary 
for  Divine  Service. 

During  the  following  eight  years 
This  new  mission  was  attended  once  a 
month  from  St.  Elizabeth  Church. 
Marine  ;  namely,  first  by  Father  Albert 
Busch  until  November.  1 S74 :  then,  by 
Father  Gerald  Janssen  until  October, 
1875;  then  by  Reverend  Bernard 
Rossmoeller  who  came  only  once ; 
thereafter  came  Reverend  Gerald 
Hoppe  until  September,  1877,  and 
finally  it  was  attended  by  Reverend 
Henry  Eggenstein  until  the  end  of 
the  year  1879. 

Under  the  direction  of  Father  Egg- 
enstein  the  rectory  was  built  in  the 
year  1878  ;  a  two-story  frame  building 
at  a  cost  of  about  $1500.00.  At  first, 
part  of  the  priest 's  house  was  used 
for  school  purposes,  while  the  mis- 
sion was  vet  without  a  resident  pas- 
tor. 

On  January  first,  1880,  Reverend 
Michael  Weiss  took  charge  of  this 
parish  as  the  first  resident  pastor.  His 
first  care  was  to  erect  a  new  school,  a 
frame  building  32  by  24  feet,  costing 
S580.00.  Later  the  church  was  re- 
modelled. Besides  the  addition  of  a 
new  sanctuary,  the  whole  interior  of 
the  church  was  plastered  and  finished, 
and  the  flat  top  was  changed  to  a 
vaulted  ceiling.  All  this  work  and 
additional,  suitable  furnishings  for 
the  church  caused  a  further  expense 
of  about  S3, 775. 00,  and  thus  the  par- 
ish debt  advanced  to  the  amount  of 
about  $4,300.00. 

After  the  completion  of  the  church, 
came  the  great  day  of  its  solemn 
dedication.  For  this  occasion  the 
Ordinary  of  the  diocese,  Right  Rever- 
end Peter  Joseph  Baltes.  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  Alton,  came  to  conduct  the  solemn 
services.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  dav 


preceding  the  dedication,  St.  Ger- 
trude's Cemetery,  which  had  been 
laid  out  in  1874.  was  solemnly  blessed. 
The  Right  Reverend  Bishop  officiated 
and  was  assisted  by  the  pastor.  Rev- 
erend Michael  Weiss  and  the  visiting 
clergy,  Fathers  Henry  Eggenstein, 
•Tnst'ph  Meckel  and  F.  Reinhart.  On 
the  same  afternoon  the  large  bell 
named  in  honor  of  St.  Nicholas  was 
consecrated. 

On  September  15th,  1881,  was  the 
Solemn  Dedication  of  the  Church. 
The  celebration  was  concluded  with 
the  administration  of  the  Sacrament 
of  Confirmation  to  thirty-nine  per- 
sons, for  whom  Henry  Gladbach  and 
Rosalia  Lunitz  acted  as  sponsors. 

By  that  time  this  parish  of  seventy- 
five  families,  mostly  German,  was 
pretty  well  organized  and  the  pros- 
pects seemed  fairly  promising  for  the 
future.  Some  forty  children  attend- 
ed the  parochial  school,  which  at  first 
was  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher  until 
the  spring  of  1891.  Father  Weiss' 
pastorate  here,  was.  however,  all  too 
brief,  lasting  not  quite  two  years,  so 
there  was  not  granted  him  in  that 
short  time  the  opportunity  to  gather 
the  means  for  paying  off  the  debt 
contracted  under  his  administration. 

At  the  end  of  the  next  month  after 
the  church  was  dedicated,  Father 
Weiss  was  called  to  a  new  field  of 
labor. 

Thenceforth  the  line  of  pastors  was 
as  follows:  Father  Bernard  Hasse, 
from  October,  1881,  till  April,  1884; 
Father  Henry  Becker,  D.D.,  from 
April,  1884,  till  June  1885;  Father 
Anthonv  Zurbonsen,  from  August, 
1885,  to  January,  1888;  Father  Wil- 
liam Futterer,  from  Januarv,  1888,  to 
July,  1892;  Father  William  Michael, 
from  July,  1892,  to  September,  1897 ; 
Father  Christian  A.  Snyder,  from 
September,  1897  to  August,  1899: 
Father  Francis  X.  Strum,  from  Aug- 
ust, 1899  to  March.  1901:  Father 
John  A.  Duval  from  March,  1901,  to 
June,  1907;  Father  Anton  J.  Stengel, 
from  June,  1907,  to  December.  1910: 
Father  Anton  M.  Jaschke,  from 
December,     1910.     to     July,     1918; 


382 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT   REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


Father  Henry  B.  Schnelton  from 
July,  1918  to  June,  1919.  Then  came 
the  present  pastor,  Father  John  B. 
Wardein. 

The  debt  on  the  old  church  was 
finally  liquidated  in  1900,  during  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Strum. 

In  July,  1903,  during  the  pastorate 
of  Father  Duval,  it  was  decided  to 
tear  down  the  old  church  and  build  a 
new  one  on  the  same  site,  using  in  its 
construction  all  suitable  material  sal- 
vaged from  the  old  building.  Work 
on  the  foundation  of  the  new  church 
was  begun  early  in  the  spring  of  1904. 
The  corner-stone  was  solemnly  blessed 
and  laid  Sunday  afternoon,  August 
21,  1904,  by  Father  Ferdinand  Stick, 
then  rector  of  St.  Paul  Church,  High- 
land, Illinois.  Owing  to  various  dif- 
ficulties and  delays  the  work  pro- 
gressed rather  slowly.  The  building 
was  completed  the  following  spring 
and  the  interior  neatly  finished  and 
decorated. 

The  solemn  dedication  of  this  new 
edifice  took  place  on  the  morning  of 
Pentecost,  Monday,  June  12th,  1905. 
Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  Alton,  Illinois,  officiated, 
assisted  by  the  pastor,  Reverend  John 
A.  Duval,  and  several  visiting  priests 
from  neighboring  parishes.  On  the 
same  day  the  Sacrament  of  Confirma- 
tion was  administered  to  fifty-one 
persons.  The  new  church  is  a  hand- 
some and  substantial  brick  building, 
measuring  about  80  by  36  feet.  The 
erection,  interior  decoration,  and 
equipment  with  steam  heating,  to- 
gether with  insurance  on  the  building, 
and  interest  on  money  borrowed, 
caused  an  expense  of  $7,800.00. 

The  school  room  having  been  va- 
cated after  the  completion  of  the  new 
church,  the  parish  school  was  re- 
opened in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher  in 
the  fall  of  1905  with  an  attendance  of 
about  26  pupils. 

Finally  in  the  fall  of  1918,  after  so 
many  of  the  people  had  been  con- 
strained by  the  prevailing  influences 
of  the  World  War  to  invest  a  goodly 
part  of  their  savings  in  Liberty 
Bonds,  Father  Schnelten,  then  pastor 


of  the  parish,  succeeded  in  inducing 
a  number  of  the  people  to  donate 
those  bonds  to  the  church  in  order  to 
get  the  burdensome  debt  cleared 
away.  Twelve  persons  contributed 
$100.00  each,  thirteen  $50.00  each, 
while  the  rest  donated  various 
amounts,  ranging  from  $5.00  to 
$35.00,  everyone  giving  something  in 
proportion  to  his  means.  Thus  was 
made  up  the  sum  of  $2,492.00  and 
with  this  the  last  outstanding  notes 
amounting  to  $2,108.00  with  interest 
due  thereon,  was  paid  in  full.  Alto- 
gether this  final  pavment  amounted  to 
nearly  $2,250.00. 

Though  the  history  of  this  parish 
properly  dates  back  to  the  year  1870, 
the  church  records  were  started  here 
only  in  the  year  1875.  Hence,  in  this 
respect,  at  least,  the  year  1925,  may 
be  regarded  as  the  Golden  Jubilee 
Year  of  the  parish.  For  this  reason, 
as  a  worthy  commemoration  of  that 
happy  event  St.  Gertrude's  church 
was  given  in  the  fall  of  1925,  a  fine, 
new  decoration. 

The  prospects  for  the  future  of  the 
parish  may  have  seemed  fairly  prom- 
ising in  the  early  years  of  its  history, 
but  unfortunately,  like  so  many  other 
rural  parishes,  this  parish  has  not 
only  failed  to  gain  in  strength,  but 
in  course  of  time  a  number  of  fami- 
lies have  moved  away  to  places  prom- 
ising a  brighter  future.  It  comprises 
now  barely  fifty  families  who  prove 
themselves  practical  Catholics. 

The  parochial  school,  rightly  desig- 
nated the  heart  of  a  parish,  was  start- 
ed here  almost  simultaneously  with 
the  parish  itself.  At  first,  for  a  num- 
ber of  years,  the  school  was  in  the 
hands  of  various  lay  teachers  but,  in 
1891,  two  rooms  were  added  in  the 
rear  of  the  school  to  accommodate 
Sisters,  and  Father  Futterer  then 
procured  Sisters  of  the  Precious 
Blood  from  Ruma,  Illinois.  The  Sis- 
ters did  splendid  work  until  the 
Spring  of  1902,  with  one  year's  inter- 
ruption from  1898  to  1899.  From 
1902  until  the  spring  of  1907  with  an 
interruption  of  two  years  (1903- 
1905)   during  the  rehuilding    of    the 


383 


DIOCESE   OF   SPKINOFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


church,  the  school  was  again  in  the 
hands  of  several  lay  teachers.  When 
better  quarters  for  the  Sisters  had 
been  provided  in  the  Summer  of  1907, 
Father  Stengel  succeeded  in  getting 
Sisters  again  for  teaching  the  school. 
This  time  it  was  the  Sisters  of  the 
Precious  Blood  from  Alton,  Illinois, 
that  were  put  in  charge  of  the  school. 
These  Sisters  likewise  did  excellent 
work  until  the  spring  of  1910.  The 
school  was  again  reopened  in  t  he  fall 
of  1911  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher, 
until  tiie  spring  of  1915,  when 
economic  and  other  reasons  necessi- 
tated the  closing  of  the  school  indef- 
initely until  more  favorable  condi- 
tions return. 

To  promote  the  material  and  spir- 
itual interests  of  the  parish,  various 
religious  societies,  confraternities, 
etc.,  were  organized  here  in  the  course 


of  time.  St.  Joseph 's  Society  of  Men 
was  organized  in  May,  1874;  St. 
Mary's  Altar  Society  of  Women  also 
in  May,  1874;  St.  Catherine's  Sodal- 
ity of  Young  Ladies  in  March,  1881 ; 
the  Confraternity  of  the  Scapular  of 
Our  Lady  of  Mount  Carmel,  on  Feb- 
ruary 6,  1881 ;  the  Association  of  the 
Holy  Childhood,  in  October,  1881, 
and  the  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
in  May,  1896. 

At  the  request  of  our  Bishop,  the 
Holy  Name  Society  was  organized 
May  10,  1925,  with  thirty-one  charter 
members,  and  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Faith  was  estab- 
lished March  7,  1926,  with  thirteen 
special,  and  eighteen  ordinary  mem- 
berships. May  God  grant  His  bless- 
ing that  the  work  may  proceed,  thrive 
and  prosper ! 


Church  of  St.  Elizabeth,  Mitchell,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Timothy  McKeogh. 


The  first  Mass  known  to  have  been 
celebrated  within  the  present  limits 
of  St.  Elizabeth  Parish,  Mitchell, 
Madison  County,  was  celebrated  at 
the  home  of  Mr.  Corbett  on  Chouteau 
Island  during  the  octave  of  Christ- 
mas, 1870,  by  Reverend  Francis  H. 
Zabel,  D.D.,  of  St.  Patrick's  Church, 
East  St.  Louis.  About  twenty  Catho- 
lic families  were  then  located  around 
the  neighborhood  of  Choteau  Island. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  year  1871, 
Reverend  Christopher  Koenig  of  St. 
Henry  Church,  East  St.  Louis,  made 
arrangements  for  the  erection  of  a 
new  church  at  Mitchell.  The  grounds 
were  donated  by  the  Mitchell  Broth- 
ers, then  living  in  Alton.  The  first 
subscription  taken  up  amounted  to 
$3,000.00.  With  these  encouraging 
prospects,  active  work  was  begun  the 
fall  of  the  same  year.  The  plans  and 
specifications  were  drawn  up  by 
Adolph  Druiding  of  St.  Louis  and  the 
contract  was  let  to  Michael  O'Connor 
at  the  cost  of  $4,900.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  on  the  first  of  October, 
the  Feast  of  the    Holy    Rosary,    by 


Reverend  Father  Mohr,  Rector  of  the 
Alton  Cathedral,  assisted  by  Rever- 
end Francis  H.  Zabel,  D.D.,  Rector  of 
St.  Patrick  Church,  East  St.  Louis; 
Reverend  Francis  Ostrop,  of  St.  Mary 
Church,  Alton;  Reverend  Anthony 
Rustige,  of  St.  Boniface  Church, 
Edwardsville;  Reverend  Christopher 
Koenig,  of  St.  Henry  Church,  East 
St.  Louis.  The  church  is  a  brick  build- 
ing, 70x40  feet.  The  mission  was  then 
attended  by  Reverend  Christopher 
Koenig  from  East  St.  Louis,  until 
1877,  when  his  resignation  placed 
Reverend  Lubert  Riesen  in  charge. 
Reverend  Father  Tecklenburg  suc- 
ceeded Father  Riesen,  and  attended 
Mitchell  from  Alton  where  he  resided. 
Father  Tecklenburg  died  on  June  2, 
1879,  and  his  successor,  Reverend 
Joseph  Spaeth,  took  charge  January 
5,  1880.  Ill  health  compelled  Father 
Spaeth  to  leave  for  Europe,  and  Rev- 
erend Peter  Kaenders,  on  November 
20,  succeeded  him.  During  the  rec- 
torship of  Father  Kaenders,  a  large 
two  story  frame  rectory  was  built 
at  the  cost  of  $2600.00.     As  soon    as 


384 


Orantfork — Rectory,  School,  Rev.  •/.  /;.  Wardein.  Pastor,  Teachers  Residence  and  St. 
Gertrude's  Church  .  .  .  Morrisonville — St.  Maurice  Church.  Rev.  /'.  P.  McGuinness, 
Pastor,  School  and  Rectory  .  .  .  Mitchell — Rectory,  St.  Elizabeth's  Church,  Rev.  Peter 
Kaenders.  First  Pastor.  Rev.  Timothy  McKeogh,  Pastor. 


THE  LIBRARY 

&F  TH£ 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,   D.D. 


the  building  was  ready  for  occupancy, 
Father  Kaenders  moved  from  Beth- 
alto  where  he  had  been  residing.  In 
the  latter  part  of  1885,  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Reverend  John  Herlitz  who 
kept  the  charge  until  he  was  called  to 
his  reward.  Father  Herlitz  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Father  Meehan  who  re- 
mained until  1890.  Then  Father  Die- 
trich took  charge  until  1891,  when 
Reverend  Charles  Kuhlmann  was  ap- 
pointed pastor. 

After  Father  Kuhlmann 's  depar- 
ture, Mitchell  was  attended  as  a  mis- 
sion from  Bunker  Hill  by  Reverend 
Francis  H.  Zabel,  D.D.  On  Septem- 
ber 27,  1893,  the  Reverend  John  W. 
Merscher  was  appointed  pastor  and 
remained  in  charge  until  July  12, 
1898,    when    the    Reverend    Frances 


Meyers  assumed  charge.  During  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Meyers,  a  large 
parochial  hall  was  built  and  equipped 
for  parish  purposes.  Father  Meyers 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Louis 
Kipping  on  October  1,  1912,  and  re- 
mained in  charge  until  October  1, 
1919.  On  October  1,  1919,  Reverend 
Edmund  J.  Douglas  was  appointed 
pastor  and  was  succeeded  by  Rever- 
end Michael  Costello  on  July  1,  1922. 
On  September  1,  1924,  the  present 
pastor,  Reverend  Timothy  McKeogh, 
assumed  charge. 

The  following  societies  flourish  in 
the  parish  and  heartily  co-operate 
with  Father  McKeogh  in  all  his  un- 
dertakings :  Holy  Name,  St.  Joseph 's, 
and  Altar  Society. 


Church  op  St.  Maurice,  Morrisonville,  Christian  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 
Present  Pastor:  Reverend  Peter  P.  McGuinness. 


In  the  year  1870  Reverend  Frederick 
L.  Lohman  of  Hillsboro  organized 
St.  Maurice  Parish  and  built  its  first 
church.  For  some  years  after  he  at- 
tended the  spiritual  needs  of  the  new- 
ly formed  congregation.  His  succes- 
sor, Reverend  Bernard  Claus,  the 
first  resident  pastor  of  Morrisonville, 
began  in  1873  an  administration 
which  lasted  until  the  appointment 
in  1877  of  Father  Teppe  who  has 
lately  gone  to  his  reward  (1927). 
During  Father  Teppe 's  fruitful  pas- 
torate, the  present  fine  church  was 
built  at  a  cost  of  $17,000.  This 
church  could  not  be  duplicated  today 
at  three  times  the  original  cost. 

Father  Teppe  remained  pastor  of 
Morrisonville  longer  than  any  other 
priest  in  its  history.  In  1896,  how- 
ever, he  was  appointed  to  a  parish 
elsewhere  and  was  succeeded  at  Mor- 
risonville by  Reverend  John  Joseph 
Driscoll,  now  pastor  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Quincy.  Though  less  than  a 
year  here  Father  Driscoll  accomplish- 
ed much.  It  was  through  his  efforts 
that  the  old  church  was  remodeled 
into  a  parish  school  and  put  under  the 


care  of  the  Dominican  Sisters  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  Convent,  Springfield. 

After  Father  Driscoll  came  Rever- 
end Ferdinand  Stick  in  the  October 
of  1896.  He  remained  in  charge  until 
November,  1903,  when  Reverend 
Henry  Joseph  Hoven  was  appointed 
in  his  place.  In  May,  1906,  Father 
Hoven  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Thomas  E.  Cusack  who  continued  to 
serve  the  parish  until  1921.  During 
his  fifteen-year  administration,  Father 
Cusack  made  many  parish  improve- 
ments. The  very  year  he  assumed 
charge  he  built  a  beautiful  priest's 
residence  which  is  not  only  a  credit  to 
the  town  but  to  all  rural  parishes  of 
the  Diocese.  The  building  at  that 
time  cost  $11,000.00;  today  it  would 
cost  double  that  amount.  Father 
Cusack  not  only  built  this  but  also 
paid  for  it.  Besides,  he  was  instru- 
mental in  introducing  the  following 
societies  which  have  contributed  much 
to  parish  activities:  Knights  of  Col- 
umbus, Holy  Name  Society  and  Cath- 
olic Order  of  Foresters. 

In  November,  1921,  Father  Cusack 
was  transferred  to  Carrollton  and 
the  vacancy  made  at  Morrisonville  by 


385 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IX    ILLINOIS 


his  departure  was  filled  by  the  pres- 
ent incumbent.  Reverend  Christopher 
Bell. 

When  Father  Bell  took  charge,  the 
old  church  was  still  being  used  as  a 
school  and  was  in  a  poor  condition — 
so  poor,  indeed,  that  it  was  doubtful 
if  it  could  bear  repairs.  So  the  time 
seemed  ripe  to  build  a  new  and  more 
substantial  school.  To  this  end  a 
mass  meeting  of  the  parish  was  called 
which  quickly  decided  to  secure  four 
lots  across  from  the  church  for  a  site 
for  the  contemplated  school.  In  the 
spring  of  1923  the  preliminaries  were 
finished  and  the  present  beautiful 
school  building  was  begun.  The  cor- 
ner-stone was  auspiciously  laid  on  the 
Feast  of  the  Assumption  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin.  1923,  and  soon  the 
work  was  completed.  The  building 
fully  furnished  cost  $26,000.00;  $4,- 
000.00  more  were  expended  on  lots, 
a  heating  system  for  the  Sisters' 
Home  and  the  Church,  and  a  number 
of  minor  improvements.  The  whole 
undertaking  represented  an  outlay  of 
$30,000.00— truly  a  large  debt  in  a 
farming   communitv  with    conditions 


so  bad  after  the  war.  The  indebted- 
ness has  now  been  reduced  to  $11,- 
000.00,  and  the  congregation  despite 
the  agricultural  depression  is  very 
active  and  desirous  to  pay  it  off  en- 
tirely. 

The  parish  has  120  families  with  a 
total  population  of  555  souls  living 
within  a  radius  of  seven  miles  of  Mor- 
risonville.  The  school  has  an  enroll- 
ment of  58  children,  taught  by  two 
Dominican  Sisters. 

There  are  four  active  societies : 
Holy  Name  and  Altar  Societies, 
Young  Ladies'  Sodalitv,  and  the 
Catholic  Ladies'  Club. 

On  October  20,  1924,  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D., 
visited  the  parish  and  confirmed  a 
class  of  64.  His  visit  was  the  occasion 
of  much  general  rejoicing  among  the 
people  of  Morrisonville  irrespective  of 
church  affiliation. 

In  1926  Father  Peter  Paul  MeGuin- 
ness  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of 
Morrisonville,  Father  Bell,  due  to 
ill  health,  having  gone  to  the  quiet 
and  less  arduous  parish  of  Murrav- 
ville. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey,  Fayette  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  August  Forster. 


St.  Joseph  church  at  Ramsey  was 
an  out-mission  of  Vandalia.  and  was 
visited  by  missionary  pastors  from 
Vandalia* as  early  as  I860.  It  became 
a  mission  with  regular  monthly  at- 
tendance in  the  year  1870,  when 
Father  J.  Stoemler  of  Vandalia  built 
the  first  church,  a  frame  building, 
26x30.  For  many  years  after,  the 
Fathers  who  had  charge  of  Vandalia 
and  Ramsey  were  as  follows:  Fathers 
Stoemler,  Stick,  Schreiber,  Rensmann, 
Quitter,  Geier,  Becker,  Bourke,  and 
Can*. 

In  1895  Father  Bernard  Lee  took 
charge  and  at  once  enlarged  the 
church,  also  adding  a  steeple.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Father  John  Moroney, 
who  remained  until  1908.  During 
Father  Moroney 's  time.  Ramsey  was 
detached    from   Vandalia   by   Bishop 


Ryan,  and  became  a  parish  with  a 
resident  pastor  in  April,  1904.  Shum- 
way  was  then  attached  to  Ramsey  as 
a  mission  and  remained  so  for 
eighteen  years  until  1922.  The  first 
resident  pastor  of  Ramsey  was  Father 
August  Forster  who  took  charge  in 
April,  1904. 

Ramsey  parish  is  composed  of  Irish 
and  German  families  to  the  number 
of  about  fifty  families.  The  congrega- 
tion is  growing  slowly  but  surely. 

A  ucav  church  was  completed  in 
1903,  and  dedicated  on  May  21,  1924, 
by  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.  It  is  unique  among  the  churches 
of  the  diocese,  being  built  of  Missouri 
Red  Granite  in  the  rustic  rubble 
style  of  masonry.  A  new  rectory, 
similar  in  style  and  material,  was 
built  a  year  later.     The  expenses  for 


386 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


both  church  and  house  were  defrayed 
by  Father  Forster,  its  present  pastor. 
The  new  hard  road,  route  2,  passes 
through  Ramsey,  thus  giving  easy  ac- 
cess to  larger  neighboring  towns.  The 


prospects  for  the  parish  are  bright. 
The  present  congregation  can  hardly 
be  surpassed  for  their  devotion  to  the 
Church,  and  their  high  standard  of 
virtue. 


Church  of  St.  Patrick,  Grafton,  Jersey  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1870. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  M.  J.  Cummins. 


In  a  quiet  little  spot  on  the  north- 
ern banks  of  the  Mississippi  River, 
twenty  miles  from  Alton,  is  located 
the  thriving  little  city  of  Grafton.  Its 
chief  industry  is  centered  in  its  valu- 
able stone  which  it  quarries  and  ex- 
ports in  abundance.  The  opening  of 
this  industry  induced  many  families 
to  settle  in  Grafton,  and  among  these 
were  found  the  sturdy  methodic  Ger- 
man and  the  light-hearted  courageous 
Trish.  These  being  men  and  women 
of  strong  faith  soon  sought  those  con- 
solations of  religion  which  can  only 
be  found  in  the  ministrations  of  a 
priest.  In  response  to  their  appeal 
for  a  priest,  the  Bishop  had  Father 
Harty  attend  their  spiritual  needs 
from  Jerseyville.  That  was  in  the 
year  1870.  Meanwhile,  Mass  was  said 
in  the  homes  of  those  good  families 
until  such  a  time  as  a  church  could  be 
built. 

The  erection  of  the  present  rock 
church  was  begun  in  1871,  and  com- 
pleted the  following  year.  Father 
Burke  was  put  in  charge  of  the  new 
church  as  its  first  resident  pastor.  He 
remained  only  a  year  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Reverend  Edward  McGow- 
an,  during  whose  two-year  term  the 
rectory  was  built.  After  Father  Mc- 
Gowan  came  Fathers  Cusack,  Ryan 
and  Diekmann  in  rapid  succession. 
Their  successor,  Father  Rossmiller, 
was  in  charge  from  1879  to  1884. 
Then  Grafton  was  without  a  resident 
priest  for  about  six  months  being  at- 
tended, as  in  its  infancy,  from  Jer- 
seyville. Next  in  order  came  Fathers 
Thomas  Masterson,  188592 ;  Terrence 
O'Brien,  1892-94;  Joseph  Finnegan, 
1894-98;  C.  Bell,  1898-1903;  and 
Father  Hussey,  who  stayed  only  a 
few  months.  As  on  a  former  occasion, 


so  now  again,  Grafton  had  no  resident 
priest  for  the  space  of  six  or  eight 
months  until  the  coming  of  Reverend 
Christian  Snyder  who  had  pastoral 
care  of  the  flock  from  1904  to  1908. 
The  latter  had  for  successors  Fathers 
Schockaert,  1909-12;  D.  Doyle,  now 
pastor  of  Sacred  Heart,  Effingham, 
1912-19 ;  M.  J.  Davis,  now  at  Athens, 
1919-24,  in  which  latter  year  Father 
Jordan,  present  pastor,  was  placed  in 
charge. 

The  people  in  the  beginning  built  a 
very  substantial  church  but  it  proved 
too  small  to  meet  the  needs  of  the 
growing  congregation.  Father  Mas- 
terson saw  the  need  of  more  room  and 
so  had  the  church  enlarged  by  the 
addition  of  a  new  and  comparatively 
spacious  sanctuary.  New  altars  were 
installed  during  Father  O'Brien's 
time.  Reverend  Christopher  Bell  had 
a  new  church  tower  erected  and  a 
sweet-toned  bell  placed  therein  which 
still  invites  the  people  to  Divine  Serv- 
ices. The  general  appearance  of  the 
church  was  greatly  improved  by  the 
addition  of  stained-glass  windows  and 
Stations  of  the  Cross  during  Father 
Finnegan 's  time. 

St.  Patrick 's  Parish  may  justly  feel 
proud  of  the  record  of  its  sons  in  their 
loyalty  to  country  and  God.  No  less 
than  sixteen  brave  boys  enlisted  in 
the  late  war,  one  of  whom,  Thomas 
Whalen,  made  the  supreme  sacrifice. 
Father  Ignatius  Conroy,  C.P.,  and 
Father  William  Whalen,  the  energetic 
assistant  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton, 
also  claim  Grafton  for  their  home. 

Amongst  the  first  Catholics  who 
took  an  active  part  in  promoting  the 
interests  of  the  church  at  Grafton 
were:  Dempsey,  Gill,  O'Keefe,  Free- 
man, Wildts,    Callahans,    Waggoner, 


387 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Brennan,  Conroy,  Meyer,  Costello, 
McDonnell,  Hobach,  Mulligan,  Birm- 
ingham,  Donahue,  and  Stapleton. 

The  parish  at  first  numbered  about 
sixty  families;  today  it  numbers  only 
twenty-five.  The  decrease  in  numbers 
is  attributable  to  the  fact  that  many 


families  have  moved  to  the  larger 
centers  of  population  where  work  is 
more  plentiful  and  educational  facili- 
ties better.  In  September,  1927, 
Father  Jordan  was  promoted  to  the 
parish  of  Areola  and  Father  Cum- 
mins came  to  Grafton  as  pastor. 


Church  of  St.  Mark,  Venice,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1871. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Linus  G.  Kipping. 


Venice  is  an  industrial  city  of 
about  seven  thousand  inhabitants, 
and  is  situated  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Mississippi  river,  opposite  the  north- 
ern section  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

Although  the  history  of  St.  Mark 
Church  covers  a  period  of  only  a  few 
years  less  than  fifty,  the  history  of 
the  Catholic  church  in  Venice  terri- 
tory begins  with  the  very  discovery 
of  the  place.  The  great  Catholic  mis- 
sionarjr,  Father  Jacques  Marquette, 
was  the  first  white  man  to  approach 
the  site  of  what  since  has  become 
Madison  County,  the  bounds  of  which 
include  the  present  day  Venice. 

Eighty  years  elapsed  from  the  time 
of  its  discovery  until  its  occupancy 
by  the  white  man.  About  the  year 
1750,  the  French  established  settle- 
ments on  Chouteau  and  Cabaret 
Islands  in  the  Mississippi.  Thus  we 
have  the  first  indication  of  white  men 
living  in  the  territory  of  Venice.  The 
Catholic  missionaries  of  France  labor- 
ed amongst  the  early  settlers,  offered 
up  the  Holy  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass, 
and  administered  to  the  needs  of  the 
people. 

A  few  years  later  there  was  an  in- 
flux of  Englishmen  into  this  territory, 
and  they  lived  there  from  1765  to 
1777.  Next  came  the  occupation  of 
the  locality  by  Americans,  and  to  one 
Ephraim  O'Connor  belongs  the  honor 
of  being  the  first  American  settler 
within  Madison  county.  In  the  year 
1800  O'Connor  settled  on  the  site  of 
what  now  is  Collinsville  Township, 
and  built  a  log-cabin  about  six  miles 
southwest  of  Edwardsville.  There  is 
no  means  at  hand,  at  this  writing,  to 
prove  that  O'Connor  was  a  Catholic 


— but  the  name  raises  a  strong  pre- 
sumption. 

Thereafter  a  continuous  stream  of 
Americans  came  into  this  territory. 
The  first  permanent  residents  of  Mad- 
ison county  came  from  the  Southern 
States  of  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Vir- 
ginia and  the  Carolinas.  In  the  list 
of  early  settlers  of  1801,  we  find  the 
names  of  Judy,  Gillham,  Kirkpatrick, 
Jones,  Preuitt,  Lusk,  Newman,  Sey- 
bald,  Moore  and  Barnsback. 

Three  years  later,  in  1804,  people 
entered  the  Venice  territory  or  dis- 
trict of  Madison  County.  It  was  the 
same  year  that  marked  the  establish- 
ment of  Venice  Township.  According 
to  earlier  inhabitants,  the  pioneers  in- 
cluded Dr.  George  Cadwell,  John  At- 
kins and  Daniel  Lockhart,  Dr.  Cad- 
well or  Caldwell,  for  example,  settled 
on  a  site  a  short  distance  north  of 
the  present  Merchants'  Bridge. 

In  the  year  1810  the  monks  of  La- 
Trappe  located  on  the  great  Cahokia 
mounds  in  Madison  county.  This 
place  is  known  at  present  as  Monks' 
Mound,  and  is  only  a  few  miles  from 
the  city  of  Venice.  From  all  indica- 
tions, Venice  was  a  part  of  the  field  of 
labors  covered  by  these  French  priests. 
For,  we  learn  from  a  letter  dated 
April  28,  1810,  and  written  by  Father 
Urbain,  superior  of  the  monks,  that 
the  surrounding  population  was  in  a 
deplorable  moral  condition,  and  that 
only  one  Catholic  priest,  Father 
Donatien  Olivier,  was  looking  after 
the  welfare  of  the  people.  Father  Oli- 
vier resided  at  Prairie  du  Rocher,  and 
spent  fourteen  years  attending  Kas- 
kaskia,  Cahokia,  St.  Genevieve  and  St. 
Louis. 


388 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


It  seems  that  Father  Olivier  did 
not  belong  to  the  Trappists,  but  was 
a  missionary  who  had  settled  in  this 
territory  fourteen  years  before  the 
arrival  of  the  monks.  Soon  after  the 
monks  located  in  this  country,  two  as- 
sistants were  sent  to  Father  Olivier, 
namely  Fathers  Joseph  and  Bernard. 
The  two  borders  of  the  Mississippi,  St. 
Louis  territory  on  the  one  side,  and 
Venice  territory  on  the  other,  were  as- 
signed to  Father  Bernard,  but  being 
old  already  and  exhausted  by  many 
previous  labors,  Father  Bernard  died 
probably  in  February,  1811.  Father 
Urbain  then  continued  the  work  here 
until  March,  1813,  when  a  pernicious 
fever  devastated  the  whole  territory, 
forcing  the  monks  to  leave  the  mounds 
and  to  return  to  France. 

During  the  next  fifty-eight  years, 
the  Catholic  people  of  Venice  de- 
pended on  the  priests  of  East  St. 
Louis  and  St.  Louis.  An  old  record 
shows  that  the  "Congregation  of  Ven- 
ice" belonged  to  East  St.  Louis,  and 
that  Reverend  Christopher  Koenig, 
pastor  of  St.  Henry's,  was  appointed 
"Rector  of  Venice."  But  no  record 
has  been  found  to  show  that  Father 
Koenig  ever  said  Mass  in  this  locality 
or  ministered  to  the  spiritual  needs  of 
the  people.  No  doubt,  he  took  care  of 
an  occasional  sick-call.  We  must  re- 
member that  Venice  in  those  days  was 
not  easy  to  reach,  and  that  Father 
Koenig  had  ample  work  in  his  own 
parish  of  St.  Henry. 

"We  must  not  forget  that  Venice  is 
low  and  flat,  and  in  the  early  days, 
was  so  low  and  swampy  as  to  be  unin- 
viting. If  the  Catholics  of  young 
Venice  had  ever  thought  of  building 
a  church  here,  those  thoughts  never 
were  realized  because  of  the  circum- 
stances of  the  place.  For  instance, 
various  destructive  inundations  visit- 
ed Venice;  those  of  1844  and  1851 
being  the  most  serious.  Later  floods 
covered  less  territory,  owing  to  levoo 
protection,  but  that  of  1903  ranked 
next  to  that  of  1844  in  the  height  at- 
tained by  the  waters,  and  owing  to  the 
far  greater  population  and  the  vastly 


greater  extent  of  pi'operty  interests, 
caused  more  loss  and  damage  than 
any  of  its  predecessors. 

It  might  be  stated  here  that  the 
danger  of  any  future  calamitous  in- 
undation is  now  minimized  by  the  im- 
mense levee  of  the  East  St.  Louis 
Drainage  District  which  is  raised 
above  the  level  of  the  highest  flood 
known.  The  levee,  together  with  later 
developments  of  railroads,  bridges 
and  commerce  brought  Venice  into 
its  present  prominence  as  the  Eastern 
gateway  to  St.  Louis. 

Returning  to  the  days  when  there 
was  no  church  in  Venice,  we  find  that 
the  few  scattered  Catholics  here  at- 
tended holy  Mass  at  St.  Henry  and 
St.  Patrick  in  East  St.  Louis,  and  St. 
Michael  because  they  were  easier  to 
reach,  since  a  regular  ferry  service 
had  been  established  between  Venice 
and  St.  Louis.  The  ferry  proved  a 
great  blessing  to  the  people  of  Venice 
until  1910  when  the  St.  Louis  Ter- 
minal Bridge  was  erected.  Prior  to 
that  time,  in  the  winter  months,  the 
pioneer  Catholic  walked  across  the 
frozen  Mississippi  in  order  to  hear 
Mass  on  Sundays  and  Holy  days. 

On  September  29,  1871,  the  Congre- 
gation of  Venice  was  incorporated 
under  the  name  of  "St.  Mark's 
Roman  Catholic  Church  of  Venice, 
Madison  County,  Illinois."  The  char- 
ter was  recorded  October  5,  1871.  The 
first  trustees  were :  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Alton;  Very  Reverend  John  Janssen, 
Vicar-General ;  Reverend  Christopher 
Koenig,  Rector;  Mr.  Thomas  Byrnes 
and  Mr.  Joseph  Froehly,  layman,  and 
members  of  the  congregation. 

On  April  15,  1873,  four  lots  were 
bought  for  the  congregation  in  Kerr's 
Addition  to  the  town  of  Venice,  name- 
ly, lots  number  11,  12,  13  and  14,  in 
block  12  of  said  addition,  said  lots 
having  frontage  of  120  feet  on  the 
south  side  of  Abbott  Street,  and  a 
depth  of  125  feet  to  an  alley.  The 
necessary  funds  were  borrowed  from 
Mr.  August  Gehner  of  St.  Louis.  Mr. 
Joseph  Froehly  and  two  other  persons 
went  to  Alton  to  secure  the  Bishop's 


389 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


permission  to  collect  funds  to  pay 
the  debt  contracted ;  having  obtained 
the  necessary  permission,  they  pro- 
ceeded with  the  work. 

January  5,  1880,  Reverend  Joseph 
Spaeth  was  appointed  rector  jointly 
of  St.  Elizabeth  parish,  Mitchell,  and 
St.  Mark  parish,  Venice.  Venice  had 
neither  a  church  nor  rectory.  Father 
Spaeth  was  in  ill  health  and,  conse- 
quently, took  no  active  part  in  the  es- 
tablishment or  development  of  St. 
Mark's.  On  November  20,  1880, 
Father  Spaeth  resigned. 

Joseph  Froehly  and  Edward 
Byrnes  served  as  trustees  during  the 
rectorship  of  Father  Spaeth.  Then, 
to  hasten  the  building  of  a  church, 
which  had  been  delayed  on  account  of 
adverse  circumstances,  Nicolaus  Lief- 
ferig  and  John  T.  Richardson  were 
appointed  directors  of  St.  Mark  con- 
gregation. On  July  7,  1880,  a  new 
site  was  purchased  for  the  church  on 
Second  and  Granville  Streets,  com- 
prising the  south  half  of  the  block, 
bordering  on  Granville  between  Sec- 
ond and  Third  streets.  The  purchase 
price  was  $750.00.  These  lots  were 
purchased  from  Levi  L.  Ashbrook. 

The  original  site  obtained  for  a 
church  was  found  to  be  too  close  to 
the  right-of-way  of  several  railroads, 
namely  the  C.  C.  C.  &  St.  L.,  (Big 
Four),  and  Wabash  &  Chicago  &  Al- 
ton. The  lots  deemed  unsuitable  for 
church  purposes,  were  sold.  Subscrip- 
tions for  a  church  were  taken  up 
again,  and  added  to  the  funds  collect- 
ed by  Joseph  Froehly,  in  1872.  The 
small  congregation  was  compelled  to 
buy  every  inch  of  ground,  as  none  was 
donated.  The  people  were  hungering 
for  the  Word  of  God  and  Bread  of 
Life ;  there  was  an  ample  amount  of 
propei'ty  on  hand ;  all  were  willing  to 
contribute  funds,  but — the  principal 
factor  in  the  life  of  the  parish  was 
wanting, — there  was  no  pastor,  there 
was  no  shepherd  living  amongst  his 
flock.  The  heart's  desire  of  the  peo- 
ple was  finally  realized,  the  great  need 
of  the  people  was  met  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  an  energetic  young  priest,  to 
whose  lot  it  fell  to  become  the  found- 


er, upbuilder  and  pastor  of  St.  Mark 
parish,  Venice.  The  apostle  of  the 
church  in  Venice  was  Reverend  Peter 
Kaenders,  who  was  born  in  Veert, 
near  Gelden,  Rhein  Province,  Ger- 
many, on  September  28,  1856.  Father 
Kaenders  served  41  years  as  pastor  of 
St.  Mark. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  and 
directors,  August  19,  1881,  it  was 
unanimously  resolved  to  proceed  with 
the  erection  of  a  church  building,  and 
the  work  was  begun  in  September, 
1881.  Plans  and  specifications  were 
furnished  by  Mr.  N.  H.  Melcher  of  St. 
Louis,  and  the  contract  was  awarded 
to  Mr.  George  M.  Raeder,  St.  Louis; 
the  corner-stone  was  laid  October  26, 
3881,  and  was  solemnly  blessed  by 
Reverend  Christopher  Koenig  of  E. 
St.  Louis,  Illinois,  and  Fathers  P. 
Peters  of  Alton  and  Peter  Kaenders 
of  Mitchell  and  Venice.  The  building 
was  completed  in  the  Spring  of  1882 
at  a  cost  of  $5200.00.  The  first  holy 
Mass  was  sung  by  Reverend  Peter 
Kaenders,  the  pastor,  on  Low  Sunday, 
April  16,  1882.  Mr.  Francis  Lowrie 
serving  as  organist  and  singer,  and 
Thomas  Loftus,  Jr.,  and  Garry 
Byrnes,  as  altar  boys.  This  was  the 
first  holy  Mass  said  in  Venice. 

After  this  date  services  were  held 
in  St.  Mark  Church,  every  Sunday; 
Father  Kaenders  saying  one  Mass  at 
Mitchell,  and  one  at  Venice.  The 
journey  to  and  fro  was  made  oc- 
casionally by  train,  by  horse  and 
buggy  and  not  infrequently  by  hand- 
car propelled  by  the  brawny  arms  of 
Wabash  or  Chicago  &  Alton  section 
men. 

The  following  were  charter  mem- 
bers :  Joseph  and  Mrs.  Froehly,  Thom- 
as and  Mrs.  Byrnes,  Edward  and  Mrs. 
Byrnes,  Martin  and  Mrs.  Jennings, 
Francis  and  Mrs.  Lowrie,  Nicholas 
and  Mrs.  Liefferig,  John  and  Mrs. 
Fechte,  Conrad  and  Mrs.  Frickie, 
Thomas  and  Mrs.  Loftus,  Sr.,  Joseph 
B.,  and  Mrs.  Range,  Joseph  and  Mrs. 
Range,  Caspar  and  Mrs.  Vorwald, 
John  and  Mrs.  Scarritt,  Patrick  and 
Mrs.  Craddock,  Felix  and  Mrs.  Kim- 
mick,   Jacob  and  Mrs.   Frey,   Henry 


390 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


and  Mrs.  Lenz,  Michael  and  Mrs.  De- 
vanney,  R.  V.  Crofton  and  wife,  C. 
Weisbeck  and  wife,  William  and  Mrs. 
Moellenbrock,  Theodore  and  Mrs. 
Moellenbrock,  August  and  Mrs.  Loh- 
mann,  Frank  and  Mrs.  Lohmann, 
Henry  and  Mrs.  Range,  and  Mrs.  W. 
H.  Grayson. 

The  pioneer  members  of  St.  Mark 
parish  were  mostly  immigrants  from 
Germany  and  Ireland  or  the  first 
generation  of  those  who  had  come 
from  those  countries  to  seek  their  for- 
tune or  pursue  their  religion  in  a  new 
world,  free  from  civil  or  religious  op- 
pression. They  were  sturdy  in  char- 
acter and  strong  in  faith ;  happy  at 
the  thought  of  having  a  Temple  of 
God  in  their  midst.  The  youthful 
congregation  revived  rapidly  from  the 
adversities  of  the  past,  and  God 
blessed  its  noble  efforts. 

The  church  building  was  solemnly 
dedicated  November  12,  1882,  by 
Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton,  assisted  by 
Fathers  Peter  Kaenders,  the  pastor; 
P.  Peters,  of  Alton ;  William  Cluse,  of 
Germantown ;  and  Father  Dominicus, 
O.F.M.,  of  the  last  two  mentioned  the 
former  delivered  the  English,  and  the 
latter,  the  German  sermon.  In  the 
afternoon,  two  bells  were  consecrated 
by  the  Bishop ;  one,  in  honor  of  St. 
Mark ;  the  other,  in  honor  of  St.  Mary 
Magdalen. 

Realizing  the  part  that  societies 
play  in  the  life,  growth,  and  develop- 
ment of  a  parish,  Father  Kaenders 
set  about  early  to  establish  such  so- 
cieties as  he  deemed  most  necessary. 
The  first  of  these  was  an  altar  society, 
organized  in  July,  1882,  under  the 
name  of  St.  Mary's  Altar  Society, 
with  Mrs.  John  Fechte  as  President, 
and  Mrs.  W.  H.  Grayson  as  Treas- 
urer. Other  charter  members  in- 
cluded Mrs.  Fletcher,  Mrs.  N.  Lieff- 
erig,  Mrs.  Hogan,  Mrs.  Miller,  Mrs.  F. 
Heintz.Mrs.  F.  Lowrie,  Mrs.  T.  Loftus, 
Mrs.  R.  Cody,  Mrs.  J.  Froehly,  Mrs. 
T.  Byrnes,  Mrs.  Bransdorf,  Mrs.  Pep- 
pers, Misses  Belle  and  Rose  Froehly. 
The  second  society  established  was  the 
Western   Catholic   Union,    organized 


January  7,  1883.  Mr.  John  Fechte 
was  elected  president;  Mr.  Francis 
Lowrie,  treasurer,  and  Michael  J. 
Foley,  secretary.  The  charter  for  St. 
Mark's  branch,  W.  C.  U.  No.  26,  was 
issued  January  21,  1883.  The  char- 
ter members  were  :  Melchior  Troeck- 
ler,  Thomas  Loftus,  Richard  Cody, 
John  Hannegan,  Charles  Weisbeck, 
Frank  Heintz,  Henry  Pruetzel,  Frank 
Vorwald,  Jos.  B.  Range,  Peter  Mc- 
Cabe,  Daniel  Southern  and  Reverend 
Peter  Kaenders.  On  September  3, 
1883,  the  St.  Raphael  Society  was  or- 
ganized. The  purpose  of  this  society 
was  to  maintain  by  monthly  contribu- 
tions, the  parish  school ;  all  men, 
women  and  children  of  the  parish 
were  eligible  to  membership.  St. 
Aloysius  Young  Men's  Society  was 
organized  Easter  Sunday,  1888.  The 
charter  members  were :  Ben  Perry, 
William  McFee,  Mr.  O'Leary,  John 
Williams,  Henry  Geppert,  Caspar 
Geppert,  William  Lenz,  Xavier  Loh- 
mann, Frank  Weber,  Frank  Krone, 
William  Grayson,  Patrick  McXamara 
and  John  Byrnes,  John  Wald,  Joseph 
B.  Range,  James  Fennell,  Richard 
Madden,  and  Henry  Vorwald.  The 
society  of  the  Holy  Childhood  was  or- 
ganized on  Holy  Thursday,  1889. 

In  the  summer  of  1882,  the  town 
of  Venice  was  visited  by  a  great  flood 
caused  by  a  break  in  the  Madison 
levee ;  the  water  came  so  quickly  that 
only  at  great  risk  could  the  vestments 
and  church  goods  be  saved.  The  water 
stood  five  feet  high  in  the  church  for 
three  weeks,  and  nine  feet  deep  on 
the  outside.  Messrs.  Francis  Lowrie 
and  Thomas  Loftus,  Sr.,  distinguished 
themselves  for  bravery  on  this  oc- 
casion. Likewise  Father  Kaendei's, 
though  residing  at  Mitchell,  frequent- 
ly visited  his  stricken  parishioners  via 
row-boat,  transported  provisions  and 
offered  comfort  to  the  poor  people 
marooned  in  the  upper  stories  of  their 
homes;  no  lives  were  lost,  but  great 
damage  was  done  to  property. 

Another  step  in  the  progress  of  the 
parish  was  the  erection  of  a  school,  a 
small  one-storv  frame  structure,  in 
1883,  at  a  cost  of  $600.00.     Like   its 


391 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IX    ILLINOIS 


counterpart,  the  modest  church  edi- 
fice at  its  side,  this  new  building  also 
passed  through  the  flood  of  1883,  but 
the  water  subsided  in  due  time  before 
the  opening  of  the  school  term.  On 
September  3,  1883,  the  school  build- 
ing was  blessed  by  Father  Kaenders, 
who  sang  High  Mass  in  honor  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Classes  were  opened  with 
thirty-five  pupils  in  attendance.  Mr. 
V.  F.  Serafini,  of  St.  Louis,  was  the 
first  teacher. 

Though  most  of  the  early  parishion- 
ers were  people  of  moderate  means 
there  were  found  generous  souls  who 
sought  to  ornament  their  modest  little 
church.  Among  the  donors  and  their 
respective  donations,  the  following 
are  worthy  of  note  :  Caspar  Vorwald 
and  Conrad  Frickie  (two  bells)  ; 
Francis  Lowrie,  (organ,  vestment 
case,  processional  cross)  ;  Nicholas 
Liefferig,  (holy  water  font,  altar 
linens,  two  pair  of  candlesticks,  altar 
vases  and  flowers,  sanctuary  lamp, 
statue  of  Infant  Jesus)  ;  Edward 
Lowrie,  of  St.  Louis,  (Stations  of  the 
Cross)  ;  R.  B.  Crofton,  (stove,  violet 
vestment)  ;  C.  Weisbeck,  (white 
cope)  ;  Altar  Society,  (black  vest- 
ment) ;  Mesdames  Frickie  and  Vor- 
wald, (statue  of  the  B.  V.  M.)  ;  M.  J. 
Foley,  (two  chandeliers) ;  August 
Lohmann,  (statue  of  St.  Mark,  cat- 
afalque) ;  Conrad  Frickie,  (statues  of 
Saints  Conrad  and  Elizabeth)  ; 
Messrs.  N.  Liefferig,  Caspar  Vorwald 
and  August  Lohmann,  (statue  of  St. 
Joseph)  ;  Madison  County  Ferry 
Company,  ($100,  cash). 

The  struggling  young  parish  re- 
ceived considerable  aid  from  the  non- 
Cat  holies  of  the  community  who  pat- 
ronized the  church's  bazaars,  enter- 
tainments, etc.  In  general,  a  very 
friendly  feeling  existed  between  all 
the  people  of  the  city  regardless  of 
race,  color  or  creed. 

September  1,  1884,  the  Sisters  of 
the  Precious  Blood,  Ruma,  Illinois, 
took  charge  of  the  school.  Sisters 
Ottilia  and  Bridget  being  sent  as 
teacher  and  housekeeper  respectively. 
New  life  was  infused  into  the  parish 
as  a  result  of  the  Sisters  coming  here, 


and  in  1886,  it  was  necessary  to  build 
an  additional  room  to  the  school.  The 
Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  left  in 
1891,  and  were  succeeded  by  Prof  essor 
P.  Goeltz  as  teacher  and  organist  un- 
til 1893. 

Owing  to  the  growth  of  the  parish 
and  school  it  became  necessary  for  the 
pastor  to  reside  among  his  flock. 
Hence,  a  parsonage  was  erected  in  the 
winter  of  1884,  and  in  June,  1885, 
Father  Kaenders,  who  had  thus  far 
resided  at  Mitchell,  took  up  his  per- 
manent residence  in  the  newly  erected 
parsonage  at  Venice. 

In  the  year  1890  the  building  of 
the  Merchants'  Terminal  Bridge  in- 
duced the  population  to  move  away 
from  Venice  and  settle  in  the  adjoin- 
ing village  of  Madison,  a  new  site  was 
purchased  in  Block  2  of  Knox  & 
Smith's  second  addition  to  Venice,  on 
which  a  substantial  brick  building 
was  erected  in  1892,  at  a  cost  of  $12,- 
000.00.  It  is  a  combination  building 
and  serves  as  parochial  school  and 
church  up  to  the  present  day.  Dur- 
ing the  construction  of  this  new 
building,  a  second  flood  visited  Ven- 
ice. This  was  in  1892,  but  no  lives 
were  lost  nor  great  property  damage 
resulted.  Upon  the  completion  of  the 
new  church  and  school  building  the 
old  property,  consisting  of  church, 
school  and  parsonage,  were  sold.  So 
also  was  the  ground.  Father  Kaen- 
ders rented  a  house  near  the  new 
church,  and  lived  there  until  1903, 
when  his  new  rectory  was  completed. 

In  1903  the  new  rectory,  a  two- 
story,  brick  building,  was  built  on 
Sixth  street,  next  to  the  church.  Cost 
$6,000.00. 

In  connection  with  St.  Mark's 
school,  Father  Kaenders  erected  the 
well  known  Marquette  Hall,  a  large 
frame  structure  for  theatrical  and 
social  purposes,  which  had  the  best 
equipped  stage  in  this  locality.  This 
hall  was  built  soon  after  the  erection 
of  the  new  rectory.  As  a  playwright 
and  director  of  plays,  Father  Kaen- 
ders achieved  great  success.  One  play 
was  produced  to  a  capacity  house  for 
ten   consecutive  nights.     One  of  his 


392 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


dramas  entitled  "The  Easter  Fire  on 
the  Hill  of  Slane"  was  presented  in 
the  Century  Theater  in  St.  Louis  in 
1906,  with  great  success.  The  follow- 
ing dramas  from  the  pen  of  Father 
Kaenders  have  appeared  in  print : 
"The  Prince  of  Fez";  "The  Easter 
Fire  on  the  Hill  of  Slane";  "Lucius 
Flavius";  "The  Maid  of  Desen- 
zane";  "Her  Only  Love";  "Lorna 
Doone",  a  dramatization  of  Black- 
more  's  novel.  Two  plays,  the  ' '  Wizard 
of  Antioch,"  and  "Mary  O'Mur- 
rough, ' '  a  dramatization  of  Rosa  Mul- 
holland's  story,  are  still  in  manu- 
script form. 

The  transfer  of  the  church  and 
school  site  and  particularly  the  erec- 
tion of  a  new  church  and  school — just 
ten  years  after  the  erection  of  the 
first  church  marked  the  beginning  of 
a  decade  of  progress  and  development. 
Two  lots  were  purchased  next  to  the 
church  and  school  on  Broadway; 
then  a  house  (frame)  was  bought  and 
moved  to  this  site.  This  was  to  pro- 
vide a  home  for  the  Sisters.  Next, 
eight  more  lots,  bordering  on  Sixth 
and  Lincoln  Avenue  were  purchased 
to  be  used  for  a  site  for  a  permanent 
church  building,  to  be  erected  in  the 
near  future. 

In  September,  1893,  the  Dominican 
Sisters  of  Racine,  Wisconsin,  took 
charge  of  the  school.  Sisters  Per- 
petua,  Anastasia,  Concordia  and  Cal- 
ista  were  the  first  Sisters  sent  to  Ven- 
ice. The  Dominican  Sisters  remained 
in  charge  of  St.  Mark's  school  from 
1893  to  1899.  Their  learning,  zeal 
and  devotedness  endeared  them  to 
their  youthful  charges,  to  pastor  and 
people  alike.  The  fruits  of  their  un- 
selfish labor  are  still  manifest  in  their 
former  pupils,  the  present  men  and 
women  of  the  parish.  Hence,  it  was 
with  genuine  sorrow  that  the  parish 
witnessed  their  recall  in  the  summer 
of  1899.  Like  their  worthy  and  zeal- 
ous predecessors  the  venerable  Sis- 
ters of  the  Most  Precious  Blood,  so  too 
the  Dominican  Sisters  found  it  im- 
possible to  cope  with  that  ruthless  ir- 
respector  of  person,  age,  or  station, 
namely,  fever,  especially  Malaria  and 


Typhoid  so  prevalent  in  Venice  in 
those  days,  and  owing  to  the  unhealth- 
f  ul  condition  of  the  water  and  climate, 
the  Sisters  were  withdrawn  in  the 
summer  of  1899.  During  this  period 
the  school  had  an  average  enrollment 
of  130  pupils,  the  children  of  families 
representing  various  nationalities,  es- 
pecially Polish,  Slavish,  Croatians, 
Lithuanians,  Italians,  Russians  and 
even  Greeks,  besides  the  American - 
born  children  of  German  and  Irish 
parentage.  From  1899  to  1904  the 
school  was  under  the  direction  of  lay 
teachers.  They  were :  Mr.  F.  A. 
Schulte,  Miss  Jehle,  Miss  Snadden, 
Miss  Tierney,  Miss  Gramann  and  Miss 
Eager. 

The  Ursuline  Sisters  from  Alton, 
took  charge  of  St.  Mark's  school  in 
September,  1904.  Mother  Aloysius, 
Sisters  Genevieve,  Rita  and  Anna  be- 
ing the  first  teachers  of  this  com- 
munity. The  school  enrollment  at 
this  time  exceeded  200  pupils,  and  as 
a  sufficient  number  of  Sisters  could 
not  be  engaged  the  first  year,  a  lay- 
man, Mr.  George  Link,  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  older  boys. 

The  Ursuline  Sisters  remained  in 
charge  until  1910  when  they  were  re- 
called. The  school  record  of  that  year 
shows  an  enrollment  of  265  pupils, 
among  them  a  number  of  non-Catho- 
lics. St.  Mark's  parish  claimed  the 
honor  of  making  the  first  effort  to 
conduct  a  high  school  in  Venice 
opened  to  non-Catholics  as  well  as 
Catholics,  and  Father  Kaenders  per- 
sonally conducted  a  commercial  class 
in  stenography,  typewriting,  book- 
keeping and  commercial  law.  The  par- 
ish at  this  period  was  a  large  one, 
comprising  fully  200  families. 

From  1910  "to  1921  St.  Mark's 
school  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers, 
who  were :  Misses  Van  Plege,  Mary 
Eiler,  Cora  LeCombe,  Louisa  Boyer, 
Anna  Smith,  Moore,  Leusch,  Cecelia 
Voegele,  Kavanaugh,  Helen  Butler, 
Edna  Cease,  Mary  Dolan  and  Gene- 
vieve Reichert,  who  now  is  a  member 
of  the  Daughters  of  Charity  of  St. 
Vincent  do  Paul,  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
and  Mrs.  Margaret  Reeves. 


393 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IX    ILLINOIS 


When  the  neighboring  villages  of 
Madison  and  Granite  City  sprang  up 
with  the  advent  of  large  steel  fac- 
tories, foundries  and  rolling  mills  and 
developed  with  the  proverbial  mush- 
room growth  many  Catholic  families 
moved  from  Venice  and  other  places 
into  these  cities  and  in  1901  formed 
the  new  parish  of  St.  Joseph  in  Gran- 
ite City.  Those  families  that  resided 
in  Madison  still  belonged  to  St.  Mark, 
but  as  most  of  them  were  of  foreign 
birth  the  union  was  rather  loose. 

The  Franciscan  and  Jesuit  Fathers 
of  St.  Louis  assisted  Fathers  Kaen- 
ders  in  the  parish  work  on  many  oc- 
casions, especially  on  Sundays  and 
Holy  days.  Father  Hochmueller  and 
Father  Politeo,  a  Croatian  priest,  la- 
bored in  St.  Mark's  for  brief  periods. 
The  first  duly  appointed  assistant 
was  Reverend  A.  P.  Podgorsek,  who 
was  sent  to  Venice  October  2,  1908, 
to  care  for  the  Slavic  people  living 
within  the  precincts  of  the  parish.  He 
attended  to  the  needs  of  these  people 
also  in  other  cities,  namely,  Madison, 
Granite  City,  Edwardsville,  Staunton 
and  Collinsville.  Father  Podgorsek 
left  Venice  May  10,  1910,  for  the 
Wichita  diocese  in  Kansas  to  which  he 
belonged.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev- 
erend Bernard  Wubbe  who  came  to 
St.  Mark  July  1,  1910,  as  a  newly  or- 
dained priest.  He  labored  in  St. 
Mark  until  October  1,  1911,  when  he 
was  transferred  to  St.  Mary's  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois. 

In  October,  1911,  Reverend  Wil- 
liam Wozniak  was  sent  as  assistant  to 
St.  Mark  with  instructions  to  look 
after  the  needs  of  the  Polish  members 
of  the  parish  and  eventually  to  or- 
ganize a  Polish  parish  in  Madison, 
where  most  of  these  people  lived. 
Happy  at  the  thought  of  having  a 
priest  who  not  only  spoke  their  lan- 
guage, but  was  one  of  their  country- 
men, these  devout  but  needy  Catholics 
rallied  to  his  aid  so  nobly  that  in  the 
following  year,  1912,  they  formed  a 
new  parish,  St.  Mary,  and  erected  a 
modest  frame  building  for  church  and 
school     purposes.     Father    Wozniak 


took  charge  of  the  newly  organized 
parish  December  20,  1912. 

About  the  year  1912  St.  Mark  par- 
ish entered  upon  a  period  of  decline 
due  to  various  causes  and  circum- 
stances. The  parish,  in  the  course  of 
its  life,  was  visited  by  three  floods, 
1883,  1892,  and  1903,  all  more  or  less 
destructive,  and  leaving  in  their  trail 
poverty,  depression  and  not  infre- 
quently sickness  and  disease,  prin- 
cipally Malaria,  Typhoid  and  Small- 
pox; then  St.  Mark's  had  seen  its 
membership  lessened  twice  by  the  for- 
mation of  the  new  parishes  of  St. 
Joseph,  Granite  City  in  1901,  and 
St.  Mary  in  Madison,  in  1912.  This 
fact  not  only  decreased  its  member- 
ship, but  also  its  source  of  revenue. 
Many  prominent  members  left  the 
mother  parish  and  moved  to  Granite 
City.  Another  severe  blow  for  St. 
Mark's  was  the  withdrawal  of  the 
venerable  school  sisters.  Three  differ- 
ent religious  communities  had  been  in 
charge  of  the  school  from  1884  to  1910 
and  all  left  on  account  of  unhealthful 
climatic  conditions.  But  the  indom- 
itable spirit  of  Father  Kaenders 
weathered  all  storms;  he  always  suc- 
ceeded in  maintaining  his  school  by 
means  of  lay  teachers  who  made 
heroic  efforts  to  keep  up  the  high 
standard  of  discipline,  and  efficiency 
set  by  the  sisters,  but  were  often 
handicapped  by  the  lack  of  parental 
co-operation.  Some  parents  sent  their 
children  to  the  parochial  schools  of 
neighboring  parishes  whilst  others,  in 
open  defiance  and  utter  disregard  of 
the  law  of  the  Church,  sent  them  to 
public  schools. 

In  1911,  Father  Kaenders,  at  the 
suggestion  of  and  with  the  permission 
of  Bishop  Ryan,  purchased  the  bank- 
rupt Evangelical  Lutheran  Hospital 
of  Granite  City  for  the  purpose  of 
converting  it  into  a  Catholic  hospital 
under  the  direction  of  some  com- 
munity Sisters  conducting  hospitals. 
This  was  evidently  a  move  in  the 
light  direction;  for  a  good  hospital 
was  sorely  needed  in  the  growing  Tri- 
Cities,  as  Venice,  Madison  and  Gran- 
ite City  are    commonly    called.     But 


394 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


the  fond  hope  was  not  fully  realized 
until  ten  years  later.  In  the  interval 
(1911-1921)  Father  Kaenders  en- 
countered great  difficulties  in  the  op- 
eration of  the  hospital,  and  often  saw 
himself  on  the  verge  of  bankruptcy. 
Only  the  heroic  and  noble  sacrifices 
of  his  parishioners  in  Venice  and 
Madison,  and  a  few  friends  in  Gran- 
ite City  averted  this  threatened  dis- 
aster. This  added  burden,  however, 
of  conducting  a  hospital  in  a  neigh- 
boring city  two  miles  distant  from  his 
own  church  was  a  superhuman  task, 
which  even  the  sturdy  teutonic  shoul- 
ders of  Father  Kaenders  could  not 
long  bear  without  ill  effects  to  him- 
self and  his  flock.  This  burden  weak- 
ened the  already  declining  parish ; 
for  it  drew  on  the  revenue  of  the  par- 
ish, many  families  moving  away  and 
in  consequence,  the  property  of  the 
parish  depreciated  noticeably.  Worry 
and  anxiety  soon  undermined  the 
health  of  Father  Kaenders  to  such  an 
extent  that  he  never  fully  recovered. 
At  this  period  of  the  history  of  the 
parish,  Father  Kaenders  was  assisted 
by  Reverend  William  Goesse,  S.J.,  of 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and  from  October, 
1918,  to  April,  1920,  by  Reverend 
Charles  Schaeffer  of  the  archdiocese 
of  St.  Louis,  a  very  learned,  holy  and 
zealous  priest,  but  himself  a  sickly 
man.  His  burning  zeal  and  profound 
piety  made  a  lasting  impression  on 
the  parish.  Ill  health  soon  cut  short 
his  fruitful  work  in  Venice  and  he 
betook  himself  to  St.  Louis,  where  he 
died  in  1920.  He  was  succeeded  in 
April  1920,  by  Reverend  Walter  Spee- 
man,  whose  energy  and  determination 
soon  made  themselves  felt  throughout 
the  parish.  His  stay  was  brief,  and 
on  March  1,  1921,  he  was  promoted  to 
the  joint-pastorate  of  St.  Alphonsus 
and  St.  Michael  parishes  at  Brighton 
and  Beltrees.  In  January,  1921,  the 
hospital,  now  known  as  St.  Eliza- 
beth's, was  sold  by  Father  Kaenders 
to  the  Sisters  of  Divine  Providence, 
Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  who  took 
immediate  charge  of  it,  and  have  con- 
ducted it  very  successfully  to  the 
present  date.     He  was  thus  relieved 


of  one  of  his  burdens,  but  the  strain 
of  the  past  ten  years  had  impaired  his 
health  to  such  a  degree  that  not  health 
but  life  was  at  stake.  The  parish  be- 
came badly  disorganized  by  reason  of 
widespread  dissension  and  lack  of  co- 
operation. There  was  much  work  to 
be  done,  his  heart  yearned  to  stay  and 
labor  among  his  flock  to  the  end,  but 
his  strength  was  exhausted.  Realiz- 
ing this  he  retired  from  active  serv- 
ice March  1,  1921,  with  the  permission 
of  the  Bishop,  and  betook  himself  to 
St.  Elizabeth's  hospital  in  order  to 
regain  his  shattered  health,  if  pos- 
sible, but  all  the  medical  skill  and 
tender  nursing  of  the  devoted  Sis- 
ters were  in  vain.  On  September  21, 
1921,  he  passed  to  his  eternal  reward, 
fortified  with  all  the  comforts  of  re- 
ligion, thus  bringing  to  an  end  his 
forty-one  years  of  service  amongst  his 
people.  The  funeral  services  were 
held  in  St.  Mark  church  September 
27,  amid  a  large  concourse  of  priests 
and  people.  Very  Reverend  Dean 
Joseph  Meckel  of  Alton,  sang  the 
Requiem  High  Mass,  assisted  by  Rev- 
erend Francis  A.  Marks  of  Collins- 
ville,  and  Reverend  F.  Holweck  of  St. 
Louis  as  deacon  and  subdeacon,  re- 
spectively. Very  Reverend  Edward 
Lancaster  Spaulding,  Vicar  General, 
delivered  the  funeral  sermon.  The 
remains  of  Father  Kaenders  rest  in 
St.  Mark's  cemetery,  where  a  suitable 
monument  was  later  erected  by  his 
grateful  people. 

On  March  1,  1921,  Reverend  Linus 
G.  Kipping  was  assigned  by  Bishop 
Ryan  to  St.  Mark  parish  at  the  re- 
quest of  Father  Kaenders.  The  work 
confronting  St.  Mark's  and  its  new 
shepherd  was  largely  one  of  recon- 
struction. The  Ladies'  Altar  Society 
and  Young  Ladies'  Sodality  were  re- 
organized with  a  membership  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty,  respectively,  and 
have  rendered  very  efficient  service 
in  the  upbuilding  of  St.  Mark's.  The 
men  and  young  men,  too,  in  large 
numbers  volunteered  their  time  and 
labor  and  seemed  to  vie  with  one  an- 
other in  rendering  greater  service. 
Croat     improvements  in    the    parish 


395 


DIOCESE  OF   SPKINGPIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


buildings  were  sadly  needed  and  un- 
dertaken at  once.  The  parochial  resi- 
dence and  the  church  and  school 
buildings  were  repaired,  and  a  mod- 
ern vapor-heating  system  was  in- 
stalled at  a  cost  of  $4,000.00.  The 
school  grounds  which  were  a  quasi- 
lake  were  filled  up  by  hauling  in  over 
three  hundred  loads  of  cinders;  this 
work  was  largely  gratis  rendered  by 
Messrs.  Prank  Kraft,  Sr.,  and  Jr.  The 
class  rooms  were  redecorated  and  all 
desks  renovated  and  revarnished. 
School  opened  September  12,  with  an 
enrollment  of  150  pupils;  two  Sisters 
of  Divine  Providence  of  Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania,  Sisters  M.  Justine  and 
M.  Teresita,  and  one  lay  teacher,  Miss 
Mary  B.  Dolan,  were  placed  in  charge 
of  the  school.  This,  perhaps,  more 
than  all  else  instilled  enthusiasm  into 
the  hearts  of  the  parishioners,  and  in- 
duced them  to  respond  nobly  to  every 
demand  and  call  for  funds  and  labor. 
The  Sisters,  being  only  two  in  num- 
ber, at  first  took  up  their  quarters  at 
St.  Elizabeth's  Hospital,  Granite 
City,  but  when  this  situation  proved 
impracticable  the  old  dilapidated  con- 
vent of  the  glorious  past  was  remod- 
eled and  the  Sisters  took  up  their 
permanent  residence  in  Venice. 
Messrs.  Arthur  and  Joseph  Musick, 
and  Vincent  Saucier  contributed  their 
time  and  labor  in  remodeling  and  re- 
decorating the  modest  home  of  the 
Sisters. 

The  spiritual  upbuilding  of  the 
parish  was  not  lost  sight  of  in  the 
hustle  and  bustle  of  material  recon- 
struction. The  church  facilities  soon 
proved  inadequate  and  the  two  Sun- 
day Masses  insufficient  for  a  congre- 
gation of  approximately  200  families. 
Hence,  beginning  September  1st,  the 
services  of  a  Redemptorist  Father 
were  engaged  for  two  extra  Masses; 
one,  for  the  laboring  people ;  the 
other,  for  the  school  children,  were 
added  to  the  regular  Sunday  services. 
The  wisdom  of  this  movement  soon 
became  apparent  from  the  increased 
numbers  of  Communions  received  and 
of  laboring  people  attending  early 
Mass.    In  October,  1921,  two  Redemp- 


torist Fathers,  Reverend  Joseph 
Halm  and  Reverend  William  Gran- 
gell,  conducted  a  week's  mission 
which  was  well  attended  and  blessed 
with  abundant  good  results.  The  an- 
nual financial  statement  of  1921  re- 
veals the  fact  that  from  a  material 
standpoint  this  was  the  banner  year 
in  the  history  of  the  parish.  The  re- 
ceipts totaled  $15,259.09,  and  the  dis- 
bursements $15,191,91.  with  an  in- 
debtedness of  $5,879.51. 

In  the  spring  of  the  year  1922  the 
Forty  Hours'  Devotion  was  conduct- 
ed for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of 
the  parish.  In  the  fall,  a  retreat  for 
young  men  and  young  women  was 
conducted  by  Reverend  A.  B.  Kippels, 
C.S.S.R.  The  school  attendance  in- 
creased, and  another  teacher,  Sister 
M.  Vitalis,  was  added  to  the  teaching 
staff.  Material  improvements  for  the 
year  included  repairs  on  the  church 
and  parsonage  roofs,  school  basement, 
painting  exterior  woodwork  of  church, 
school  and  parsonage  at  a  cost  of  $2,- 
193.00.  During  this  year  the  weekly 
envelope  system  was  introduced  and 
proved  very  successful.  During  this 
year,  also,  the  old  Marquette  Hall,  be- 
ing unsafe  and  unfit  for  further  use, 
and  beyond  repairs,  was  razed. 

In  1923,  great  difficulties  were  ex- 
perienced in  the  school,  that  is,  in  the 
months  of  January  to  June,  each 
member  of  the  teaching  staff  was 
stricken  with  sickness,  and  had  to 
abandon  her  work  temporarily.  One 
member,  Sister  M.  Justine,  was  un- 
able to  resume  her  work,  and  was 
obliged  to  return  to  the  Mother-house. 
In  these  trying  times  the  members  of 
the  staff  assumed  extra  burdens  and, 
as  a  result,  all  were  overtaxed  and  be- 
came ill.  The  pastor,  himself,  taught 
at  various  times  in  every  classroom  of 
the  school;  with  the  result  that  his 
health  also  failed,  and  he  was  obliged 
to  go  to  a  sanatarium. 

Despite  its  inauspicious  beginning 
the  year  witnessed  many  improve- 
ments; new  pews  were  placed  in  the 
church  at  a  cost  of  $1,160.00.  The 
church  was  rewired  and  electric  fix- 
tures installed,  the  labor   being    do- 


396 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


nated  by  Mr.  Joseph  Musick  and  the 
pastor.  The  church  interior  was  re- 
decorated at  a  cost  of  $1,250.00.  A 
suitable  monument  was  erected  in  St. 
Mark's  cemetery  over  the  remains  of 
Father  Kaenders,  the  founder  of  the 
parish.  It  cost  1530.00,  and  funds 
were  contributed  by  his  grateful 
parishioners.  The  parish  indebted- 
ness was  reduced  $1,250.00.  In  Oc- 
tober a  regular  assistant  was  assigned 
to  the  parish  in  the  person  of  Rever- 
end James  J.  Holmes.  A  lay  teacher, 
Miss  Elizabeth  Wendel,  aided  in  the 
school  for  two  months.  The  annual 
statement  showed  an  income  of  $13,- 
580.00,  and  disbursements  of  $13,- 
000.00.  The  school  children  in  appre- 
ciation of  the  improvements  and  add- 
ed school  facilities  conducted  a  chil- 
dren's bazaar,  which  netted  $1,100.00. 

In  lent  of  1924  Forty  Hours'  De- 
votion was  conducted  by  Reverend 
David  Scully,  a  member  of  the  Apos- 
tolic Mission  Band. 

On  June  15,  1924,  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  the  newly 
consecrated  bishop  of  the  diocese, 
paid  his  first  visit  to  the  parish  and 
conferred  the  Sacrament  of  Con- 
firmation upon  a  class  of  142  chil- 
dren and  adults. 

The  material  improvements  in- 
cluded the  extending  of  the  roof  on 
church  and  school  building,  and  put- 
ting in  copper  gutters  and  concreting 
the  basement  of  parsonage,  at  a  cost 
of  $2,053.00.  In  the  fall  of  the  year 
a  set  of  beautiful  imported  stations, 
painted  on  copper  plates,  was  donated 
by  St.  Agnes  Sodality  at  a  cost  of 
$402.00.  A  building  fund  for  a  Sis- 
ters' home  and  new  church  was  start- 
ed at  the  close  of  the  vear  amounted 
to  $2,000.00.  In  October  and  Novem- 
ber a  two-weeks'  mission  was  conduct- 
ed. 

On  January  1,  1925,  St.  Mark's  for 
the  third  time  in  forty-five  years  sus- 
tained a  loss  of  membership  by  the 
transfer  of  the  English-speaking 
parishioners  residing  in  Madison  to 
St.  Mary's  parish  of  Madison,  organ- 
ized in  1912  for  the  Polish,  but  now 


converted  into  a  parish  for  all  the 
Catholics  of  Madison.  July  4,  1925, 
Reverend  James  J.  Holmes,  the  as- 
sistant priest,  since  October  1,  1923, 
was  transferred  to  St.  Mary's  Church, 
Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois,  and  a  newly  or- 
dained priest,  Reverend  John  S. 
Brockmeier,  was  sent  to  fill  his  place 
in  St.  Mark  parish.  October  1,  1925, 
property  was  purchased  for  a  Sister's 
home,  namely,  three  lots  on  Lincoln 
Avenue,  and  a  two-story  residence  at 
a  cost  of  $4,000.00.  December,  1925, 
Reverend  M.  Martiniano  of  East  Chi- 
cago, Indiana,  conducted  a  mission 
for  the  Italian  families  of  the  parish 
of  whom  there  are  about  twenty-five. 
The  mission  was  well  attended. 

St.  Mark's  today  numbers  about 
125  families.  Besides  English,  the 
following  languages  are  spoken  with- 
in its  limits :  Italian,  Polish,  Croa- 
tian, Slovak  and  German.  The  school 
enrollment  is  160  pupils.  During  the 
year  the  Holy  Name  Society  for  men 
and  young  men  was  established. 

The  present  trustees  are  Messrs. 
George  Reinemann  and  James  Mc- 
Gee,  who  soon  will  complete  their 
tenth  year  of  unselfish  service. 

Honorable  J.  E.  Lee,  physician  and 
surgeon,  a  prominent  member  of  the 
parish,  is  filling  the  position  of  Mayor 
of  Venice  for  the  third  term.  With 
few  exceptions,  the  entire  city  admini- 
stration is  made  up  of  members  of  St. 
Mark's  parish. 

As  evidence  of  the  spiritual  life  and 
progress  in  the  past  four  and  one-half 
years,  St.  Mark  s  may  point  with 
pride  to  the  increase  of  religious  voca- 
tions. Four  young  ladies  have  enter- 
ed the  convent,  namely,  Mary  Musick, 
known  as  Sister  Mary  Marce ;  Mar- 
garet Crimmins,  (Sister  Mary  Ethel- 
rada)  ;  Bernice  Musick,  (Sister  Mary 
Linus)  ;  Sabina  Daniels,  a  postulant. 
Sisters  Mary  Marce,  Linus  and  Miss 
Sabina  Daniels  entered  the  com- 
munity of  the  Sisters  of  Divine  Prov- 
idence of  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania, 
whose  Sisters  are  in  charge  of  St. 
Mark's  school.   Sister  M.  Ethelreda  is 


397 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


a  member  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Most 
Precious  Blood,  0  'Fallon,  Missouri. 
Two  young  men,  Perry  Fechte  and 


John  Nevins  are  students  at  Concep- 
tion College,  Conception,  Missouri, 
preparing  for  the  priesthood. 


Mission  of  St.  Nicholas,  Pocahontas,  Bond  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1871. 
Mission  of  Highland,  Illinois. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  August  M.  Hohl. 


Pocahontas,  a  thriving  little  in- 
dustrial city  of  some  thousand  in- 
habitants, nestles  snugly  among  the 
gentle  hills  and  fertile  fields  of  Bond 
County.  As  early  as  1821,  Benjamin 
Johnson,  pioneer,  laid  out  the  lines 
for  a  little  town  at  that  point  and 
called  it  Oakdale.  As  so  many  Illi- 
nois villages  the  new  town  was  just 
another  typical  farming  community 
and  attracted  no  particular  attention 
until  about  the  year  1868,  when  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad  was  built 
through  its  western  limits.  The 
event  was  made  memorable  by 
changing  the  name  to  Pocahontas. 
Under  the  name  of  the  little  Indian 
lass  the  town  grew  and  prospered 
and  now,  though  still  enjoying  some 
rural  trade,  has  generally  become 
known  as  an  industrial  city  because 
its  coal  mine,  sunk  some  twenty 
years  ago  and  producing  a  very  fine 
grade  of  coal,  has  under  the  able 
superintendence  of  Mr.  John  Burk, 
some  four  hundred  and  fifty  men  on 
its  payroll. 

The  town  has  a  public  park,  good 
schools  and  three  churches.  We  are 
not  sure  that  St.  Nichalos  Church  is 
the  oldest ;  but  the  records  show  that 
the  Franciscan  Fathers  from  Teutopo- 
lis  visited  Pocahontas  in  the  early 
sixties  and  offered  the  Holy  Sacrifice 
in  the  homes  of  such  old  settlers  as 
Mr.  John  Senn  and  Mr.  Gillmore. 

About  the  year  1871,  the  agitation 
for  a  real  church  in  which  the  ever- 
growing Catholic  population  might 
worship  resulted,  under  the  able 
leadership  of  Father  Francis  Moen- 
ning,  in  the  erection  of  a  new  church, 
which  with  some  remodeling  and  ad- 
ditions still  stands  and  serves  its  use- 
ful purpose.  Among  those  promi- 
nently identified  with  this   work   of 


sacrifice  and  love  we  find  the  names 
of  John  Senn,  who  was  the  first 
treasurer  and  held  the  office  for 
many  succeeding  years,  and  Mr.  Ar- 
nold, Mr.  H.  Lynch,  Leo  Esenpreis, 
Carl  Knebel  and  J.  Kustermann. 

Riemann,  Gleason  Company  were 
the  contractors  and  the  church  was 
completed  with  the  exception  of 
some  of  the  interior  fixtures  for  some 
$2500.00.  We  admire  the  loyal 
generous  impulse  that  animated 
these  people  when  we  learn  from  the 
very  complete  record  of  Mr.  Senn 
that  after  the  year  there  remained 
five  dollars  in  the  treasury  with  no 
debt.  Under  the  continued  guid- 
ance of  the  Franciscan  Fathers  from 
Teutopolis  the  parish  grew  to  the 
number  of  fifty  families  and  indeed 
made  such  progress  that  Reverend 
Clementinus  Deyermann,  O.F.M.,  de- 
cided that  a  school  would  be  neces- 
sary. Accordingly  the  woi'k  was 
undertaken  and,  an  old  building 
which  originally  had  been  used  for 
worship  while  the  new  church  was 
in  the  stage  of  erection,  was  convert- 
ed into  a  school  and  a  teacher,  Eliza- 
beth McAndrews,  and  later  Sebas- 
tian Hoenig  were  employed.  The 
school  seems  to  have  been  conducted 
with  varying  success  until  1878. 

Several  causes  now  intervened  to 
give  this  promising  congregation  a 
setback.  Saline  to  the  west  and 
south,  a  growing  community,  needed 
a  church,  which  was  built  and  a  resi- 
dent pastor  given  it.  Then,  at  just  a 
little  later  period  the  church  at  Pier- 
ron,  southwest  of  Pocahontas  was 
built.  The  result  of  these  two  proj- 
ects was  to  take  quite  a  number  of 
families  from  the  Pocahontas  con- 
gregation, which  impoverished  it  so 


398 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


that  the  school  had  to  be  regretfully 
closed. 

Charge  of  Pocahontas  passed  in 
the  year  1878  from  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  to  the  priests  in  Highland, 
Father  Reinhart  being  the  first  as- 
sistant to  make  the  bi-weekly  trip  to 
serve  the  little  flock.  Then  years 
later  Father  William  Futterer,  Pas- 
tor of  Saline,  took  charge  in  1888  of 
this  mission  and  other  priests  of 
Saline,  among  them  Father  William 
Becker  and  Father  Anthony  Zurbon- 
son,  struggled  to  keep  the  waning 
spark  of  Faith  alive  in  the  hearts  of 
the  people.  In  1895  Father  John  P. 
Maroney,  who  was  then  stationed  at 
Greenville,  undertook  to  care  for  the 
mission  but  it  seems  the  number  of 
parishioners  diminished  to  the  extent 
that  the  Bishop,  who  needed  priests 
badly    in     more     populous     places, 


closed  the  church  for  a  period  of  five 
years. 

Reverend  Anthony  Jaschke,  learned 
and  energetic  assistant  at  Highland 
and  later  pastor  at  Saline,  undertook 
the  reorganization  of  St.  Nicholas 
parish  in  the  year  1908  and  with  fine 
success.  Again  the  charge  reverted 
to  the  priests  at  Highland.  Father 
Joseph  Reis  with  commendable  en- 
ergy directed  the  people  in  a  much 
needed  remodeling  project.  He  was 
followed  successively  by  Fathers 
Schnelten,  Faller,  Kleas,  Winking, 
Yunker,  Telken  and  Enzeiler,  who 
were  all  zealous  and  energetic  young 
men  and  with  the  fine  co-operation 
of  the  people  have  again  made  Poca- 
hontas' St.  Nicholas  church  one  of 
the  very  promising  small  parishes  of 
the  Diocese. 


Church  op  the  Sacred  Heart,  Oconee,  Shelby  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1872. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Joseph  A.  Reis. 


Oconee,  Shelby  County,  Illinois,  is 
a  small  village  of  three  hundred 
twenty-seven  inhabitants  lying  on 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  just 
forty  miles  south  of  Decatur,  and 
twenty-three  miles  north  of  Van- 
dalia.  It  was  at  this  point  that  a 
number  of  immigrants,  mostly  from 
the  vicinity  of  Hanover,  Germany, 
and  from  Dutch  settlements  coming 
from  the  border  of  Holland,  obtained 
farm  land  and  built  up  homes.  All 
these  people  had  imbibed  a  deep  re- 
ligious spirit  at  their  mother's  knee 
which  made  them  feel  the  lack  of  re- 
ligious consolation  in  their  new  home 
most  keenly.  They  would  travel  for 
miles  and  miles  through  most  in- 
clement weather  by  wagon,  on  horse, 
or  even  on  foot  and  usually  fasting 
for  the  pleasure  of  hearing  Mass  and 
to  receive  the  Sacraments,  whenever, 
at  infrequent  intervals  a  German 
priest  would  celebrate  the  most  sub- 
lime sacrifice  of  the  Altar  in  some 
farm  dwelling.  There  was  indeed  a 
Catholic  Church  in  Pana,  a  town  just 
seven  miles  north  of  Oconee.     There 


was  at  Pana  at  that  time  a  very 
pious  priest,  who,  however,  was  un- 
able to  understand  their  language, 
which  made  it  difficult  for  these  new 
settlers  who  could  not  speak  English 
to  receive  the  Sacraments,  and  be 
consoled  by  instruction  in  their  holy 
religion. 

In  August,  1868,  Gerhardt  Herman 
Rakers,  Sr.,  the  venerable  father  of 
the  present  G.  II.  Rakers,  always  an 
enthusiastic  worker  for  Oconee  Par- 
ish, landed  at  Oconee.  Mr.  Raker's 
one  desire  was  to  have  a  priest  at 
Oconee. 

Reverend  Michael  Weis,  D.D.,  sta- 
tioned at  Vandalia  from  April,  1868, 
until  November,  1869,  sympathizing 
with  the  Catholic  people  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  Ramsey,  a  town  eleven 
miles  south  of  Oconee,  came  to  say 
Mass  and  administer  the  Sacraments 
in  a  private  cottage,  probably  in  the 
home  of  Mathias  Schmitz,  east  of 
Ramsey.  It  was  here  that  Mr.  Ger- 
hardt Herman  Rakers  seized  the  op- 
portunity to  kindly  request  Father 
Weiss  to  visit  Oconee  also  occasional- 


399 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ly.  Father  Weis,  a  most  zealous 
worker  among  the  pioneer  priests, 
eagerly  took  up  the  proposition.  He 
said  Mass  a  few  times  in  the  home  of 
Mathias  Schmitz  whose  wife,  now 
Mrs.  John  Klier,  still  treasures 
highly  the  bureau  used  as  an  altar. 
After  coming  to  Oconee  more  or  less 
regularly,  Father  Weis  chose  as  the 
most  convenient  place  for  religious 
exercises  a  house  situated  where  the 
Oconee  State  Bank  now  stands.  This 
was  the  dwelling  of  Mr.  Anton  Wer- 
ner, a  bachelor  and  the  cobbler  for 
the  community. 

Mr.  Gerhardt  Herman  Rakers  pro- 
vided the  necessary  furniture  for 
Father  Weis  for  saying  Mass  in  pri- 
vate houses.  His  son,  Gerhardt  Her- 
man Rakers,  Jr.,  was  the  volunteer 
organist  bringing  his  own  organ  as 
well  as  a  table  which  his  brother  had 
made  out  of  old  fence  rails  and  wood 
taken  from  the  timber. 

The  houses  wherein  Mass  was  said, 
have  for  the  most  part  been  replaced 
by  more  modern  buildings.  One  still 
stands,  however,  and  is  owned  at 
present  by  Mr.  James  Combest.  It 
was  once  the  home  of  Anton  Werner 
whose  wife,  Josephine,  later  Mrs. 
August  Trumper,  fitted  up  a  room  for 
a  chapel.  This  house  is  held  in  fond 
remembrance  by  many  who  there 
made  their  first  confession  and  re- 
ceived their  First  Holy  Communion. 

Father  Weis  was  unable  to  say 
Mass  every  Sunday,  nevertheless, 
ever  zealous  for  his  little  mission  he 
urged  the  people  to  select  a  suitable 
site  and  build  a  neat  but  modest 
chapel  where  the  congregation  could 
hear  Mass  and  receive  the  Sacra- 
ments whenever  the  priest  found  it 
possible  to  come  and  also  where  they 
could  assemble  on  Sunday  to  say  the 
rosary  or  have  their  children  in- 
structed by  willing  laymen  in  the 
rudiments  of  their  Holy  Faith. 

Father  Weis,  soon  transferred  to 
Marine,  was  unable  to  witness  the 
consummation  of  his  plans.  To  ful- 
fill the  desire  of  this  worthy  pastor 
as  well  as  the  longing  of  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation,  the  lumber 


was  bought  from  Mr.  Jamison  about 
two  miles  east  of  Oconee  and  placed 
in  Mr.  Raker's  barn  in  the  fall  so 
that  building  could  be  started  in  the 
spring.  The  highest  point  on  the 
Parkinson  farm  was  chosen  as  the 
site  for  the  church.  Five  acres 
were  bought  at  this  place  for  $100.00 
in  1869,  although  the  deed  was  not 
formally  executed  until  the  year 
1887.  When  Father  Weis  moved  to 
Marine,  the  growing  little  mission 
was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Fran- 
ciscan Fathers  until  Father  Stream- 
ler  was  appointed  December  11,  1870. 

The  location  of  the  church  appar- 
ently determined,  the  next  step  was 
to  select  a  burial  ground.  A  five- 
acre  hillside,  situated  on  the  north- 
west Shelby  county  line,  was  for  a 
time  considered  ideal.  This,  how- 
ever, was  abandoned  as  too  distant. 
A  new  site  for  the  cemetery  was 
selected.  This  was  just  a  little  north- 
east of  the  spot  bought  for  the 
church  and  also  on  the  Parkinson 
farm.  An  option  of  this  land  was 
taken  and  the  price  fixed  at  $100.00. 
Now  a  new  difficulty  preseted  itself. 
The  site  selected  for  a  cemetery  was 
found  to  be  within  the  corporation 
limits  of  the  village  of  Oconee.  It 
could  not  be  used  for  burial  pur- 
poses. A  suggestion  for  reversing 
the  sites  was  made  and  found  satis- 
factory. The  high  point  on  the 
Parkinson  farm  did  not  seem  ideal 
as  a  cemetery,  yet  the  five-acre 
church  site  had  been  paid  for  where- 
as only  an  option  had  been  taken  on 
the  other.  A  trade  was  negotiated 
with  Leonard  Parkinson  in  which 
the  congregation  acquired  full  pos- 
session of  the  present  church  site, 
giving  back  to  Mr.  Parkinson  the 
five-acre  tract,  the  church  to  be  built 
at  once,  and  the  cemetery  prop- 
osition to  be  considered  later. 

Father  Streamler  stationed  at  Van- 
dalia  from  December  11,  1870,  to 
July  11,  1872,  attended  the  missions 
of  Ramsey  and  Oconee.  He  had  the 
lumber  shipped  from  Vandalia  and 
built  the  first  small  Catholic  church 
in  Oconee,  a   frame  building  18x36 


400 


H 


«■     I  <•>#'■ 


Ramsey    -St.    Joseph    Church,    /.'<  r.    Aug.    Forster,    Pastoi  Pocahontas — S£. 

Nicholas  Church,  Pioneer  Residents  .  .  .  Oconei  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rev.  Joseph 
Reis,  Pastor,  Rectory,  Former  Pastors,  School  and  Sisters'  Residena  .  .  .  Roodhouse— 
St.  Athanasius  Church  .  .  .  Grafton — St.  Patrick  Church  and  Rectory,  Rev.  .1/.  ./.  Cum- 

mings,  Pastor. 


TKE  LIBRARY 

OF  Tht 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,   D.D. 


feet.  He  dedicated  the  new  church 
to  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  saying 
Mass  therein  for  the  first  time  May  9, 
1872,  on  the  occasion  of  the  marriage 
of  John  A.  Werner,  the  present 
cashier  of  the  Oconee  State  Bank, 
and  also,  together  with  John  Mickey, 
holding  the  honorable  and  respon- 
sible position  of  trustee  of  the 
church,  these  two  having  recently 
succeeded  George  Wessels  and  Peter 
Werner.  At  the  Werner  wedding 
and  other  religious  exercises  in  the 
new  church,  wagon  seats  were  used 
as  pews  while  some  brought  chairs 
from  their  homes. 

Mr.  John  Herbers,  the  volunteer 
organist,  held  this  position  until  the 
dedication  of  the  second  church 
building  in  1891,  when  he  taught  the 
Mass  to  Mr.  Gerhardt  Herman 
Rakers,  who  played  the  organ  from 
then  on.  The  male  choir  consisted  of 
William  Eckholt,  Gerhardt  Herman 
Rakers,  Henry  Rakers,  John  Herman 
Sommers  and  John  B.  Temmen. 
These  have  the  distinction  of  singing 
the  first  High  Mass  sung  in  St.  Pat- 
rick church  at  Pana. 

The  first  trustees  of  the  church 
were  Joseph  Lehn  and  Anton 
Fischer. 

When  Father  Streamler  left 
Oconee,  the  Franciscan  Fathers  of 
Teutopolis  attended  the  mission  at 
intervals  until  Father  Rensmann, 
driven  out  of  Germany  during  the 
Kultur-Kamp,  came  to  America.  He 
had  charge  of  Vandalia  and  visited 
Oconee  about  once  a  month.  His  suc- 
cessor was  Reverend  Enzlberger, 
who  gave  spiritual  guidance  to  these 
people  from  July  12,  1875,  until 
March  22,  1876.  Father  Storp,  then 
at  Pana  (1875-77),  later  at  Shelby- 
ville  (1877-81),  was  given  charge 
until  October,  1879. 

As  soon  as  the  church  became  a  re- 
ality, the  proposition  of  a  cemetery 
for  the  Catholic  community  was 
again  taken  up.  A  two-acre  tract 
just  one  mile  east  of  the  church  was 
considered  by  many  of  the  parishion- 
ers as  the  logical  burying  plot. 
Owing    to    some    misunderstanding, 


the  place  was  not  bought  for  some 
time,  although  most  of  the  members 
took  it  for  granted  that  the  matter 
was  settled.  Little  Willie  Berns,  an 
infant,  died  and  was  the  first  to  be 
buried  in  this  plot.  Father  Storp, 
not  taking  any  salary,  diverted  from 
the  church  fund  a  year's  pew  rent 
of  $100.00  and  thus  he  bought  and 
paid  for  the  present  cemetery  in 
October,  1878. 

The  Sacred  Heart  Parish  of  Oconee 
has  gone  through  some  very  trying 
years  both  for  priests  and  the  good 
people  of  this  community.  Between 
the  years  1879-85  there  were  many 
changes  of  pastors  and  frequently 
the  church  was  attended  from  Teu- 
topolis by  the  kind  Franciscan  Fath- 
ers. Father  DeChene  came  from  As- 
sumption to  Oconee  for  six  months. 
Father  Leufghen  of  Assumption  also 
had  charge  for  a  short  time.  Father 
Hoven  from  Shelbyville  helped  out 
on  several  occasions. 

In  1883  Father  Ferdinand  Stick 
had  charge  of  the  Parish  for  about 
two  years.  After  Father  Stick's  re- 
moval, no  priest  came  regularly  to 
Oconee  for  more  than  a  year.  In  the 
spring  of  1885  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  appointed  Father  Maurer  to 
Oconee  but  on  account  of  sickness  he 
did  not  take  charge  until  about  six 
months  later.  The  Bishop  sent  Rev- 
erend Father  Krug  at  Easter  time  so 
that  the  people  might  have  an  oppor- 
tunity to  fulfill  their  Easter  obliga- 
tions. During  this  time  a  Fran- 
ciscan Father  from  Teutopolis  came 
on  the  Feast  of  All  Saints  to  say 
Mass  and  bless  the  graves. 

On  July  7,  1885  Reverend  Joseph 
Maurer  stationed  at  Macon,  took 
charge.  Under  this  saintly  priest's 
able  guidance,  the  people  were  again 
united.  Once  a  month  on  Sunday 
and  usually  remaining  over  Monday, 
Father  Maurer  came  here  from 
Macon  to  say  Mass  and  to  administer 
the  Sacraments.  He  was  never  a 
resident  pastor  of  Oconee,  although 
he  had  charge  of  the  parish  from 
October  1,  1885,  until  October,  190:?, 
when  the  first  resident  pastor,  Rev- 


401 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


erend  Francis  Harbe  was  appointed. 
A  day  in  June,  1888,  was  a  red  letter 
day  for  Catholics  in  Oconee.  It  was 
the  occasion  of  the  first  visit  of  a 
Bishop.  On  that  day,  Right  Rever- 
end James  Ryan,  D.D.,  confirmed  a 
class  of  twenty-three  children. 

During  Father  Maurer's  pastorate, 
the  Altar  Society,  changed  later  to 
the  Society  of  Christian  Mothers,  was 
organized.  Mrs.  Anna  Rakers  was 
chosen  the  first  president. 

As  time  wore  on  more  Catholics 
took  up  their  dwelling  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Oconee,  so  that  by  the  year 
1891  the  first  house  of  worship 
proved  too  small  for  the  needs  of 
Oconee  Catholics.  It  was  then  that 
by  unanimous  vote  plans  were  start- 
ed for  the  erection  of  a  new  and 
larger  church.  A  contract  for  a 
frame  structure,  60x36  with  a  tower 
sixty-five  feet  high  was  let  to  Skin- 
ner Brothers  of  Oconee.  The  early 
spring  of  1891  found  both  contrac- 
tors and  zealous  members  of  the 
church  busy  at  their  tasks.  Work 
progressed  sufficiently  to  permit  the 
laying  of  the  corner-stone  in  October 
of  the  same  year. 

In  the  same  month  of  the  next 
year,  Bishop  Ryan  dedicated  the  new 
church.  The  clergy  who  assisted 
Bishop  Ryan  at  the  dedication  were 
Fathers  Maurer,  Stick,  Lammert  and 
Pennartz.  The  parishioners,  as  well 
as  their  friends,  from  far  and  near 
had  the  opportunity  on  this  occasion 
to  hear  two  excellent  sermons,  one 
by  Father  Stick  in  English,  the  other 
by  Father  Pennartz  who  spoke  in 
Gorman. 

The  first  mission  was  conducted  in 
the  new  church  in  the  year  1902. 
Father  Neumueller,  S.  J.,  was  in 
charge. 

Once  the  church  had  been  com- 
pleted, the  Oconee  Catholics  longed 
to  have  a  resident  priest.  This  favor 
the  Bishop  granted  on  the  condition 
that  a  suitable  dwelling  and  neces- 
sary conveniences  would  be  provided 
by  the  congregation.  In  October, 
1903,  Father  Harbe,  the  first  resident 
priest  came  to  Oconee.    Before  a  rec- 


tory was  bought  the  priests  used  the 
sacristy  as  an  office  while  they  took 
their  meals  and  roomed  at  the  home 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Eckholt. 

There  were  three  priests  in  charge 
of  the  second  church :  Reverend 
Joseph  Maurer,  1885-1903  ;  Reverend 
Francis  J.  Harbe,  1903-08,  and  Rev- 
erend William  Pachlhofer,  1908-15. 

When  Father  Harbe  came,  the  con- 
gregation busied  itself  negotiating 
for  a  suitable  tract  whereon  to  build 
the  parsonage.  Lots  were  bought  in 
1900  from  J.  D.  Chambers  of  Taylor- 
ville.  H.  G.  Rakers  and  William 
Eckholt  served  on  the  building  com- 
mittee. On  these  lots  stood  an  old 
frame  house,  which  for  some  time, 
was  used  as  the  priest's  home.  This 
building,  however,  proved  undesir- 
able and  was  sold  for  $150.00.  The 
purchaser  moved  it  to  the  east  side 
of  town.  During  the  summer  and 
fall  of  1904  a  more  modern  and  sub- 
stantial priest's  residence  was  built. 
In  the  spring  of  1904  work  was  re- 
newed on  the  church  but  owing  to 
the  lack  of  funds  had  to  be  aban- 
doned for  a  short  time. 

Up  to  this  time  the  walls  of  the 
church  were  bare.  A  contract  was 
let  to  Schanbacher  of  Springfield  to 
fresco  the  church.  This  called  for  an 
expenditure  of  $320.00.  At  the  same 
time  the  high  altar  was  redecorated. 
J.  D.  Lee  received  the  contract  for  a 
concrete  basement  floor.  His  bid 
was  $102.45.  Through  the  generosity 
of  a  St.  Louis  friend  a  much-needed 
xteam  boiler  was  received.  Loda  and 
Paul  were  awarded  the  installation 
contract  for  the  heating  system  on 
their  bid  of  $170.00.  Tn  1908  the 
need  of  an  organ  was  felt.  It  was 
purchased  at  the  cost  of  $59.50. 

Father  Harbe  worked  untiringly 
for  the  flock  until  he  was  transferred 
to  Greenville,  December  3,  1908.  He 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  William 
Pachlhofer.  Father  Pachlhofer 
worked  with  undaunted  spirit 
throughout  his  stay  in  Oconee.  Short- 
ly after  his  arrival  in  1909,  lightning 
struck  the  church.  A  total  expendi- 
ture of  $998.95  was  necessary  to  re- 


402 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,   D.D. 


pair  the  damage  and  fit  the  church 
for  worship  again.  In  1911,  a  steam 
heating  plant  was  installed  for 
$795.00. 

On  Friday,  September  28,  1911,  at 
1 :30  A.  M.  lightning  again  struck  the 
church.  This  time  the  bolt  struck 
the  spire.  It  set  the  building  on  fire 
and  caused  not  only  the  destruction 
of  the  church,  but  also  the  priest's 
residence.  As  soon  as  it  was  seen 
that  there  was  no  possibility  of  sav- 
ing the  buildings,  all  efforts  were 
centered  upon  saving  the  contents. 
Father  Pachlhofer  removed  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  to  a  private 
dwelling  (the  home  of  Mr.  John  A. 
Werner). 

Happily,  the  first  church  was  yet 
extant  and  this  was  arranged  anew 
as  an  humble  place  for  the  Eucharis- 
tic  God  and  for  week  day  Mass  while 
Sunday  Mass,  in  order  to  accommo- 
date all  members,  was  said  by  leave 
of  the  village  officials  in  the  Town 
Hall. 

The  first  to  be  married  in  the  sec- 
ond church  were  Jacob  Maisch  and 
Elizabeth  Eckholt.  The  first  funeral 
was  that  of  Mr.  Edward  Stevens. 
Henry  John  Rakers,  Anna  Helen 
Weavers,  and  Cecilia  Catherine 
Temmen  were  the  first  children  bap- 
tized. The  last  marriage  was  that 
of  Louis  Kuhn  and  Ann  Pollman, 
while  William  Temmen  was  the  last 
to  be  buried  from  the  second  church. 
His  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Adele  Vollmer,  later  entered  religion 
and  is  now  known  as  Sister  M.  Am- 
brose, Sister  of  Mercy  at  St.  John's 
Hospital,  Springfield,  Missouri. 

When  a  definite  agreement  for  the 
erection  of  a  new  church  had  not 
been  reached  by  the  congregation  at 
the  expiration  of  one  year,  Father 
Pachlhofer  thought  it  wise  not  to 
impose  longer  upon  the  generosity  of 
the  town  people  by  occupying  the 
Town  Hall,  and  services  were  re- 
sumed in  the  old  frame  church  which 
had  been  used  for  a  school.  The  loss 
by  fire  which  was  only  partly  covered 
by  insurance  meant  many  sacri- 
fices for  the  fifty  odd  families  of  the 


parish.  But  urged  on  by  their  stead- 
fast Faith  and  their  confidence  in 
their  able  Pastor,  plans  were  started 
for  the  erection  of  another  church. 

The  Pastor  and  parishioners  had 
the  sympathy  of  their  neighbors, 
both  Catholic  and  non-Catholic, 
many  of  whom  sent  in  contributions 
and  lent  a  willing  hand  and  much 
encouragement.  The  Right  Reverend 
Bishop,  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  sent  a  sub- 
stantial donation  and  a  most  father- 
ly and  encouraging  letter.  Others, 
friends  of  the  Parish,  did  likewise 
which  did  much  to  buoy  up  the  fal- 
tering spirits  of  the  people  of 
Oconee. 

The  third  and  present  church, 
which  is  built  in  the  Roman  style  of 
architecture,  constructed  of  steel 
skeleton,  is  of  dark  red  pressed  brick 
with  paving  brick  foundation,  Bed- 
ford stone  trimmings,  and  slate  roof. 
It  has  a  seventy-five  foot  tower  with 
a  street  door  leading  to  the  choir 
and  belfry.  The  dimensions  are  87x 
41  feet,  25  foot  ceiling,  and  a  seating 
capacity  of  300. 

The  steam  heating  plant,  which 
had  been  installed  in  the  last  church 
just  before  the  fatal  fire,  was  over- 
hauled and  placed  in  the  new  build- 
ing. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  new 
building  was  laid  September  9,  1912, 
by  Very  Reverend  Jeremiah  Murphy 
of  St.  Patrick  church,  Decatur,  Illi- 
nois, and  Reverend  Clemens  Johannes 
cf  Nokomis,  Illinois,  delivered  a 
very  appropriate  sermon. 

The  new  church  plans  were  drawn 
by  St.  Louis  architects,  Wessbecker 
&  Hildebrand,  while  Joseph  McCar- 
thy of  Pana,  was  the  contractor.  The 
building  of  the  church  progressed 
gratifyingly,  in  fact,  so  well  that  al- 
though far  from  being  finished,  Mass 
was  said  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
Palm  Sunday,  1913. 

On  September  21,  1913,  Oconee  de- 
clared a  gala  day  for  the  new  Cath- 
olic Church  was  to  be  dedicated. 
Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D., 
began  the  solemn  dedication  at  9  :30 
A.M.  Afterwards  Solemn  High  Mass, 


403 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


in  the  presence  of  the  Bishop,  was 
sung.  Father  Simon  P.  Hoffman  of 
Effingham  was  celebrant,  assisted  by 
a  Franciscan  Father  of  Teutopolis, 
and  Father  P.  J.  Moroney  of  Pana 
as  deacon  and  sub-deacon,  respec- 
tively. The  Reverend  Pastor,  Wil- 
liam Pachlhofer,  served  as  Master  of 
Ceremonies,  and  Reverend  P.  Aloy- 
sius  Fromm,  O.F.M.,  of  Teutopolis, 
Illinois,  delivered  a  brilliant  sermon. 

Immediately  after  the  Solemn 
High  Mass,  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  administered  the  Sacrament 
cf  Confirmation  to  a  class  of  twentv- 
four  children.  At  3 :00  P.M.  Solemn 
Devotions  were  held  when  Reverend 
S.  P.  Hoffman  gave  an  instruction 
which  was  followed  by  Benediction 
of  the  Most  Blessed  Sacrament. 

After  the  services  in  the  church, 
the  Clergy  wended  their  way  to  the 
new  rectory,  built  just  north  of  the 
church  and  at  that  time  nearly  com- 
pleted, to  give  the  Solemn  Blessing 
to  the  new  abode  of  the  Pastor  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  Parish  in  Oconee.  The 
cost  of  the  new  church  was  $16,- 
967.43. 

The  rectory,  built  to  harmonize 
with  the  church  of  red  pressed  brick 
with  paving  brick  foundation  and 
white  trimmings,  is  a  commodious 
dwelling  of  nine  rooms  and  bath, 
with  spacious  attic  and  basement 
having  laundrv,  storage,  furnace  and 
coal  rooms.    It  cost  $6,896.66. 

Reverend  Bernard  Wubbe  entered 
upon  his  first  parochial  charge, 
October,  1915.  He  had  been  Chap- 
lain of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  for  a  few  months  after 
having  been  transferred  from  the 
assistant  pastorate  of  St.  Mary 
Church,  Quincy. 

The  first  task  confronting  him  was 
the  payment  of  the  $800.00  debt 
which  the  building  program  had  en- 
tailed. Mr.  Peter  Werner,  trustee 
of  the  church  at  the  time,  suggested 
to  Father  Wubbe  that  a  drive  be 
made  to  obtain  Liberty  Loan  Bonds 
to  liquidate  the  debt.  This  proved 
very  successful.  The  parishioners 
made  gifts  of    various    amounts    in 


Liberty  Bonds  and  War  Savings 
Stamps,  totaling  more  than  $4,000.00. 

During  the  great  World  War  the 
people  of  Oconee  showed  themselves 
not  only  religious  but  very  patriotic 
as  well.  Liberty  Loan  Bonds  and 
War  Savings  Stamps  were  bought 
and  patriotic  demonstrations  were 
numerous.  Our  young  men  rallied 
to  the  cause  of  our  country.  Among 
those  who  left  Oconee  to  serve  were 
Frank  Epley,  Charles  W.  Flesch, 
Leonard  Flesch,  Edward  W.  Hoen. 
Walter  Chas.  Hoehn,  Bernard  C. 
Holthaus,  H.  W.  Holthaus,  John 
Pollman,  J.  George  Rakers,  and  John 
H.  Rakers.  The  last  mentioned  made 
the  supreme  sacrifice. 

The  "old  church"  was  renovated 
and  a  small  but  neat  stage  was  add- 
ed. The  building  was  renamed  Mar- 
quette Hall  and  ever  since  this  build- 
ing has  been  used  for  profit  and 
pleasure  for  the  parishioners.  En- 
tertainments, plays,  etc.,  followed 
yearly  in  close  succession. 

Beautiful  Stations  of  the  Cross 
were  installed  in  the  new  church. 
These  were  the  gifts  of  members 
whose  tablets  affixed  to  the  walls 
beneath  the  Stations  recall  their 
faith  and  generosity  today. 

The  church  debt  practically  paid, 
Bishop  Ryan  thought  a  parish  of 
fifty  years  standing  ought  to  have  a 
parochial  school  for  the  education 
of  the  children.  The  pastor  was 
heartily  in  sympathy  with  this  idea 
for  he  knew  that  such  an  institution 
guided  by  the  good  Sisters  would 
mean  much  benefit  to  the  parish,  but 
owing  to  his  condition  of  health  and 
the  burden  of  such  an  undertaking 
upon  his  struggling  little  congrega- 
tion, Father  Wubbe  asked  to  be  re- 
lieved of  his  beloved  charge.  This 
request  was  granted  under  condition 
that  he  find  some  priest  to  exchange 
with  him.  Divine  Providence,  how- 
ever, guided  in  another  direction. 
Father  Wubbe  remained  to  build  the 
school. 

In  the  year  1922,  the  congregation 
quietly  observed  the  Golden  Jubilee 
of  the  founding  of  the  Parish.  A  neat 


404 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


nest  egg  was  placed  in  the  bank  for 
the  building  of  a  school.  On  the  site 
of  the  rectory,  which  had  been  de- 
stroyed by  fire,  ground  was  broken 
and  a  two-room  school  house  with 
basement  built  of  cement  granite 
blocks  was  completed.  During  the 
process  of  building,  turbulent  waves 
ran  high  at  times  but  the  ever  lively 
generosity  of  a  number  of  pioneer 
members  enabled  the  completion  of  a 
$4,000.00  debt-free  and  quite  well 
equipped  school,  which  opened  its 
doors  to  the  little  children  for  an 
eight-grade  course  in  the  following 
fall,  September,  1922.  Here  the  good 
Sisters  of  St.  Theresa  Academy,  De- 
catur, found  their  first  mission  in 
readiness.  In  time  the  number  in  at- 
tendance at  school  increased  to  sixty- 
three  children.  Many  splendid  sac- 
rifices were  gladly  made  for  the  sake 
of  a  Catholic  education  by  the 
various  families. 

The  housing  of  the  good  Nuns  be- 
came a  problem.  Many  parishioners 
wished  the  school  to  be  made  a  two- 
story  structure  with  living  rooms  for 
the  Sisters  on  the  second  floor.  This 
suggestion  was  rejected,  however,  as 
impractical.  Father  Wubbe  vacated 
the  rectory  for  the  Sisters  and  moved 
into  the  old  church  or  Marquette 
Hall,  using  the  stage  scenery  for  par- 
tition walls.  But  the  building  was 
cold  and  the  winter  most  severe.  As 
soon  as  the  weather  moderated, 
ground  was  broken  to  the  north  of 
the  school  for  an  addition  to  be  built 
of  concrete  blocks  consisting  of  three 
small  rooms  and  a  basement  to  be 
used  for  kitchen  and  dining  rooms. 
This  addition,  built  at  a  cost  of  $1,- 
450.00,  was  intended  as  a  temporary 
dwelling  for  the  Sisters  until  such  a 
time  as  a  better  house  could  be  built. 
This  addition  to  the  school  was  later 
used  as  cloak  rooms  and  music  room. 
Seepage  water  in  the  basement  and 
poor  drainage  conditions  made  the 
place  unsanitary.  The  Sisters  never 
moved  into  it.  Father  "Wubbe  lived 
therein  for  eleven  months,  and  was 
preparing  plans  for  a  modest  frame 
bungalow  to  be  built  for  the  Sisters 


between  the  church  and  school  when 
he  was  transferred  July  10,  1924,  to 
Kincaid,  Illinois. 

His  successor,  Reverend  Joseph  A. 
Reis,  coming  from  St.  John  parish, 
Quincy,  entered  upon  his  duties 
July  10,  1924.  He  moved  into  the 
school  addition  where  he  remained 
for  one  month.  Called  to  Decatur 
for  a  conference  with  the  Venerable 
Mother  Charles  of  the  Ursuline  Sis- 
ters, he  was  requested  to  obtain  a 
different  dwelling  for  the  Sisters, 
since  they  were  loath  to  dwell  longer 
in  the  building  which  was  in  reality 
and  properly  the  priest's  house.  The 
Venerable  Mother  pointed  out  a 
house  just  across  the  street  from  the 
church  and  school  owned  by  Joseph 
Brokamp  of  Taylorville.  The  par- 
ishioners deemed  it  advisable  not  to 
exceed  $1,800.00  under  prevailing 
conditions  but  the  price  fixed  was 
above  that  and  negotiations  ceased. 
A  cottage  of  four  rooms  and  summer 
kitchen  owned  by  Mrs.  Esther  J. 
Carroll,  situated  in  a  secluded  spot 
of  the  village  and  just  one  block  east 
of  the  church  was  about  to  be  va- 
cated. This  was  rented  for  $10.00 
per  month  with  the  agreement  that 
it  be  retained  at  least  one  year. 
Father  Reis  deemed  it  more  economi- 
cal to  rent  at  the  time  rather  than 
to  burden  the  parish  with  a  new  and 
heavy  debt. 

The  Sisters  lived  there  for  two 
years  when  a  special  offer  was  made 
by  Mr.  John  A.  Werner  that  he 
would  deem  it  a  privilege  if  the  good 
Sisters  would  make  their  home  in  the 
house  just  south  of  his  own,  one-half 
block  from  church.  It  was  the  old 
Werner  homestead  and  was  still  a 
part  of  his  deceased  father's  estate. 
Therefore,  in  memory  of  his  beloved 
father,  Alois  Werner,  he  considered 
it  an  honor  if  the  Sisters  deemed  it 
advisable.  The  only  stipulations  be- 
ing, that  should  the  house  be  sold, 
the  returns  be  used  for  a  new  Sisters' 
house  and  that  a  Requiem  Mass  be 
sung  by  the  children  on  June  15th, 
the  anniversary  of  the  death  of 
Alois  Werner,  for  a  period  of  five 


405 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


years.  Father  Reis  was  exceedingly 
pleased  with  this  generous  offer.  In 
fact,  he  had  this  house  in  view  for 
some  time.  It  was  the  desire  of  the 
people  that  the  sisters  have  a  dwell- 
ing of  their  own.  The  Pastor  was 
loath  to  enter  into  any  great  ven- 
ture because  he  considered  sacred 
his  predecessor's  promise  to  the  con- 
gregation of  a  two-year  respite.  Be- 
sides, there  were  other  more  press- 
ing needs  demanding  attention.  The 
little  furniture  saved  from  the  fire  in 
1911  had  been  divided  between  the 
priest  and  Sisters.  The  Sisters' 
house,  must,  therefore,  be  furnished. 
This  was  done  in  a  modest  way  for 
the  sum  of  $800.00,  while  $300.00  was 
expended  on  furnishings  for  the  rec- 
tory, and  $250.00  for  the  school. 

Father  Reis,  after  considering  the 
situation,  determined  to  make  the  re- 
pairs and  to  give  one  year's  salary, 
which  he  later  changed  to  two  years' 
salary,  or  $2,400.00.  The  school  was 
much  in  need  of  toilets,  which  he 
had  built,  the  cost  of  material  being 
$231.69.  The  labor  was  donated  by 
the  men  of  the  parish.  The  new  Pas- 
tor renovated  and  redecorated  the 
whole  interior  of  the  rectory.  New 
roofs  were  necessary  on  Marquette 
Hall  and  outbuildings.  The  old  roof- 
ing was  replaced  by  a  rust-proof 
metal  at  a  cost  of'  $218.00.  This 
work  also  was  done  by  the  members. 
While  the  men  were  busy  making  re- 
pairs, painting,  building  and  land- 
scaping the  ground,  the  ladies  were 
not  idle.  A  very  convenient  sac- 
risty cabinet  was  installed  by  the 
Christian  Mothers  Society  at  a  cost 
of  $135.00.     A  shower  of  altar  sup- 


plies to  the  Christ  Child  was  given 
each  Christmas,  at  which  all  the 
various  necessary  altar  linens,  hand- 
made laces,  antependiums,  altar-boy 
surplices  and  cassocks,  candle  sticks, 
etc.,  were  given.  While  the  Christian 
Mothers  were  crocheting  and  sew- 
ing, the  young  ladies  crocheted  and 
embroidered  beautiful  altar  covers 
and  benediction  cloth.  The  little 
school  children  took  up  the  refrain, 
giving  a  costly  benediction  Velum,  a 
hand-embroidered  baptismal  stole, 
and  adjustable  candelabra  for  bene- 
diction. When  Father  Reis  came,  he 
was  told  that  the  school  was  not 
properly  heated  and  that  the  Sisters 
and  children  were  suffering  from  the 
cold,  and  frequently  repaired  to  the 
Sisters'  house  for  their  studies.  He 
immediately  set  about  to  remedy  the 
defect.  Additional  and  larger  pipes 
were  bought  at  a  cost  of  $60.00  and 
the  whole  plant  overhauled.  The 
labor  which  would  have  cost  $54.60 
was  done  gratuitously  by  Mr.  Joseph 
H.  Boll  of  Quincy,  Illinois,  who  also 
installed  a  new  water  system  in  the 
rectory.  The  heating  system,  as  re- 
paired, proved  quite  satisfactory  in 
spite  of  the  fact  that  it  was  a  hot 
water  plant.  It  was  used  only  one 
year,  when  in  October,  the  tempera- 
ture dropped  so  low  as  to  make  it  ad- 
visable to  reheat  the  school.  The 
boiler  was  found  to  have  been  burst 
by  some  unknown  cause.  A  new  and 
larger  steam  heating  plant  was  in- 
stalled, which,  after  using  the  pipes 
on  hand,  and  labor  cost  $550.00.  This 
plant  proved  to  be  all  that  could  be 
desired. 


Church  of  St.  Patrick,  Bluffs,  Scott  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1871. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Patrick  Fox. 


The  Church  of  St.  Patrick,  Bluffs, 
was  organized  in  the  year  1871  by 
Father  Cogan,  pastor  of  Jackson- 
ville. A  few  Catholic  families  had 
settled  there  and  the  opening  of  a 
mine  at  Neeleyville  brought  many 
more    to    the     community.     Hence, 


anxious  to  have  the  consolation 
which  the  Sacraments  of  the  Church 
afford,  a  petition  was  sent  to  Bishop 
Baltes,  asking  him  to  send  Father 
Cogan  from  Jacksonville  to  take 
care  of  their  spiritual  needs.  The 
first  Mass    was    celebrated    to    the 


406 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


great  joy  and  consolation  of  those 
early  pioneers  in  an  old  section 
house. 

The  following  year,  1872,  under 
the  able  leadership  of  Father  Cogan 
saw  the  present  mission  church 
erected  and  dedicated  to  St.  Patrick. 

After  the  death  of  Father  Cogan, 
St.  Patrick  was  attended  from  St. 
Mary,  Mt.  Sterling,  by  Father 
Michael  Clifford,  under  whose  wise 
and  spiritual  administration  the  few 
Catholic  families  took  on  new  life 
and  vigor. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  Father 
Michael  Clifford,  St.  Patrick  Church 
was  taken  care  of  from  Winchester 
by  the  following  pastors:  Fathers 
Julian  Turmell,  Joseph  0 'Boyle, 
Jeremiah  Murphy,  Thomas  Master- 
son,  John  Daw  and  Daniel  J.  Ryan. 

On  the  death  of  Father  Ryan, 
Father  John  Crow  of  Jacksonville, 
was  appointed  by  Bishop  Ryan  to 
take  care  of  Bluffs.  He  was  assist- 
ed by  Fathers  O'Brien  and  Joseph 
Finnegan. 

Soon  after  Father  William  Heffer- 
non  had  been  appointed  to  Mt.  Ster- 


ling, he  was  asked  by  Bishop  Ryan 
to  take  charge  of  St.  Patrick  Church 
at  Bluffs,  and  in  the  work  was  ably 
assisted  by  the  following  priests: 
Fathers  Peter  Paul  McGuinness, 
James  Murray  and  Charles  J.  Fan- 
ing. 

Father  Thomas  Carroll  succeeded 
Father  Heffernon  at  Mt.  Sterling 
and  during  his  term  as  pastor,  Bluffs 
was  attended  by  his  assistants  in 
turn :  Fathers  James  R.  Moloney 
and  Joseph  McKeogh. 

Upon  the  death  of  Father  Carroll, 
Reverend  Amos  E.  Giusti  was  ap- 
pointed administrator  and  in  turn 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Joseph 
O'Rourke. 

Father  O'Rourke,  with  the  follow- 
ing assistants :  Fathers  Edmond  But- 
ler, Dominic  F.  Lydon  and  James  J. 
Holmes,  continued  to  take  care  of 
the  spiritual  needs  of  the  people  of 
Bluffs. 

Reverend  Patrick  J.  Fox  succeed- 
ed Father  O'Rourke  and  is  being  as- 
sisted by  Reverend  James  J.  Holmes 
in  taking  care  of  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling and  St.  Patrick  Church,  Bluffs. 


Mission  of  St.  Athanasius,  Roodhouse,  Greene  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1872. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Frank  Lawler. 


St.  Athanasius  Church,  Roodhouse, 
Greene  County,  was  built  in  1872, 
and  attended  from  Carrollton  dur- 
ing the  administration  of  Reverend 
F.  N.  Recouvreur,  Henry  Alberts  be- 
ing the  contractor.  It  was  dedicated 
by  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Macklin 
of  Springfield,  and  the  first  trustees 
were  John  Corcoran  and  Michael 
Hatchett,  both  employees  of  the  C. 
&  A.  roundhouse.  Among  the  early 
membership  were  Matthew  Steritz, 
an  old  time  engineer,  John  Harney, 
a  car  inspector,  and  Charles  Dolan. 
Matthew  Wagner,  at  present  con- 
ducting a  restaurant  on  East  Street 
in  Jacksonville,  was  the  first  baby 
to  be  baptized. 

In  1880,  it  was  attended  from 
Brighton  by  the  Reverend  J.  D. 
Mitzler.    In  1884,  it  was  visited  from 


Jacksonville,  and  from  1884  to  1890 
from  Whitehall,  when  Reverend  Ter- 
rence  Francis  O'Brien  became  its 
first  resident  pastor.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1892  by  the  Reverend 
Michael  J.  Davis.  Reverend  William 
Nevins,  the  next  rector,  came  in 
1894 ;  Reverend  James  Joseph  Dough- 
erty in  1896.  For  some  time  past 
Roodhouse  was  without  a  resident 
pastor,  and  in  1897  it  became  a  de- 
pendent of  Jacksonville,  attended  by 
the  Reverend  Michael  Henry  Cowley, 
who  was  succeeded  by  the  Reverend 
Joseph  Finnegan  in  1899.  Reverend 
Michael  J.  Simon  took  charge  of 
Roodhouse  until  1903,  when  he  was 
replaced  by  Reverend  C.  A.  McDon- 
nell, who  in  1906  was  succeeded  by 
the  Reverend  Dennis  O'Brien,  pas- 
tor of  the  church  of  Greenfield,  and 


407 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


in  March,  1908,  Reverend  Eugene  A. 
Maguire  took  charge,  and  was  re- 
placed in  June,  1913,  hy  Reverend 
Christian  A.  Snyder  of  Jacksonville. 
In  October,  1914,  Roodhouse  was  at- 
tached to  Jerseyville  with  Reverend 
Francis  Shields  in  charge. 

Under  Father  Shield's  administra- 
tion, extensive  interior  and  exterior 
improvements  were  made.  The  out- 
side was  stuccoed   and  the  interior 


redecorated,  which  improvements, 
indeed,  wrought  a  remarkable 
change  in  the  appearance  of  the 
church.  Six  memorial  windows  were 
also  added.  Father  Shields  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Reverend  Richard  Mc- 
Keogh  in  October,  1925.  Reverend 
Francis  Lawler  of  Jerseyville  is  now 
attending  Roodhouse. 

The  present  trustees  are :  William 
Connor  and  Daniel  Dolan. 


Church  of  St.  Norbert,  Hardin,  Calhoun  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1872. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Daniel  F.  Daly. 


Despite  its  natural  beauty,  the 
country  surrounding  the  present 
town  of  Hardin  did  not  appeal  to  the 
early  pioneers,  who  having  viewed 
its  picturesque  bluffs,  decided  to 
seek  other  fields  that  would  better 
reward  their  toil.  French  settlers, 
passing  through  the  Great  Lakes, 
and  down  the  Illinois  river  long  be- 
fore connected  with  the  name  of 
their  illustrious  countrymen,  Mar- 
quette and  Joliet,  seem  to  be  among 
the  first  who  thought  a  living  could 
be  made  along  its  shores. 

English  settlers  are  also  numbered 
among  the  pioneers.  Soon  they  were 
joined  by  German  and  Irish  in  cut- 
ting down  the  forests,  draining 
marshes,  driving  the  wolf  and  the 
deer  to  seek  shelter  farther  west. 

The  history  of  the  Catholic  church 
in  Hardin,  whose  patron  saint  is  St. 
Norbert,  may  be  said  to  date  back 
to  January  14th,  1872,  when  the  first 
subscription  list  toward  a  building 
fund  was  started.  On  October  12th, 
1876,  two  lots,  3  and  4,  in  block  five, 
were  purchased  from  Mrs.  Helen 
Childs  on  the  present  site.  In  1878, 
April  the  25th,  the  building  which 
had  been  erected  for  this  purpose 
was  dedicated  by  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Alton,  assisted  by  Fathers  Frei- 
muth,  Sullivan,  Withaut  and  Winter- 
halter.  On  the  same  day  the  bell 
was  also  blessed  in  the  name  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception. 

The  Hardin  parish  at  this  time  was 


a  mission  of  the  St.  Michael  church, 
of  which  Father  Freimuth  was  pas- 
tor. John  F.  Nolte  and  Peter  C. 
Barry  acting  as  Trustees.  In  Decem- 
ber of  the  same  year  Reverend  C. 
Summers  was  placed  in  charge.  Aft- 
er fourteen  years  of  faithful  service 
he  was  succeeded  by  the  faithful  and 
beloved  Father  Johannes  who  in 
turn  was  followed  by  the  zealous 
Father  Connelly.  During  these  pas- 
torates Mass  was  said  in  Hardin 
about  once  a  month,  but  with  the  ad- 
vent of  the  last  named  and  his  assist- 
ants, Reverend  Thomas  McGrath, 
Reverend  James  Joseph  Dougherty 
and  Reverend  J.  Kelly,  Mass  was 
said  regularly  every  Sunday.  It  is 
owing  to  the  arduous  labors  of  Father 
Connelly  that  a  rectory  was  built 
and  that  the  parish  was  finally  set 
apart  by  itself  in  1903  with  Father 
Kelly  as  the  first  resident  pastor. 
Father  Francis  X.  Smith,  and  Fathers 
O'Flarethy,  and  Kopp  succeeded  un- 
til Father  Hickey  was  appointed  and 
took  charge  in  October,  1910.  Up  to 
this  time,  Messrs.  Edward  Heiden- 
rich,  Joseph  Harrison  and  Stephen 
McDonald  had  acted  as  trustees. 

As  the  parish  continued  to  grow 
rapidly,  new  improvements  were  re- 
quired, all  of  which  were  attended  to 
economically  so  as  to  keep  the  parish 
free  from  debts.  Societies  such  as 
the  Altar  Society,  Holy  Name,  and 
the  Sacred  Heart  League,  were 
formed  and  the  great  need  of  a  par- 
ish hall  became  apparent    for    their 


408 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


meetings.  At  a  general  gathering  of 
the  congregation  in  April  it  was 
unanimously  voted  that  a  new  church 
be  built  and  the  old  church  be  con- 
verted into  a  hall.  A  subscription 
list  was  at  once  made  up  and  met 
with  such  general  success  as  to  war- 
rant going  ahead  with  the  project. 
The  trustees,  therefore,  let  the  con- 
tract to  Duffner  and  Stecker,  St. 
Louis,  with  Wessebach  and  Hilder- 
brand  as  architects.  Ground  was 
broken  on  the  same  day,  August  13, 
by  the  pastor.  His  trustees  were 
Messrs.  C.  H.  Lamar,  and  Henry 
Schleeper,  Sr. 

The  laying  of  the  corner-stone 
took  place  Sunday,  October  4th, 
Right  Reverend  Edward  Lancaster 
Spaulding,  Vicar  General  of  the  dio- 
cese officiated,  assisted  by  Fathers 
Hensey  of  Beardstown,  O'Mullane  of 
Michael,  Douglas  of  Kampsville, 
Warden  of  Meppen,  and  the  pastor. 

Father  Hensey  preached  the  ser- 
mon. The  church  societies  attended 
in  a  body  and  the  Hardin  Cornet 
Band  furnished  music.  After  the 
ceremony,  Solemn  Benediction  of  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  was  given  in  the 
old  church. 

Owing  to  the  world  war  waging  in 
the  European  countries  at  the  time, 
this  same  day  was  set  aside  by  Presi- 
dent Wilson  for  all  churches  to  hold 
Peace  Services.  Accordingly,  a 
Solemn  High  Mass  was  sung  in  the 
morning  with  the  Reverend  Pastor 


as  celebrant,  Right  Reverend  Ed- 
ward Lancaster  Spaulding,  V.G., 
Deacon,  and  Father  Hensey,  Sub- 
deacon.  The  Vicar  General  preached 
on  this  occasion  to  the  large  congre- 
gation present. 

St.  Norbert's  Parish  owes,  in  great 
part,  the  present  church  building  to 
the  foresight  and  zeal  of  Father 
Hickey.  He  has  left  a  monument  un- 
surpassed by  any  country  parish  in 
our  diocese.  His  pleasing  personal- 
ity is  fondly  remembered,  and  for 
his  departed  soul  a  fervent  prayer  is 
offered  by  a  grateful  people. 

On  November  1,  1915,  Reverend 
Michael  Enright  succeeded  Father 
Hickey.  Under  his  wise  guidance, 
the  spiritual  interests  of  the  parish 
made  rapid  progress.  Many  who 
had  neglected  their  religion  for  years 
returned  "To  Their  Father's  House." 
He  is  remembered  as  a  zealous  priest, 
faithful  to  duty  and  always  mindful 
of  his  high  calling. 

On  July  1,  1922,  the  present  pas- 
tor, Reverend  Daniel  Daly,  found  a 
parish  where  the  Faith,  planted  by 
his  predecessors,  was  flourishing  in 
the  hearts  of  a  zealous,  appreciative 
faithful  people, — people  who  think 
nothing  is  too  good  for  God. 

This  parish  was  well  represented 
in  the  tragic  World  War,  giving  to 
the  cause,  men  of  as  fine  a  physique 
and  moral  caliber  as  grace  this  fair 
land  of  ours. 


Mission  of  St.  Ubaldus,  New  Douglas,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1872. 
Present  Pastor:  Reverend  John  R.  Fannon. 


Facing  the  village  park  and  rear- 
ing the  Cross  well  above  the  sur- 
rounding maples,  stands  St.  Ubaldus 
Church,  New  Douglas,  Madison 
County.  The  early  Catholic  settlers 
attended  Mass  at  Staunton,  High- 
land or  Marine,  with  occasional  Mass 
at  a  private  residence,  until  1871,  in 
which  year  Reverend  Frederich  Loh- 
mann,  then  stationed  at  Hillsboro, 
organized  a  parish  and  began  the 
building  of  the  church    which    was 


completed  in  1872.  He  was  succeed- 
ed as  pastor  by  Fathers  P.  J.  O'Hal- 
loran,  P.  J.  Macken,  and  A.  Schlegel. 
In  1879  it  was  attached  to  St.  Mary's, 
Edwardsville,  and  ministered  to  by 
Reverend  Francis  X.  Smith  until  his 
death  in  1884.  In  the  meantime, 
Father  Schlegel  took  care  of  it  until 
Reverend  John  C.  Daw  was  appoint- 
ed to  fill  the  vacancy  created  at  St. 
Mary  by  Father  Smith's  death. 
Father  DaAv,  on  taking  charge  of  St. 


409 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Ubaldus,  built  a  new  school  in  which, 
they  say,  he  taught  for  a  consider- 
able period  each  day.  Doubtless  he 
did  so  to  save  expense  that  could  not 
be  otherwise  easily  borne  by  the 
parish. 

Reverend  Francis  N.  Recouvreur 
came  in  1889  as  the  first  resident  pas- 
tor and  retired  to  St.  Louis  eight 
years  later.  During  his  pastorate,  a 
parochial  residence  was  erected.  St. 
Ubaldus  was  then  administered  by 
Reverend  Anthony  Zurbonson  from 
Staunton  until  1899  when  Reverend 
Thomas  M.  Moore  took  charge.  Then 
came  the  following  fathers  in  suc- 
cession: Augustin  Gorris,  1899- 
1901 ;  Augustus  Forster,  1901-05,  who 
began  the  organization  of  the  parish 
at  Coffeen;  Bernard  W.  Lee,  1907- 
08;  Patrick  H.  Masterson,  1908-14, 
during  whose  pastorate  the  church 
at  New  Douglas  was  repaired ;  Hugh 


P.  Brady,  1914  until  his  death,  1916; 
Timothy  McKeough,  1916-19,  during 
whose  term  the  parochial  residence 
was  moved  to  Coffeen,  and  Reverend 
Michael  J.  Crowley.  Father  Crowley, 
since  his  coming,  has  organized  a 
parish  and  built  a  church  at  Panama. 

The  parish  has  eighty  families 
with  a  total  population  of  about  280. 
It  must  be  admitted,  however,  that 
not  only  a  very  large  proportion  of 
these  attend  church  regularly,  but 
the  pastor  is  doing  his  utmost  to 
quicken  the  Faith  in  the  careless 
ones. 

In  1925,  there  were  eleven  bap- 
tisms, and  six  marriages  of  which 
three  were  Catholic  and  three  mixed. 

Reverend  John  Raphael  Fanon  re- 
cently succeeded  Reverend  Michael 
J.  Crowley,  and  now  serves  the  par- 
ish of  St.  Ubaldus. 


Church  of  St.  Thomas,  Newton,  Jasper  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1873. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  John  Lupton. 


As  early  as  1847,  the  first  church 
for  Newton  was  built  about  three 
and  one-half  miles  east  of  Newton  in 
the  old  grave  yard  between  the  pres- 
ent hard  road  and  the  low  road. 
There  in  that  lonely  and  desolate 
country  God  watched  over  and  pro- 
tected His  people  and  gave  them 
that  Faith,  which  has  guided  them 
ever  since. 

This  church  was  known  as  St. 
Peter's  and  was  attended  by  priests 
from  Vincennes,  Indiana.  These 
priests  with  untiring  zeal  and  cour- 
age endured  hardships  to  take  care 
of  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  flock. 

About  the  year  1853,  the  Catholics 
of  Newton,  finding  it  inconvenient 
to  attend  this  church  in  the  country, 
held  divine  sevices  at  the  family  resi- 
dence of  Mr.  Mortimer  O'Kean. 
These  services  were  conducted  by 
the  pastor  from  the  Ste.  Marie 
Church.  It  was  a  hard  struggle  for 
both  priest  and  people,  who  labored 
unceasingly  for  the  necessary  means 


to  provide  a  suitable  place  for  the 
Eucharistic  King. 

In  1861  a  piece  of  land  was  pur- 
chased from  Mr.  O'Kean  near  the 
western  boundary  of  the  village.  On 
this  property  a  small  frame  church 
(24x40  feet)  was  built,  This,  the 
first  place  of  worship  for  the  congre- 
gation of  Newton  was  dedicated  un- 
der the  patronage  of  St.  Thomas, 
Apostle. 

Services  were  held  in  this  church 
once  a  month  by  Father  J.  Sandrock, 
who  was  the  pastor  of  Ste.  Marie 
Church. 

In  the  year  1873,  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
the  Alton  Diocese,  appointed  Rev- 
erend Cornelius  Hoffmans  as  the  first 
resident  pastor  of  St.  Thomas 
Church.  After  three  years  of  faith- 
ful service,  Father  Hoffmans  was 
obliged  to  give  up  his  parish  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health. 

During  his  time,  at  the  request  of 
the  Bishop,  the  congregation  of  New- 


410 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


ton  and  St.  Peter  were  united,  serv- 
ices being  held  at  Newton.  Since 
that  time  the  congregations  have 
made  rapid  growth  and  advancement 
working  harmoniously  together  for 
the  cause  of  religious  welfare. 

Reverend  John  Molitor  succeeded 
Father  Hoffmans  in  1877,  and  la- 
bored unselfishly  for  forty  years 
among  the  souls  entrusted  to  his 
care.  His  long  years  of  faithful 
service  endeared  him  to  all,  and  his 
memory  will  ever  be  honored  and 
revered.    He  died  in  January,  1917. 

During  Father  Molitor 's  time,  the 
little  frame  building  became  too 
small  for  the  members  of  the  rapidly 
increasing  congregations  of  St. 
Thomas  and  St.  Peter,  so  in  1880,  it 
was  agreed  to  erect  a  larger  and 
more  substantial  building  of  brick. 
This  building  was  the  pride  and 
boast  of  both  parishes.  Its  lofty 
tower  rising  high  above  the  city  was 
seen  for  miles  around  and  pointed 
out  as  the  tower  of  the  Catholic 
Church  of  Newton.  In  the  year 
1895,  St.  Thomas  suffered  a  great 
loss  when  the  beautiful  sanctuary 
and  sacristy  were  destroyed  by  fire. 

By  this  time  the  congregation  had 
increased  to  such  a  large  number 
that  in  order  to  accommodate  the 
worshippers,  it  was  necessary  to  en- 
large the  church.  The  following 
year  a  transept,  60  by  24  feet,  and  a 
sanctuary  were  added  to  the  main 
building  at  a  cost  of  $15,000.  It 
then  furnished  a  seating  capacity  of 
five  hundred.  The  St.  Joseph's  side 
Altar  was  donated  by  Mr.  Berg- 
bower,  and  the  beautiful  artistic 
main  altar,  Gothic  in  style,  was  the 


gift  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Boos  and 
daughters. 

Father  Molitor  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Joseph  Patrick  Mundy, 
who  gave  enthusiastic  services  for 
the  short  time  of  eleven  months. 
When  the  great  World  War  broke 
out,  he  was  appointed  Army  Chap- 
lain and  died  a  martyr  to  his  calling. 

When  Father  Mundy  left  to  take 
up  his  duties  as  Chaplain,  Reverend 
J.  J.  Cronin  replaced  him  as  the  pas- 
tor of  St.  Thomas.  Father  Cronin, 
during  his  time  there,  did  everything 
that  could  be  done  to  beautify  the 
house  of  God  and  make  it  a  becom- 
ing dwelling  for  the  King  of  Kings. 
Through  his  efforts,  the  people  of  St. 
Thomas  have  a  church  of  which  they 
may  justly  be  proud,  and  which 
will  remain  for  many  a  year  as  a 
proof  of  their  support  and  loyalty. 

After  six  years  of  hard  labor, 
Father  Cronin  was  promoted  to  St. 
Mary's  Church,  Paris,  Illinois.  He 
was  succeeded  at  St.  Thomas  by  Rev- 
erend John  Lupton,  January  26, 
1925.  Father  Lupton  is  still  the 
resident  pastor. 

The  school  was  built  in  1883,  and 
has  a  present  enrollment  of  fifty 
children.  The  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph 
from  St.  Louis  have  been  in  charge 
since  its  foundation. 

The  following  societies  contribute 
much  to  the  activity  of  the  parish, 
namely,  Altar  Society,  Holy  Name, 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  Holy  Child- 
hood, and  the  Apostleship  of  Prayer. 

As  a  result  of  earnest  co-operation 
between  pastor  and  people,  the 
church  is  entirely  free  from  debt. 


Church  op  St.  Clare,  Altamont,  Effingham  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1874. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  James  P.  Walsh. 


The  first  priest  to  celebrate  Holy 
Mass  within  the  confines  of  what  is 
now  St.  Clare  Parish  was  Reverend 
E.  J.  Durbin  of  Kentucky.  That  was 
in  the  year  1839.  Well  authenticated 
local  tradition  has  it  that  Father 
Durbin  visited    the    Altamont    por- 


tion of  his  scattered  flock  twice  a 
year  and  ministered  to  their  spiritual 
needs.  That  the  good  seed  sown  by 
him  in  those  far-off  days — at  least 
some  of  it — took  deep  root  is  evident 
today  in  the  strong,  active  faith  of 
the  parishioners  of  St.  Clare. 


411 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Silas  Barth,  O.F.M., 
writing  in  the  Illinois  Catholic  His- 
torical Review  makes  a  statement 
which  explains  the  coming  of  the 
FVancisean  Fathers  to  the  parish  of 
Altamont:  "One  day  in  August, 
1859,"  says  Father  Silas,  "an  old 
man  came  to  us  from  Howard's 
Point  and  begged  that  one  of  us  ac- 
company him.  He  explained  that  he 
belonged  to  a  parish  numbering 
twenty-five  families,  native  Ameri- 
cans, mostly  from  Kentucky,  who 
had  not  seen  a  priest  for  several 
years.  Father  Damian,  the  superior, 
sent  a  priest  the  following  week." 
The  people  themselves  had  built  a 
church  but  for  several  years  no 
priest  had  set  foot  in  it.  The  "old 
man"  mentioned  was  probably 
Henry  P.  Logue,  who  donated  the 
land  on  which  the  old  St.  Bonaven- 
ture  Church  was  built,  and  the  mon- 
astery to  which  he  came  was  St. 
Joseph's  College  at  Teutopolis. 
Father  Silas  quotes  Father  Damian, 
O.F.M.,  who  must  have  previously 
visited  Altamont,  as  saying:  "In  this 
church  I  said  Mass  daily  during  my 
stay.  I  endeavored  to  encourage  and 
instruct  the  people  in  order  to  pre- 
pare them  for  the  sacraments  for 
which  they  longed  in  vain  for  many 
years." 

The  church  spoken  of,  with  all  its 
records,  was  destroyed  by  fire  on 
Christmas  day,  1873.  The  following 
year  work  was  commenced  on  the 
new  St.  Clare  Church,  a  frame  struc- 
ture, 33  by  68  feet.  It  was  ready  for 
occupancy  in  1875  in  which  year  it 
was  dedicated. 

Between  the  years  1874  and  1889 
the  following  Franciscan  Fathers 
from  Teutopolis  had  successive 
charge  of  Altamont :  Reverend  Fran- 
cis Albers  (who  built  the  church) 
1874-75;  Reverend  Michael  Richardt, 
1875-77;  Reverend  Clement  Dey- 
mann,  1877-79 ;  Reverend  Jerome 
Hcllhake,  1879-84;  Reverend  Flor- 
ence Kurzer,  1884-86 ;  Reverend  Pla- 
cidus  Krekeler,  1886-87,  and  Rever- 
end Stephan  Scholz,  1887-89.  Three 
of  the  above  mentioned  Fathers   are 


still  living  and  active  in  the  ministry. 
Father  Francis  is  the  present  pastor 
of  St.  Augustine  Church,  Chicago ; 
Father  Jerome  serves  in  the  monas- 
tery of  St.  Joseph,  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
while  Father  Florence  is  doing  par- 
ish work  at  Guardian  Angels  Church, 
Chaska,  Minnesota.  The  other  four 
have  gone  to  their  eternal  reward. 

During  the  Franciscans'  admini- 
stration a  parish  school  was  operated 
with  an  attendance  of  fifty  pupils 
but  with  the  coming  of  the  Diocesan 
priests,  the  school  was  discontinued. 

After  the  Franciscan  regime  came 
the  Diocesan  pastors:  Fathers  J. 
Gratza;  William  Michael;  Patrick 
Lyons,  who  died  pastor  of  Paris  in 
1925 ;  Herman  Gesenhues,  who  re- 
mained for  eight  years;  Clement 
Sommer  (died  at  Altamont  three 
years  after  assuming  charge),  and 
J.  H.  Stuebe  who  was  pastor  for  ten 
years  during  which  time  he  built  the 
St.  Elmo  mission  church  and  bought 
the  cemetery  grounds. 

Reverend  James  P.  Walsh,  suc- 
cessor of  Father  Stuebe,  entered 
upon  his  duties  as  pastor  of  Alta- 
mont, October,  1912.  Since  his  com- 
ing the  spiritual  and  temporal  inter- 
ests of  the  parish  have  been  appre- 
ciably advanced.  Under  his  direc- 
tion the  building  of  the  St.  Clare 
Church  was  begun  in  the  Fall  of 
1921,  the  corner-stone  of  which  was 
laid  in  June  of  the  following  year. 
The  dedication  took  place  on  June 
10,  1923.  Dean  (now  Monsignor) 
Louis  W.  Lammert  officiated  at  both 
ceremonies. 

Regarding  the  dedication  which 
proved  the  occasion  of  much  local 
and  general  rejoicing  we  are  insert- 
ing an  extract  taken  from  the  Alta- 
mont News : 

"Sunday,  Juno  10,  1923,  was  a 
great  day  in  the  history  of  St.  Clare 
Catholic  Church,  for  it  marked  the 
dedication  of  the  beautiful  new 
church  costing  approximately  $40,- 
000.00.  The  services,  beginning  at 
10:45,  were  beautiful  and  impressive. 
Very  Reverend  Dean  Lammert  of 
Effingham,  conducted  the  dedicatory 


412 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


part  of  the  program.  The  officers  of 
the  Mass  were :  celebrant,  Reverend 
James  P.  Walsh,  the  pastor;  deacon, 
Reverend  William  Quatman,  of  Sigel ; 
sub-deacon,  Reverend  Charles  C. 
Sandon,  assistant  pastor,  and  mas- 
ter of  ceremonies,  Reverend  Daniel 
J.  Doyle,  of  Effingham. 

"The  fine  choir  of  St.  Joseph's 
College,  Teutopolis,  furnished  the 
music  for  the  occasion  under  the  able 
leadership  of  Reverend  Thomas  Rust, 
O.F.M.  This  choir,  composed  of 
eighty  voices,  has  established  more 
than  a  local  reputation. 

"Reverend  William  T.  Sloan  of 
Granite  City,  one  of  the  Diocesan 
Missionaries,  delivered  a  sermon  on 
the  occasion.  In  addition  to  the 
priests  in  the  sanctuary,  the  follow- 
ing clergy  were  present :  Fathers  Wil- 
liam Pachlhofer,  George  Nell,  Jere- 
miah J.  Cronin,  Frederick  Neveling, 
Philip  Marke  and  Alphonse  Rhode." 

The  Ladies'  Altar  Society  and  the 
Young  Ladies'  Sodality  served  a  de- 
licious dinner  to  almost  one  thou- 
sand guests. 

The  new  church,  Gothic  in  style, 
was  designed  by  Ludwig  and  Drei- 
soner  of  St.  Louis.  It  is  built  of 
rug-faced  brick  with  Bedford  stone 
trimmings.  This  combination  pro- 
duces a  pleasing  effect  on  the  eye. 
Not  alone  the  congregation,  but  the 
entire  community,  is  proud  of  this 
new  church. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  record 
here  the  names  of  the  pioneer  fami- 
lies and  builders  of  the  first  Catho- 
lic Church  at  Altamont:  Laurance 
Carr,  John  Swaters,  Patrick  Doran, 


J.  F.  Quatman,  Bernard  Kecken- 
kemper,  Mathias  Faber,  Nick 
Weider,  Mrs.  Mary  Shab,  Charles 
Vogel,  Chris.  Seibert,  William  Sam- 
uels, Mathias  Johanns,  Michael 
Zacha,  Henry  Muller,  Herman  Hei- 
mann,  Franz  Joseph  Vogel,  Mary 
Ann  Drysdale,  G.  B.  Mager,  and 
Isaac  L.  Dial. 

Thirteen  young  ladies  from  the 
parish  are  serving  God  in  various 
religious  communities.  They  are : 
Agnes  Warnet,  Mary  Johanns,  Ver- 
onica Schoening,  Agnes  Weider, 
Elizabeth  Bannister,  Anna  Wernet, 
Paulina  Wernet,  Augusta  Johanns, 
Susana  Johanns,  Mary  Weider,  Mary 
Vogel,  Mary  Wernet  and  Cecelia 
Wernet.  This  roll  call  of  conse- 
crated virgins  speaks  volumes  for 
the  Catholic  Faith  of  the  parish.  But 
the  parishioners  of  St.  Clare  are  not 
less  patriotic  than  religious  as  may 
be  seen  from  the  fact  that  twenty- 
six  boys  from  the  parish  answered 
their  country's  call  in  the  late  war, 
one  of  whom,  Joseph  Roedell,  was 
killed  in  action. 

St.  Clare  parish  has  several  well- 
organized  societies,  namely,  League 
of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Ladies'  Altar 
Society,  Young  Ladies'  Sodality, 
Children  of  Mary,  Men's  Building 
Fund  Society,  and  Holy  Name  So- 
ciety. 

From  1922-25  Father  Walsh  was 
assisted  by  Reverend  Charles  San- 
don who  took  care  of  the  missions  of 
Shumway  and  St.  Elmo.  Shumway 
is  now  attended  by  Father  Heslin, 
chaplain  of  St.  Anthony  Hospital, 
Effingham. 


Church  of  St.  James,  Decatur,  Macon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1875. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Francis  J.  Ostendorf . 


In  1875  Decatur  had  but  one  Cath- 
olic Church,  St.  Patrick's.  The  mem- 
bers of  German  descent,  most  of 
whom  had  immigrated  to  this  coun- 
try when  grown  up,  found  it  difficult 
to  understand  the  language.  As  a 
consequence  many  grew  indifferent 
to  their  religious    duties    and    were 


gradually  losing  their  faith.  A  small 
band  of  those  who  had  always  faith- 
fully attended  church,  under  the 
leadership  of  Carl  Bottenhorn,  had 
repeatedly  applied  to  the  Bishop  of 
Alton  to  secure  the  services  of  a 
priest  who  could  minister  to  them  in 
their  own  language.     These  appeals, 


413 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


for  a  time,  wont  unheeded,  possibly 
because  German  priests  were  scarce 
and  the  number  of  Germans  in  De- 
catur was  small. 

Finally,  in  August,  1875,  Reverend 
Rernard  Fresenborg  was  sent  to  or- 
ganize a  parish  to  be  dedicated  to 
the  Apostle  St.  James  the  Lesser.  He 
gathered  the  German  families  to- 
gether and  held  services  during  his 
short  stay  in  Power's  Hall. 

Notwithstanding  his  best  efforts, 
Father  Fresenborg  failed  in  his  mis- 
sion, partly  because  of  the  lack  of 
financial  backing  and  partly  because 
of  his  tactical  inability  to  hold  the 
little  flock  together.  He  left  Deca- 
tur as  only  seven  families  showed  a 
real  interest  in  the  new  parish.  Later 
Carl  Bottenhorn  secured  a  lot  on 
East  Clay  street,  making  a  partial 
payment  on  it,  for  it  was  still  the 
fond  hope  of  the  well  intentioned 
people  that  some  day  they  would  be 
in  a  position  to  build  a  new  church 
and  support  a  resident  pastor. 

In  the  summer  of  1877,  Reverend 
Joseph  Spaeth,  who  had  just  been  or- 
dained, was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
James  by  Bishop  Baltes.  He  made 
his  home  for  the  time  being  with 
Father  Timothy  Hickey,  who  was 
then  in  charge  of  St.  Patrick  Church. 
Being  a  man  of  strong  will  power 
and  great  energy  he  brushed  aside 
all  obstacles  and  difficulties  in  his 
determination  to  organize  a  parish. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  held 
October  11,  1877,  it  was  decided  to 
lift  the  mortgage  on  the  lot  which 
had  been  purchased  as  a  site  for  the 
church.  At  this  meeting  also  the 
bids  for  the  erection  of  the  new 
building  were  opened  and  the  con- 
tract awarded  to  the  lowest  bidder, 
William  Niedertor,  for  $1,987.00,  not 
including  the  excavating  for  the 
foundation,  nor  the  sand,  brick  or 
plastering.  At  a  meeting  held  three 
days  later,  Anton  Heckler  and  Peter 
Melchiors  were  chosen  as  a  Board 
of  Directors  of  the  new  building.  At 
this  time  only  sixteen  families  took 
an  active  part  in  the  parish. 

The  church  was  dedicated  on  New 


Year's  Day,  1878,  Father  Spaeth 
saying  the  Mass  and  Father  W. 
Cluse  preaching  the  sermon.  The 
building  cost  about  $3500.00  and  was 
divided  into  almost  equal  parts,  the 
south  portion  serving  as  a  church, 
and  north  half  as  a  temporary  school 
room. 

When  Father  Spaeth  came  to  con- 
sider the  engagement  of  a  teacher, 
he  had  already  reached  the  limit  of 
his  resources.  As  he  was  unable  to 
secure  the  services  of  a  teacher 
without  pay,  he  induced  his  brother, 
Anton,  who  was  then  a  student  and 
had  made  arrangements  to  enter  the 
Teachers'  Seminary  at  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  to  take  over  the  task.  He 
served  a  year  without  salary,  but 
was  furnished  his  board  and  oc- 
casionally a  little  spending  money. 
He  was  succeeded  by  a  Mr.  Meyer 
who  remained  only  a  short  time. 
Then  Mr.  Tenger  was  appointed.  The 
number  of  children  attending  in- 
creased rapidly  so  that  the  end  of 
the  year  1879  seventy  pupils  were 
enrolled  with  C.  A.  Regenfuss  in 
charge,  a  very  able  teacher,  who  re- 
mained till  1891.  Father  Spaeth,  be- 
ing a  musician,  immediately  set  him- 
self to  training  a  choir,  and  at  the 
same  time  taught  the  school  children 
to  sing  German  hymns  during  church 
services. 

After  completing  the  church 
Father  Spaeth  took  up  his  residence 
in  a  house  on  Wood  street  back  of 
the  church.  At  the  end  of  two  years 
he  resigned  on  account  of  ill  health 
and  on  the  first  of  August,  1879, 
Reverend  Louis  W.  Lammert  suc- 
ceeded him  as  pastor  of  St.  James' 
Church.  The  parish  then  numbered 
fifty  families.  In  1882-83  the  mem- 
bership increased  to  100  families 
when  a  coal  company  was  organized 
and  brought  many  miners  to  Deca- 
tur. 

Up  to  this  time  the  pastor  had 
lived  in  a  rented  house  on  Wood 
street.  It  was  now  thought  oppor- 
tune to  build  a  parsonage.  On  Oc- 
tober 30,  1883,  the  contract  was  let  to 
Henry  Kain  for  $2396.00.    He  was  to 


414 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,   D.D. 


furnish  all  labor  and  material  ex- 
cept the  painting.  The  total  cost  was 
about  $3000.00.  This  building  was 
erected  just  east  of  the  church. 

In  1899  a  new  school  consisting  of 
two  rooms  was  built  on  a  lot  east  of 
the  parsonage  for  $2500.00.  Two 
years  later  the  partition  in  the 
church  was  removed  and  a  sanctuary 
and  a  sacristy  added  costing  about 
$2,000.  This  work  was  done  and 
the  money  raised  by  Reverend  Joseph 
Poerster  who  was  in  charge  during 
Father  Lammert's  absence  abroad. 

From  1891  to  1896,  Miss  Tuke  and 
Miss  Gast  taught  school.  The  fol- 
lowing year  Miss  Tuke  and  Miss 
Storp  were  the  teachers. 

On  the  first  of  January.  1896. 
Father  Lammert,  who  was  held  in 
high  esteem  by  his  parishioners,  left 
Decatur,  having  been  appointed  to 
St.  Anthony's  Church,  Effingham. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Alois 
Teppe,  a  very  active  and  zealous  pas- 
tor. 

In  1896  an  addition  to  the  school 
was  built  by  Frank  Sommer  at  a  cost 
of  $5,000.00.  The  following  year  the 
property  at  the  northeast  corner  of 
Clay  and  Webster  streets  was  pur- 
chased from  St.  Mary's  Hospital.  In 
the  little  four-room  house  that  stood 
on  this  lot,  three  school  Sisters  of  St. 
Francis,  who  came  from  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  in  August,  1897,  made 
their  home  for  five  years  until  the 
new  Sisters'  house  was  built  on  the 
lot  west  of  the  church.  This  house 
cost  $2200.00.  There  were  113  chil- 
dren enrolled  in  the  school  when  the 
Sisters  came,  increasing  gradually  to 
175  in  1911. 

In  1907  the  need  of  a  new  and 
larger  church  became  apparent  and 
a  collection  for  funds  was  started. 
The  parish  counted  but  100  families 
at  this  time,  yet  in  four  years  there 
was  $28,500  in  the  treasury.  Father 
Teppe 's  health  was  poor,  and  as  the 
time  to  build  was  imminent,  he  felt 
that  he  was  not  physically  able  to  un- 
dertake it.  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  however,  refused 
to  accept  his  resignation    in    Febru- 


ary, 1911,  and  requested  him  to  carry 
out  his  plans.  He  had  labored  so 
faithfully  and  successfully  during 
trying  times  that  the  bishop  thought 
that  to  him  should  go  the  honor  of 
building  the  church.  The  plans  and 
specifications  of  George  Stauduhar, 
of  Rock  Island  were  approved  and 
accepted.  The  general  contract  was 
awarded  to  Poison  Brothers,  of  Chi- 
cago, for  $43,500.00.  The  site  of  the 
new  church  was  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  Clay  and  Webster  streets. 

The  corner-stone  was  laid  June  11, 
1911,  with  impressive  ceremonies  by 
Very  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey, 
Vicar  General  of  the  diocese.  He 
gave  the  English  address  on  the  oc- 
casion and  Father  Lammert  the  Ger- 
man. Father  Teppe 's  request  to  be 
relieved  was  reluctantly  granted  by 
the  Bishop.  Reverend  F.  J.  Osten- 
dorf  of  Green  Creek,  the  present  pas- 
tor, was  named  his  successor  and  as- 
sumed his  duties  September  1,  1911. 

The  church  was  completed  with 
the  exception  of  some  of  the  stained 
glass  windows  and  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Ryan  on  the  23rd  day  of 
June,  1912.  On  this  occasion  the  for- 
mer pastors,  Fathers  Spaeth,  Lam- 
mert and  Teppe  assisted  at  the  cere- 
monies. Reverend  F.  J.  Kuhlmans, 
S.J.,  preached  the  sermon.  The  final 
cost  of  the  church  was  $75,000.00. 

In  June,  1917,  Reverend  Charles 
Wozniak,  recently  ordained,  was 
sent  to  St.  James  to  organize  a  Polish 
parish,  as  the  number  of  Polish  mem- 
bers had  increased  to  about  thirty 
families.  Not  meeting  with  the  suc- 
cess anticipated,  he  left  in  October, 
1918,  to  enlist  as  chaplain  in  the 
Polish  Army. 

Reverend  Frederick  Klasner,  who 
had  just  been  ordained,  came  to  St. 
James  as  assistant  pastor  in  June, 
1922.  He  is  a  willing  and  zealous 
worker,  well  liked  by  the  people. 

In  1921  the  church  was  free  of 
debt.  In  the  spring  of  the  following 
year  subscriptions  were  started  for 
a  new  school  and  community  center, 
as  the  old  church  and  school,  the  for- 
mer having   been   converted   into   a 


415 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


hall  in  1912,  was  now  too  small  for 
the  ever-growing  parish. 

August,  1924,  work  on  the  new 
fire-proof  school  was  commenced  by 
Lafond  and  Hartung,  Kankakee,  Illi- 
nois. The  site,  180x220,  was  the 
northwest  corner  of  Clay  and 
Webster  streets.  The  building  was 
completed  September,  1925,  at  a  cost 
of  $180,000.00,  and  dedicated  Oc- 
tober 18th,  1925  by  the  Right  Rever- 
end James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.  It  con- 
sists of  two  stories  and  a  basement. 
The  east  part  contains  eight  large 
classrooms  and  the  west  portion  an 
auditorium  with  stage,  heating  plant, 


bowling  alleys,  club  rooms  and 
kitchen. 

The  St.  James  annual  account  for 
1926  gives  the  following  interesting 
data :  292  families,  totaling  1,176 
souls,  269  children  in  the  grade 
school  taught  by  eight  Franciscan 
Sisters  from  Milwaukee,  and  46  bap- 
tisms. 

The  following  well  organized  so- 
cieties are  active  in  the  parish :  Holy 
Name,  Married  Ladies',  St.  Aloysius 
(for  boys),  and  St.  Agnes(  for  girls) 
Societies,  and  the  Young  Ladies'  So- 
dality and  the  Society  for  the  Prop- 
agation of  the  Faith. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1875 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Patrick  J.  O  'Reilly 


The  first  move  towards  the  foun- 
dation of  St.  Joseph  Parish  in 
Springfield  was  made  in  1875,  when 
Reverend  Manasses  Kane  was  sent 
there  by  Bishop  Baltes.  In  1877 
Father  Kane  built  St.  Joseph  church 
and  also  a  four-room  school,  the  Ur- 
suline  Sisters  taking  charge. 

The  church  bell  was  donated  by 
S.  W.  Hickox  and  still  continues  to 
ring  out  its  tidings  of  joy  and  sor- 
row. 

The  first  trustees  of  St.  Joseph 
were  Patrick  Myers  and  James 
Walsh.  The  following  were  among 
the  first  members :  William  Mulcahy, 
S.  W.  Hickox,  Patrick  Sullivan, 
Thomas  Armstrong,  Patrick  Higgins, 
James  Redmond,  William  O'Connell, 
Michael  Burke,  James  Walsh,  Frank 
Reisch,  John  Carey,  Jerry  Kerin, 
Sylvester  Paque,  Patrick  Lawler, 
Maurice  Healy,  John  Mernin,  George 
W.  Burke,  J.  McDonald,  John  Fog- 
arty,  Richard  Sullivan  and  Michael 
Lucy.  The  nationality  of  the  above 
it  is  not  necessary  to  state. 

The  founding  of  churches  is  not 
apparently  good  for  the  health,  and 
so  in  1881,  Father  Kane  was  obliged 
to  give  up  his  charge.  In  that  year 
Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan  came  to  St. 
Joseph,  taking  quarters  at  the  north-'' 
east  corner  of  Sixth  street  and  East 


man  Avenue.  After  a  few  years  he 
built  in  part  the  present  parsonage. 
He  also  installed  a  pipe  organ  that 
could  not  be  duplicated  today  for 
less  than  twelve  thousand  dollars. 
He  was  a  man  of  parts,  dear  to  all, 
whether  Catholic  or  not.  His  assist- 
ant was  the  Reverend  William 
Murphy.  Trustees,  John  Carey  and 
James  Redmond. 

In  1896  Bishop  Ryan  called  Rever- 
end Michael  Clifford  to  St.  Joseph, 
Father  Ryan  and  Father  Murphy  go- 
ing elsewhere.  Father  Clifford  had 
as  first  assistant,  Reverend  Heffer- 
nan  who  remained  three  years.  He 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Francis 
Kehoe,  who  was,  after  two  years, 
transferred.  His  next  assistant  was 
Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan,  who  re- 
mained one  year.  Then  came  Rev- 
erend Joseph  A.  M.  Wilson,  who  re- 
mained three  years.  His  last  assist- 
ant was  Father  McCauley,  who  re- 
mained three  years. 

Father  Clifford  was  already  an  old 
man  when  appointed  to  St.  Joseph 
and  yet  did  good  work.  He  erected 
three  altars,  the  main  one  still  being 
the  admiration  of  the  city;  he  also 
built  the  cement  walks.  Father  Clif- 
ford died  in  1906,  Father  McCauley 
.>  remaining  in  charge  until  Septem- 
ber, 1907,  having  as  assistant  Rever- 


416 


i»|n    Kf^'  t 

? 
£ 

jl 

mjl 

llunlm  St.  Xarbcrfs  Church,  Rev.  Daniel  Daly,  Pastor,  Old  Church  .  .  .  Altamont— 
St.  Clare's  Church,  Rev.  J.  P.  Walsh.  Pastor  .  .  .  Newton  8t.  Thomas,  Church,  St. 
Thomas  School,  Rev.  J.  Lupton,  Pastor.  First  Church,  Teachers  Residence,  Rectory. 


Decatur — St.  James'  School.  Church,  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  Spaeth,  lit.  Rev.  L.  W.  Lam- 
mcrt,  Rev.  A.  Teppe,  former  Pastors,  and  Rev.  F.  J.  Ostendorf,  present  Pastor  .  .  . 
Springfield — St.  Joseph's  church.  Rev.  P.  J.  O'Reilly,  Pastor,  St.  Joseph's  School,  Rectory. 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF   RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


end  John  Enright.  Reverend  P.  J. 
O'Reilly  was  then  appointed,  Father 
Enright  remaining  for  a  short  time 
as  assistant,  being  followed  by  Rev. 
D.  D.  Miller  late  of  Belleville,  now 
of  Rockford.  Then  came  Reverend 
Hugh  Brady  who  remained  five 
years.  Then  Reverend  Joseph  Me- 
Keogh  for  five  years,  and  succeeding 
him  Reverend  Peter  Masterson  for 
the  past  three  years.  The  trustees  of 
St.  Joseph  are  Robert  Emmet  Nolan 
and  James  P.  Morris. 

His  usual  good  luck  waited  on 
Father  O'Reilly  at  St  Joseph.  He 
arrived  there  just  as  the  progressive 
wave  was  sweeping  the  city.  Like 
the  others,  St.  Joseph  was  caught 
up  and  carried  to  her  present  pos- 
ition. Before  this  there  were  only 
three  respectable  things  in  the  parish, 
the  organ,  the  altar,  and  the  debt.  In 
1910  a  one  hundred  thousand  dol- 
lar school  was  built,  a  third  story 
was  built  upon  the  house,  the  church 
gallery  was  enlarged  and  new  stairs 
built,  the  old  being  narrow,  wind- 
ing, and  dark. 

St.  Joseph  has  now  a  wealth  of 
vestments  and  sacred  vessels,  all  of 
which  were  given  as  memorials  re- 
quiring no  diplomatic  finesse  on  the 
part  of  the  priest. 

The  tabernacle  is  steel,  the  interior 
covered  with  gold  leaf,  the  front 
door  being  heavily  plated.  It  was 
given  in  memory  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Michael  Tarrent  by  their  children. 
An  exquisite  chalice  specially  made 
in  Germany  is  a  memorial  to  Wil- 
liam Daughton  by  his  mother,  Mrs. 
Edward  Daughton.  The  grand  os- 
tensorium  is  in  memory  of  John  and 
Catherine  Donovan  by  their  chil- 
dren. The  ciborium,  large  and  beau- 
tiful, in  memory  of  Christine  Arm- 
strong by  her  sisters.  Another  ci- 
borium of  solid  gold  was  given  by 
the  Reisch  family  in  memory  of 
Frank  and  Annie  Reisch.  The  cruci- 
fixion group  in  memory  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  John  McCoffery!  The  gold 
plated  sanctuary  lamp  is  in  memory 
of  Reverend  James  Murray.  The  al- 
tar railing  is  a  memorial  of  T.    D. 


Hogan.  The  rose  window,  the  Cross 
and  the  Flag,  was  erected  in  mem- 
ory of  Michael  Burke  by  his  chil- 
dren. A  set  of  white  and  gold  vest- 
ments was  given  in  memory  of  Wil- 
liam Murray.  A  set  of  black  vest- 
ments is  in  memory  of  Mary  Reilly. 
White  cope  in  memory  of  Mrs. 
Goveia.  Benediction  veil  donated  by 
Mrs.  Keegan.  A  black  cope  in  mem- 
ory of  John  Carney.  Two  votive 
candelabra,  one  in  memory  of  Mrs. 
Geoffrey  Ryan,  the  other  in  memory 
of  Mrs.  Mary  Hayes.  Two  gold 
candelabra  in  the  sanctuary  are  in 
memory  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Andrew 
Quinn.  The  Blessed  Virgin's  altar  is 
in  memory  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James 
Kennedy.  St.  Joseph's  altar  is  in 
memory  of  James  D.  Fielding.  The 
Christmas  crib  is  in  memory  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Maurice  Healy ;  donated  by 
their  children.  Two  chandeliers, 
one  in  memory  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cur- 
ran,  the  other  in  memory  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Michael  Brown. 

Six  priests  were  given  to  the 
church  :  Right  Reverend  Monsignor 
M.  A.  Tarrent,  Reverend  James  Mur- 
ray (deceased),  Rev.  James  Stack, 
C.S.C.,  Very  Reverend  Monsignor 
Amos  Guisti,  J.C.D.,  Father  Carey, 
and  Father  Edgar  Case,  S.J. 

The  following  young  ladies  taught, 
or  are  yet  teaching  in  the  schools : 
Miss  Ella  Tarrent,  Miss  Kate  Myers, 
Miss  Hanna  Curran,  Miss  Julia  Mc- 
Murray,  Miss  Elizabeth  Armstrong, 
Miss  Margaret  Schliff,  Miss  Lucy 
Dunnigan,  Miss  Catherine  Higgins, 
Miss  Margaret  Tarrent,  Miss  Mary 
Kane,  Miss  Mary  Tobin,  Miss  Mary 
Healy,  Miss  Laura  Healy,  and  Miss 
Clara  Hickox. 

St.  Joseph's  school  has  four  hun- 
dred children  cared  for  by  eight  Ur- 
suline  Nuns. 

The  parish  consists  of  four  hun- 
dred families,  mostly  of  Irish  descent 
though  there  are  representatives  of 
eleven  nationalities;  there  are  a  few 
Germans,  a  few  Italians,  a  few  Poles, 
and  others.  Many  of  the  so-called 
foreigners  are  among  the  best  sup- 
porters of  the    church ;    one    Polish 


417 


DIOCESE   OP   SPUINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


family  deserves  special  mention,  and 
that  is  the  family  of  C.  J.  Hodalski. 
Mr.  Hodalski  played  the  organ  at  St. 
Joseph  for  seven  years  free  of  charge, 
whilst  his  five  sons  were  the  main- 
stay of  the  choir. 

T.  D.  Hogan  was  especially  help- 
ful during  the  construction  of  the 
new  school.  Busy  as  he  was,  he  gave 
his  time  and  husiness  acumen  to  the 
work  while  the  rector  was  sick  at 
the  hospital. 

The  largest  donation  to  the  new 
school  was  made  by  Andrew  Quinn 
— one  thousand  dollars. 

Williamsville  is  attached  to  St. 
Joseph  church,  but  at  present  there 
are  no  Catholics  there. 

The  following  young  ladies  enter- 
ed religion : 

The  Order  of  St,  Ursula— Sisters 
Raphael  Armstrong,  DeChantal  Run- 
yon,  Bernadine  Tarrent,  Margaret 
Mary  Porter,  Mary  Rose  Williams, 
Barbara  Klaholt,  Dolores  Foley, 
Stanislaud  Glavin,  DePazzi  Dono- 
van, Patricia  Barron,  Austin  Greeley, 
Bernadette  Greeley,  Mary  Ellen 
Steffes,  and  Mary  Ann  Tobin. 

Order  of  the  Good  Shepherd — Sis- 
ter Mary  of  the  Holy  Souls  Daly. 

Sisters  of  Loretto — Sister  Clara 
Hickox,  and  Sister  DePazzie  Burns. 

Order  of  St.  Francis — Sister  Pa- 
tricia Kane. 

To  sum  up  the  history  of  St. 
Joseph  with  special  reference  to  the 
past  twenty  years,  the  reader  is  re- 


ferred to  I  Thes.  1:8  "We  need  not 
to  speak  anything,"  for  "in  every 
place"  is  known  our  loyalty  to  our 
Caesar  and  our  God.  During  the  late 
unpleasantness  St.  Joseph  sent  to 
the  front  two  hundred  men,  four 
making  the  supreme  sacrifice.  Each 
one  gave  generously  from  his  mod- 
est treasury,  thus  supplying  the  sin- 
ews of  war  in  men  and  money. 

St.  Joseph  stands  high  on  all 
diocesan  records  giving  over  $22,000 
to  the  orphanage  building.  The  acid 
test  came  with  the  drive  for  the  new 
cathedral.  Here  it  may  be  said  of 
St.  Joseph — " Exultavit  ut  gigas," 
etc.  Indeed  we  went  one  better  than 
this  for  soon  St.  Joseph's  was  found 
in  the  anomalous  position  of  driving 
and  leading  at  the  same  time.  What 
St.  Joseph's  did  for  the  drive  in  the 
first  announcement  of  $30,000.00, 
will  never  be  known.  Just  as  the 
Diocese  looked  to  Springfield,  so 
Springfield  looked  to  St.  Joseph's, 
and  now  that  it  is  all  over  there 
should  be  general  rejoicing  that  this 
pious  belief  did  not  suffer  at  our 
hands — Ite  ad  Joseph. 

This  excellent  showing  is  due  prin- 
cipally to  the  Holy  Name  men  with 
Mr.  Peter  Rossiter  in  the  chair,  and 
Mr.  Arthur  Elshoff,  secretary. 

As  to  parochial  work  it  is  not 
necessary  to  speak  further.  The 
parish  is  now  of  age  and  can  speak 
for  itself. 


Church  op  St.  Augustine,  Ashland,  Cass  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1875. 

Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Denis  O'Brien. 


To  the  west  of  St.  Augustine 
church  proper,  there  stands  a  build- 
ing now  known  as  St,  Augustine 
Hall.  This  little  edifice  was  built 
fifty-one  years  ago  by  a  small  band 
of  loyal  sons  of  Holy  Mother  Church, 
and  put  under  the  protection  of  the 
great  St.  Augustine.  During  the  first 
years  of  its  existence,  it  was  attend- 
ed as  a  mission  from  Petersburg  by 
Reverend  Augustine  Saner.  Doubt- 
less, it  was  that  good    Father    who 


gave  it  the  name  of  his  patron  saint 
— a  name  which  it  still  proudly  bears. 
Father  Sauer  did  not  remain  long  in 
charge,  being  soon  transferred  to 
Carrollton  where  he  continued  pas- 
tor for  many  years.  He  died  a  week 
before  the  time  set  for  the  celebra- 
tion of  his  Golden  Jubilee  in  the 
priesthood. 

Father  Sauer  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Owen  O'Hare  who  minis- 
tered from  1878  to  1880.     The  third 


418 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


pastor,  Father  Thomas  Hogan,  had 
charge  of  Ashland  for  the  next  four 
years.  It  was  he  who  built  the  pres- 
ent handsome  church,  but  sadly 
enough,  he  did  not  live  long  to  en- 
joy it,  for  he  died  in  1884,  shortly 
after  its  completion.  His  remains 
were  sent  to  Wisconsin  for  burial. 

The  next  to  assume  charge  was 
Reverend  William  J.  Merscher,  the 
present  pastor  of  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Springfield.  He  has  the  dis- 
tinction of  being  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  Ashland. 

After  Father  Merscher,  came 
Father  McGuire,  during  whose  min- 
istration the  parochial  residence  was 
burned  down  and  all  the  church 
records  with  it,  but  Father  McGuire, 
nothing  daunted  by  this  heavy  loss, 
built  the  present  rectory  on  a  more 
elaborate  scale.  His  five  years  stay 
were  years  of  zealous  and  fruitful 
labor.  Ashland  has  had  few  priests 
whom  it  liked  better  than  Father 
McGuire. 

Reverend  Anthony  Zurbonson, 
lately  called  to  his  reward,  filled  the 
vacancy  made  by  Father  McGuire 's 
departure  to  Franklin.  Father  Zur- 
bonson remained  only  a  year,  but 
during  that  short  time  he  bought  a 
five-acre  tract  of  ground  which  has 
since  been  converted  into  a  beautiful 
cemetery  ;  and  had  the  Silver  Jubilee 
of  the  parish  celebrated  with  becom- 
ing splendor. 

Father  Joseph  Meckel  was  given 
charge  in  1899,  and  ministered  faith- 
fully until  1905,  when  he  left  for  Ire- 
land, to  return  no  more.  Father 
Thomas  J.  Connolly,  successor  to 
Father  Meckel,  was  pastor  from 
1905  to  1913,  during  which  time  he 
had  for  assistants,  Reverend  John 
Lupton,  now  pastor  of  Newton ;  Rev- 
erend Peter  Paul  McGuinness,  pres- 
ent pastor  of  Morrisonville,  and  Rev- 
erend James  Murray,  now  deceased. 
The  parish  grew  and  flourished  dur- 
ing the  ministry  of  these  four  priests. 

In  1913,  Father  Connolly  went  to 
Colorado  to  recuperate  his  failing 
health,  and  Reverend  William  H. 
Murphy,  who  was  to  labor  in  Ash- 


land for  the  next  seven  years,  be- 
came pastor.  After  a  long  illness, 
borne  with  true  priestly  resignation, 
Father  Murphy  died  at  Ashland, 
July,  1920,  and  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  incumbent,  Reverend 
Denis  O'Brien.  The  present  lay 
trustees  of  the  church  are  W.  P. 
Newell  and  Henry  Henn. 

An  out-standing  fact  in  the  recent 
history  of  St.  Augustine's  parish  was 
the  celebration  of  its  Golden  Jubilee 
in  1924.  For  weeks  before  the  event, 
pastor  and  people  had  been  making 
elaborate  preparations,  so  that  when 
July  1  dawned,  everything  was  in 
readiness.  The  church  and  parson- 
age, interiorly  and  exteriorly,  were 
decorated  in  such  becoming  taste  as 
to  excite  the  admiration  and  praise 
of  all  those  present.  Reverend  An- 
thony Zurbonson  was  celebrant  of 
the  Mass,  assisted  by  Father  Lupton 
as  deacon,  Father  McGuinness  as 
sub-deacon,  and  Father  Murnane  as 
master  of  ceremonies.  Present  in  the 
sanctuary  were  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Fathers 
Michael  J.  Davis,  Lucius  Alexander, 
George  Kenny,  Edward  Butler,  Tim- 
othy M.  Moloney,  Louis  Hufker, 
William  Costello,  and  many  other 
priests  from  the  surrounding  coun- 
try. The  Bishop  gave  an  inspiring 
sermon  complimenting  Father 
O'Brien  and  his  parishioners  for 
their  love  of  God  and  country  as  ex- 
emplified in  that  day's  proceedings. 
After  the  sermon,  the  Bishop  admin- 
istered the  Sacrament  of  Confirma- 
tion to  a  class  of  75 ;  then  came  a 
sumptuous  banquet  served  to  the 
Bishop  and  visiting  priests  by  the 
ladies  of  the  parish.  The  dinner 
toasts — "Our  Country,"  "Our 
Bishop,"  and  "Our  Holy  Father,"— 
were  given  by  Fathers  0  'Dwyer,  Ma- 
loney,  and  Hufker,  respectively. 
Hon.  Edmund  Burke  followed  with 
an  impressive  address.  The  last  to 
speak  was  the  Bishop,  and  needless 
to  say  he  acquitted  himself  in  his 
usual  eloquent  and  charming  man- 
ner. 


419 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Seventy  families,  most  of  whom 
live  by  tilling  productive  soil,  make 
up  the  parish  at  the  present  writing. 
The  congregation  receives  much  help 


along  social  and  religious  lines  from 
the  Children  of  Mary,  St.  Aloysius 
Society,  Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  and 
the  Altar  and  Holy  Name  Societies. 


Church  of  St.  Michael,  Hume,  Edgar  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1876. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Morgan  J.  0  'Flaherty. 


Founded  nearly  half  a  century 
ago,  this  church  was  originally  a 
frame  building  of  very  modest  pro- 
portions. Though  few  in  numbers, 
the  faithful  of  this  parish  had  always 
cherished  the  desire  to  erect  a  more 
pretentious  structure  to  the  greater 
glory  of  God. 

The  several  resident  pastors  di- 
rected their  efforts  to  that  end.  But 
it  remained  for  Father  James  Ahern 
to  bring  to  realization  the  ardent  de- 
sire of  the  Catholics  of  this  com- 
munity. At  the  present  writing,  a 
new  edifice  is  under  construction 
which,  when  finished,  will  rank  with 
many  of  the  fine  churches  of  the 
Diocese.  It  is  of  early  Gothic  design 
from  plans  drawn  by  the  eminent 
architect,  Thomas  F.  Imbs,  St.  Louis, 
Missouri.  It  is  the  aim  of  the  pastor 
and  people  to  make  it  an  appropriate 
home  for  Our  Lord  in  the  Holy 
Eucharist.  Its  completion  will  mark 
great  religious  progress  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  diocese  and  will  undoubt- 
edly demonstrate  what  can  be  ac- 
complished by    a   small,    God-loving 


congregation  of  twenty-two  families 
led  by  a  zealous  pastor. 

Its  construction  has  created  quite 
an  interest  in  the  community,  re- 
gardless of  creed.  This  was  mani- 
fested in  a  very  practical  manner  by 
the  substantial  donations  that  have 
been  received  from  those  outside  the 
Church. 

The  parsonage  is  a  substantial 
brick  building,  and  though  built 
many  years  ago,  is  quite  up  to  date 
in  home  conveniences. 

In  June,  1924,  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  visited  the 
parish  and  administered  Confirma- 
tion to  twenty  children.  The  parish 
has  a  Holy  Name  and  an  Altar  So- 
ciety. 

Since  the  above  writing,  the 
church  has  been  completed  and  now 
stands  as  a  practical  proof  of  the 
deep  faith  and  generosity  of  those 
responsible  for  its  erection.  Father 
Ahern  was  lately  promoted  to 
Beardstown,  and  his  place  at  Hume 
taken  by  the  present  pastor,  Rever- 
end Morgan  J.  0 'Flaherty. 


Church  op  St.  Anselm,  Kampsville,  Calhoun  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1877. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Agnell  J.  Bleser. 


Within  the  parish  limits  of  St.  An- 
selm, three  miles  north  of  Kamps- 
ville, at  the  foot  of  Perrin's  Ledge, 
on  the  shore  of  the  Illinois  river,  it 
is  thought  that  Pere  Marquette  and 
Sieur  Joliet  stepped  ashore,  in  the 
late  summer  of  1673,  the  first  white 
men  to  put  foot  on  Illinois  soil. 

The  Catholic  congregation  of 
Kampsville  was  first  organized  in 
1877  as  a  mission  attended  by  Father 
Otto  Freimuth  who  was  pastor  of  St. 
Michael  church  at  Michael,  Calhoun 


County,  Illinois.  During  that  year  a 
solid  frame  church  building  was 
erected,  75  by  35  by  50  feet,  with  a 
steeple  80  feet  high,  at  a  cost  of 
about  $2,500.00.  Fischer,  of  Hardin, 
was  the  architect.  The  records  show 
that  thirty-five  families  gave  $2,- 
842.00.  The  ground,  about  300  feet, 
in  the  very  heart  of  the  village  was 
donated  by  the  pioneer  settler  and 
benefactor  of  the  parish,  Mr.  M.  A. 
Kamp.  He  donated  also  three  acres 
of  the  scenic  land  near  by  for  a  Cath- 


420 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF   RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


olic  Cemetery.  The  first  trustees 
were  M.  A.  Kamp,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  93,  November  24,  1922,  Joseph 
Hayn,  who  died  October  11,  1922,  at 
the  age  of  78  years,  and  Bernard 
Kinseherff,  who  died  in  1900,  also  at 
an  advanced  age. 

The  church  was  dedicated  in  the 
fall  of  1877.  The  two  bells,  the 
larger  one  in  honor  of  St.  Michael, 
the  smaller  one  in  honor  of  St. 
Joseph,  were  blessed  on  April  24, 
1878  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Peter 
Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  of  Alton,  assist- 
ed by  the  Fathers  Sullivan,  Witt- 
haut,  Winterhalter  and  Freimuth. 

The  first  baptism  in  the  new 
church  was  that  of  Michael  Brangen- 
berg  (Dec.  2,  1877)  ;  the  first  mar- 
riage was  that  of  Henrv  Stratmeyer 
and  Catherine  Kamp  (Dec.  26,  1878), 
and  the  first  funeral,  that  of  Gerhard 
Richter,  infant  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
F.  Richter,  (July  21,  1879). 

Father  C.  Sommer  attended  the 
mission  of  Kampsville  from  Decem- 
ber, 1878  to  June,  1892.  He  procured 
the  present  simple  but  beautiful  al- 
tars and  other  church  equipment. 
His  long  stay  and  strong  personality 
left  a  deep  impression  on  the  mission. 
Father  C.  Johannes  attended  Kamps- 
ville from  June,  1892  to  July  1,  1897. 
He  built  the  present  ten  room  rec- 
tory, costing  about  $1,200.00,  and  on 
November  1,  1895,  he  was  appointed 
the  first  resident  pastor. 

Father  John  August  Duval  was 
pastor  from  July,  1897  to  March, 
1901.  He  opened  in  1898,  the  first 
parish  school,  a  frame  structure  24 
by  18  feet,  and  placed  it  in  charge 
of  the  Precious  Blood  Sisters.  He  in- 
stalled a  furnace  in  the  rectory,  and 
organized  a  parish  band.  During 
his  time  a  greater  and  deeper  inter- 
est in  apple-raising  was  aroused.  In 
1900  Father  Duval  built  the  little 
brick  mission  church  40  by  20  by  30 
feet  with  a  60  foot  tower,  in  honor 
of  St.  Agnes  at  Belleview.  This  was 
needed  to  better  attend  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  western,  smaller  half  of 
the  parish.  This  mission  began  with 
twenty  families  and  received  month- 


ly first  Sunday  Service.  But  in  the 
course  of  years  the  little  mission 
slowly  dwindled  to  nine  small  fami- 
lies and  with  improved  traveling  fa- 
cilities these  few  families  find  it 
more  convenient  to  attend  the 
Kampsville  church. 

Father  Francis  Xavier  Sturm 
came  in  March,  1901,  and  remained 
only  a  short  time.  Father  J.  A. 
Rheinhardt,  assistant  at  Michael  for 
the  Hardin  Mission,  looked  after  the 
parish  until  Father  A.  Ulric  arrived 
on  November  11,  1902.  He  had  been 
with  the  Jesuits  as  a  home  mission- 
ary for  many  years  in  the  eastern 
states.  He  was  a  very  capable  and 
zealous  priest,  and  taught  in  person 
the  parish  school  for  a  number  of 
years.  His  varied  and  constant  ac- 
tivities overtaxed  his  strength,  with 
the  result  that  in  1908  on  a  sick-call 
to  Meppen  he  contracted  a  severe 
cold.  Complications  set  in  and  he 
was  hurried  to  St.  Anthony's  Hos- 
pital, St.  Louis,  Missouri,  for  an  op- 
eration. He  died  March  24,  1909, 
and  was  buried,  as  he  desired,  in  the 
center  of  the  parish  cemetery,  graced 
by  a  beautiful  stone.  His  memory 
will  ever  be  cherished  in  the  parish, 
as  that  of  a  holy  priest.  "Holy 
Father  Ulric,"  so  the  parishioners 
still  speak  of  him. 

Father  F.  Neveling  came  on  Palm 
Sunday,  1909,  and  remained  until 
October,  1911.  With  the  coming  of 
Father  Edward  S.  Douglas  in  Oc- 
tober, 1911,  the  present  Sisters' 
house  was  built,  a  frame  structure  of 
eight  rooms  with  a  basement,  costing 
about  $1,300.00.  In  September,  1913, 
he  reopened  the  school  with  the  Ur- 
suline  Sisters  of  Alton  in  charge.  In 
the  winter  of  1914  the  school  was 
totally  destroyed  by  fire.  But  the 
undaunted  pastor  soon  rebuilt  a 
large  combination  school  and  hall  60 
by  30  feet,  costing  about  $1,500.00. 
He  installed  modern  plumbing  in  the 
rectory  and  in  the  convent,  and  also 
bought  a  Delco  Electric  Light  Plant 
which  furnishes  light  for  all  the 
church  buildings.  Furnaces  were  in- 
stalled in  church,  school  and  convent 


421 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


and  tlu>  church's  interior  was  beau- 
tifully frescoed.  He  was  the  war- 
time pastor  and  acquitted  himself 
superlatively  of  all  patriotic  duties. 
Reverend  James  A.  Telken  came  in 
October,  1919,  and  equipped  the  hall 
stage  with  suitable  scenery.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Father  George  E.  Fal- 


ler  in  July,  1922.  who  excavated  a 
basement  under  the  rectory  and  built 
a  pipe  organ  in  the  church.  He  paid 
off  $3,000  of  church  debt.  Father 
Agnell  J.  Blesser  was  appointed  pas- 
tor in  April,  1924.  The  parish  counts 
79  1'amili.s  with  a  debt  of  $1,200.  The 
annual  budget  amounts  to  $3,000.00. 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Lillyville,  Cumberland  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1877. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Francis  Mazir. 


This  rural  parish  was  organized  as 
a  mission  in  the  year  1877  by  the 
Franciscans  of  Teutopolis  under  the 
direction  of  Very  Reverend  P.  Maur- 
itius Klostermann,O.F.M.  The  church 
property,  comprising  the  church,  rec- 
tory, school,  teachers'  dwelling  and 
cemetery,  is  situated  five  miles  north- 
east of  Teutopolis,  and  about  the 
same  distance  southeast  of  Sigel.  The 
territory  of  the  parish,  including  the 
combined  area  of  both  the  school  dis- 
tinct and  the  parish,  extends  about 
four  miles  east  and  west  and  three 
miles  north  and  south. 

The  first  venture  to  establish  a 
mission  parish  in  Spring  Point  town- 
sbip,  Cumberland  County,  was  made 
in  1868,  when  six  miles  northeast  of 
the  present  Lillyville  church  a  primi- 
tive frame  building  measuring  about 
20  by  30  feet  was  erected  to  meet  the 
spiritual  needs  of  fifteen  Catholic 
families,  mostly  Rheno-Bavarians. 
Several  Franciscan  pastors  of  the 
Sigel  parish,  chiefly  the  Fathers  Se- 
bastian Kleekamm  and  Dominic  Flor- 
ian,  O.F.M.,  said  Mass  in  the  build- 
ing for  some  years,  about  once  a 
month,  and  usually  on  week-days. 
Owing  to  the  difficulty  of  reaching 
this  remote  point  and  the  lack  of 
proper  practical  co-operation,  serv- 
ices were  entirely  discontinued  in 
1879. 

The  early  Catholic  settlers  within 
the  present  limits  of  the  parish  were : 
John  H.  Schumacher,  Barney  Tap- 
horn,  Michael  Koelsch,  Mrs.  Cather- 
ine Wente,  Clem  Uptmor  II.,  Edward 
Deitermann.  Upon  the  arrival  of  ad- 
ditional Catholic  families    a    school 


was  opened  for  a  short  period  by  G. 
H.  Willenborg  in  a  log  cabin  on  the 
farm  of  one  Frank  H.  Schumacher. 
Later  a  more  suitable  location  was 
found. 

Tn  the  spring  of  1877,  when  the 
number  of  Catholic  families  residing 
within  two  miles  of  the  school  had 
increased  to  twenty-seven,  Bishop 
Baltes  authorized  Very  Reverend  P. 
Mauritius,  O.F.M.,  to  organize  these 
families  into  a  special  mission  par- 
ish and  to  arrange  for  the  building 
of  a  church  at  Lillyville,  to  be  at- 
tended as  an  out-mission  by  the 
Franciscans.  The  task  was  material- 
ly promoted  by  the  valuable  co-oper- 
ation of  Frank  H.  Schumacher,  Sr., 
and  John  Will.  Sr.,  the  latter  do- 
nating for  parish  purposes  ten  acres 
of  his  farm,  which  contained  the  log 
school  house.  About  $1,200.00  were 
secured  by  subscription,  and  work 
on  the  frame  church  building,  meas- 
uring 28  by  60  feet  was  begun  in  the 
spring  of  1877.  On  its  completion, 
at  a  cost  of  about  $1,400.00,  it  was 
dedicated  on  November  1,  1877,  by 
Very  Reverend  P.  Mauritius,  O.F.M., 
and  placed  under  the  patronage  of 
the  Most  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus.  Rev- 
erend P.  Joseph  Sieveres,  O.F.M., 
was  appointed  the  first  pastor,  (Jan. 
1878— Summer,  1879). 

During  the  next  pastorate  of  Rev- 
erend Bonaventure  Faulhaber,  O.F. 
M.  (Summer,  1879— Summer,  1880), 
a  high  altar  was  purchased  at  a  cost 
of  $200.00.  Reverend  Quirinus 
Stuecker,  O.F.M.,  succeeded  as  pas- 
tor, August,  1880— October,  1887. 
Reverend    Austachius   Bruggemann, 


422 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND   PETER  JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


O.F.M.,  acted  as  substitute,  August  to 
November,  1884.  In  October,  1881,  a 
three  days'  mission  was  conducted 
by  Father  Symphorian,  O.F.M. 

In  1882  a  frame  combination 
school  and  teacher's  dwelling  was 
built  which  served  both  purposes  un- 
til August,  1892,  when  the  frame 
church  was  occupied  as  the  new 
school,  and  the  entire  frame  house 
has  since  been  used  as  teacher's 
dwelling.  Reverend  Romuald  Rhein- 
dorf,  O.F.M.,  served  as  pastor  Novem- 
ber, 1887— July,  1889. 

As  the  number  of  families  had 
meanwhile  increased  to  forty-five 
and  the  crowded  condition  in  church 
and  the  combination  school  became 
embarrassing,  Father  Romuald,  in 
January,  1889,  took  up  an  initial  sub- 
scription for  a  new  church,  thereby 
securing  $1,000.00,  which  was  on 
hand  at  the  arrival  of  his  successor, 
Reverend  Alardus  Andrescheck,  O. 
F.M.,  in  August,  1889.  Soon  there- 
after the  parishioners  offered  pledges 
of  contributions  for  the  proposed 
church  to  the  amount  of  about  $3,- 
000.00,  payable  not  later  than  1892. 
The  building  committee  consisted  of 
Frank  H.  Schumacher,  Sr.,  H.  Jan- 
sen,  Lawrence  Will,  H.  Wente,  H. 
Schumacher,  Fred  F.  Dasenbrock, 
under  the  direction  of  the  pastor. 
The  bricks  were  made  on  the  church 
grounds  at  $2.50  per  thousand,  and 
the  heavy  lumber — 14,000  feet  of 
white  oak  was  generously  donated 
by  kind  friends  of  the  Green  Creek 
parish. 

On  Trinity  Sunday,  May  24,  1891, 
the  corner-stone  was  blessed  by  Rev- 
erend Paul  Terodrde,  O.F.M.,  Guar- 
dian at  Teutopolis,  assisted  by  a 
large  number  of  confreres  and  in  the 
presence  of  about  600  people  from 
nearby  parishes.  The  brick-mason 
work  was  completed  on  September 
16th,  and  the  gilt  cross  planted  on 
the  109  foot  spire  on  October  20, 
1891. 

The  church,  constructed  in  Gothic 
style,  measured  109  by  44  feet.  The 
two  sacristies  at  the  rear,  connected 
by  a  corridor,  have  each    a    second 


story.  This  arrangement  was  made 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  priests, 
while  the  church  was  attended  as  an 
out-mission.  The  cash  cost  of  the 
edifice  amounted  to  about  $11,000.00, 
while  the  value  of  labor  and  material 
donated  by  the  parishioners  and 
helpful  friends  approximated  $5,000, 
so  that  the  total  value  of  the  church, 
at  the  time  of  its  completion,  was 
conservatively  estimated  at  $16,- 
000.00,  while  there  remained  an  un- 
paid indebtedness  of  only  $1,945.00. 
The  church  is  a  lasting  monument  to 
the  staunch  faith  and  spirit  of  gener- 
osity that  animated  the  little  group 
of  farmer-parishioners. 

On  September  18,  1892,  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  James  Ryan,  dedicated 
the  new  church  to  the  mercies  of  the 
Most  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus  in  the 
presence  of  some  1500  people  from 
far  and  near.  The  Very  Reverend 
Dean  Henry  Joseph  Jungmann,  of 
Effingham,  assisted  by  Father  P. 
Paul,  O.F.M.,  as  assistant  priest, 
Father  P.  Cyriacus,  O.F.M.,  as  dea- 
con ;  Father  P.  Stephen,  O.F.M.  as 
sub-deacon,  celebrated  Solemn  High 
Mass  in  the  new  temple.  In  his  con- 
gratulatory remarks  after  the  Mass 
the  Bishop  highly  commended  the 
Lillyville  people,  especially  for  first 
providing  a  suitable  school  for  the 
children  and  thereafter  rearing  so 
splendid  a  House  of  God  as  one  sel- 
dom finds  in  a  remote  rural  district. 

Reverend  Nazarius  Kaiser,  O.F.M., 
became  pastor  of  Lillyville,  but  in 
July,  1893,  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev- 
erend Clement  Moorman,  O.F.M.,  who 
served  as  the  last  Franciscan  pastor 
of  this  parish  until  Advent,  1893, 
when  Father  John  Storp,  formerly  of 
Nokomis,  Illinois,  arrived  as  the  new 
pastor  of  the  combined  charge.  Green 
Cieck  and  Lillyville,  the  two 
churches  being  six  miles  apart. 
Father  Storp  applied  himself  with 
steady  endurance  to  the  further  spir- 
itual and  material  development  of 
his  double  charge.  Whilst  residing 
at  Green  Creek,  he  said  Mass  at  each 
place  every  Sunday  and  Holy  day, 
on  the  greater  feasts,  and  held  after- 


423 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IX    ILLINOIS 


noon  and  evening  services  in  both 
churches.  Moreover,  he  came  to 
Lillyville  al  regular  intervals  also  on 
week  days  to  say  Mass  and  give  re- 
ligious instruction.  During  his  pas- 
torate he  liquidated  the  church  debt 
of  $1,945.00,  and  despite  "hard 
times,"  purchased  a  new  pipe  organ 
in  1897  at  the  cost  of  $853.00,  and 
made  various  other  improvements. 
It  is  worthy  of  note  that  in  1896, 
whilst  the  families  at  Lillyville  num- 
bered only  forty-six,  the  number  of 
pupils  at  school  was  80,  and  16  bap- 
tisms are  on  reeord  for  that  year. 
Father  Storp  died,  unexpectedly,  on 
February  8.  1902,  after  a  few  days' 
illness,  and  lies  buried  in  the  Green 
Creek  cemetery. 

At  the  Bishop's  request  the  Fran- 
ciscans of  Teutopolis  again  took 
temporary  charge  of  the  Lillyville 
parish.  Reverend  Desiderius  "Von 
Frenz  from  February  to  September. 
1902,  and  Reverend  Oassian  Tritz 
from  October,  1902  to  July,  1903. 

Tn  July,  1903,  Father  Francis  J. 
Ostendorf,  former  assistant  at  St. 
Anthonv  church,  Effingham,  was 
placed  in  charge  of  the  Green  Creek 
and  Lillyville  parishes,  with  the  ar- 
rangement that  he  hold  Sunday  and 
TToly  day  services  only  alternately 
at  the  churches.  Acceeding  to  the 
desire  of  the  Lillyville  parishioners 
for  regular  Sunday  services,  the 
Bishop  appointed  Father  L.  P.  Hurk- 
mans  as  the  first  resident  pastor.  He 
remained  from  December  17,  1903  to 
December  24,  1904,  during  which 
time  he  built  and  furnished  a  priest's 
house  of  brick  at  a  cost  of  $2,100.00. 
and  procured  a  new  communion  rail 
and  pulpit  for  the  church.  Tn  trans- 
ferrinir  Father  TTurkmans  to  Mt. 
Olive  Illinois  the  Bishop  appointed 
as  pastor  of  Lillyville  Father  Fred- 
eric A.  Niebling,  who  served  the  con- 
gregation from  January  1,  1905  to 
June  5,  1911.  He  procured  in  1907 
three  stately  Gothic  altars  at  the 
price  of  $1,000.00  and  new  statuary 
for  $166.00,  and  in  1909  had  the   in- 


terior of  the  church  artistically  fres- 
coed for  $800.00. 

Father  Joseph  Maurer  served  the 
congregation  as  pastor  from  June, 
1911,  to  August  25,  1913,  with  re- 
markable economy  and  unselfish- 
ness. 

His  successor  was  Father  William 
Pietsch  who  served  from  October  3, 
1913  to  September  23,  1917.  His  tem- 
porary successor  was  Father  P.  Her- 
man Joseph  Fister,  O.F.M.,  of  St. 
Joseph  College,  Teutopolis.  During 
llie  nine  months  of  his  pastorate  this 
young  Franciscan  worked  zealously 
and  systematically  in  promoting  the 
spiritual  and  material  welfare  of  the 
people  in  his  charge. 

The  present  incumbent,  Reverend 
William  A.  Pachlhofer,  entered  upon 
his  pastoral  duties  July  5,  1918.  Spe- 
cial attention  is  <,nven  to  the  re- 
ligious instruction  of  the  children 
and  to  the  frequent  reception  of  the 
Sacraments  by  the  members.  A  mis- 
sion, the  third  in  the  history  of  the 
parish,  was  conducted  bv  Father 
Victor  C.  Wagner,  C.P.P.S.,  April 
5-12,  1925.  In  the  autumn  of  1918 
the  interior  of  the  rectory  was  fit- 
tingly renovated  and  in  the  follow- 
ing years  additional  sacred  vessels, 
vestments,  sanctuary  and  sacristy 
furniture  were  procured,  the  school 
building  re-roofed,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  1925  a  steam  heating  sys- 
tem was  installed  in  the  church. 

Whilst  remote  from  the  din  and 
bustle  of  the  modern  business  world, 
the  parish,  now  consisting  of  fifty- 
two  families,  mostly  of  Low-German 
extraction,  had  the  distinction  of  be- 
ing entirely  Catholic  and  without 
any  mixed  marriage  within  the  lim- 
its of  its  territory.  Almost  all  the 
adults  are  affiliated  with  one  of  the 
four  church  sodalities  for  the  differ- 
ent states  in  life.  The  noly  Child- 
hood Association  has  existed  in  the 
parish  almost  from  the  beginning  of 
the  Franciscan  administration.  The 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith  was  introduced  in  1925,  as  also 


424 


..    *  "*^*"'  i    ■ 


Ashland-  -St.   Augustines   Church,    Rev.   D.   O'Brien,   Pastor,   Hall  and    Rectory.  .  . 
Kampsville-  R<  v.  A.  J.  Blest  r,  Pastor,  Si  hool,  Si     '  '$  Chun  h,  Convt  ui  mid  Rectory 

.  .  .  Lillyville— School,  Rev.   Wm.  .1.   Pachlhojer   (Dcc'd),  former  Pastor,  Sacred  Heart 

Church,  Rectory,  Oldest  and  Larycst  Family  in  Parish. 


TKE  LIBRARY 

BF  TH£ 

IHHVERSltY  OF  ILU« 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


a  local  branch  of  the  Holy  Name 
Society  for  the  men  and  young  men 
of  the  parish. 


The  parish  cemetery  is  situated  on 
the  church  property  within  walking 
distance  from  the  church. 


Mission  of  St.  Michael,  Beltrees,  Jersey  Count?,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1877. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  John  P.  Jordan. 


The  Church  of  St.  Peter  of  Alton 
had  some  parishioners  living  in  and 
near  Elsah  who  were  practically  un- 
able to  attend  church  because  of  the 
distance  to  the  Church  of  St.  Mary. 
For  this  reason  the  pastor  would  now 
and  then  say  Mass  in  a  private  house 
owned  by  Mr.  C.  Loehr  at  Elsah.  But 
as  this  state  of  affairs  was  unsatis- 
factory to  the  religious  cravings  of 
the  thirty-five  Catholic  families  of 
Elsah  and  its  vicinity,  they  deter- 
mined to  organize  a  congregation 
and  build  a  church.  Encouraged  in 
their  project  by  Father  Peter  Peters, 
they  soon  began  the  construction  of 
a  new  church  on  ground  donated  for 
the  purpose  by  a  family  named 
Proetzgen.  One  man,  by  name  Phil- 
lip Spatz,  was  accidentally  killed 
while  unloading  timber  for  the  new 
building. 

The  new  church  was  ready  for  Di- 
vine Services  on  March  9,  1878,  on 
which  day  it  was  blessed  by  Father 
Peters.  Three  years  later,  Bishop 
Baltes  visited  the  church  for  the  first 
time. 

Father  Francis  Marks  opened  a 
school  in  1886,  with  an  attendance  of 
twenty  children  and  a  lay  teacher, 
Henry  Schloemer,  in  charge.  Soon, 
however,  the  school  had  to  be  discon- 
tinued on  account  of  the  decreasing 
number  of  parochial  children,  and 
was  not  reopened  until  many  years 
afterwards. 

The  immediate  successors  of  Fath- 
er Peters  were  Fathers  Bernard  Ros- 
moeller,  1878-85;  Francis  Marks, 
1885-89 ;  Christopher  S.  Bell,  who  at- 
tended from  Grafton  for  over  a  year, 
and  Christian  A.  Snyder,  1899-1901. 
The  last  mentioned  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  J.  B.  Wand  who  attended 
from  Brighton  once  a  month,  and 
through    whose    efforts    it    was     re- 


modelled. In  1907,  Father  Wand 
left  for  Europe  and  in  the  meantime 
the  vacancy  made  by  his  departure 
was  filled  by  different  priests  until 
Reverend  Joseph  Maurer  took  charge 
in  November  of  the  same  year. 

In  1908  the  congregation  was  re- 
stored to  the  original  church  from 
which  it  had  been  organized,  and 
Father  Hochmiller  attended  it  twice 
a  month.  Later  in  the  year  the 
church  was  struck  by  lightning 
and  reduced,  with  practically  all  its 
contents,  to  ashes.  This  was  a  heavy 
loss  to  the  struggling  Catholic  peo- 
ple of  Beltrees,  but  drawing  inspira- 
tion from  the  leadership  of  Father 
Hochmiller  and  encouragement  from 
some  substantial  donations  that  had 
been  made,  they  began  without  delay 
to  rebuild. 

The  new  church  was  solemnly  dedi- 
cated in  1908  by  Very  Reverend 
Francis  H.  Zabel,  D.D.,  assisted  by 
Fathers  Hochmiller,  Henry  Becker, 
D.D.,  and  A.  Schockaert.  The  beau- 
tiful windows  in  the  new  church 
were  donated  by  prominent  parish 
families.  The  organ  and  bell  are  the 
gifts  of  Reverend  Joseph  J.  Meckel 
and  Frank  Hansen. 

Father  Hochmiller  was  replaced  in 
1909  by  Father  Stephen  Schauwack- 
er,  who,  during  his  two-years  stay, 
succeeded  in  paying  off  most  of  the 
debt  incurred  by  the  building  of  the 
new  church.  Father  John  Marion 
had  charge  of  Beltrees  as  a  mission 
of  Brighton  for  the  next  eight  years. 

Here  are  the  names  of  the  priests 
who  served  Beltrees  from  Grafton 
from  1919  to  the  present  time 
(1927)  :  Fathers  James  Telken,  1919; 
Linus  G.  Kipping,  1919-21;  Walter 
A.  Spec-man,  1921-1921;  and  Father 
Patrick  Malloy,  who,  in  the  mean- 
time took  care  of  it  from  St.  Pat- 


425 


DIOCESE   OF    Sl'RINOl-TELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


rick's,  Alton,  until  Father  John  F. 
Jordan,  the  present  pastor  of  Graf- 
ton, took  charge  in  L924. 

Some  of  the  old  families  (they 
were  nearly  all  of  German  descenl ) 
who  took  an  active  part  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  first  church  were:  Michael 
Michael,  Stephen  Snyder,  Gustave 
Wagoner,  Lawrence  Wardein,  Wil- 
liam Bunse,  and  Andreas  Wachter. 
The   oldest    parishioners  still   living 


der,  George  Wendle,  Mathias  Bech- 

tohl,  and    Anton    Finkes. 

Beltrees  is  by  no  means  a  wealthy 
mission  for  it  largely  consists  of 
families  who  are  either  renters  or 
have  small  incomes.  Because  of  this 
fact,  pastor  and  people  are  forced  to 
give  various  kinds  of  entertainments 
to  realize  money  enough  to  pay  cur- 
rent expenses.  However,  the  com- 
municants of  St.  Michael  parish  pos- 
sess something  far  better  than  money 
—Faith. 


are:  Gustave  Wagoner,  Stephen  Sny- 

Church  of  St.  Charles,  Casey,  Clark  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1878. 

Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Hugo  H.  Martcie,  O.F.M. 


In  1878  Reverend  Charles  Kuhl- 
mann,  pastor  of  St.  Mary,  Marshall, 
Illinois,  on  being  commissioned  to 
establish  a  separate  parish  in  Casey, 
procured  a  small  wooden  cottage  on 
the  southwest  corner  of  Jefferson 
street,  which  he  fitted  up  as  a  church. 
This  was  dedicated  under  the  title  of 
St.  Charles  Borromeo.  After  vain 
efforts  to  induce  the  rural  families 
of  the  vicinity  who  had  complained 
of  the  distance  to  Marshall  to  attend 
Casey,  the  mission  had  to  be  aban- 
doned indefinitely,  and  the  little 
church  sold  to  meet  the  indebtedness. 

In  1904,  oil  having  been  discovered 
near  Casey  and  Martinsville,  Rever- 
end Patrick  R.  Ducey,  pastor  of 
Marshall,  reopened  the  Casey  mis- 
sion. He  purchased  a  hall  to  be  used 
as  a  temporary  church,  and  in  the 
meantime  secured  two  suitable  lots 
near  the  center  of  the  city  with  the 
intention  of  building  thereon  a  new 
church  when  a  favorable  oppor 
tunity  should  present  itself.  As  a 
matter  of  fact,  the  new  building  was 
begun  to  the  extent  of  laying  the 
foundation,  but  further  construction 
had  to  be  abandoned  for  a  multi- 
plicity of  reasons.  In  1913,  however, 
a  pretty  good  sized,  abandoned,  sec- 
tarian church,  with  two  lots  on 
which  it  stood,  was  purchased  by  cer- 
tain members  of  the  parish,  the  deed 
being  made  out  to  Mr.  Peter  Fink- 
ler,     who     furnished      the      greater 


amount  towards  its  purchase.  This 
building  was  neatly  fitted  up  under 
the  administration  of  Father  Wil- 
liam 0 'Sullivan.  Father  A.  Fromm, 
O.F.M.,  pastor  of  Teutopolis,  Illinois, 
took  temporary  charge  until  he  was 
relieved  on  October  1,  1915,  by  the 
appointment  of  Reverend  Joseph  A. 
M.  Wilson  as  pastor  of  Marshall  and 
Casey. 

Father  Wilson,  finding  that  the 
church  property  belonged  to  private 
individuals,  decided  not  to  carry  out 
his  commission  from  the  Bishop  to 
dedicate  the  church  till  it  became 
the  property  of  the  diocese.  He  wrote 
to  Mr.  P.  Finkler,  who  had  gone  to 
live  in  Wichita,  Kansas,  asking  him 
to  give  the  property  to  the  Bishop  of 
Alton.  This  he  promptly  and  gener- 
ously did.  It  was  now  decided  to 
add  a  sacristy  to  the  church,  to  ele- 
vate it  upon  a  solid  foundation,  and 
to  make  many  other  improvements. 
In  1920,  in  the  beginning  of  Oc- 
tober, Father  Wilson  carried  out  his 
long-standing  commission  ,and  dedi- 
cated the  new  church  under  the  or- 
iginal patron  of  the  parish — St. 
Charles  Borromeo.  The  beautiful 
new  oak  pews,  the  pretty  art  glass 
windows  and  Stations  of  the  Cross 
were  individual  gifts  of  the  parish- 
ioners. The  altarettes  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  and  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of 
Jesus  were  the  gifts  of  Mrs.  H.  Hus- 
ton   and  her    sister,  Miss  Elizabeth 


426 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH   BALTES,   D.D. 


Weckenmann.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael 
Duffy,  besides  donating  their  share 
of  money  towards  purchasing  the 
church  property,  were  generous  in 
other  gifts.  Mrs.  John  Wall  (for- 
merly Miss  Fisher  of  Pana,  Illinois) 
was  the  donor  of  many  gifts  to  the 
new  church,  and  was  its  principal 
support. 

Casey  has  the  distinction  of  hav- 
ing the  only  native  son  of  Clark 
County  to  be  ordained  a  priest,  since 
the  first  mission  was  started  in 
Marshall,  in  1838.  He  is  Reverend 
Frederick  Weckenmann  of  the  Dio- 
cese of  Los  Angeles,  son  of  Mr. 
Charles  Weckenmann,  and  brother 
of  Mrs.  Harry  Huston  and  Miss 
Elizabeth  Weckenmann,  present  resi- 
dents of  Casey. 

The  parish  of  Casey,  almost  en- 
tirely dependent  on  its  oil  wells  for 
existence,  is,  at  present,  reduced  to 
twenty  families. 

The  priests  connected  with  the 
Casey  Mission  were  as  follows :  Fath- 
ers Charles  Kuhlmann,  who  estab- 
lished the  mission  in  1878 ;  David 
Mooney,  who  attended  as  pastor  of 


Marshall ;  Patrick  R.  Ducey,  assisted 
by  Fathers  Alphonse  Delfosse  for  one 
year,  and  John  Heslin  for  seven  years. 
Father  Ducey  was  succeeded  as  pastor 
by  the  Reverend  William  J.  Healy. 
The  latter  had  as  assistants  Rever- 
end John  Heslin,  and  later  William 
O 'Sullivan.  Father  0 'Sullivan,  aft- 
er a  few  months  as  assistant,  was,  in 
October,  1914,  appointed  administra- 
tor of  Marshall,  till,  on  October  1  of 
the  same  year  Reverend  J.  A.  M. 
Wilson  succeeded  him  as  regular 
pastor  of  Marshall,  Casey  and  Mar- 
tinsville. The  assistants  who  have 
served  in  Casey  under  the  pastor- 
ship of  Father  Wilson  were  as  fol- 
lows: Fathers  Timothy  Smith,  one 
year ;  Edward  Butler,  two  years ; 
John  J.  Hogan,  four  years,  and  Ed- 
mund A.  Carey,  three  months.  On 
the  last  Sunday  of  October,  1924,  the 
mission  of  Casey  was  put  in  charge 
of  the  Franciscan  Friars  of  St.  Jos- 
eph's College,  Teutopolis,  Illinois. 
The  Reverend  Hugo  H.  Martcie,  0. 
F.M.,  now  attends  to  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  parishioners. 


Church  of  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson,  Crawford  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1878. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Walter  Speeman. 


In  the  extreme  southeast  corner  of 
the  Diocese  of  Springfield,  lies  the 
little  parish  of  Robinson.  We  say 
"little"  with  reference  to  the  num- 
ber of  Catholics  in  this  parish — for 
when  the  area  or  extent  of  parish 
boundaries  is  considered,  the  parish 
is  anything  but  little,  since  it  com- 
prises the  entire  county  of  Craw- 
ford. 

The  town  itself,  Robinson,  enjoys 
the  distinction  of  being  numbered 
among  the  most  attractive,  up-to- 
date,  and  steady  little  towns  in  the 
State.  Being  the  County  Seat  of 
Crawford,  an  elegant  court  house  oc- 
cupies the  center  of  the  public 
square,  while  interspersed  here  and 
there  throughout  the  town  are  large 
imposing  schools,  churches,  hospitals 
and    other    public    buildings.     Two 


special  industrial  features  are  evi- 
dent in  a  large  oil  refinery  and  a  pot- 
tery works.  Practically  all  the 
streets  are  paved,  a  feature  not 
usually  found  so  extensively  devel- 
oped in  a  small  town.  But  while  the 
town  of  Robinson  lifts  its  head 
proudly  among  the  smaller  urban 
centers  of  Illinois,  it  cannot  be  said 
that  the  Catholic  parish  of  Robinson 
achieves  a  like  distinction  among  the 
rank  and  file  of  parishes  of  the  Dio- 
cese. It  is  in  fact,  one  of  the  small, 
obscure,  and  unpretentious  parishes. 
However,  let  it  be  said  at  once  that 
this  is  altogether  due  to  lack  of 
quantity  rather  than  quality.  Due  to 
the  small  number  of  families,  the 
parish  must  ever  wage  a  warfare  for 
mere  existence  and  put  aside  all  am- 
bition toward   expansion  and  devcl- 


427 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


opment,  at  least  for  the  present. 
There  is  an  old  proverb  which  says, 
"Not  to  go  forward  is  to  go  back- 
wards," but  it  must  be  said  that 
the  little  parish  of  Robinson  has 
managed  not  to  go  backward  while 
failing  to  go  forward. 

Strange  to  say,  the  large  State  of 
Illinois  which  numbers  such  a  large 
proportion  of  Catholics  within  its 
borders,  has  one  county  at  least 
where  the  number  of  Catholics  is  al- 
most negligible.  That  county  is 
Crawford,  and  Crawford  County,  as 
heretofore  stated,  is  co-extensive 
with  the  Robinson  parish.  Forty 
families  is  an  exceedingly  small  per- 
centage of  church  adherents  within 
the  confines  of  an  entire  county,  and 
yet,  the  Parish  Register  of  Robinson 
shows  scarcely  that  number  of  Cath- 
olic families  listed  for  Crawford 
County. 

It  appears  that  the  earliest  priest- 
visitors  to  Crawford  County  came  oc- 
casionally from  that  grand  old  his- 
torical center  of  Catholicity,  Vin- 
cennes,  Indiana.  This  town  famous 
in  Catholic  annals,  is  only  about 
thirty  miles  distant  from  Robinson. 
But  passing  over  the  visitations  of 
early  Catholic  Missionaries  (which 
visitations  were  altogether  irregular 
and  antedate  the  existence  of  Robin- 
son as  a  regularly  established  mis- 
sion or  embryonic  parish),  we  find 
that  Reverend  Charles  Kuhlman 
came  as  pastor  to  Marshall,  Illinois, 
in  the  adjoining  county  of  Clark  on 
the  northern  boundary,  in  the  fall  of 
the  year  1876.  Soon  after  assuming 
this  pastorate,  Father  Kuhlman  cast 
zealous  eyes  southward  toward  Rob- 
inson, and  conceived  the  idea  of 
making  that  town  the  center  of  a 
mission  which  he  might  visit  regu- 
larly, and  thus  give  the  few  scattered 
Catholics  of  Crawford  County  an 
opportunity  of  practicing  their  Holy 
Faith  through  the  ministrations  of  a 
priest.  At  that  time,  Robinson  was 
a  mere  little  hamlet.  After  consid- 
erable trouble  a  little  chapel  was 
erected — the  first  Catholic  edifice  to 
point    its    humble    spire    and    cross 


heavenward  in  Crawford  County. 
But  alas !  the  little  mission  so  zeal- 
ously begun,  was  doomed  to  an  early 
failure.  Dense  woods,  impossible 
roads,  and  complete  isolation  of  the 
few  scattered  families  that  com- 
posed the  mission,  constituted  a 
trinity  of  obstacles  apparently  great- 
er than  their  faith — weakened  as  it 
was  by  generations  of  separation 
from  priest  and  church,  and  facili- 
ties for  practicing  their  religion. 

The  date  of  erection  of  this  first 
mission  chapel  in  Robinson  was  the 
year  1878.  Records  do  not  show 
precisely  when  the  mission  was 
abandoned,  but  all  indications  point 
to  its  early  demise.  Some  of  the 
older  inhabitants  of  Robinson  re- 
member the  little  Catholic  Chapel 
standing  empty  and  unused  year  aft- 
er year,  but  their  memory  does  not 
go  back  to  the  time  when  Father 
Kuhlman  made  regular  visits,  and 
held  services  in  the  chapel. 

The  real  history  of  the  Robinson 
Parish  begins  with  the  famous  oil 
boom  of  1907.  At  this  time  Rever- 
end Richard  Ducey  was  pastor  at 
Marshall.  Oil  had  been  discovered 
in  plentiful  quantities  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Robinson,  and  there  was  great 
excitement  and  the  usual  large  in- 
flux of  fortune  seekers,  together 
with  a  goodly  number  of  oil  men  and 
their  families  from  the  oil  fields  of 
Southern  New  York,  Pennsylvania 
and  Ohio. 

The  usual  mushroom  growth  of  a 
city  followed.  Robinson  went  to  bed 
a  village  and  woke  up  a  town  of  ex- 
panding proportions — or  rather  a 
tented  city. 

Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  Or- 
dinary of  the  Diocese,  and  Father 
Ducey,  pastor  at  Marshall,  were  on 
the  alert  and  saw  now  a  good  oppor- 
tunity to  resurrect  the  defunct  mis- 
sion at  Robinson. 

The  old  chapel  was  in  ill  repair, 
and  far  too  small  and  humble  to 
satisfy  the  needs  of  an  oil-boom 
town,  and  it  was  promptly  sold,  and 
a  subscription  started  towards  pro- 
viding an  adequate  church  edifice. 


428 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT   REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


Father  Ducey  made  periodical 
visits  to  Robinson  to  hold  services 
for  the  oil  men  and  their  families  for 
several  months,  and  took  the  initial 
step  towards  starting  a  subscription 
for  a  new  church. 

HoAvever,  in  the  Fall  of  1907, 
Bishop  Ryan  sent  as  assistant  to 
Father  Ducey  at  Marshall,  Reverend 
Florent  Delfosse,  a  young  Belgian 
priest  who  had  just  joined  the  dio- 
cese, coming  from  the  Diocese  of 
Omaha,  Nebraska.  This  new  assist- 
ant was  destined  to  be  the  actual 
founder  of  the  Robinson  Parish,  and 
thus  far,  its  only  pastor  for  the  eight- 
een years  of  its  existence.  Father 
Ducey  turned  over  the  Robinson 
project  to  his  new  assistant,  and  the 
latter  made  regular  trips  from 
Marshall,  but  during  the  winter  of 
1907,  he  transferred  his  residence 
from  Marshall  to  Robinson,  and,  as 
pastor,  began  in  real  earnest  the 
formation  of  the  new  parish.  Dur- 
ing this  winter  and  the  following 
spring,  while  the  formation  of  the 
parish  and  the  building  of  the 
church  was  in  progress,  Father  Del- 
fosse  held  services  in  the  home  of 
James  Toomey  and  the  office  of  Dan 
Nolan.  He  resided  in  the  home  of 
Mr.  Toomey. 

Raising  money  for  the  new  church 
was  comparatively  an  easy  matter. 
Oil  and  money  were  plentiful,  and 
Irish  generosity  rose  grandly  to  the 
occasion  and  in  a  short  time  the  goal 
of  $7,000.00  was  reached.  As  an  ad- 
junct to  the  subscription,  a  grand 
bazaar  was  held  in  the  spring  of 
1908  which  netted  $1,000.00.  Work 
was  rushed  on  the  church  building, 
and  the  edifice,  a  neat  frame  build- 
ing 40x80,  and  located  near  the  cen- 
ter of  the  town,  was  ready  for  the 
first  Mass  on  the  Feast  of  the  As- 
sumption, August  15,  1908.  The  new 
church  was  placed  under  the  patron- 
age of  St.  Elizabeth,  a  concession 
made  to  Mrs.  Mabel  Wilson  who  had 
donated  a  portion  of  the  ground  on 
which  it  stood,  and  requested  that 
the  church  be  named  after  her 
grandmother,  Elizabeth. 


As  there  was  no  dearth  of  money 
while  the  oil  boom  continued,  meas- 
ures were  immediately  taken  to  erect 
also  a  priest's  house  adjoining  the 
church.  A  nice  two-story  frame 
building  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $2,- 
500.00,  and  this  was  ready  for  occu- 
pancy a  few  months  after  the  church 
had  been  opened  for  services. 

The  oil  boom  lasted  only  a  few 
years,  the  parish  numbered  about 
seventy  families ;  but  with  the  sub- 
sidence of  the  boom,  nearly  half  of 
these  families  departed  from  Rob- 
inson, and  followed  the  oil  into  new 
fields  of  discovery. 

The  history  of  the  parish  from  its 
inception  in  1908,  until  the  present 
time,  has  been  very  uneventful.  Dur- 
ing these  eighteen  years,  the  parish 
has  known  but  one  pastor,  Father 
Delfosse.  He  alone  would  be  able  to 
write  an  adequate  and  detailed  his- 
tory of  those  eighteen  years. 

One  item  of  interest  in  the  way 
of  improvements  must  not  be  over- 
looked, and  that  is  the  fact  that  dur- 
ing the  year  1923,  Father  Delfosse 
greatly  enhanced  the  external  ap- 
pearance of  the  church  by  having 
the  building  brick  veneered,  and  the 
tower  overlaid  with  concrete  stucco 
work.  These  improvements  cost 
about  $2,000.00,  and  were  paid  for 
by  an  assessment  on  the  individual 
families. 

Since  the  summer  of  1925,  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Robinson  Parish 
has  been  in  the  hands  of  Reverend 
William  R.  Yahner,  who  received 
that  appointment  from  Bishop  Grif- 
fin in  July,  1925.  Since  his  coming, 
Father  Yahner  has  made  a  number 
of  minor  improvements  in  the  church 
and  has  completely  renovated  the  en- 
tire interior  of  the  rectory.  These 
were  improvements  already  contem- 
plated by  Father  Delfosse.  On  the 
spiritual  side  of  the  parish,  Father 
Yahner  centered  his  chief  activities 
in  a  First  Communion  Class  and  a 
fruitful  mission  given  by  the  Pas- 
sionist  Fathers  of  Chicago. 

The  little  parish  of  Robinson,  with 
its  backbone  of  splendid  Catholics  of 


429 


DIOCESE   OF    SPKINCiFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


the  old  type,  holds  grimly  on,  hoping 

for  a  revival  of  the  oil  boom,  or  some 
adventitious  circumstance  that  will 
bring  prosperity  and  more  Catholic 
families  to  Crawford  County  and 
thus  enable  them  to  take  strides  for- 


ward, and  realize  the  ambitions  of 
larger  and  more  fortunate  parishes. 
Reverend  Francis  Gribbin,  former- 
ly of  Livingston,  became  pastor  in 
1926  and  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Walter  Speeman  in  September,  1927. 


Mission  op  St.  Mary,  Shumway,  Effingham  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1879. 

Present  Pastor  :    Reverend  James  Ileslin. 


About  the  year  1870,  efforts  were 
made  to  establish  a  parish  and  build 
a  church  by  a  few  German  Catholic 
families  living  in  the  vicinity.  But 
for  want  of  sufficient  funds  the  proj- 
ect was  indefinitely  postponed.  Di- 
vine Services  were  held  at  intervals 
in  the  homes  of  Messrs.  Schmidt, 
Miller  and  Klein.  The  Franciscan 
Fathers  from  Teutopolis  ministering 
to  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  little 
flock. 

Tn  the  year  1879,  St.  Mary  Annun- 
ciation Parish  was  organized  with  a 
membership  of  26  families.  The 
present  edifice,  a  structure  of  30x60 
feet,  was  erected  and  furnished  at  a 
total  cost  of  about  $3,090.00.  The 
Franciscan  Fathers  who  started  the 
church  and  saw  their  efforts  crowned 
with  success  retained  charge  until 
1888,  when  the  first  diocesan  priest, 
in  the  person  of  Reverend  J.  Gratza. 
took  charge.  Tie  was  then  pastor  of 
Altamont  with  Shumway  as  a  mis- 
sion. 

Episcopal  approbation  for  the  new 
church  was  given  bv  Richt  Reverend 
Peter  J.  Baltes,  D.D..  Bishop  of  Al- 
ton, and  it  was  dedicated  by  his 
Chancellor,  Very  Reverend  John 
Janssen,  on  the  23rd  dav  of  Mav, 
1879. 

Manv  worthy  priests  attended  the 
spiritual  needs  of  the  congregation 
at  Shumway:  some  of  them  have 
now  passed  to  their  reward,  and 
some  are  still  with  us  doing  active 
service  in  the  Vineyard  of  the  Lord. 

"We  find  the  following  names  of 
Franciscan  Fathers    on    the    church 


register  with  the  probable  dates  of 
their  terms  of  administration:  Rev- 
erend P.  Bonafacius,  O.F.M.,  who 
built  the  church,  1879;  Reverend 
Fulgentius  Hansen,  O.F.M.,  1880; 
Reverend  Franciscus  Hasse,  O.F.M., 
1880;  Reverend  Benzventure  Faul- 
haber,  O.F.M.,  1881;  Reverend  Nor- 
bertus  Wilhelm,  O.F.M.,  1881-85; 
Fathers  Eustachius,  Paulinus,  Steph- 
anus,  O.F.M.,  1886;  Reverend  Tede- 
lis  Kaereher,  1886-88. 

Tn  1888,  the  first  Diocesan  priest, 
Reverend  J.  Gratza,  pastor  of  Alta- 
mont. took  charge.  Then  followed 
him  in  nuick  succession,  Fathers 
Michell,  Lyons,  Gesenhues, — all  of 
Altamont.  From  1895  to  1904,  it  was 
attended  from  Effingham  bv  the  fol- 
lowing: Fathers  Ward,  Hoffman, 
Formaz,  Ostendorf,  and  Quatman. 

Reverend  August  Forster,  pastor 
of  Ramsey,  had  Shumway  as  a  mis- 
sion from  1904  to  1922,  and  during 
all  these  years  attended  it  most  faith- 
fully. 

Reverend  Anton  M.  Jaschke  at- 
tended it  from  St.  Anthony's  Hos- 
pital, Effingham,  1924,  September 
until  January,  1926,  when  the  pres- 
ent incumbent,  Reverend  James  Hes- 
lin,  took  charge  as  pastor  with  resi- 
dence at  St.  Anthony's  Hospital. 
Shumway,  though  a  small  congrega- 
tion, has  a  nice  church  and  Catholic 
cemetery,  and  mention  is  made  in 
the  parish  records  of  the  fact  that 
they  had  at  one  lime  a  parochial 
school  conducted  by  a  Catholic  lay 
teacher  under  the  supervision  of 
Father  Gesenhues. 


430 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF   RIOIIT   REVEREND   PETER   JOSEPH   BALTES,   D.D. 


Church  of  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gillespie,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1879. 
Present  Pastor:     Reverend  John  Crosson. 


Before  entering  on  this  brief  his- 
torical sketch  of  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude's  Church,  it  may  be  well  to 
give  the  reader  some  idea  of  the  for- 
mation of  the  town  in  which  it  was 
erected.  The  town  of  Gillespie  was 
named  after  the  township  in  which  it 
was  located,  and  the  township  was 
named  in  honor  of  Judge  John  Gil- 
lespie by  the  managers  of  the  In- 
dianapolis and  St.  Louis  Railroad. 
The  first  farm  in  the  township  was 
assigned  to  Michael  Dodd,  October 
28,  1825 — one  hundred  years  ago. 

Gillespie  had  been  established  as 
a  village  twenty-six  years  before  its 
Catholic  inhabitants  became  organ- 
ized as  a  congregation.  As  it  was 
situated  about  midway  between 
Bunker  Hill  and  Litchfield,  the  few 
Catholics  who  resided  in  the  neigh- 
borhood attended  church  either  in 
one  place  or  the  other  according  to 
which  they  deemed  most  convenient. 
But  as  the  number  of  Catholics  in- 
creased, a  priest  either  from  Bunker 
Hill  or  from  Litchfield,  or  a  mission- 
ary priest  occasionally  visited  Gil- 
lespie and  offered  up  the  Holy  Sac- 
rifice of  the  Mass,  and  administered 
the  sacraments  in  some  private  home, 
generally  in  the  home  of  Mr.  Pat- 
rick McGow,  one  of  the  pioneer 
Catholics.  Thus,  for  many  years, 
the  Catholics  in  the  neighborhood 
had  an  opportunity  of  being  present 
at  Mass,  and  of  receiving  the  sacra- 
ments. 

In  the  month  of  February,  1879, 
the  Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  Baltes, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton,  in  order  that 
the  spiritual  welfare  of  these  peo- 
ple might  be  served  in  a  more  ef- 
ficient manner,  decided  that  a  mis- 
sion church  should  be  erected  in 
Gillespie.  Father  William  Neu,  pas- 
tor of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Bunker 
Hill,  was  given  charge  of  the  new 
congregation.  The  church  was  to  be 
erected  under  the   patronage   of  the 


apostles,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude.  Later 
on  in  the  same  year  the  Bishop,  in  a 
formal  manner,  appointed  Mr.  Chris- 
topher Brennan  and  Mr.  John  T. 
Hutton  trustees  of  the  new  church. 

Father  Neu  labored  zealously  at 
his  new  task,  and  be  it  said  to  the 
credit  of  the  Catholics  in  Gillespie, 
they  co-operated  heartily  with  him 
in  his  undertaking.  The  neighboring 
parishes  too  manifested  their  good 
will  toward  the  new  mission  in  a 
practical  manner.  Generous  dona- 
tions were  given  by  the  parishes  of 
Bunker  Hill,  Litchfield,  Carlinville, 
Hillsboro  and  Carrollton.  From  the 
subscription  list  for  the  new  church, 
it  is  plainly  evident  that  a  beautiful 
spirit  of  co-operation  existed  be- 
tween the  Catholic  and  Non-Catho- 
lic people  of  the  community.  As  a 
result  of  this  whole-hearted  co-op- 
eration, Father  Neu  was  enabled  to 
say  the  first  Mass  in  a  new  church 
that  was  practically  without  a  cent 
of  debt.  That  occurred  on  New 
Year's  Day,  1880.  A  like  favorable 
situation  very  seldom  exists  among 
even  our  richest  congregations  of 
today.  During  the  following  three 
years,  the  Church  was  provided  with 
nil   necessary  furnishings. 

A  few  months  after  the  formal 
opening  of  the  church,  Father  Neu 
was  transferred  to  another  field  of 
labor  and  his  place  was  taken  in 
close  succession  by  Fathers  Cluse 
and  Zabel. 

.  Reverend  Herman  Gesenbues  was 
the  first  priest  who  had  charge  of 
the  mission  for  any  considerable 
length  of  time.  He  attended  it  twice 
a  month  from  1881  to  1887  with  the 
exception  of  a  few  months  during 
which  Father  John  Storp  acted  as 
substitute  while  he  was  visiting  his 
relations  in  Germany.  Father  Ges- 
enhues  was  a  zealous  priest  and  la- 
bored hard  to  promote  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  those  committed    to    his 


431 


niOCKSE   OF    SPKINCFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


care.  On  July  1,  1883,  he  administer- 
ed the  Sacrament  of  the  Holy  Euch- 
arist to  the  first  Holy  Communion 
Class  held  in  the  new  church — a  class 
of  28  members,  and  on  November  13 
of  the  same  year,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Peter  J.  Baltes,  D.D.,  visit- 
ed the  new  mission  for  the  first  time, 
blessed  the  church  in  memory  of  the 
apostles  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  and 
confirmed  a  class  of  54. 

According  to  the  records,  the  first 
person  baptized  in  the  new  church 
was  William  Peter  McEvoy,  son  of 
Patrick  McEvoy,  February  12,  1882. 
The  first  united  in  marriage  were 
Martin  Greene,  Litchfield,  Illinois, 
and  Sarah  Rrennan,  Gillespie.  The 
marriage  took  place  October  30  of 
the  same  year.  The  firs!  funeral 
was  thai  id'  Eugene  Chipot,  aged  20 
held  November  10,  1882. 

Father  Gesenhues  was  transferred 
from  St.  Agnes  Church,  Hillsboro, 
Illinois,  October  1,  1887.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Henry  Beck- 
er, D.D.  Gillespie  was  as  yet  a  small 
mission  consisting  of  twenty-seven 
English  speaking  and  two  German 
speaking  families.  Father  Becker 
zealously  attended  to  their  spiritual 
welfare  for  a  period  of  almost  thir- 
teen years.  He  was  particularly  de- 
voted to  the  children  of  the  congre- 
gation. Whilst  he  had  charge,  the 
congregation  increased  somewhat ; 
at  his  departure  from  the  mission 
August  1,  1899,  it  consisted  of  43 
families :  thirty-five  English  speak- 
ing, three  German  and  five  Italian. 
Father  Becker  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Thomas  Masterson,  who  was 
at  that  time  transferred  from  St. 
Mary,  Carlinville,  to  St.  Agnes 
Church,  Hillsboro. 

During  the  years  that  Father  Mas- 
terson had  charge  of  the  mission,  the 
number  of  Catholics  in  Gillespie  in- 
creased, owing  chiefly  to  an  influx 
of  people  caused  by  the  operation  of 
new  coal  mines  in  the  neighborhood. 
The  church  was  no  longer  able  to 
accommodate  its  members.  Hence, 
he  was  compelled  to  enlarge  it  to 
double  its  seating  capacity.     This  ad- 


dition was  completed  and  paid  for 
in  a  short  time  through  the  special 
activity  of  Father  Masterson.  He 
had  charge  of  SS.  Simon  and  Jude 
Church  until  April  1,  1905. 

In  1905  it  was  decided  by  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Ryan,  D.D.,  that 
SS.  Simon  and  Jude  should  no  longer 
be  a  mission  church,  but  that  it 
should  have  a  resident  priest  who 
could  more  easily  and  more  efficient- 
ly serve  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the 
people.  Father  John  Crosson,  who 
had  been  assistant  pastor  at  St.  Mary 
Church,  Paris,  Illinois,  was  appoint- 
ed first  resident  pastor.  He  took 
charge  of  the  mission  April  1,  1905. 
He  was  directed  by  the  Bishop  to 
provide  a  residence  for  a  priest.  In 
the  course  of  a  year,  a  parsonage  was 
erected.  As  soon  as  the  debt  hereby 
incurred  was  liquidated,  and  the 
church  funds  increased,  the  four  lots 
adjoining  the  church  property  were 
purchased.  In  the  year  1910,  prop- 
erty for  a  new  cemetery  was  pur- 
chased. 

As  the  mining  industry  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Gillespie  was  being 
developed,  and  as  the  number  of 
Catholics  in  the  parish  increased,  it 
seemed  advisable  to  establish  a  par- 
ochial school  in  order  to  provide  for 
the  spiritual  walfare  of  the  children. 
The  erection  of  the  school  was  com- 
menced in  September,  1913.  It  was 
completed  the  following  spring.  The 
Sisters  of  Mercy,  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
took  charge  of  the  school,  September 
1,  1914.  The  number  of  children  then 
enrolled  was  140.  The  enrollment  at 
present  is  270. 

In  September,  1924,  the  contract 
for  a  new  convent  home  was  award- 
ed to  Mor  &  Espamer,  according  to 
plans  and  specifications  submitted 
by  Mr.  M.  B.  Kane,  architect.  The 
building  was  completed  in  May, 
1925.  It  is  a  two-story  brick  building 
containing  fourteen  rooms,  and  is 
substantially  constructed  and  mod- 
ern in  every  respect. 

As  the  population  of  Gillespie  in- 
creased, so  also  was  there  a  corre- 
sponding increase  in  the  population 


432 


jfie'tf  'I'M  Mb 

jfe'  jHB- 

■SIR        b         i»     IK 

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EL. .         ! 

■Fiji 

Casey — Si.  Charles  Church  .  .  .  Shumway — Annunciation  B.  V.  M.  .  .  .  (lillespie- 
SS.  Simon  and  Jude  Church,  Rev.  John  Crosson,  Pastor,  School  <nni  Rectory  .  . 
Montrose — St..  Rose  Church. 


IRE  LIBRARY 

BF  THE 

IWYtfiSltt  OF  iluw 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


of  Benld — a  town  two  miles  distant 
from  Gillespie.  For  many  years  the 
Catholics  who  resided  in  Benld  at- 
tended church  in  Gillespie.  In  order 
to  administer  to  their  spiritual  needs 
more  fully,  it  was  deemed  advisable 
to  establish  a  church  in  their  own 
town.  In  the  month  of  April,  1915, 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan,  D.D., 
granted  permission  to  Father  Cros- 
son  to  establish  a  mission  church  in 
Benld.  It  was  completed  in  March, 
the  following  year.  St.  Joseph  was 
to  be  its  patron  saint.  The  Holy  Sac- 
rifice of  the  Mass  was  offered  up  for 
the  first  time  in  the  new  church  by 
Father  Crosson,  April  30;  1916.  From 
this  date  until  the  December  of  1924 
when  it  became  a  separate  parish, 
Benld  was  in  the  care  of  Father 
Crosson. 

The  following  priests  have  assist- 
ed Father  Crossin  in  Gillespie :  Fath- 
ers M.  J.  Griffin,  from  1917  to  1919 ; 
George  Faller,  who  remained  but  a 
few  months ;  L.  J.  McDonald,  from 
1919  until  his  promotion  in  1924,  to 
the  pastorate  of  the  Ascension 
Church,  Mt.  Olive,  and  R.  McKeogh, 
who  a  few  months  after  his  coming, 


was  appointed  administrator  of 
Benld. 

Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  visited  SS.  Simon  and  Jude 
Church  for  the  first  time  on  June  20, 
1924.  On  the  occasion  of  his  visit  he 
administered  the  Sacrament  of  Con- 
firmation to  a  class  of  175  members. 

Parish  Societies:  Holy  Name, 
Junior  and  Senior;  Young  Ladies' 
Sodality  of  the  B.  V.  M. ;  the  Altar 
Society,  and  the  League  of  the  Sacred 
Heart. 

The  membership  of  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude  congregation  is  very  cosmopoli- 
tan in  its  character.  It  consists  of 
Trish,  German,  French,  Italian,  Lith- 
uanian, Slovak,  Croatian,  Hungarian 
and  Polish  people.  Most  of  them, 
however,  are  at  the  present  time  fair- 
ly well  Americanized. 

When  the  present  incumbent, 
Father  Crosson,  was  appointed  pas- 
tor of  SS.  Simon  and  Jude's  Church, 
Gillespie  was  a  village  whose  popu- 
lation was  1700.  It  is  now  a  pro- 
pressive  city — -a  city  of  industrial 
coal  miners — of  some  6000  inhabi- 
tants. About  one-sixth  of  these  are 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 


Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  Stonington,  Christian  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1879. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  William  O  'Sullivan. 


Stonington,  a  village  of  fifteen 
hundred  inhabitants,  is  situated 
along  the  Wabash  railroad  in  the 
heart  of  the  great  corn  belt  of 
Christian  County.  Taylorville,  the 
County  Seat,  is  about  ten  miles  to 
the  South,  Decatur  twenty-one  miles 
and  Litchfield  forty-one  miles. 

In  the  early  days  of  Christian 
County  and  prior  to  1870,  but  few 
Catholics  resided  in  and  around 
Stonington,  and  these  few  expe- 
rienced great  hardships  in  practicing 
their  religion,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
in  order  to  do  so,  they  had  to  travel 
either  to  Macon  or  Taylorville  in 
the  days  in  which  transportation  fa- 
cilities were  few  and  primitive. 

The  opening  of  the  Wabash  Rail- 
road in  1870  was  in  the  nature  of  a 


boom  for  the  village  of  Stonington 
and  increased  greatly  the  population 
in  general  and  the  Catholic  census 
in  particular.  The  Catholic  popula- 
tion soon  entertained  the  hope  that 
a  church  would  be  established  in 
their  midst.  This  hope  materialized 
in  a  temple  simple  in  design  and  ded- 
icated to  the  Holy  Trinity.  In  bring- 
ing about  the  erection  of  the  new 
Holy  Trinity  Church,  Messrs.  Doyle, 
Dwyer,  Ryan  and  Colbrook,  together 
with  their  families  played  a  promi- 
nent part. 

The  site  for  this  first  church  was 
donated  on  September  3,  1878,  by 
Mr.  Robert  Covington,  a  non-Catho- 
lic. At  this  time  Mass  was  celebrated 
quite  regularly  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
Benjamin  Colbrook  by  Reverend  F. 


433 


DIOCESE   OF    prRINC  FIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Schulze  who  labored  amongst  the 
Catholic  settlers  in  the  early  seven- 
ties. 

The  first  church  was  constructed 
in  1879,  under  the  supervision  of 
Father  Schulze  who,  at  this  time,  was 
pastor  of  Taylorville.  Father  Schulze 
remained  in  this  field  until  July  1, 
1884.  The  new  church  was  dedicated 
on  May  21,  1880,  by  Right  Reverend 
Peter  J.  P>;iltes,  D.*D.  This  was  the 
first  visit  made  by  a  Bishop  to  Ston- 
ington.  On  the  same  day,  Bishop 
Baltes  conferred  the  Sacrament  of 
Confirmation  on  twenty-four  boys 
ami  twenty  girls. 

Father  Patrick  Burke  was  the  sec- 
ond priest  Avho  took  charge  of  this 
Church  and  his  administration  last- 
ed from  1884  to  1888,  during  which 
time  he  came  from  Decatur  every 
two  weeks. 

On  October  1,  1888,  Stonington 
was  again  placed  in  charge  of  the 
pastor  of  Taylorville,  Reverend  John 
J.  Higgins  in  charge.  On  January 
12,  1889,  the  church  was  destroyed 
by  a  cyclone.  Father  Higgins,  as- 
sisted by  forty  Catholic  families,  lost 
no  time  in  developing  plans  for  a 
more  pretentious  edifice.  The  new 
church  was  dedicated  on  July  8, 
1891,  by  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  D.D.  Reverend  Aloysius  Brad- 
ley, O.S.B.,  native  of  Stonington, 
celebrated  his  first  Mass  on  the  day 
of  the  dedication.  His  brother,  Rev- 
erend Matthew  Bradley,  O.S.B.,  was 
Deacon,  Reverend  Thomas  Joseph 
Morrow  was  sub-Deacon,  Reverend 
Anthony  Vogt,  assistant  priest,  Rev- 
erend James  Howard,  D.D.,  Master 
of  Ceremonies,  and  Fathers  James 
Harty  of  Jerseyville,  and  Peter 
Joseph  Maekin  of  Decatur,  were  the 
Deacons  of  honor.  The  dedicatory 
sermon  was  preached  by  Father 
Maekin. 

On  the  promotion  of  Father  Hig- 
gins to  the  important  charge  of  Mat- 
toon,  Reverend  John  W.  Merscher 
became  his  successor  in  the  parish  of 
Taylorville  in  July,  1898.  Father 
Merscher  administered  the  church  of 
Ftnnington  as  a  mission  of  Taylor- 


ville until  the  appointment  of  Rever- 
end M.  H.  Cawley  as  the  first  resi- 
dent pastor  in  September,  1900. 
Father  Cawley  built  the  present  rec- 
tory in  1901  and  remained  as  pastor 
until  he  was  succeeded  bv  Reverend 
Thomas  F.  McGrath  in  October,  1902. 
Father  McGrath  remained  for  four 
years  during  which  time  he  gained 
the  confidence  of  the  people  by  his 
gentle  and  unassuming  manner.  The 
opening  of  a  coal  mine  in  1906  in- 
creased the  number  of  Catholic  fami- 
lies in  this  community  and  this  fact 
together  with  Father  McGrath 's 
wonderful  organizing  faculty  in- 
creased the  enthusiasm  and  intensi- 
fied the  faith  of  the  parishioners. 
During  his  pastorate,  the  parish  was 
in  a  very  flourishing  condition. 

The  next  pastor  was  Reverend 
John  J.  Corcoran  who  came  to  the 
field  in  1906  and  who,  by  his  untir- 
ing efforts  and  executive  ability,  ac- 
complished much  good  during  his 
pastorate  Avhich  terminated  in  1919. 

Reverend  John  M.  Heslin  became 
the  fourth  resident  pastor  in  1919.  Tn 
1921  Father  Heslin  exchanged  places 
with  Reverend  Thomas  Masterson. 
Father  Heslin  went  to  Hillsboro,  Illi- 
nois, a  mining  town,  and  a  rapidly 
growing  community,  from  which 
charge  Father  Masterson  resigned  in 
view  of  his  long  years  in  the  priest- 
hood and  his  failing  health. 

Father  Masterson  came  to  Ston- 
ington in  1921  and  immediately  won 
the  affection  of  this  congregation. 
He  was  greatly  admired  and  respect- 
ed by  all.  His  priestly  life  was  one 
of  devotion  and  sacrifice,  and  these 
virtues  were  appreciated  in  every 
parish  where  he  labored  and  particu- 
larly so  by  the  members  of  Holy 
Trinity  Parish. 

This  veteran  priest  had  the  hap- 
piness to  celebrate  his  Golden  Jubilee 
on  June  24,  1924,  Bishop  Griffin  pre- 
siding. The  Jubilarian  was  the  Cel- 
ebrant of  the  Solemn  High  Mass 
and  Reverend  Clemens  Johannes  of 
Nokomis  preached  the  Jubilee  ser- 
mon. Fifty  priests  were  present  for 
the  celebration  and  practically    the 


434 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


entire  community  of  Stonington  to- 
gether with  many  former  parishion- 
ers from  elsewhere.  A  delightful 
banquet  was  served  at  the  close  of 
which  toasts  were  responded  to  by 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  Very  Reverend  Dean  Carroll, 
Fathers  Louis  Hufker,  William  Cos- 
tello,  and  John  Moroney.  The  Clergy 
and  parishioners  presented  a  token 
of  affection  in  the  form  of  a  check  to 
the  veteran  priest.  Shortly  after 
this  celebration,  Father  Masterson 
became  seriously  ill  and  his  health 
declined  steadily  until  finally  on 
May  29,  1927,  on  the  advice  of  his 
doctor,  Father  Masterson  asked  to 
be  relieved  of  his  charge  and  spend 
his  remaining  days  in  St.  John's  San- 
itarium, Riverton,  Illinois. 

On  June  29,  1924,  Bishop  Griffin 
administered  the  Sacrament  of  Con- 
firmation to  a  large  class  of  children 
and  adults.  The  visit  of  the  Bishop 
was  the  occasion  of  a  fine  demonstra- 
tion on  the  part  of  this  community 
and  his  Lordship  was  evidently 
pleased  with  the  love  and  loyalty  of 
Holy  Trinity  congregation. 


On  May  29,  1927,  Reverend  Wil- 
liam 0 'Sullivan  assumed  charge  of 
this  congregation,  coming  from  Pana 
where  he  acted  as  administrator  dur- 
ing the  illness  of  Father  Moroney. 
Father  0 'Sullivan  had  served  as  As- 
sistant Pastor  of  the  Cathedral  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception  in  Spring- 
field for  many  years. 

Holy  Trinity  congregation  has 
given  much  evidence  of  strong  faith 
and  zeal  in  the  service  of  Christ  and 
His  Church.  On  the  occasion  of  the 
drive  for  the  new  Cathedral,  the  peo- 
ple here  responded  with  alacrity  and 
pledged  $5,538.00  for  the  Mother 
Church  of  the  Diocese.  The  church 
property  has  an  estimated  valuation 
of  approximately  $50,000.00.  The 
congregation  numbers  sixty  families. 
The  life  of  a  pastor  here  is  most  en- 
joyable and  the  co-operation  of  the 
congregation  both  in  the  past  and 
at  the  present  time  deserves  the 
greatest  possible  service.  The  con- 
gregation has  been  happy  at  all  times 
to  have  the  former  pastors  renew 
their  acquaintances  and  establish  a 
contact  with  their  many  friends  here. 


Church  of  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Montrose,  Effingham  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1879. 
Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Angelas  Zwiesler,  O.F.M. 


In  the  northeastern  corner  of  Ef- 
fingham County  lies  the  township  of 
St.  Francis.  Being  principally 
prairie,  and  therefore  favorably 
adapted  for  agricultural  and  grazing 
purposes,  it  was  not  long,  when  the 
tide  of  immigration  was  at  its  height 
in  the  last  century,  until  settlers  be- 
gan to  penetrate  the  swamps  and 
high  prairie  grass  of  the  future  St. 
Francis  Township,  and  convert  its 
primeval  lowlands  into  prosperous 
farms. 

The  only  village  in  the  township  is 
Montrose,  a  place  of  about  375  in- 
habitants. It  is  situated  in  the  south- 
eastern quarter  of  Section  3  of  the 
township.  The  village  was  laid  out 
by  J.  B.  Johnson,  the  proprietor  of 
the  land,  in  the  summer  of  1870. 
Stores  were  soon  opened  carrying  "a 


miscellaneous  assortment  of  mer- 
chandise." But  in  the  rising  village 
two  of  the  most  energetic  and  suc- 
cessful business  men  were  Mr.  Phil 
Wiwi  and  Mr.  Nicholas  Dockendorf, 
Catholics.  The  former  opened  (1871) 
the  third  store — "a  neat  business 
house" — of  general  merchandise. 
"In  addition  to  his  mercantile  busi- 
ness. Mr.  Wiwi  erected  a  grain  house 
which  he  operated  very  successfully, 
handling  more  grain  during  the  year 
than  was  shipped  from  any  other 
point  on  the  road  of  the  same  size. 
He  opened  a  market  for  live  stock 
also,  and  was  considered  one  of  the 
heaviest  shippers  in  the  county.  Mr. 
Dockendorf  together  with  a  partner 
operated  a  mill  with  great  success. 
The  other  Catholic  pioneers  were 
mostly  German  and  Irish  farmers. 


435 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Prior  to  the  year  1879,  the  Catho- 
lics of  Montrose,  Woodbury,  Jewett, 
ami  Toledo  attended  the  churches 
cither  at  Teutopolis,  Spring  Point,  or 
one  of  the  other  churches  in  the  vi- 
cinity. The  church  at  Spring  Point 
has  long  since  passed  out  of  exist- 
ence. It  was  situated  some  three 
or  four  miles  north  of  Montrose, 
near  William  Meyer's  farm.  It  was 
attended  by  the  Franciscan  Fathers 
from  St.  Joseph's  College,  Teutopo- 
lis, Illinois. 

Towards  the  year  1879,  chiefly 
owing  to  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Phil 
Wiwi,  this  small  group  of  Catholics 
determined  to  have  their  own  church. 
In  the  summer  of  1878,  a  delegation 
of  three— Mr.  Phillip  Wiwi,  Mr. 
Nicholas  Dockendorf  and  Mr.  Hirsch- 
feld — called  on  the  Franciscan  Fath- 
ers at  St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopo- 
lis, Illinois,  to  consult  with  the  Su- 
perior of  the  Franciscan  Commis- 
sariet  and  Rector  of  the  College,  the 
Very  Reverend  Mauritius  Kloster- 
mann,  O.F.M..  as  to  the  possibility  of 
having  regular  services  at  Montrose. 
They  assured  the  Reverend  Rector 
that  a  parish  could  be  organized  at 
Montrose  consisting  of  about  twenty- 
five  families  and  that  they  were  will- 
ing to  assume  all  the  debts  of  the 
new  church,  a  condition  demanded 
absolutely  by  Father  Mauritius.  Re- 
ceiving such  assurances,  the  Rever- 
end Rector  promised  that  whenever 
a  Father  could  be  spared  they  would 
have  services. 

In  January,  1879,  a  site  for  the 
new  church  was  purchased.  The 
plans  for  the  church  were  drawn  up 
by  Brother  Adrian  Wewer,  O.F.M., 
architect.  Mr.  Nicholas  Gehl  of 
Sigel,  Illinois,  superintended  the  con- 
struction of  the  edifice  which  cost 
$1,570.00.  The  new  church  "dis- 
plays a  great  deal  of  taste  and  is  an 
ornament  to  the  town."  The  little 
frame  church  was  soon  completed 
and  on  November  9,  1879,  it  was  ded- 
icated by  the  Very  Reverend  Mauri- 
tius Klostermann,  O.F.M.,  with  St. 
Rose  of  Lima — America's  first  Saint 
—as  patron. 


The  task  of  organizing  the  new  St. 
Rose  of  Lima  Parish  fell  to  the  lot 
of  Reverend  Francis  Haase,  O.F.M., 
who  also  directed  the  parish  for  the 
first  six  years  of  its  existence.  Father 
Francis  was  indefatigable  in  organ- 
izing the  parish  and  in  furnishing 
the  new  House  of  God.  He  begged 
vestments,  a  chalice,  a  monstrance 
and  other  articles  necessary  for  Di- 
vine Services. 

Some  two  or  three  years  later, 
thieves  broke  into  the  church  at 
Montrose  and  carried  off  the  mon- 
strance, the  ciborium  and  other 
things.  A  Protestant  minister,  upon 
his  return  from  church  near  Dexter, 
Illinois,  noticed  a  thief  climbing  out 
of  a  window.  The  latter,  spying  the 
minister,  took  to  flight  leaving  be- 
hind a  sack  which  contained  articles 
stolen  at  Montrose.  When  this  was 
found  out  at  Montrose,  Mr.  Wiwi's 
son,  George,  quickly  drove  over  with 
a  team  to  recover  the  monstrance 
and  ciborium,  etc.  The  horses,  valued 
at  $300,  died  from  exhaustion  caused 
by  over-spirited  driving.  This  was  a 
heavy  loss  for  Mr.  Wiwi,  but  he  felt 
compensated  in  the  recovery  of  the 
church  articles. 

At  the  time  when  the  parish  was 
organized,  Mr.  Wiwi  had  engaged  a 
private  tutor,  Miss  Lena  Wessel,  to 
instruct  his  children.  However,  the 
Catholic  children  of  the  neighbor- 
hood also  attended  these  classes 
which  were  conducted  in  the  room 
above  Mr.  Wiwi's  store.  The  teacher 
was  a  good  Catholic  and  hence  the 
curriculum  of  studies  included  also 
Christian  Doctrine.  As  soon  as  Mr. 
Wiwi's  children  had  received  their 
First  Holy  Communion,  the  teacher 
was  dismissed  and  hence  the  school 
was  closed. 

The  second  pastor  was  Reverend 
Hugolinus  Storff,  O.F.M.  The  credit 
of  having  been  the  first  one  to  at- 
tempt a  parochial  school  at  Montrose 
belongs  to  Father  Hugolinus.  He 
was  spurred  on  by  the  low  standard 
of  education  that  prevailed  among 
the  children  in  the  county,  many  of 
whom  could  neither  read  nor  write. 


436 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


He  again  engaged  the  services  of 
Miss  Lena  Wessel  who  conducted 
regular  classes  in  the  church  for  an 
entire  year.  After  that  it  was  dis- 
continued. Another  unsuccessful  at- 
tempt at  conducting  a  parochial 
school  was  made  under  the  pastor- 
ship of  Reverend  Valentine  Doeren- 
kemper,  O.F.M.  Since  then  no 
further  attempt  has  been  made  to  es- 
tablish a  Catholic  school  at  Mont- 
rose. 

St.  Rose  Parish  owes  very  much  to 
its  tenth  Pastor,  the  Reverend  Tim- 
othy Magnien,  O.F.M.  In  his  zeal 
he  prevailed  upon  the  Reverend  Rec- 
tor of  St.  Joseph  College  to  send 
another  Father  to  Montrose  so  that 
services  could  be  held  twice  a  month. 
He  labored  zealously  to  raise  the 
standard  of  the  spiritual  life  of  the 
parishioners.  The  various  societies 
were  quickened  to  new  life.  Altars 
and  statues  were  procured  for  the 
church.  He  brought  the  entire  par- 
ish together  in  several  festive  gath- 
erings and  to  add  to  the  solemnity, 
he  procured  the  services  of  the  choir 
and  orchestra  of  St.  Joseph  College. 

The  Church  records  show  that  the 
following  Franciscan  Fathers  were 
either  pastors  or  conducted  services 


at  Montrose  between  the  years  1879 
to  1925,  in  the  order  given  herein: 
Francis  Haase,  1879-84;  Hugoline 
Storff,  1884-85;  Fidelis  Kaercher, 
1885-86;  Stephen  Scholz,  1886-88; 
Valentine  Doerenkemper,  1888-91 ; 
Bonaventure  Faulhaber,  1891-95 ; 
Walfried  Rompe,  1895-97;  Clement 
Moormann,  1897-98  ;  Ignatius  Reinke- 
meyer;  Hilary  Kieserling;  Eugene 
Hagedorn;  Theodosius  Plassmeyer; 
George  Wetenkamp  ;  Celestine 
Kaiser;  Timothy  Magnien,  1899-1901  ; 
Apollinarus  Johmann,  1901-03;  Cos- 
mos Garmann,  1903-04;  Isidore  Fos- 
selmann,  1904-06 ;  Honorate  Bonze- 
let,  1906-07;  Clementine  Hagen, 
1907-08;  Gratian  Gehring,  1908;  Di- 
dacus  Gruenholz,  1908-10  ;  Benvenute 
Mueller,  1910-13 ;  Cyrinus  Schneider, 
1913-16;  Berard  Zehnle,  1916-17; 
Joseph  C.  Meyer,  1917 ;  Lambert 
Brinkmoeller,  1917-18 ;  Emmanuel 
Behrendt,  1918;  Vitalis  Bartkowiak, 
1918-20;  Ephrem  Muench,  1920-24; 
Maximilian     Klotzbucher,      1924-25 ; 

Angelus  Zwiesler,  1925 . 

Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  visited  the  parish  in  1924,  and 
arranged  with  the  Franciscan  Mon- 
astery at  Teutopolis  to  give  the  par- 
ish regular  services  every  Sunday. 


Church  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1880. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Joseph  A.  Postner. 


As  the  coming  of  the  Saviour  had 
been  foretold  by  the  Prophets  of  old, 
so  the  forthcoming  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist  church  had  first  been  voiced 
by  the  first  Bishop  of  Alton,  Right 
Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker, 
D.D.,  when  in  1867,  as  St.  Mary's  was 
launched,  he  promised  to  found  a  new 
parish  in  the  north  part  of  the  city. 
As  soon  as  St.  Mary's  church  was 
somewhat  out  of  debt,  and  St.  Fran- 
cis' Church  on  a  solid  footing,  the 
new  parish  was  to  be  undertaken. 

In  the  year  1872,  Bishop  Baltes 
(who,  in  1870,  became  Bishop  of  Al- 
ton) learning  that  the  special  legisla- 
tion granting  incorporation  to 
churches  was  about  to  be  revoked,  at 


once  had  the  future  parish  of  St. 
John  incorporated.  Some  time  later 
a  half -block  of  ground  on  Tenth  street 
between  Spruce  and  Cedar  streets 
was  donated  by  Mrs.  Anna  Cox  with 
the  proviso  that  within  ten  years  a 
church  must  be  built,  otherwise  the 
ground  would  revert  to  the  donor  or 
her  heirs.  The  offer  was  accepted  and 
the  deed  recorded  January  5,  1874. 

The  road  to  an  early  undertaking 
of  the  building  seemed  open,  when  the 
so-called  "hard  times"  started  which 
lasted  until  1879.  Add  to  this,  that 
St.  Mary's  was  deeply  in  debt.  St. 
Boniface  had  its  financial  worries  on 
account  of  their  new  school,  and  St. 
Francis  could  not  promise  much  help 


437 


IHUCKSE   OF   SI'KINCFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


as  they  were  about  to  build  a  new 
church,  so  tliero  was  nothing  else  to 
be  done  but  "wait". 

When,  in  1879,  conditions  began  to 
brighten  up  somewhat,  Father  Jans- 
sen  of  St.  Boniface  aroused  interest  in 
the  new  parish  by  obtaining  the 
liishop's  consent  to  undertake  the 
work,  at  the  same  time  giving  per- 
mission to  the  building  association  to 
take  up  a  collection  in  the  whole  city. 
The  boundary  lines  for  the  new  par- 
ish were  fixed  and  announced  in  all 
parishes  of  the  city.  Somehow,  or 
some  way,  results  did  not  justify  ef- 
forts. January  1,  1880,  Reverend 
Theodore  Bruenner  succeeded  Father 
Janssen  at  St.  Boniface.  To  Father 
Bruener's  credit,  it  must  be  stated 
that  both  lie  and  his  assistant,  Father 
Hoffmans,  manifested  warm  sym- 
pathy for  the  north-end  parish,  but 
had  worry  a-plenty  in  their  own  ac- 
tivities. Upon  the  express  wish  of  the 
Bishop,  Father  Hoffmans  took  up  a 
collection  among  the  prospective 
members  of  the  new  parish.  The  re- 
sult was  quite  satisfactory,  but  the 
good  Father's  health  would  not  per- 
mit him  to  finish  the  task. 

Thereupon,  Father  Bruener  wrote 
to  the  Bishop  that  if  he  wished  to 
safeguard  the  future  existence  of  the 
new  parish,  it  was  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  send  a  priest  to  take  charge. 
The  Bishop  telegraphed  his  answer : 
"Father  Still  is  coming."  Message 
received  May  15,  1880.  This  is  the 
accepted  birthday  of  St.  John's. 

Reverend  Joseph  Still,  who  was 
born  May  25,  1849,  in  Uerdingen 
Rhemish  Prussia,  studied  philosophy 
and  theology  at  Muenster,  and  finish- 
ed at  Rome  at  the  Americanum, 
whither  he  had  gone  to  study  for  the 
missions  in  America.  Ordained  a 
priest  May  22,  1875,  he  arrived  in 
America,  September  8  of  the  same 
year,  and  was  appointed  assistant  to 
Father  Bartels  in  Germantown,  Clin- 
ton County,  Illinois.  Here  he  labored 
faithfully  until  his  appointment  to 
Quincy,  May  15th.  Arriving  in 
Quincy  May  22nd,  he  was  hospitably 
received  at  St.  Boniface  rectory. 


A  plan,  suggested  by  the  Bishop 
and  submitted  by  Architect  Pfeifen- 
berger,  was  with  few  minor  changes, 
adopted  and  carried  out.  The  base- 
ment was  arranged  for  a  Sisters' 
Home ;  the  first  floor  contained  four 
spacious  school  rooms  with  ceilings  14 
feet  high  ;  the  second  floor  was  to  be 
the  temporary  church,  later  on  to  be 
used  as  an  amusement  hall.  Dimen- 
sions of  the  building  were  96x54  feet. 
The  excavating  was  done  by  members 
of  the  parish.  Work  was  begun  in 
July  and  finished  by  the  first  of  Oc- 
tober. School  was  opened  October  7, 
with  an  attendance  of  160  children 
with  Sisters  of  the  Order  of  the  Poor 
Hand  Maids  of  Christ  in  charge.  Aft- 
er heroic  labors  often  protracted  to 
late  hours  of  night,  the  church  was 
completed  at  the  end  of  November.  It 
was  blessed,  as  well  as  the  school 
rooms,  by  Father  Mazarius,  O.F.M., 
November  21st.  Father  Bruener 
preached  the  dedication  sermon.  St. 
Boniface's  choir  sang  the  High  Mass. 
Records  show,  on  January  1,  the  num- 
ber of  families  was  190,  with  but 
$3,000  debt. 

In  spite  of  indebtedness,  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  approved  of  the 
move  to  build  a  parsonage.  Father 
Still,  who  was  quite  an  architect,  de- 
signed the  plan.  Rents  being  high 
and  the  rate  of  interest  low,  he  figured 
the  parish  would  be  money  ahead 
even  though  the  building  should  be 
put  up  entirely  on  borrowed  money. 
August  4,  1881,  the  house  was  finished 
and  Father  Still  felt  happy. 

Progress  was  in  the  air.  Married 
women  and  young  ladies  vied  with 
each  other  in  decorating  the  altars 
and  purchasing  beautiful  vestments. 
The  men  solicited  funds  for  statues  of 
St.  Joseph  and  St.  John.  In  1887, 
the  census  showed  250  families  in  the 
parish  and  244  children  in  school. 
Add  to  this  the  fact  that  all  debts  had 
been  cleared  off  and  you  will  not 
wonder  that  the  parishioners  had  a 
clear  vision  of  a  splendid  church 
a-coming.  This  vision  was  soon  to  be 
realized.  With  Catholic  families 
building  homes  in  the  vigorous  young 


438 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


parish,  a  new  church  became  an 
urgent  necessity.  Services  on  Sun- 
days and  holydays  were  so  habitually 
crowded  to  the  discomfort  point  that 
all  agreed  when  the  plans  for  build- 
ing were  mentioned.  But  times  were 
hard,  with  scanty  employment  for  la- 
bor. This,  however,  turned  out  to  be 
an  advantage  rather  than  a  set-back. 
The  parishioners  agreed  to  do  the  ex- 
cavating, and  all  stone  needed  was 
donated,  the  quarrying  and  hauling 
was  free,  and  so  Father  Still,  with  the 
lielp  of  the  altar  builder,  F.  Schenk, 
drew  up  the  necessary  plans  and 
specifications  for  a  stone  church.  The 
excavating  under  the  sanctuary  was 
the  heaviest  part,  tunnels  along  the 
main  walls  being  considered  sufficient 
for  piping,  wiring,  etc.  The  founda- 
tion was  soon  finished  and  the  cor- 
ner-stone laid  in  the  fall  of  1895.  Al- 
though labor  was  cheap,  the  super- 
structure took  the  greater  part  of  the 
next  three  years.  This  delay  was 
mainly  due  to  lack  of  necessary 
funds.  The  walls  were  rough-coated 
plastering.  New  pews  were  furnished 
by  Mr.  Schenk,  giving  a  seating  ca- 
pacity of  800  with  additional  200  sit- 
tings in  the  gallery.  In  the  Fall  of 
1898,  the  new  church  was  dedicated. 

The  next  urgent  problem  was  the 
school  which  could  not  accommodate 
the  growing  number  of  pupils.  A 
three-story  addition  was  built  in  1891, 
providing  two  basement  rooms  for  the 
Young  Men 's  Society,  two  class  rooms 
on  the  first  floor,  two  class  rooms  on 
the  second  floor,  the  third  floor  being 
arranged  for  the  Sisters'  dwelling. 

Up  to  the  year  1890,  when  the  first 
assistant  was  appointed,  Father  Still 
shouldered  the  whole  burden  of  build- 
ing and  caring  for  the  parish,  which, 
by  this  time,  numbered  250  families 
with  244  children  in  school.  He 
could  figure  on  occasional  help  from 
Fathers  Bartels  and  Frohboese,  who, 
after  resigning  from  active  duty,  re- 
tired to  their  private  homes  built 
within  a  few  steps  from  St.  John 
Church.  When  Reverend  Joseph 
Locher,  who  had  been  appointed  chap- 


lain of  St.  Vincent's  Home,  built  his 
own  home  on  Locust  Street,  an  ex- 
cellent occasional  assistant  was  found 
for  Father  Still  in  his  manifold  du- 
ties. In  January,  1896,  the  first  regu- 
lar assistant  for  St.  John's  was  ap- 
pointed, Reverend  Francis  Xavier 
Sturm,  who  was  succeeded  by  Rever- 
end August  Gorris  in  November,  1896, 
remaining  until  1899.  Then  in  1899, 
came  Reverend  Anthony  J.  Stengel 
who  remained  until  1907.  Father 
Still  died  March  29,  and  was  buried 
in  Calvary  Cemetery. 

Father  Joseph  Postner  was  the  next 
priest  to  whom  the  care  of  the  St. 
John  flock  was  entrusted.  On  assum- 
ing pastoral  charge,  June  1,  1907,  he 
found  a  parish  rather  heavily  burden- 
ed by  debt,  and  a  church  still  waiting 
much-needed  improvements.  But  he 
set  to  work  enthusiastically  and  soon 
the  church  was  handsomely  decorated, 
marble  altars  and  statuary  installed, 
and  a  new  organ,  stations,  etc.,  pro- 
vided. Before  many  years  too,  the 
pastor  and  people  had  the  happiness 
to  see  the  church  debt  wiped  out. 
During  his  years  at  St.  John's,  Father 
Postner  has  been  ably  assisted  in  the 
good  work  by  the  following  energetic 
priests:  Reverends  August  Hohl, 
1907-17;  Joseph  Reis,  1917-24,  and 
John  J.  Goff,  the  present  assistant 
who  succeeded  Father  Reis  in  1924. 

Parish  societies :  St.  Ann 's  Society 
for  Married  Ladies,  Sodality  for 
Young  Ladies,  St.  Antonius  Branch, 
No.  11,  W.  C.  U.,  St.  Leo  Benevolent 
Society,  St.  Joseph's  Young  Men's 
Society,  St.  Rita's  Ladies'  Branch, 
W.  C.  U.,  St.  Angela  Court  of  Fores- 
ters, Poor  Souls  Confraternity,  So- 
ciety for  Propagation  of  the  Faith, 
Orphans'  Society,  St.  Vincent's  So- 
ciety, and  Boy  Scouts. 

The  school  has  a  present  enrollment 
of  297  children.  In  1923,  Confirma- 
tion was  administered  to  a  class  of 
242. 

A  new  Sisters'  Home  is  the  latest 
addition   to   the   parish   plant.     This 


439 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


new  home  was  opened  June  9,  1927, 
and  is  considered  one  of  the  finest  of 
its  kind  in  the  whole  Diocese. 

Not  many  parishes  can  show  a  time 


record  of  forty-five  years  with  but 
two  pastors, — Father  Still,  twenty- 
seven  years,  and  the  present  incum- 
bent— Father  Postner,  eighteen  years. 


Church  of  St.  Benedict,  Auburn,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1880. 

Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Daniel  J.  Quinn. 


The  Catholic  people  of  Auburn 
dedicated  their  first  church  under  the 
patronage  of  St.  Benedict.  At  that 
time  it  was  attended  from  Virden  by 
Reverend  L.  Tyan. 

In  the  year  1880,  Reverend  Dennis 
J.  Ryan  became  the  first  pastor  and 
first  resident  priest  of  Auburn.  His 
stay  was  short  as  he  was  soon  trans- 
ferred to  Springfield,  his  place  at 
Auburn  being  taken  by  Reverend  A. 
Lenfgen.  The  latter  remained  until 
1884,  in  which  year  he  was  succeeded 
by  Reverend  Joseph  Finnigan. 

Reverend  Thomas  O'Reilly  became 
pastor  in  1892,  but  remained  only  a 
year.  His  successor,  Reverend  Mich- 
ael Jefferson  Davis,  served  the  par- 
ish until  1899,  in  which  year  he  was 
sent  to  take  charge  of  Virginia.  Dur- 
ing his  time  here,  Father  Davis  did 
much  for  the  Church.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Reverend  Thomas  Carroll 
who  remained  only  a  short  time  and 
then  went  West  for  the  good  of  his 
health. 

Reverend  Joseph  O'Connor  now 
stepped  into  the  vacancy  created  by 
the  departure  of  Father  Carroll. 
From  the  very  first,  it  was  Father 
O'Connor's  cherished  desire  to  have  a 
church  in  Auburn  more  worthy  of  the 
Eucharistic  King  than  the  one  then  in 
existence,  and  accordingly  he  built  a 
new  one.  Unfortunately,  after  he  had 
completed  the  church  his  health  gave 
way  and  he  was  forced  to  seek  a  more 
temperate  climate.  He  died  some  time 
later  in  Colorado. 

In  succession  came  as  pastors,  Fath- 
ers D.  J.  Ryan,  and  James  P.  Walsh ; 
the  former  serving  for  eight  years, 
and  the  latter  for  one.  During  Father 
Walsh 's  pastorate,  the  church  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire.    Until  a  new  church 


could  be  built,  Bishop  Ryan  gave  the 
pastor  permission  to  say  Mass  in  a 
hall. 

A  small  amount  of  insurance  on  the 
building  and  poor  crops  of  the  far- 
mers, made  it  difficult  to  rebuild.  In 
spite  of  these  difficulties,  however, 
construction  of  the  new  church  was 
begun  and  it  was  soon  well  under 
way,  due  largely  to  donated  labor. 
Many  men  of  the  congregation  who 
worked  in  the  mine  gave  much  of 
their  time  in  performing  all  kinds  of 
labor,  and  the  farming  members  did 
their  part  also  by  hauling  material 
and  rendering  their  services  whenever 
needed.  In  this  way,  the  congrega- 
tion was  saved  a  great  deal  of  expense. 
So  vigorously  was  the  building  pushed 
forward  that  within  nine  months 
after  the  fire,  the  Catholic  people  of 
Auburn  and  their  zealous  pastor,  Rev- 
erend Daniel  J.  Quinn,  had  the  honor 
and  consolation  of  seeing  a  beautiful 
brick  church  completed.  The  new 
church  represented  many  sacrifices 
on  the  part  of  the  pastor  and  congre- 
gation, and  still  speaks  eloquently  of 
the  faith  of  both. 

In  a  parish  sketch  of  this  kind,  it 
is  fitting  that  we  mention  the  names 
of  some  of  those  who  did  much  for 
religion  during  its  struggling  days  in 
Auburn.  They  are :  Michael  and 
Bridget  Duhig,  Captain  Irwin,  James 
Henry  and  Lizzie  Quinn,  David  and 
Michael  Dillon,  Patrick  and  Margaret 
Gorey.  The  old  members  who  are  still 
living  are  Mary  Flood,  and  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Gorey. 

The  parish  at  present  (1927)  has 
ninety-one  families.  Confirmation 
was  administered  in  June,  1924,  to 
102  children  by  the  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.     The  Altar 


440 


Quincy     St.  John's  Convent,  Rev    Joseph   Postner,   P  R  i  hurch 

.  .  .  Auburn     Rectory,  Rev.  D.J.  Quinn,  Pastor,  Si    Benedict's  Church  .  .  .  South  Fo 
St.  Michael's  Church  .  .  .  Buffalo     St.  Joseph's  Chut 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


Society,  Holy  Name,  and  Children's 
Society  take  an  active  part  in  parish 
work. 

The  congregation  is  composed  of 
various  nationalities  but  this  fact  has 
never  prevented  it  from  taking  an  en- 


thusiastic part  in  all  community  af- 
fairs. That  St.  Benedict  parish  is 
not  only  truly  Catholic  but  also  truly 
patriotic  may  be  inferred  from  the 
fact  that  it  contributed  twenty-five 
young  men  to  the  late  war. 


Mission  of  St.  Michael,  South  Fork,  Christian  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1880. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  James  J.  Murnane. 


This  parish  was  organized  in  1880. 
To  that  time  the  Catholic  people  of 
this  community  had  no  church  build- 
ing and  were  compelled  to  travel  in 
big  wagons  over  rough  roads,  a  dis- 
tance of  twelve  or  fourteen  miles  to 
attend  Mass.  They  went  to  Taylor- 
ville,  Brown  Settlement,  Glenarm  and 
Auburn. 

In  the  year  1881,  a  very  beautiful 
Church  building  was  completed  un- 
der the  direction  of  Reverend  Daniel 
J.  Ryan  of  Auburn  and  South  Fork 
Parish  was  for  twenty  three  years, 
namely  from  1881  to  1905,  a  mission 
to  Auburn  attended  by  seven  differ- 
ent priests  who  succeeded  Father 
Ryan,  viz.,  Fathers  Finnegan,  Loftus, 
Donahoe,  O'Reilley,  Davis,  O'Connor 
and  D.  J.  Ryan. 

In  1905  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton,  made  a  new 
parish  of  two  of  the  Auburn  missions. 
Pawnee  was  made  a  separate  parish 
with  St.  Michael  Church,  South  Fork 
attached  as  a  mission.  Reverend 
Joseph  A.  M.  Wilson  was  appointed 
pastor  of  St.  Michael  parish  on  March 
25,  1905,  and  remained  pastor  until 
February  15,  1909. 

In  February,  1909,  Reverend  John 
Lupton  was  appointed  pastor  and  suc- 


cessor to  Father  Wilson  and  remained 
pastor  for  sixteen  years.  During  his 
administration  the  Church  was  struck 
by  lightning  and  completely  burned. 
In  1918  Father  Lupton  set  to  work 
and  built  a  beautiful  large  brick 
Church  at  a  cost  of  thirty  thousand 
dollars.  The  interior  furnishings 
were  all  purchased  new  and  corre- 
sponded with  the  size  and  architec- 
ture of  the  building,  making  it  a  very 
beautiful  edifice. 

On  February  15,  1925,  Father  Lup- 
ton was  appointed  pastor  of  Newton, 
Illinois,  by  the  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin.  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Spring- 
field in  Illinois,  and  Father  Vanspey- 
broeck  administrator  of  St.  Michael 
parish  from  February  15,  1925  to 
July  15,  1925,  when  Reverend  James 
J.  Murnane  was  appointed  pastor. 

The  building  of  St.  Michael  Church 
in  1881  was  a  great  blessing  for  this 
community.  It  became  easy  for  them 
to  hear  Mass  on  Sunday  and  receive 
the  Sacraments  frequently,  also  re- 
ligious instruction.  The  number  of 
families  at  this  time  was  about  sixty, 
all  farmers.  As  time  went  on,  other 
new  parishes  were  established  and 
the  number  of  families  dwindled 
down  to  about  twenty. 


Mission  of  St.  Joseph,  Buffalo,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1882. 

Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Andrew  E.  Robinson. 


In  the  Spring  of  1882,  the  forty  or 
more  Catholic  families  of  the  com- 
munity of  Buffalo  felt  that  there  was 
great  need  of  a  church  of  their  own, 
in  their  own  community.  Illiopolis 
was  too  far  removed  from  them  and 
very  difficult  of  access  in  bad  weather. 


The  matter  was  much  talked  of  and 
debated  among  the  leading  Catholic 
families  and  it  was  finally  decided  to 
attempt  the  erection  of  a  Catholic 
church  in  the  village  of  Buffalo.  On 
May  4,  1882,  a  meeting  was  called  and 
a  Buildinj?  Committee  to  solicit  funds 


441 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


was  chosen.    Father  Charles  Manuel, 

pastor  of  Illiopolis,  was  appointed 
president  of  the  Committee,  Mr.  Wil- 
liam J.  McCann,  secretary,  and  his 
brother,  Robert  C.  McCann,  treasurer. 
Thomas  Welch,  Cornelius  O'Laugh- 
lin,  M.  Burke  and  James  Brennan 
were  also  members  of  the  committee. 

Thomas  Munce,  a  public  spirited 
non-Catholic  of  the  community,  do- 
nated two  lots  valued  at  $150.00,  and 
two  more  valued  at  $75.00  were  pur- 
chased from  him. 

The  drive  for  pledges  was  soon  un- 
der way  and  in  a  short  time,  the 
committee  was  ready  to  report  that 
$2,668.75  had  been  obtained  in 
pledges.  William  McCann  had  pro- 
cured $740.00,  Thomas  Welch, 
$711.50;  Robert  C.  McCann  procured 
$600.50;  C.  O'Laughlin,  $341.50; 
James  and  W.  Brennan,  $175.00; 
Father  Manuel,  $100.25.  Catholics 
and  non-Catholics  alike  had  respond- 
ed most  generously  not  only  in  Buf- 
falo itself,  but  in  the  neighboring 
communities  of  Mechanicsburg,  Daw- 
son, Buffalo  Hart,  Bald  Knob,  River- 
ton,  Illiopolis  and  Springfield. 

With  this  amount  pledged  the  Com- 
mittee felt  the  project  was  secure  and 
immediately  started  preparations  for 
building.  Mr.  W.  H.  Conway  of 
Springfield  was  engaged  as  architect, 
his  plans  being  duly  passed  upon  and 
accepted.  The  contract  was  let  to 
Hayland  &  Sons.  On  July  1st,  1882, 
the  dream  of  these  hardy  pioneers  of 
the  Faith  began  to  take  shape.  A 
Catholic  Church  was  in  the  process  of 
building.  There  is  no  record  at  hand 
as  to  when  the  church  was  completed 
or  on  what  date  the  first  services  were 
held.  We  know  that  Father  Manuel 
of  Illiopolis  assumed  charge,  attend- 
ing Buffalo  each  Sunday  from  Illiopo- 
lis. 

William  J.  McCann  and  R.  C.  Mc- 
Cann were  appointed  as  first  trustees 
of  the  newly  organized  Mission  Par- 
ish of  St.  Joseph,  Buffalo,  Illinois. 
The  records  for  1883  show  that  thirty- 
eight  families  contributed  $228.00  as 
pew  rent.  In  1884  a  bell  was  pur- 
chased at  the  cost  of  $110.00,  an  or- 


gan was  bought  for  $75  00,  new  sta- 
tions erected  at  the  cost  of  $70.25. 
The  ladies  of  the  Altar  Society  con- 
tributed $40.00  to  the  purchasing  of 
stations.  So  in  the  year  1884  we  find 
the  little  mission  church  completely 
furnished  and  the  parish  functioning 
perfectly  under  the  zealous  leader- 
ship of  Father  Manuel  and  his  able 
business-like  trustees,  the  McCann 
brothers,   William  and   Robert. 

Father  Manuel  continued  to  at- 
tend the  Mission  of  Buffalo  until  1892 
when  it  was  taken  over  by  Reverend 
Christian  A.  Snyder,  pastor  of  River- 
ton.  He  continued  to  serve  Buffalo 
from  Riverton  until  1894  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Thomas 
O'Reilly.  During  the  pastorate  of 
Father  O  'Reilly,  a  bazaar  and  festival 
was  held  for  the  benefit  of  St.  Joseph 
parish  on  Feb.  6-7,  1895.  In  spite  of 
zero  weather  and  a  blizzard,  all  the 
members  turned  out  one  hundred  per 
cent  and  when  the  proceeds  were 
counted  up,  it  was  found  that  $881.29 
had  been  taken  in,  and  after  the  ex- 
penses had  been  deducted,  the  parish 
had  cleared  $754.91.  Remarkable  for 
those  days,  yet  not  so  remarkable  when 
we  consider  the  Faith  and  the  sacri- 
ficing spirit  of  these  pioneers. 

In  March,  1896,  Father  O'Rielly 
was  succeeded  by  Father  Joseph 
O  'Boyle.  He  remained  for  one  year, 
relinquishing  the  charge  because  of 
ill  health,  to  Father  John  J.  Cor- 
coran. Father  Corcoran  served  as 
pastor  until  September,  1899,  when 
Father  John  J.  Clancy  assumed 
charge. 

During  the  busy  pastorate  of 
Father  Clancy  much  was  done  in  the 
way  of  repairs,  frescoing  and  paint- 
ing. A  new  furnace  was  installed, 
side-walks  laid,  fences  built,  etc.  The 
trustees  were  changed,  Cornelius 
O'Laughlin  and  Daniel  Call  succeed- 
ing the  McCann  brothers.  After  a 
service  of  fifteen  years,  Father 
Clancy  was  changed  to  Jerseyville. 
Father  M.  O 'Flaherty  was  appointed 
to  the  parishes  of  Riverton  and  Buf- 
falo, in  1914.  In  the  fall  of  1922, 
Reverend  Amos  E.  Giusti  was  trans- 


442 


TIIE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER   JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


ferred  from  Waverly  to  Riverton  and 
Buffalo.  In  1924  he  left  for  Rome 
and  Father  M.  Rua,  a  professor  at 
De  Paul  University,  Chicago,  was 
given  the  charge  of  Riverton  and 
Buffalo,  by  the  new  Bishop,  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.  He 
remained  but  one  year,  returning  to 


Andrew  E.  Robinson  was  then  ap- 
pointed pastor,  assuming  charge  in 
October,  1925. 

The  County  Poor  Farm,  located 
within  the  boundaries  of  the  Buffalo 
parish,  is  attended  each  week  from 
Riverton.  Mass  is  said  each  Thurs- 
day morning  for  the  Catholic  in- 
mates. 


his  teaching  post  in  Chicago.    Father 

Church  of  St.  Bartholomew,  Murrayville,  Morgan  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1883. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Christopher  S.  Bell. 


The  preliminary  steps  towards  the 
building  of  a  Catholic  Church  at  Mur- 
rayville, Morgan  County,  were  taken 
in  the  summer  of  1883,  by  Reverend 
Timothy  Hickey,  at  that  time  pastor 
of  Our  Saviour's  Church,  Jackson- 
ville, Illinois.  The  first  meeting  for 
this  purpose  was  held  at  Martin  Con- 
nolly's home.  At  this  meeting  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  select  a  site 
for  the  proposed  church.  Father 
Hickey,  Thomas  Siebert,  and  Denis 
Corbett  were  chosen  and  after  looking 
over  several  places  a  suitable  location 
was  finally  secured  for  $100.  Other 
meetings  were  held  at  which  $3,000 
was  subscribed,  trustees  appointed 
and  a  building  committee  selected.  On 
October  9,  1883,  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees entered  into  a  contract  with  J. 
W.  Bowen  of  Jacksonville  for  the  con- 
struction of  a  brick  church.  The  cost 
of  the  building  was  $3,100,  the  brick 
and  sand  being  furnished  by  the  con- 
gregation. 

October  21,  1883,  saw  the  laying  of 
the  corner-stone  of  the  new  church. 
On  February  10,  1884,  the  first  Mass 
in  the  new  building  was  said  by 
Father  Hickey. 

In  the  Spring  of  1885,  Reverend  J. 
Dietrich  was  appointed  first  rector  of 
Murrayville  but  on  account  of  failing 
health,  lie  was  soon  forced  to  seek  a 
milder  climate,  but  not  before  he  had 
won  the  lasting  esteem  and  affection 
of  his  people.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Clemens  Johannes  who  re- 
mained only  for  four  weeks. 

Reverend  Patrick  O 'Fallon  of 
Montreal,    Canada,    now   became   the 


first  resident  pastor.  This  was  in  1885. 
During  his  stay  of  about  two  years, 
a  comfortable  and  well-furnished 
parochial  residence  was  built.  On 
Sunday,  May  22,  1887,  Father  O  'Fal- 
lon bade  farewell  to  his  people  and 
went  to  St.  Patrick,  Alton,  exchang- 
ing places  with  Reverend  James  A. 
Cassidy,  who  took  pastoral  care  of 
Murrayville  until  his  death  three 
years  afterwards. 

Reverend  Thomas  O'Rielly  next 
took  charge,  and  after  three  years  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Thomas 
O'Hara  who  governed  the  congrega- 
tion wisely  and  well  for  the  seven 
years  between  1893  and  1900.  Father 
O'Hara  was,  as  the  saying  is,  "A 
good  mixer."  He  had  a  very  pleasant 
and  amiable  disposition  which  enabled 
him  to  entirely  win  the  hearts  of  his 
congregation  and  make  many  friends 
among  the  non-Catholic  element  of 
the  community.  In  1900  he  was  sent  to 
take  charge  of  Petersburg,  his  place 
at  Murrayville  being  taken  by  Rev- 
erend Edward  McGowan,  one  of  the 
veteran  priests  of  the  Diocese.  The 
latter 's  health  had  been  so  poor  when 
he  had  assumed  charge  that  even  this 
wholesome,  quiet,  country  parisli 
could  not  restore  it.  He  died  in  1905, 
and  now  lies  buried  in  the  parish 
cemetery  which  he  purchased  during 
his  pastorate. 

From  1905  to  1912,  during  which 
time  Reverend  Eugene  McGuire  was 
pastor,  great  changes  took  place  in 
the  parish.  The  old  church  which 
had  become  unsafe  and  unfit  for  di- 
vine worship  as  well  as  too  small    to 


443 


MOi   !  •:  -T    OK    SHMNOFIELD    [N     ILLINOIS 


accommodate  the  growing  congrega- 
tion, was  torn  down  and  a  contract  let 
to  J.  Wokke  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois, 
to  construct  a  new  pressed  brick 
church,  100x50  feet,  and  Gothic  in 
style.  The  corner-stone  of  the  new 
edifice  was  pul  in  place  on  September 
23,  1906,  Very  Reverend  Dean  Crowe 
officiating.  On  July  21  of  the  fol- 
lowing year,  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  D.D.,  assisted  by  many  of  his 
priests,  dedicated  the  new  handsome 
church  now  completed.  Very  fitting- 
ly, indeed,  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey, 
under  whose  direction  the  first  church 
was  built,  was  chosen  to  preach  the 
dedication  sermon  of  the  new  one. 

In  the  meantime,  the  beautiful 
main  altar — the  gift  of  Michael  Dolan 
— was  put  in  place;  an  excellent 
steam-heating  plant  was  installed, 
and  new  pews  replaced  the  old  ones. 
These  improvements  contributed 
much  to  the  appearance  and  comfort 
of  the  new  church. 

The  total  cost  of  the  new  structure 
amounted  to  about  $21,000.  At  the 
present  time  it  could  scarcely  be  dupli- 
cated for  three  times  that  amount. 
The  building  of  such  a  beautiful  and 
substantial  edifice  and  the  paying  for 
it  in  a  few  years,  must  be  attributed 
to  the  co-operative  faith  and  zeal  of 
the  pastor  and  his  congregation. 

Father  McGuire  left  Murrayville 
in  1912  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev- 
erend McCawley.  During  the  two- 
year  stay  of  the  latter,  the  rectory 
was  remodelled,  and  two  side  altars, 
the  gift  of  William  Begnal,  put  in  the 
church.  Reverend  J.  Ilealy,  Father 
McCawley 's  successor,  died  nine 
months  after  assuming  charge. 

From  1915  to  1922,  Father  Ed- 
mund Flynn  was  pastor.  During  his 
term  there,  a  new  organ  and  two  beau- 
tiful statues  were  added. 

On  September  22,  1922,  Reverend 
Peter  Paul  McGuinness  became  pas- 
tor and  continued  in  charge  until 
1926,  in  which  year  he  was  promoted 
to  Morrisonville.  Father  McGuinness, 
during  his  four-year  pastorate, 
worked  hard  for  the  spiritual  ad- 
vancement of  his  people  and  the  ma- 


terial beauty  of  God's  House.  He 
frescoed  the  church,  put  in  new  Sta- 
tions of  the  Cross,  a  new  tabernacle, 
sanctuary  lamp,  a  baptismal  font, 
vestments,  and  made  many  other  im- 
provements which  were  badly  needed. 
Father  McGuinness  is  a  dynamic 
little  Irishman.  He  is  indeed  small  in 
the  flesh  but  big  in  the  spirit.  His 
priestly  life  is  proof  positive  that 
good  goods  come  in  small  parcels. 

The  following  societies  exist  in  the 
parish  and  do  good  work  along  their 
several  lines :  The  Rosary  Society, 
founded  by  Father  O  'Hara ;  Immacu- 
late Conception  Sodality,  by  Father 
McGuire ;  Sacred  Heart  League,  by 
Father  Flynn;  Catholic  Ladies'  Club 
and  Eucharistic  League,  by  Father 
McGuinness. 

Among  the  first  members  of  this 
congregation  were  Anna  Murphy, 
Martin  Connolly,  Anthony  Koyne, 
Patrick  Dolan,  Bryan  Tracy,  Richard 
Welsh,  William  Begnel,  Michael  Con- 
ley,  James  Ring,  Morris  O'Donnell, 
John  O'Connell,  Patrick  Delaney, 
John  Doolan,  Jeremiah  Doolin,  John 
Farrell,  Jeremiah  Sullivan,  Dennis 
Corbett,  M.  J.  Clerihan,  Michael  Te- 
han,  James  Burns,  James  McCabe, 
Stephen  Conlon,  Thomas  Maloney, 
Martin  Ward,  Owen  Reardon,  John 
Dougherty,  Michael  Dolan,  Michael 
Rohan,  John  Phelan,  James  Burke, 
Patrick  Sheridan,  Thomas  Seaver, 
Edward  Tobin,  Michael  Carrigan, 
Jeremiah  Doolin,  Thomas  Clerihan, 
Michael  Ring,  Patrick  Burkery,  Pat- 
rick Carrigan,  Mrs.  Mary  Sheehan, 
Patrick  MacDonough,  Patrick  Shee- 
han, Jr.,  Michael  Crowe,  James  D. 
Lawless,  Arthur  Kings]  ey,  W.  J. 
Kellegher,  Patrick  O'Brien,  William 
Sullivan,  John  Sheehan,  William 
Phelan,  Edward  Connors,  Michael 
Crowley  and  Patrick  Dowling.  The 
oldest  parishioners  living  today  in  the 
parish,  who  saw  the  building  of  the 
first  church,  are :  John  Gougherty, 
John  Farrell,  Michael  Crawley,  and 
Jeremiah  Doolin. 

Sixteen  young  men  from  Murray- 
ville saw  service  in  the  World  War. 
That  the  Faith  is  strong  in  the  parish 


444 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


is  evident  from  the  number  of  its  sons 
and  daughters  who  have  entered  re- 
ligion. It  gave  to  the  priesthood 
Fathers  Thomas  Connolly,  Luke  Man- 
deville, and  George  Hobbs;  to  the 
brotherhood,  Milliam  Mandeville ;  and 
to  the  sisterhood,  Mary  Gougherty, 
Margaret  Mandeville,  Elizabeth  Man- 
deville, Mary  Langdon,  Mary  Ring, 
Mary  Mandeville,  Margaret  Murphy, 


Emma  Mandeville,  Clara  Flynn,  Ser- 
ena Connolly,  Rose  Walsh,  Philo- 
mena  Murphy  and  Marie  Hobbs. 

The  parish  is  today  in  a  flourishing 
condition,  and  ranks  as  one  of  the 
substantial  country  parishes  of  the 
Diocese.  At  the  present  writing,  the 
genial  Father  Bell,  formerly  pastor 
of  Morrisonville,  is  in  charge. 


Church  of  St.  Aloysius,  Litchfield,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1883. 

Present  Pastor:     Reverend  Anthony  J.  Stengel. 


In  the  year  1883,  the  German-speak- 
ing Catholics  of  Litchfield  banded  to- 
gether and  after  receiving  permission 
from  the  Bishop,  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  began,  with  the 
assistance  of  Father  John  Storp  who 
was  pastor  of  St.  Agnes  church  of 
Hillsboro,  the  erection  of  a  church  un- 
der the  title  of  St.  Aloysius.  In  Nov- 
ember of  the  same  year  the  new  frame 
church  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Bal- 
tes who  appointed  Reverend  Joseph 
Dechene  as  first  pastor.  During  his 
first  year,  Father  Dechene  built  the 
parsonage.  The  number  of  families 
(about  twenty-five)  was  small  but 
they  were  full  of  zeal  and  had  great 
hopes  for  the  future  and  expected  the 
parish  to  grow  as  the  city  of  Litch- 
field had  the  location  and  facilities  to 
become  a  business  center. 

Father  Dechene  was  pastor  from 
November,  1883  until  June,  1890,  in 
which  latter  year  Reverend  George 
Pasch  became  his  successor,  remain- 
ing until  June,  1924.  The  next  priest 
to  take  charge  of  the  parish  was 
Father  E.  H.  Schonlan.  His  pastorate 
continued  to  1906.  In  that  year  he 
took  a  leave  of  absence  and  returned 
to  his  home  in  Germany  for  a  vaca- 
tion of  two  years.  During  his  absence 
the  parish  was  cared  for  by  Reverend 
Joseph  Kopp.  Father  Schonlon  on 
returning,  continued  as  pastor  of  St. 
Aloysius  until  September,  1911,  in 
which  year  he  resigned  and  returned 


again  to  his  native  land.  Then 
Father  Wubbe  took  temporary  charge 
of  the  parish  until  the  appointment 
of  Reverend  James  A.  Telken  as  rec- 
tor in  1911.  Father  Telken  con- 
tinued in  charge  until  July  1,  1919, 
when  he  was  replaced  by  the  present 
pastor,  Reverend  Anthony  J.  Stengel. 

The  school  established  in  the  early 
years,  never  prospered  but  rather 
dragged  on  for  some  years  with  vary- 
ing success  conducted  by  lay  teachers 
until  finally  it  was  discontinued  be- 
cause of  the  small  number  of  children. 
The  parish,  the  past  few  years,  seems 
to  be  improving.  The  number  of  chil- 
dren of  school  age  has  increased  to 
fifty,  and  the  families  now  number 
seventy. 

In  1920  the  parsonage  was  put  in 
good  condition  and  now  the  members 
of  the  parish  are  all  zeal  and  earnest- 
ness, collecting  and  raising  funds  for 
a  new  church  to  replace  the  old  frame, 
which  has  more  than  served  its  time. 

Three  parish  societies — Young 
Ladies',  Women,  and  Holy  Name  So- 
cieties— work  with  commendable  zeal 
in  a  unified  endeavor  to  raise  suf- 
ficient funds  for  a  new  and  substan- 
tial building  to  replace  the  old  frame 
church.  In  addition  to  the  above  so- 
cieties the  congregation  has  a  flour- 
ishing branch  of  the  Propagation  of 
the  Faith. 

The  outlook  for  the  future  is 
bright. 


445 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Since  the  above  mentioned  article 
was  composed,  Father  Stengel  with 
the  encouragement  and  support  of  his 
congregation  has  decided  to  build  the 
new  church,  long  a  dream  of  the  Ger- 
man Catholic  residents  and  now  to  be 
a  fact  in  brick  and  mortar. 

According  to  architect's  drawings 
this  will  be  a  Romanesque  brick 
church,  with  slate  roof  and  stone 
trimmings.  The  church  will  front  to 
the  west,  with  the  tower  on  the  north- 
west corner.  The  dimensions  will  be 
one  hundred  and  three  feet  by  forty- 
two  feet.  There  will  be  two  sacristies, 
large  and  roomy  and  the  one  on  the 
south  will  serve  as  a  winter  chapel. 

The  interior  is  described  as  follows : 
Red  brick  to  bottom  of  windows,  side 
walls  plastered,  ceiling  in  wood 
panels,  rubber  tile  flooring  in  the 
Sanctuary  and  the  remainder  of  the 
church  in  yellow  pine.  Two  rows 
of  pews  will  flank  the  wide  center 
aisle.  Seating  capacity  will  be  three 
hundred. 

The  local  weekly  Litchfield  paper 
gave  the  following  description  of  the 
cornerstone  laying  service  on  July  8, 
1928: 

"The  cornerstone  of  St.  Aloysius 
Church  was  laid  Sunday  afternoon 
with  appropriate  services.  Right 
Reverend  James  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Springfield  Diocese  was  unable 
to  be  present  on  account  of  attending 
a  funeral  in  Tennessee  and  he  sent 
Monsignor  M.  A.  Tarrent  and  Mon- 
signor  Amos  E.  Giusti  as  his  special 
representatives.  Monsignor  Tarrent 
had  charge  of  the  services  and  laid 
the  cornerstone  in  place.  Ceremonies 
were  held  on  the  platform  erected  at 
the  east  end  of  the  church  foundation, 
while  the  cornerstone  was  laid  on  the 
southwest  corner.  The  following  as- 
sisted besides  the  Monsignors  in  the 
services :  Dean  P.  F.  Carroll  and 
Reverend  C.  Snyder  of  this  city ;  Jno. 
B.  Franz,  Farmersville ;  L.  J.  Mc- 
Donald, Mt.  Olive;  Jno.  P.  Moroney 
and  Jas.  E.  Drackert,  Pana;  John  M. 
Heslin,  Ilillsboro ;  P>.  Scheffer,  St. 
Louis;   P.    H.   Masterson,    Staunton; 


C.  Johannes,  Nokomis;  C.  Knaperek, 
Mt.  Olive;  Marc  Marangos,  Livings- 
ton; John  Crosson,  Gillespie  and  A. 
M.  Jaschke,  Springfield. 

Reverend  A.  J.  Stengel  the  pastor 
was  in  reality  the  master  of  cere- 
monies. He  aided  in  the  laying  of 
the  cornerstone  and  introduced  Mayor 
II.  E.  Kennedy  who  in  a  very  capable 
manner  welcomed  the  visitors,  com- 
plimented Reverend  Stengel  and  his 
parishioners  in  their  efforts  and  paid 
a  high  tribute  to  churches  and  their 
worth  to  a  community.  Mayor  Ken- 
nedy was  given  a  good  round  of 
applause. 

Dr.  George  Sillier,  Jr.,  of  the  Litch- 
field Community  High  School  was 
introduced  and  he  too  paid  a  high 
compliment  to  Reverend  Stengel  and 
his  congregation.  Dr.  Sillier  stated 
that  religion  and  education  were  in- 
separable. He  closed  his  talk  by 
asking  all  to  be  tolerant. 

Monsignor  Tarrent  delivered  the 
address  in  behalf  of  Bishop  Griffin. 
He  complimented  Reverend  Stengel 
on  his  congregation.  Also  the  Mayor 
and  Dr.  Sihler  on  the  good  will  ex- 
pressed by  them.  Monsignor  Tarrent 
is  a  splendid  talker  and  his  sermon 
contained  much  food  for  thought. 
Among  the  spectators  at  the  corner- 
stone laying  was  Mrs.  Weigers,  the 
oldest  member  of  the  congregation. 
She  is  86  years  of  age.  The  services 
had  hardly  closed  when  a  storm  broke 
and  rain  fell  in  torrents.  The  ladies 
of  the  church  served  dinner  at  the 
Chamber  of  Commerce  rooms. 

Besides  various  relics,  medals, 
coins,  picture  of  the  old  church, 
copies  of  the  Litchfield  Daily  Union 
and  News  Herald  and  the  American 
Tribune,  a  document  containing  the 
following  words  were  placed  in  the 
copper  box  placed  in  the  cornerstone. 
St.  Aloysius  Church 
Litchfield,  111. 

All  that  in  time  to  come  will  see 
this  writing,  I  hereby  greet  as  pastor 
Anthony  John  Stengel 

In  the  year  of  Our  Lord  1928,  on 
the  8th  day  of  July  of  this  same  year, 


446 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH   BALTES,  D.D. 


the  cornerstone  of  this  church  being 
built  to  the  honor  of  God,  under  the 
patronage  of  the  youth  and  confessor 
St.  Aloysius  was  blessed  and  placed 
by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop,  James 
Aloysius  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  by  the 
grace  of  God  and  the  Apostolic  See 
of  Springfield,  in  Illinois  of  whose 
diocese  St.  Aloysius  Parish  has  been 
a  most  devoted  daughter  these  past 
45   years.      While    church    and    civil 


authorities  are  co-operating  so  won- 
derfully in  this  year  of  election  of  a 
new  president  of  our  beloved  repub- 
lic, it  is  these  very  representatives  of 
our  present  day  that  greet  you  of  the 
future. 

Calvin  Coolidge,  President  of 

the  U.  S.  of  America. 
Len    Small,    Governor    of   the 

State  of  Illinois. 
Harry  Kennedy,  Mayor  of  the 
City  of  Litchfield,  111. 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1884. 
Present  Pastor:    Reverend  William  Quatman. 


In  the  course  of  time  the  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  congregation  of  Springfield, 
Illinois,  established  for  Catholics  of 
German  descent,  had  grown  so  numer- 
ous that  it  became  necessary  to  either 
enlarge  the  church  considerably,  or 
organize  a  new  parish  in  another  part 
of  the  city.  The  latter  alternative  was 
deemed  the  more  satisfactory  solution 
of  the  problem. 

In  the  early  eighties  when  this  ques- 
tion was  again  debated  that  portion 
of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  congregation 
living  in  the  southeast  part  of  Spring- 
field held  a  meeting  at  which  it  was 
decided  to  petition  the  Bishop  for  per- 
mission to  organize  a  new  parish  and 
build  a  church.  Reverend  Charles 
Kreckenberg,  lately  from  Germany 
and  recently  ordained,  being  then  As- 
sistant Pastor  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 's 
took  a  leading  part  in  the  movement. 
A  delegation  was  sent  to  Bishop  Bal- 
tes,  who  readily  approved  of  the  plan, 
and  appointed  Father  Kreckenberg 
pastor  of  the  new  parish  February  5, 
1884.  That  same  year  the  parish  was 
duly  incorporated. 

The  site  selected  for  the  new  build- 
ing is  situated  between  12th  and  13th 
streets,  and  Cook  street  and  Lawrence 
Avenue,  comprising  twelve  lots,  six 
facing  12th  street  and  six  13th 
street.  The  purchase  price  for  this 
ground  was  $4,100.00  which  included 
also  a  dwelling  house  and  out-build- 
ings located  on  the  lots.    The  dwelling 


house  at  first  served  as  a  rectory  and 
when  later  on  a  new  rectory  was 
built,  it  served  for  a  number  of  years 
as  a  home  for  the  School  Sisters. 

Plans  and  specifications  having 
been  approved  by  the  Bishop,  the 
erection  of  a  two-story  brick  building 
73x57  feet  on  12th  street  was  begun 
June  1,  1884.  The  corner-stone  was 
laid  on  June  22,  1884,  and  the  dedi- 
cation of  the  new  combination  build- 
ing, now  complete,  took  place  with 
due  solemnity  on  September  8th  of 
that  same  year.  The  upper  floor 
served  as  a  temporary  church  and  the 
lower  floor  as  a  school.  Records  show 
that  towards  the  close  of  1884,  the 
year  of  its  establishment,  the  new  par- 
ish numbered  about  one  hundred 
families  representing  the  German, 
Dutch,  Hungarian,  Carniolan  and 
Slavonian  nationalities.  The  Germans 
then,  as  now,  formed  the  bulk  of  the 
congregation. 

In  1885  the  new  Sacred  Heart 
church  witnessed  the  First  Solemn 
Communion  within  its  walls,  twenty 
youthful  parishioners  being  the 
happy  recipients;  in  1886,  its  first 
Forty  Hours;  in  1891,  its  first  mis- 
sion, and  in  1892,  its  first  Confirma- 
tion class  consisting  of  seventy-five 
persons. 

Just  a  decade  of  years  was  the  use- 
ful life  of  tli is  temporary  church,  for 
by  1894  it  had  grown  entirely  too 
small  to    accommodate    the    growing 


447 


DIOCESE  OF  SPKINGEIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


congregation,  and  a  new  and  more 
spacious  building  became  an  impera- 
tive necessity.  After  preliminaries 
were  attended  to,  the  contract  for  the 
new  church  was  let  to  Mr.  Otto  Mil- 
ler at  a  cost  of  $19,550.00.  Work  was 
now  immediately  begun  on  the  foun- 
dation December  20,  1894,  but  was 
temporarily  halted  because  of  inclem- 
ent weather.  The  laying  of  the  cor- 
ner-stone took  place  March  29,  1895, 
and  the  dedication,  with  Bishop  Ryan 
officiating,  on  December  8th  of  the 
same  year. 

Since  then  many  improvements 
have  been  made  on  the  new  church, 
principally  by  way  of  furnishings. 
In  1904  the  main  altar  was  erected  at 
a  cost  of  $1,000.00.  A  number  of 
beautiful  statues,  which  added  great- 
ly to  the  appearance  of  the  church, 
were  also  installed.  In  1908  the  or- 
gan too  was  repaired  to  the  extent  of 
$1,200.00. 

The  following  year  saw,  by  happy 
coincidence,  the  double  celebration  of 
the  Silver  Jubilee  of  the  Pastor  and 
Parish.  Pastor  and  people  could  now 
look  back  with  consoling  gratitude  to 
the  splendid  work  accomplished  in 
happy  co-operation  during  those 
twenty-five  years. 

The  organization  of  St.  Barbara 
Parish  in  1911  lessened  appreciably 
the  membership  of  Sacred  Heart, 
drawing  from  it  several  members  of 
non-German  descent.  There  was  a 
falling-off  also  during  the  World  War 
and  immediately  after  it.  The  result 
is  that  today  the  congregation  has 
dropped  somewhat  below  the  two  hun- 
dred family  line. 

After  founding  and  faithfully  serv- 
ing Sacred  Heart  for  thirty-six  years, 
Father  Kreckenberg,  at  his  own  re- 
quest, was  transferred  on  June  20, 
1920,  to  the  Chaplaincy  of  St.  Vin- 
cent's Old  People's  Home,  Quincy, 
where  he  is  still  stationed. 

A  successor  to  Father  Kreckenberg 
was  named  in  the  person  of  Reverend 
John  W.  Merscher.  His  path  for  the 
first  few  years  was  not  unduly  easy. 
The  whole  parish  plant  was  badly  in 
need  of  repairs.     To  meet  the   most 


urgent  of  these,  a  sum  of  $4,000.00 
was  collected  before  the  end  of  the 
first  year.  With  this  money  the 
church  property  was  put  in  tolerable 
shape  for  the  time  being.  In  1925  a 
splendid  new  pipe  organ  was  built 
and  installed  by  the  Wick  Pipe  Organ 
Company  of  Highland,  at  a  cost  of 
$4,000.00.  It  was  blessed  by  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D., 
shortly  after  its  installation  in  the 
church. 

So  far,  nothing  has  been  said  of  the 
school  which  has  been  in  existence 
since  the  foundation  of  the  Parish.  On 
September  9,  1884,  Sacred  Heart 
School  was  opened  in  the  lower  rooms 
of  the  two-story  combination  build- 
ing to  which  reference  has  been  made. 
The  opening  saw  an  attendance  of 
100  pupils  under  a  lay  teacher.  Two 
years  later  a  second  teacher  was  add- 
ed. In  1887  two  Sisters  of  St.  Fran- 
cis from  Joliet,  Illinois,  arrived  to 
take  charge  of  the  upper  grades. 
Finally  in  the  year  1888  all  classes 
were  put  in  the  hands  of  the  Fran- 
ciscan Sisters. 

The  old  residence  of  the  School  Sis- 
ters, having  in  the  course  of  time  be- 
come unfit  for  habitation,  a  new  one 
was  erected  for  them  at  a  cost  of 
$2,000.00  by  Contractor  J.  K.  Buedel. 

In  1911  a  new  school  building, 
erected  for  $18,000.00,  replaced  the 
old  one  which  was  now  too  small  to 
accommodate  the  large  number  of 
pupils.  The  school  was  blessed  Sep- 
tember 3,  1911,  and  two  days  later 
opened  with  an  enrollment  of  three 
hundred  pupils,  and  six  Sisters  in 
charge.  The  present  attendance  is 
250  with  a  teaching  staff  of  seven  Sis- 
ters. 

During  all  these  years  of  which  we 
have  made  a  historical  summary, 
many  useful  donations,  which  space 
does  not  permit  specifically  to  re- 
count, have  been  made  to  Sacred 
Heart  Church  by  members  of  the  con- 
gregation. Here  are  some  of  the  out- 
standing donors  whose  names  it  is  a 
pleasure  to  recall :  Mr.  and  Mrs.  An- 
ton Dirksen,  J.  Eberle,  Carl  Groesch, 
Henry  Elshoff,  Joseph    Lorscheider, 


448 


Murrayville — St.    Bartholomew's    Church,    Her.    c.    8.    Bell, 
Patrick's   Church  .  .  .  Litchfield — St.   Aloysius   Church,    Bei       L, 
Sprmyfield — Sacred  Heart  School,  Parish  Hall,  Rectory,  Rev. 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Convent. 


I'u  si  or  .  .  .  Qirard — St. 
■I.    Stengel,    Pastor  .   . 
W.  I,.  Quatman,  Pastor. 


m  LIBMBY 

BFlht 

UHlVEHSltt  OF  IIJUWHS 


THE  EPISCOPATE  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  PETER  JOSEPH  BALTES,  D.D. 


G.  Hofferkamp,  and  Freda  Kraus.  Of 
the  above  donors,  the  Dirksens  were 
particularly  generous.  The  different 
parish  societies  too  have  always  acted 
commendably  in  this  respect. 

Sacred  Heart  Parish  has  given  to 
the  Priesthood  Fathers  Antonellus 
Bleser,  Agnell  Bleser,  August  Hohl 
and  Charles  Schneider ;  and  to 
the  Sisterhoods,  Sisters  Carolina 
Kohlbecker,  Cornelia  Bleser,  Anne 
Ettelbrick,  Dominica  Groesch, 
Adolphina  Hohl,  Petronia  Kohlbeck- 
er, Alma  Rothermel,  Amabilis  Weit- 
zel,  Sylvina  Staab,  Olga  Lofy,  Feb- 
ronia  Maier,  Reginia  Bleser,  Rose 
Mary  Kramp,  Florence  Keefner,  Pia 
Kibile,  and  Louise  Zint. 

At  the  present  time  the  parish  has 
192    families    with    an     approximate 


total  of  910  souls  all  told.  It  has  sev- 
eral well-organized  societies  that 
make  a  strong  appeal  to  the  parishion- 
ers along  the  lines  of  social  and  civic 
betterment. 

Due  to  a  protracted  illness  which 
incapacitated  him  for  pastoral  work, 
and  on  the  advice  of  his  physician, 
Father  Merscher  resigned  his  parish 
in  June,  1927,  and  took  up  his  resi- 
dence at  St.  John's  hospital,  Spring- 
field, in  an  effort  to  regain  his  shat- 
tered health.  Meanwhile  Reverend 
George  Faller  administered  Sacred 
Heart  until  the  succeeding  August 
when  a  regular  pastor  was  appointed 
in  the  person  of  the  popular  and 
amiable  Father  William  Quatman, 
formerly  incumbent  of  Sigel. 


Church  op  the  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin,  Morgan  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1886. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Edmund  D.  Butler. 


Franklin,  Morgan  County,  Illi- 
nois, was  visited  by  Reverend  Patrick 
Joseph  O'Rielly,  rector  of  St.  Cath- 
erine Church,  Virden,  with  a  view  of 
building  a  place  of  worship  for  the 
Catholics  of  that  neighborhood.  The 
corner-stone  of  the  new  church  was 
laid  June  18,  1886,  and  it  was  dedi- 
cated March  18,  of  the  same  year.  It 
was  a  handsome  wooden  structure, 
100x40  feet  with  a  seating  capacity 
of  400,  costing  $10,000.  The  beauti- 
ful parochial  residence  was  built  the 
same  year. 

On  May  4,  1893,  the  church  and 
parochial  residence  were  completely 
destroyed  by  fire.  The  pastor,  noth- 
ing daunted,  assembled  his  faithful 
little  flock  and  once  again  resolved  to 
rebuild.  The  corner-stone  of  the  new 
church  was  laid  August  15,  1893,  by 
Bishop  Ryan,  who  came  all  the  way 
from  Alton  to  encourage  the  people. 
Five  months  later,  on  January  1, 
1894,  Mass  was  said  in  the  new  church 
of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus. 

This  new  church  was  even  more 
beautiful  than  the  first  one;  larger 
and  more  substantial.    It  was  a  brick 


structure  120x46  feet  with  a  seating 
capacity  of  500,  costing  $18,000. 
The  spire  is  190  feet  high,  surmount- 
ed by  a  golden  cross  which  can  be 
seen  for  miles.  At  the  call  of  the 
plucky  rector,  members  of  the  con- 
gregation supplied  the  church  with 
the  articles  necessary  for  Catholic 
worship.  Outsiders  helped  members, 
two  local  bankers  giving  $250  each. 

The  parochial  residence  was  also 
replaced.  Well  might  the  pastor  and 
people  feel  proud  of  their  Herculean 
feat  of  building  in  the  short  space  of 
eight  years  two  such  beautiful 
churches.  It  remains  as  a  monument 
to  the  zeal  of  the  pastor  and  to  the 
faith  and  loyalty  of  the  people. 
Thirty-two  years  have  now  elapsed 
since  the  church  was  erected,  and 
during  these  years  much  progress  has 
been  made  in  every  sphere,  but  even 
today  the  church  is  up  to  date  in 
every  detail.  In  1897  Father  O'Rielly 
was  promoted  to  St.  Patrick,  Alton, 
and  was  succeeded  in  Franklin  by 
Reverend  Patrick  A.  Lyons. 

Reverend  Father  Lyons  remained 
until  the  fall  of  1904.     During    t%at 


449 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


time  the  active  congregation  was  well 
cared  for  by  the  energetic  pastor.  He 
spent  his  time  in  completing  the  work 
that  always  remains  to  be  done  in  a 
new  parish.  He  also  did  much  towards 
reducing  the  debt. 

The  next  pastor  was  Reverend  Wil- 
liam McGuire  who  died  here  in 
March,  1914.  Father  McGuire  was  of 
a  kind  and  amiable  disposition,  and 
during  his  ten  years  as  pastor,  the 
parish  grew  in  temporal  and  spiritual 
wealth.  He  purchased  the  old  Meth- 
odist church,  which  now  stands  on  the 
west  corner  of  the  property  and  bears 
the  name  of  Marquette  Hall.  His 
foresight  in  purchasing  this  building 
has  been  well  appreciated,  as  ever 
since  it  has  been  used  by  the  members 
of  the  parish  for  their  social  affairs. 
During  the  long  winters,  many  enjoy- 
able evenings  have  been  spent  in  social 
entertainment  under  the  supervision 
of  the  pastors  since  his  day.  It  was 
also  used  during  the  summer  of  1925 
for  church  services  while  the  church 
was  being  frescoed  and  repaired.  It 
has  proved  a  blessing  to  the  people  of 
the  church  and  community. 

Father  McGuire 's  place  was  filled 
by  Reverend  Andrew  Smith,  who 
came  here  from  Decatur,  Illinois. 
During  his  stay  he  continued  the 
work  of  beautifying  the  church  and 
property  under  his  charge.  He  en- 
larged the  Marquette  Hall  building, 
the  stage  and  basement  kitchen.  His 
years  here  were  years  of  active  serv- 
ice. He  got  together  the  talent  of  the 
parish  and  staged  two  plays  each 
year.  He  equipped  the  hall,  and  with 
the  aid  of  the  ladies  of  the  parish 
purchased  articles  for  kitchen  of  hall 
for  suppers  and  picnics.  He  installed 
electric  light  fixtures  in  the  church, 
house  and  hall  added  to  the  church 
furniture  a  tabernacle  safe,  and  had 
the  beautiful  high  altar  decorated, 
and  when  he  left  here  in  January, 
1925,  everything  was  in  first-class 
condition.  During  the  trying  days  of 
the  World  War  he  lent  his  able  aid 
in  all  branches  of  war  work,  Red 
Cross,  Liberty  Bonds,  etc.    He  is  now 


engaged  in  building  the  new  St. 
Thomas  Church,  at  Decatur,  Illinois. 

In  January,  1925,  Reverend  Ed- 
mund D.  Butler  succeeded  Father 
Smith  as  pastor  of  Sacred  Heart 
Church.  After  his  arrival  his  first 
task  was  to  engage  Max  Autenrieb, 
church  decorator  of  Edwardsville, 
Illinois,  to  paint  and  decorate  the 
church.  The  work  was  started  in 
April  and  concluded  in  July,  1925. 
The  contract  called  for  and  was  exe- 
cuted in  three  coats  of  oil  painting  in 
flat  finish,  wood-work  grained  and 
finished  and  fifteen  pictures  in  light 
proof  oil  color.  The  lighting  fixtures 
were  also  changed  so  as  to  be  in  keep- 
ing with  the  Gothic  architecture  of 
the  building. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the 
first  members  of  Sacred  Heart 
church  :  Anton  Bergschneider,  Joseph 
Bergschneider,  Charles  Lynch,  Mrs. 
Lukeman,  Martin  Ryan,  John  Eck, 
Joseph  Scheferkort,  Michael  Ryan, 
John  Fitzjohn,  Michael  Kenney,  Wil- 
liam Ludwig,  James  McDonald,  Miles 
Lyons,  John  Mooney,  Mrs.  Angela 
Yunker,  James  Whalen,  Patrick  Har- 
mon, John  Ryan,  Thomas  Harmon, 
Patrick  Ryan,  William  Treacy,  John 
Harmon,  John  Ryan,  John  Lukeman, 
James  Feore,  Patrick  Murphy,  Felix 
Schanle,  John  Gorman,  Owen  Doyle, 
Thomas  Gavin,  Joe  Kumle,  Thomas 
Walsh,  Mike  Crowley,  John  Wagner, 
and  Thomas  Johnson. 

In  1909,  the  people  of  Alexander 
having  received  permission  to  build  a 
church,  then  laid  the  corner-stone  of 
their  new  church,  which  took  all  the 
families  living  north  of  the  three  and 
a  half  mile  line  from  Franklin.  Just 
a  few  of  the  old  settlers  left  in  the 
parish  are  Mrs.  Jane  Ryan,  Mrs. 
James  Whalen,  and  Mrs.  Lynch. 

Reverend  Thomas  Harmon  of  the 
Chicago  Archdiocese  was  born  in 
Sacred  Heart  parisli  of  Franklin,  also 
Sister  Sextus  of  the  Dominican  Con- 
vent, Springfield,  daughter  of  Joseph 
Bergschneider,  and  Sister  M.  Eliza- 
beth Kenney  of  the  Franciscan  Order 
of  Peoria. 


450 


the  episcopate  of  right  reverend  peter  joseph  baltes,  d.d. 

Mission  of  St.  Patrick,  Girard,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1887. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  George  J.  Kenney. 


St.  Patrick  Church,  Girard,  a  small 
frame  structure,  was  erected  in  1887 
by  Reverend  Patrick  Joseph  0  'Reilly, 
then  pastor  of  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

From  the  earliest  date  to  the  pres- 
ent time  Girard  has  received  its  spir- 
itual attention  from  the  pastors  of 
Virden.  The  late  Very  Reverend 
Timothy  Hickey  said  Mass  there  in 
1873. 

1873 — 1881.  Mass  was  celebrated 
about  twice  a  year,  generally  at 
Christmas  and  Easter. 

1881—1885.  Starting  with  the  pas- 
torate of  Reverend  Jeremiah  Murphy, 
Mass  was  said  once  a  month  in  the 
William  Mcranor  home  on  South 
Third  street. 


In  1885  Father  0  'Reilly  rented  the 
second  story  of  the  Ahern  building, 
the  present  Girard  State  Bank  Build- 
ing, and  fitted  it  up  for  a  temporary 
church.  This  hall  was  used  for  serv- 
ices until  the  present  church  was  com- 
pleted in  1887. 

From  the  time  the  Ahern  building 
was  used  as  church,  Girard  has  had 
Mass  three  or  four  Sundays  a  month. 

Of  the  thirty  families  that  helped 
to  erect  this  mission  church,  Mrs. 
Peter  Whalen,  Mrs.  Bridget  Driseoll, 
Mr.  James  McDonald,  Mrs.  Mary 
Young,  and  Elizabeth  Sheehan  re- 
main. 

The  present  congregation  of  Girard 
numbers  about  fifteen  families. 


451 


Kn.iii    Reverend  James   Ryax,   I). I).,   (Dec'd) 

Bishop  of  Allan 

1888— 1928 


MNER&OT  Of  W«* 


CHAPTER  X 

The  Episcopacy  of  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D. 
1888  to  1923 

The  administration  of  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  was  the  longest 
and  carried  through  a  very  important  period  in  the  history  of  the  Diocese. 

Changes  of  extreme  importance  took  place  in  the  Diocese  as  well  as 
throughout  the  country  during  Bishop  Ryan's  regime.  Such  was  the  change  of 
conditions  that  Church  work,  as  well  as  almost  everything  else,  came  to  be  un- 
dertaken on  a  constantly  increasing  scale.  The  small  Church  and  the  primitive 
schools  and  institutions  no  longer  satisfied  either  the  requirements  or  the 
tastes  of  those  interested,  and  the  new  structures  replacing  the  older  and 
simpler  ones  not  only  outshone  the  former,  but  cost  what  would  formerly  ap- 
pear to  be  fabulous  sums  of  money.  It  is  gratifying,  however,  to  note  that  the 
Diocese  kept  pace  with  the  general  progress  and  it  is  really  surprising  to  find 
uniformly  fine  churches,  schools  and  institutions  throughout  the  Diocese. 

In  former  administrations,  the  interior  difficulties  were  confined  within 
much  narrower  limits  than  those  of  Bishop  Ryan's  time.  The  one  difficulty 
former  Bishops  had  to  deal  with  was  the  contentions  which  arose  between 
parishioners  of  Irish  and  those  of  German  extraction.  In  those  days  of  perhaps 
greater  frankness,  Germans  wanted  German  priests,  and  the  Irish  wanted  Eng- 
lish speaking  priests.  It  was  true,  also,  that  the  German  laity  was  inclined  to 
wish  to  control  the  Church  to  the  exclusion,  and  if  need  be,  against  the  wishes 
of  the  Pastor.  However,  the  German  Pastors  were  men  of  great  strength  and 
resource  and  usually  succeeded  in  exercising  sufficient  control  to  advance  the 
best  interests  of  the  parish. 

During  Bishop  Ryan's  episcopate  a  somewhat  similar  situation  arose,  but 
with  new  classes  of  people.  The  railroads  and  coal  mines,  as  well  as  other  in- 
dustrial enterprises  brought  into  various  parts  of  the  Diocese  large  numbers  of 
Poles,  Bohemians,  Lithuanians,  Slavs  and  every  class  of  immigrants  from  the 
south  of  Europe,  practically  all  of  whom  were  Catholics  and  many  of  whom, 
when  they  became  somewhat  prosperous,  displayed  a  very  belligerent  nature. 
Each  separate  nationality  desired  a  Church  of  its  own  and  a  priest  of  the  same 
nationality.  So  far  as  possible  these  demands  were  acceded  to,  but  despite 
the  best  efforts  of  the  Bishop  it  will  be  seen,  as  the  parish  histories  are  scanned, 
there  were  many  heated  controversies,  and  it  is  rather  amusing  to  note  that 
after  the  good  Bishop  had  tried  every  foreign  speaking  priest  available  in  a 
belligerent  parish,  he  could  succeed  in  bringing  about  good  working  conditions 
by  sending  a  big,  vigorous  Irish  priest  into  the  parish.  This  type  of  Pastor 
usually  brought  order  out  of  chaos  and  confusion. 

453 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

As  many  of  the  clergy  and  laity  that  made  up  the  membership  of  the 
Church  during  Bishop  Ryan's  regime  are  still  living  the  parish  sketches  which 
follow  will  be  found  very  interesting  to  the  reader. 

Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D. 

Bishop  Ryan  was  born  June  17,  1848  near  Thurles,  County  Tipperary, 
Ireland.  His  parents  emigrated  to  this  country  in  1855  and  settled  in  Louis- 
ville, Kentucky.  His  father  died  soon  after,  and  left  the  mother  to  struggle 
in  a  strange  land  to  maintain  and  educate  the  future  Bishop  of  Alton  and  his 
sister  a  little  older  than  himself.  In  the  parochial  school  in  Louisville  he  at- 
tracted the  attention  of  Bishop  Martin  John  Spalding,  then  Bishop  of  Louis- 
ville, who  took  the  boy  into  his  house,  and  later  sent  him,  at  the  age  of  fourteen, 
to  St.  Thomas  Seminary  near  Bardstown,  an  institution  rich  in  the  traditions 
of  the  holy  and  eminent  men  who  had  founded  and  directed  it,  imbuing  the 
students  with  an  excellent  ecclesiastical  spirit  that  descended  down  the  years. 
Here  during  a  six  years'  course  he  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  classics  and  of 
philosophy  under  the  able  Fathers  Chambige,  Chazal,  Martin,  Russel  and 
Eugene  Crane.  After  a  divinity  course  at  St.  Joseph  and  Preston  Park  Semin- 
ary he  was  ordained  a  priest  by  Right  Reverend  William  George  McCloskey  in 
his  Cathedral  in  Louisville  on  the  24th  day  of  December,  1871.  Reverend  John 
Lancaster  Spalding,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Peoria,  preached  the  sermon  on  the 
occasion. 

Father  Ryan's  first  appointment  was  to  St.  Thomas'  as  assistant  to  Rev- 
erend Lacoste.  The  following  year  he  was  sent  to  St.  Martin's  Church,  Meade 
County,  Kentucky,  with  Saint  Patrick's  Mission  in  Hardin  County,  and  St. 
Mary's  in  Bullitt  County.  There  was  no  parochial  residence  at  any  of  these 
churches,  and  he  set  to  work  to  erect  a  suitable  dwelling  at  St.  Martin's.  In 
1873  he  was  transferred  to  Elizabethtown  as  rector  of  St.  James'  Church,  with 
missions  at  Nolin  and  Colesburg  in  Hardin  County.  When  summer  of  that  year 
came,  he  found  the  cholera  thinning  his  flock,  in  one  instance  carrying  off  suc- 
cessively every  member  of  the  family.  The  young  priest  was  prompt  and  un- 
tiring in  his  attendance  on  the  sick. 

In  1874  Father  Ryan  was  sent,  at  his  own  request  to  St.  J  oseph's  College  at 
Bardstown,  Kentucky,  where  he  was  a  professor  for  the  next  four  years.  St. 
Joseph's  College  had  peculiar  attractions  for  Father  Ryan.  It  had  been  the 
home  of  Bishops  Flaget,  David,  Kenrick  and  Spalding,  and  the  nursery  which 
had  supplied  Kentucky  with  devoted  and  earnest  missionaries.  The  grand  old 
Cathedral  still  stands  as  a  monument  of  the  glorious  past. 

When  Right  Reverend  John  Lancaster  Spalding  was  appointed  to  the  new 
diocese  of  Peoria,  Father  Ryan  was  permitted  to  give  his  services  to  the  head 
of  the  new  diocese.  Bishop  Spalding  placed  him  at  Wataga  in  Knox  County, 
Illinois,  where  he  collected  money  and  completed  an  unfinished  church  Then 
he  was  transferred  to  Danville,  Illinois,  where  the  congregation  had  outgrown 
the  capacity  of  its  little  church.    The  active  young  priest  soon  secured  a  site  in 

454 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 

the  center  of  the  thriving  city,  erected  a  church  at  a  cost  of  $23,000  unen- 
cumbered by  any  debt. 

In  1881  Father  Ryan  succeeded  Dean  Terry  at  St.  Columba's  Church  in 
Ottawa.  Here  he  commenced  the  foundation  of  a  new  church  which  the  dif- 
ficulties of  the  times  had  previously  prevented  from  rising.  In  the  spring  of 
1882,  Father  Ryan  took  up  the  work  earnestly,  and  to  his  own  joy  and  that  of 
his  flock,  had  it  dedicated  by  Bishop  Spalding  on  the  feast  of  Corpus  Christi 
in  1884.  It  had  cost  $70,000  but  the  resources  had  been  admirably  managed, 
and  at  the  dedication  the  debt  did  not  exceed  $15,000. 

In  1888  the  Diocese  of  Alton  was  divided  and  the  new  see  of  Belleville  was 
established,  and  Alton  retained  only  the  northern  half  of  the  former  bishopric. 
On  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  February  of  that  year  Reverend  James  Ryan 
was  nominated  Bishop  of  Alton.  He  was  solemnly  consecrated  on  the  feast 
of  St.  James,  May  1,  1888.  Right  Reverend  John  Lancaster  Spalding, 
Bishop  of  Peoria,  was  the  consecrator.  He  was  assisted  by  Right  Reverend 
erend  William  George  McCloskey  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  and  Right  Reverend 
John  Janssen  the  recently  consecrated  Bishop  of  Belleville.  Most  Reverend 
Patrick  A.  Feehan,  Archbishop  of  Chicago,  preached  the  sermon.  Bishop 
Chatard  of  Vincennes  and  Bishop  Cosgrove  of  Davenport  attended  the  con- 
secration. 

Bishop  Ryan  was  a  lover  of  books,  and  the  studious  quiet  had  many  attrac- 
tions for  him ;  but  he  had  led  a  life  of  such  active  usefulness  in  the  ministry 
that  he  brought  with  him  to  the  government  of  the  Diocese  ripened  experience, 
learning,  prudence  and  zeal.  Immediately  after  his  consecration  he  began  a 
period  of  intensive  work,  touring  his  diocese,  confirming  large  classes,  conse- 
crating churches  and  schools,  assisting  at  religious  professions  and  other  similar 
duties.  He  soon  learned  to  know  his  diocese.  He  possessed  a  peculiar  faculty 
of  retaining  names  and  faces  and  on  his  parish  visitation  it  was  surprising  how 
easily  he  recollected  persons  whom  ho  had  seen  but  once  and  after  a  long  in- 
terval of  time. 

Ten  months  after  his  consecration,  Bishop  Ryan  notified  his  clergy  that 
the  first  Synod  of  Alton  would  be  held  on  the  27th  day  of  May,  1889,  and  that 
all  the  priests  of  the  diocese,  secular  and  regular,  who  had  charge  of  souls  should 
attend.  The  Synod  convened  in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Cathedral,  Alton,  on  the 
day  specified,  with  seventy-nine  secular  and  six  of  the  regular  clergy  present. 
Twelve  secular  and  twenty-five  regular  members  of  the  clergy  were  legitimate- 
ly absent.  The  Very  Reverend  Francis  Hubert  Zabel,  D.D.,  was  Promotor. 
Reverend  Adam  John  Pennartz  and  Reverend  John  Patrick  Kerr  were  the  pro- 
curators of  the  clergy.  Reverend  Edward  Lancaster  Spalding  was  appointed 
Secretary,  and  Reverend  E.  J.  Welsh,  Master  of  Ceremonies.  Solemn  Pontifi- 
cal Mass  " De  Spiritu  Sancto"  was  celebrated  by  the  Right  Reverend'  Bishop, 
with  Very  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey,  V.G.,  Assistant  Priest.  Reverend  Fran- 
cis H.  Zabel  and  Reverend  A.  Mueller,  O.S.F.,  Deacons  of  Honor.  Reverend 
Peter  Peters,  Deacon  of  the  Mass,  and  Reverend  James  Harty,  Sub-deacon. 
After  Mass,  the  Bishop  in  cope,  recited  the  prayers  and  addressed  the  clergy, 

455 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

explaining  the  scope  of  the  Synod,  namely:  "That  the  salutary  decrees  of  the 
Second  and  Third  Plenary  Councils  of  Baltimore  might  efficaciously  be  put 
into  practice,  which  had  already  in  a  great  measure,  been  provided  for  by 
Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  Baltes  in  his  Pastoral  Instructions,  and  which,  with 
a  few  things  to  be  added  or  changed  according  to  local  conditions,  are  con- 
tained in  a  most  convenient  form  in  the  Constitutions  of  the  Diocese  of  Chi- 
cago." After  the  profession  of  Faith  made  by  all  kneeling  and  with  uplifted 
right  hands,  the  constitutions  of  the  Synod  were  read.  At  12:30  o'clock  the 
fathers  adjourned  and  reconvened  at  2  P.M.  when  the  reading  of  the  Constitu- 
tion was  continued,  after  which  the  Bishop  and  his  Vicar  General  retired,  lest 
their  presence  might  impede  a  free  discussion.  The  Reverend  Fathers,  with  the 
Reverend  Promotor  presiding,  freely  and  with  due  reverence  expressed  their 
views  on  the  constitution  just  read.  The  procurators  of  the  clergy  then  com- 
municated to  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  the  additions  and  changes  which  had 
been  suggested.  The  Bishop  again  addressed  the  Synod  and  replied  in  a  few 
discreet  words  to  the  suggestions.  He  then  appointed  the  Consultors,  Deans, 
Fiscal  Procurator  and  the  other  Diocesan  officers.  The  Te  Deum  was  solemnly 
sung,  the  Bishop's  Blessing  given  and  all  departed  in  peace. 

Bishop  Ryan  was  a  strong  pithy  writer,  with  a  style  peculiarly  his  own. 
He  did  not  write  extensively,  but  as  occasion  offered  he  would  issue  a  warn- 
ing or  criticism  or  an  advice  sometimes  of  merely  diocesan  or  local  interest, 
often  on  subjects  that  were  heavy  and  of  international  importance. 

It  was  a  beautiful  tribute  he  paid  to  Reverend  Benedict  J.  Spalding,  pas- 
tor of  St.  Mary's  Cathedral  in  Peoria,  at  the  Months  Mind  of  that  worthy 
young  priest,  of  which  the  following  is  an  excerpt : 

"The  Church  of  God! — the  title  of  his  book;  it  was  the  life-refrain  of  his 
heart  in  youth  and  manhood  alike.  Born  in  its  bosom,  cradled  in  its  atmos- 
phere, having  in  his  veins  the  blood  of  sires,  who  through  generations  of  con- 
fiscation and  penal  law,  political  disability  and  social  ban,  had  upheld  with 
firm  hands  the  banner  of  the  true  religion,  profoundly  read  in  the  history  of 
the  Church,  its  martyrs  and  its  confessors,  its  apostolic  popes  and  mighty 
bishops,  its  missionaries  of  vast  enterprise,  exhaustless  energy  and  invincible  en- 
durance— his  spirit  had  taken  the  case  of  its  heroic  mould.  The  chivalry  of  the 
old,  old  Faith  was  in  his  heart,  the  cross  of  the  crusader  on  his  breast. 

"And  as  self -forget  fulness  is  a  characteristic  common  to  all  such  souls,  so  in 
him  there  was  a  disinterestedness  that  was  complete.  Touch  himself,  and  he 
scarcely  noticed  it ;  it  was  at  most  a  passing  annoyance.  Touch  an  interest  that 
duty  or  affection  bid  him  guard,  and  he  was  a  lion  in  the  way,  with  a  lion's  cour- 
age and  the  lion's  wrath.  Even  in  his  late  illness,  amidst  the  waste  of  long 
sickness,  when  he  had  to  be  helped  from  bed  to  his  chair,  this  nobility  of  spirit 
strikingly  appeared.  He  had  something  to  impress  on  a  friend,  and  high 
over  the  lassitude  of  mind  and  feebleness  of  frame,  controlling,  dominating 
them  then  as  so  often  before,  uprose  the  masculine  will.  In  the  firm,  clear 
strokes  of  his  pen  no  trace  of  his  exhausted  condition  was  to  be  detected  by  the 
closest  scrutiny.    He  had  fulfilled  the  saying  of  the  Saviour,  'He  that  will  save 

456 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 

his  soul  must  lose  it.'  He  so  poured  himself  out  on  what  he  had  to  do,  so  lost 
himself  in  it,  that  his  work  became  his  life.  The  honors  of  the  Church — 
proffered  him  more  than  once — he  put,  because  of  failing  health,  aside,  only  to 
press  with  the  more  insistence  on  the  duties  which  he  had  in  hand.  Vainly 
affection  strove  to  warn  and  hold  him  back;  again  and  again,  with  incomplete 
recovery,  he  hastened  to  his  post.  The  heart  that  for  years  had  borne  the  solici- 
tude of  all  its  people  had  so  gathered  itself  about  his  parish — its  expiring  ener- 
gies had  so  fixed  themselves  upon  the  completion  of  its  church,  the  cathedral 
of  the  diocese,  that  it  was  only  when  convinced  by  physicians  and  relatives  he 
must  leave  Peoria  and  St.  Mary's  that  the  high,  gallant  spirit  yielded  at  last. 
Till  that  moment  he  had  seemed  to  rally,  but  then  the  interest  went  out  from 
life,  and  he  turned  from  the  world  to  God." 

Bishop  Ryan  was  an  American  patriot  to  his  heart's  core,  well  versed  in 
American  history,  with  a  strong  dislike,  even  contempt,  of  England  and  of  Eng- 
lish tyranny  in  her  treatment  of  weaker  peoples,  like  the  Boers  of  South  Africa, 
the  American  Indians  and  the  inhabitants  of  India,  which  he  branded  as  ex- 
termination, not  civilization.  He  advocated  the  singing  of  the  Star  Spangled 
Banner,  in  its  entirety,  including  the  third  stanza:  "And  where  is  that  land, 
etc.",  as  our  National  anthem,  instead  of  America,  with  its  British  refrain.  He 
had  an  ardent  love  for  Ireland,  the  land  of  his  birth,  and  possessed  a  deep  knowl- 
edge of  her  history  and  of  her  tyrannical  treatment  by  England.  Still,  he  would 
not  yield  his  opinion  to  the  views  of  many  Irish  patriots,  who  preferred  anni- 
hilation rather  than  surrender  even  a  little  to  the  inevitable  at  the  hands  of  the 
burly  conquerer.  He  disapproved  of  the  revival  of  the  Irish  language  for  the 
people,  but  advocated  its  preservation  for  its  literary  value  in  colleges  and  uni- 
versities, declaring  that  the  multiplicity  of  tongues  was  the  curse  of  Babel. 

Even  greater  than  his  patriotism  was  his  love  for  his  Church.  His  Church 
came  before  all,  first  and  foremost.  He  had  studied  her  history  from  his  earliest 
years  and  knew  it  well;  and  he  was  not  blind  to  her  human  weakness  and  im- 
perfections, even  in  high  places.  He  was  fearless  in  his  advocacy  of  right,  and 
he  had  a  will  that  could  not  be  moved  or  swerved  when  convinced  that  his 
views  were  correct. 

Bishop  Ryan  guarded  his  Diocese  like  a  sentinel  on  the  watch  towers  of 
Israel.  Many  a  time  some  of  the  less  vigilant  of  the  clergy  were  called  upon  to 
explain  breaches  of  church  discipline  in  their  parishes,  especially  dancing  at 
church  socials  for  profit,  and  the  sale  of  intoxicants  contrary  to  the  Diocesan 
Constitution  or  the  Council  of  Baltimore.  Withal  he  was  exceedingly  kind  to 
his  priests  and  they  loved  him.  Some  regretted  that  he  lead  so  secluded  a  life. 
They  were  anxious  that  he  should  show  himself  more  to  the  public,  that  he  might 
be  seen  more  by  the  people ;  but  the  humble  Bishop  kept  his  reserve  and  his  dig- 
nity. He  cared  little  for  public  applause.  He  desired  the  confidence  and  the 
respect  of  his  priests  and  people,  which  he  won  and  retained  to  the  end. 

In  his  private  life  he  was  almost  an  ascetic,  frugal,  abstemious  and  a  total 
abstainer  from  intoxicants.  He  was  regular  in  his  habits.  Every  morning, 
winter  and  summer,  he  would  arise  at  5  o'clock,  and  at  6  he  would  be  in  his 

457 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

chapel  to  celebrate  the  Holy  Sacrifice.  This  duty  he  fulfilled  even  on  the 
morning  of  his  death.  Only  two  orphan  boys  were  permitted  to  serve  his  Mass. 
His  breakfast  consisted  of  bread  and  coffee,  nothing  more.  Dinner  and  supper 
were  more  substantial,  but  always  light.  His  only  indulgence  was  smoking.  He 
loved  his  pipe  and  preferred  it  to  the  choicest  cigars.  On  his  return  from  par- 
ish visitations,  where  he  would  be  supplied  with  the  best  Havanna  filled  cigars, 
he  would  go  at  once  to  his  mantel  for  his  meerschaum,  for  a  whiff  of  Perique 
and  Bull  Durham. 

He  enjoyed  the  blessing  of  good  health  all  through  his  life,  although  his 
frame  seemed  frail  and  it  is  a  very  remarkable  fact,  that,  from  his  tenth  to  his 
seventieth  year,  he  never  had  a  doctor,  nor  did  he  ever  take  even  a  pellet  of 
medicine.  His  only  remedy  for  any  indisposition  was  abstinence  from  food. 
His  voice  was  high  and  clear  and  resonant;  and  his  singing  in  church  was 
melodious  and  very  pleasing. 

Bishop  Ryan  was  an  inveterate  reader.  When  not  engaged  in  active  du- 
ties, he  would  spend  his  time  reading.  He  would  devour  all  kinds  of  books, 
heavy  and  light,  magazines,  biographies,  even,  for  awhile,  the  fictions  of  stand- 
ard authors;  but  especially  did  he  delight  in  reading  historical  works,  and  in 
keeping  well  versed  in  the  current  affairs  of  the  world,  as  gleaned  from  the 
daily  and  weekly  press.  He  never  indulged  in  a  regular  siesta ;  but  if  his  eyes 
grew  heavy,  his  head  would  recline  upon  his  breast,  and  a  short  repose  in  his 
chair  would  refresh  him.  His  memory  was  marvelous,  and  from  his  inveterate 
reading,  he  acquired  a  vast  store  of  knowledge.  He  would  converse  most  in- 
telligently, and  often  with  a  technical  knowledge,  whenever  he  had  an  oppor- 
tunity, upon  almost  any  subject.  He  studied  the  affairs  of  nations  and  knew 
the  merits  and  demerits  of  their  great  men  and  leaders;  at  the  same  time,  he 
was  at  home  in  the  field  of  sports.  Especially  was  he  devoted  to  our  national 
game,  so  that  he  had  a  full  knowledge  of  the  professional  baseball  teams,  not 
only  their  names,  their  captains,  managers  and  other  general  information,  but 
also  the  relative  merits  of  individual  players;  and  priests  and  young  men  whom 
he  would  meet  upon  the  trains  and  elsewhere  would  wonder  at  his  copious  and 
versatile  information. 

Bishop  Ryan  had  a  special  regard  and  affection  for  the  fatherless  little 
ones  of  his  diocese,  which  was  evidenced  throughout  his  whole  episcopal  career. 
In  the  early  nineties  he  received  a  bequest  of  $10,000  from  Charles  L.  Routt  of 
Jacksonville,  Illinois,  and  with  it  and  some  other  funds  at  his  disposal,  in  the 
year  1896  he  erected  an  attractive  addition  on  the  Northeast  side  of  the  build- 
ing that  had  been  acquired  by  his  predecessor  as  a  site  for  an  orphanage.  Ten 
years  later,  in  1906,  he  dismantled  the  old  building  which  had  served  as  a 
private  residence,  and  began  the  erection  of  more  commodious  quarters,  and 
completed  them  in  1908.  The  orphanage  was  then  ready  for  the  accommodation 
of  two  hundred  children,  and  it  was  soon  filled  and  crowded  to  its  utmost  ca- 
pacity. In  the  year  1914  Bishop  Ryan  was  contemplating  the  erection  of 
another  addition,  this  time  fire-proof  throughout,  and  drawings  were  being 
prepared;  but  work  on  this  building  was  never  b9gun,  owing  partly  to  the 

458 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 

world  war,  and  to  an  epidemic  of  influenza  which  followed.  Plans  were  then 
changed.  A  new  site  was  acquired.  A  beautiful  and  choice  tract  of  land,  con- 
taining about  thirteen  acres,  fronting  on  State  Street  in  the  1400  Block,  was 
purchased  by  the  Bishop  for  an  entirely  new  orphanage.  Title  to  this  prop- 
erty was  acquired  in  March,  1919,  and  work  was  commenced  at  once.  The 
building,  including  the  basement  of  the  chapel,  was  completed  in  1923,  free 
from  incumbrance.  It  is  a  magnificent  and  a  very  imposing  structure  that 
cost  a  half  million  dollars.  It  is  all  fire-proof,  and  is  supplied  with  elaborate 
and  modern  equipment.  At  its  utmost  capacity  it  will  house  five  hundred  chil- 
dren. It  is  a  diocesan  institution  and  is  conducted  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Pre- 
cious Blood  from  Ruma,  Illinois.  The  site  of  the  orphanage  was  selected  and 
purchased,  the  design  of  the  building  was  furnished  to  the  architects  and  the 
whole  structure  grew  up  to  its  spacious  and  imposing  form  under  the  close 
supervision  of  Reverend  Michael  A.  Tarrent,  its  able  and  zealous  chaplain,  the 
happy  selection  of  Bishop  Ryan. 

Bishop  Ryan  died  unexpectedly,  almost  suddenly,  at  the  episcopal  resi- 
dence in  Alton,  July  2,  1923,  in  his  seventy-sixth  year.  According  to  his  own 
wishes,  which  had  been  expressed  on  more  than  one  occasion,  he  was  buried  in 
the  priests'  lot  in  St.  Patricks'  Cemetery,  Alton,  Illinois.  His  funeral  took  place 
from  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral,  Friday  morning,  July  6.  Archbishop,  aft- 
erwards George  Cardinal  Mundelein  of  Chicago,  was  celebrant  of  the  Pontifical 
Mass,  and  Archbishop  John  J.  Glennon  of  St.  Louis  preached  the  sermon.  The 
following  Bishops  were  present  in  the  sanctuary :  Right  Reverend  Edmund  M. 
Dunne,  of  Peoria ;  Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  Muldoon,  of  Rockf ord ;  Right  Rev- 
erend Henry  Althoff ,  of  Belleville ;  Right  Reverend  Edward  F.  Hoban,  of  Chi- 
cago ;  Right  Reverend  Christopher  Byrne,  of  Galveston ;  Right  Reverend  Thom- 
as F.  Lillis,  of  Kansas  City.  Besides  many  Monsignori  and  many  nuns  of  vari- 
ous orders,  more  than  two  hundred  priests  attended  the  funeral.  The  Cathedral 
was  crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity  by  the  laity ;  and  so  eager  were  the  people  to 
attend  the  services  that  the  yard,  street  and  hill-side  swarmed  with  large  num- 
bers who  could  not  gain  entrance,  but  who  lingered  until  noon,  when  the  serv- 
ices were  concluded. 

An  imposing  monument  has  been  erected  over  his  grave.  It  is  built  in  the 
form  of  a  massive  cross,  of  light  Barre,  Vermont  granite,  thirteen  feet  high, 
bush-hammered  and  carved.  It  cost  two  thousand  dollars.  It  was  erected  by 
his  Cathedral  parishioners,  and  is  expressive  of  their  love  and  esteem. 

Requiescat  in  pace. 

— E.  L.  Spalding. 

PARISHES  ESTABLISHED  BY  BISHOP  RYAN 

Church  of  St.  Agnes,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1888 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  James  J.  Howard,  D.D. 

In  the  year  1888  there  were  33,000  lie.       There     were     four     Catholic 

inhabitants   in  and   around   Spring-  churches  in  the  city.     Shortly    after 

field ;  of  these  about  7,000  were  Catho-  his  consecration  in  1888,  Right  Rev- 

459 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


erend  Bishop  James  Ryan  established 
a  fifth  Parish.  His  letter  reads  as 
follows : 

"Alton,  111.,  Oct.  1.  1888. 
"The  Reverend  James  J.  Howard 
is  hereby  appointed  to  the  charge  of 
the  new  congregation  of  St.  Agnes  in 
Springfield,  comprising  that  portion 
of  the  city  south  of  Carpenter  Street, 
and  west  of  the  main  line  of  the  Chi- 
cago &  Alton  Railway. 

James  Ryan, 

Bishop  of  Alton." 

The  new  parish  comprised  old 
Springfield.  The  first  house  built  in 
Springfield  was  located  at  the  corner 
of  Second  and  Jefferson  Streets  by  a 
man  named  John  Kelly.  In  the  new 
district  of  St.  Agnes  Parish  there 
were  180  Catholic  families.  Four  cen- 
trally located  lots  on  West  Capitol 
Avenue  and  College  Street  were  pur- 
chased from  Mr.  W.  L.  Pillsbury  at  a 
cost  of  $7,000.  A  two  story  frame 
house  on  the  site  became  the  rectory. 
Plans  for  the  new  church  were  drawn 
by  Mr.  N.  H.  Melcher  of  St.  Louis,  an 
architect  who  had  designed  and  built 
more  than  one  hundred  churches.  The 
general  contract  for  the  church  was 
let  for  $16,900,  to  Mr.  Timothy 
O'Brien,  who  sublet  the  stone  work  to 
Mr.  J.  L.  Fortado;  the  brick  work  to 
Mr.  Edward  Ryan ;  the  metal  work  to 
Mr.  William  Foster ;  the  plastering  to 
Mr.  John  Shaughnessy  and  the  paint- 
ing to  Mr.  Thomas  Armstrong. 

The  corner  stone  of  St.  Agnes 
Church  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Ryan 
on  Sunday  afternoon,  August  25, 
1889.  Solemn  Mass  had  been  sung  in 
the  morning  in  the  Church  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  and  at  2  :45  P.M. 
the  procession  formed  at  the  corner  of 
Seventh  and  Monroe  Streets  and 
started  to  the  new  site.  Mr.  William 
Reilly  was  Marshal,  assisted  by  Mr. 
John  Foster.  This  parade  was  a  grand 
spectacle ;  hundreds  of  men  were  in 
line  in  uniform  or  plain  attire,  while 
over  the  heads  of  all  the  American 
standard  floated,  accompanied  by  ec- 
clesiastical flags  and  the  golden  harp 
on  the  green  banner  of  Erin.     The 


Eighth  Regiment  Band  of  Springfield 
led  the  procession,  followed  by  the 
plumed  Catholic  Knights  of  America, 
the  Western  Catholic  Union,  St.  Vin- 
cent's Society,  the  Standard  Band  of 
Alton,  the  Ancient  Order  of  Hibern- 
ians, the  Foresters  and  Goodman's 
Band  of  Decatur.  Bishop  Ryan, 
Vicar-General  Hickey  and  Fathers 
Pennartz,  Daniel  Ryan,  Krekenberg 
and  Hinssen  rode.  After  the  bless- 
ing of  the  corner-stone,  Father  Thom- 
as O 'Gorman,  the  President  of  St. 
Thomas  College  in  St.  Paul,  who  aft- 
erwards became  the  Bishop  of  Sioux 
Falls,  preached  an  impressive  ser- 
mon ;  and  Bishop  Ryan  and  the  Hon- 
orable James  M.  Graham  also  gave  ad- 
dresses. It  is  estimated  that  be- 
tween 3,000  and  4,000  strangers  came 
;nto  the  city  for  this  occasion.  The 
Wabash  brought  a  special  train  of 
seven  coaches  from  Decatur  and  six 
from  Jacksonville.  The  C.  &  A. 
brought  seven  special  coaches  from 
Alton  and  the  C.  P.  &  St.  L.  brought 
nine  special  cars  from  Alton. 

The  first  Mass  in  St.  Agnes  Church 
was  offered  on  May  4,  1890,  by  Father 
Howard.  The  solemn  dedication  of 
the  church  took  place  on  September 
28,  1890.  Bishop  Ryan  officiating  and 
Bishop  Spalding  of  Peoria  preaching 
the  sermon.  Vicar-General  Hickey 
sang  the  Mass,  assisted  by  Fathers 
Pennartz  and  Ducey.  The  choir  was 
assisted  by  Professor  Worman  and 
the  Misses  Elizabeth  Biggins,  Mamie 
Biggins  and  Lucy  Biggins  of  the 
Cathedral  Choir  of  Alton.  St.  Agnes' 
choir  was  composed  of  Miss  Theresa 
Barry,  Organist ;  Mrs.  John  A. 
Ducey,  Mrs.  T.  E.  White,  Mrs.  More, 
Misses  Nellie  Barry,  Margaret  Mc- 
Gowan,  Mary  Hallahan,  Mollie  Stan- 
ley, Blanche  Riley,  Delia  Gaffney, 
Mary  O'Hara,  Mary  Dee,  Mary  Mc- 
Carthy, Mary  Sammon,  Mary  Ma- 
honey  and  Anastasia  Connelly,  So- 
pranos. The  contraltos  were  Misses 
Nellie  and  Mary  O'Brien,  Elizabeth 
Hallahan,  Sarah  McGowan,  Anna 
Connelly,  Bee  Stanley,  Kate  Dunn, 
Margaret  Dee  and  Nellie  Brown.  The 
bassos  were  Dr.  J.  D.  Adelsberger  and 


460 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Mr.  James  Hallahan,  Professor  Leh- 
man's orchestra  of  twelve  pieces  as- 
sisted at  the  dedication. 

The  names  of  some  of  the  families 
who  lived  in  St.  Agnes'  Parish  when 
it  first  started,  or  soon  thereafter, 
follow:  Mr.  J.  B.  Adelsberger  and 
wife,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard  Bailey, 
Mrs.  James  Barry,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Burns,  John  Burke  and  wife,  Patrick 
Brown  and  Mrs.  Brown,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Brennan,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Berry, 
Mr.  Maurice  Bargarye  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Susan  Camp,  Mr.  J.  W.  Carter  and 
Mrs.  Carter,  Mr.  Michael  Carey  and 
wife,  Mr.  Terence  Conley  and  wife, 
Mr.  Patrick  Connelly  and  Mrs.  Con- 
nelly, Mr.  Peter  Conlon  and  wife,  Mr. 
Dennis  Desmond  and  wife,  Mr.  Pat- 
rick Day  and  Mrs.  Day,  Mr.  Henry 
Dirksen  and  wife,  Mr.  John  Doocey 
and  Mrs.  Doocey,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John 
Dineen,  Mrs.  Rose  Earley,  Mr.  Thom- 
as Egan  and  wife,  Mr.  James  Pagan, 
Mr.  James  Fitzgibbons  and  wife,  Mr. 
Frank  P.  Fleming  and  wife,  Mr.  aud 
Mrs.  John  Federhen,  Mrs.  Mary  R. 
Faith,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patrick  Fitzpat- 
rick,  Mr.  John  Flynn,  Mr.  "William 
Farris  and  wife,  Mr.  John  B.  Fischer 
and  Mrs.  Fischer,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pat- 
rick Feron,  Mr.  Timothy  Fogarty  and 
wife,  Mr.  Patrick  Fitzgerald  and 
wife,  Mrs.  Rose  Fitzpatrick,  Mr. 
Thomas  Fitzpatrick  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Catherine  Foley,  Mr.  Michael  Foley, 
Mrs.  Mary  Foley,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James 
Foley,  Mr.  Michael  Clancy  and  Mrs. 
Clancy,  Mr.  James  Corbett  and  wife, 
Mr.  Andrew  Costello  and  wife,  Mr. 
James  Crowley  and  wife,  Mr.  Cormac 
Cunningham  and  wife,  Mr.  Augustine 
Cunningham  and  wife,  Mr.  Maurice 
Carrigan  and  wife,  Mr.  Patrick  Daily 
and  wife,  Mr.  James  Dunn,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  J.  J.  Drury,  Mr.  James  Done- 
Ian  and  wife,  Mr.  Patrick  Dunphy 
and  wife,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Dow- 
rlall,  Mr.  Michael  Donohoe,  Mr. 
Thomas  Dee  and  Mrs.  Dee,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Thomas  Hawley,  Mr.  Chas. 
Havey  anad  wife,  Mrs.  Catherine 
Haley,  Miss  Mary  Haley,  Mrs. 
Charles  Jackson,  Daniel  Kelly  and 
wife,  Henry  Kelly  and  wife,  William 


Kane  and  wife,  John  Keating  and 
wife,  Patrick  Kennedy,  Miss  Elizabeth 
Kinsella,  John  Kilkenny  and  sister, 
Mr.  Michael  Kirlin  and  Mrs.  Kirlin, 
Bernard  M.  Kirlin  and  wife,  James 
Kerwin  and  wife,  John  Kilday  and 
wife,  Fred  Kessler  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Mary  Lorch,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael 
Liddy,  Mr.  John  Lawler  and  wife, 
Mr.  C.  M.  LaBonte  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Flora  Leeder,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frank 
Leeder,  Mrs.  Hanora  Long,  J.  C.  Mel- 
don  and  Mrs.  Meldon,  Thomas 
Fogarty  and  wife,  Mr.  Fremiot  and 
wife,  Timothy  Flynn  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Johanna  Gannon,  Mrs.  Mary  Gannon, 
Bartholomew  Gaffney  and  wife,  Hugh 
Gallagher  and  wife,  William  J.  Gil- 
more  and  wife,  John  Gusswein  and 
wife,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Grady,  Mar- 
tin Grady  and  wife,  James  Grant  and 
Mrs.  Grant,  Mr.  Thomas  Grant,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Daniel  Gahan,  Mr.  Charles 
Gebhardt  and  wife,  Patrick  Grace 
and  wife,  Albert  Goulet  and  wife,  Mr. 
Harvey  Gyer,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael 
E.  Gorman,  James  Hawks  and  wife, 
Daniel  Hallahan  and  wife,  Robert 
Hoey  and  wife,  John  Hashman  and 
wife,  Miss  Hattie  Harris,  Mr.  Richard 
Hines  and  wife,  Mrs.  Hinder,  Michael 
Hayes  and  wife,  John  Heatherman 
and  wife,  Mrs.  Horine,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
James  McGrath,  Joseph  Maggenti 
and  wife,  John  Maher  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Murray,  Patrick  Nolan  and  wife, 
Denis  O'Brien  and  wife,  Patrick 
O'Donnell  and  wife,  Mrs.  Margaret 
Power,  Miss  Margaret  Pierik,  Miss 
Quinn,  Mr.  James  H.  Ransford  and 
Mrs.  Ransford,  Mrs.  Kate  Reeling, 
Mrs.  Susan  B.  Riley,  Martin  Ryan 
and  wife,  John  Sexton  and  wife, 
Thomas  Sheehan  and  wife,  Mrs.  El- 
len Sheehan,  John  P.  Stanley  and 
wife,  John  W.  Shaughnessy  and  wife, 
Mrs.  Mary  Shaughnessy,  Michael 
Summers  and  wife,  George  Trotter 
and  wife,  James  Tammany  and  wife, 
John  Whalen  and  wife,  William 
Walsh  and  wife,  Frank  Weber  and 
wife,  Thomas  Wright  and  wife,  Pat- 
rick J.  Murphy  and  wife,  Alfred  Mes- 
ter  and  wife,  Mr.  Patrick  Murphy, 
Michael  McGowan  and  wife,  Thomas 


461 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Mernin  and  wife,  Mrs.  Bridget  Mc- 
Graw,  Silas  Moore  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Alice  Murray,  Maurice  Murray  and 
wife,  Patrick  Murray  and  wife,  Wil- 
liam Murray  and  wife,  Charles  Mc- 
Bride  and  wife,  Patrick  Mulquinn 
and  wife,  Mrs.  Margaret  A.  McCabe, 
Mr.  Patrick  Mahoney  and  Mrs.  Ma- 
honey,  John  Mahoney  and  wife,  Dan- 
iel Mahoney  and  wife,  John  McCor- 
mick  and  wife,  Richard  McGuire  and 
wife,  Mr.  John  McLain,  Miss  Alice 
McLain,  John  McLain  and  wife, 
James  McLaughlin  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Ellen  McCarthy,  Jeremias  Mc- 
Carthy and  wife,  Stephen  A.  Moore 
and  wife,  J.  C.  McCarathy  and 
wife,  Michael  Manning  and  wife, 
Thomas  McMurray  and  wife,  Law- 
rence Molloy  and  wife,  Mrs.  Hugh 
McRoberts,  Mr.  Tim  Murray,  Miss 
Mary  Murray,  Mr.  Emil  Neef  and 
Mrs.  Neef,  Wm.  O'Brien  and  wife, 
Jos.  Power  and  wife,  Mrs.  Julia 
Pickett  and  her  mother,  Mrs.  Hickey, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacob  Pries,  Edward 
Ransford  and  wife,  Timothy  Riordan 
and  wife,  Mr.  Edward  Reilly  and 
wife,  James  Reilly  and  wife,  Jeremiah 
Sexton  and  wife,  Edward  Sheehan 
and  wife,  William  Shehan  and  wife, 
Thomas  Sammon  and  wife,  John 
Shaughnessy  and  wife,  Mrs.  Ann 
Stewart,  Mrs.  Mary  Sinnott,  Mrs. 
Jane  Tuttle,  Mr.  John  Tynan  and 
wife,  Mrs.  Bridget  Williams,  Thomas 
E.  White  and  wife,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Mrs.  Patrick  Wall,  Leo  Warner  and 
wife. 

St.  Agnes'  school  was  started  in 
September,  1897,  in  a  frame  build- 
ing at  the  northeast  corner  of  Spring 
and  Monroe  streets.  Mother  Joseph- 
ine, Sister  Ceslaus  and  Sister  Josepha, 
Dominican  Nuns,  were  the  first  teach- 
ers. The  second  building,  which  is 
the  present  school,  was  built  in  1913, 
at  a  cost  of  $54,000.     Eight  Sisters 


now  teach.  Shortly  before  the  parish 
was  divided  in  1924  there  were  520 
children  attending  school.  Sister 
Francis  who  was  once  a  member  of  St. 
Agnes'  Parish,  is  now  the  Superior. 

St.  Agnes'  Parish  has  given  eight 
to  the  priesthood  as  follows :  Fathers 
Thomas  Costello,  Amos  Giusti,  D.C.L., 
Edward  O'Leary,  S.J.,  Edward  Ca- 
hill,  Patrick  Dolan,  C.S.C.,  James 
Grady,  Albert  Drohan,  C.P.,  George 
McConnell,  C.P. 

In  1907  the  first  assistant  priest 
sent  to  St.  Agnes'  parish  to  help 
Father  Howard  was  Father  Daniel  J. 
Higgins.  He  remained  seven  years. 
Then  came  Father  Thomas  Calnan, 
who  stayed  two  years.  Following 
Father  Calnan  was  Father  Edmund 
Carey  who  resigned  on  account  of  ill 
health,  and  then  came  Father  Tim- 
othy G.  Smith,  who  spent  nine  years 
as  assistant  priest.  Father  Michael 
Kearns  is  now  assistant  to  Father 
Howard  having  succeeded  Father 
Timothy  Smith.  All  were  very  de- 
voted, hard  workers  and  much  loved 
by  the  people. 

St.  Agnes'  parish  gave  over  $21,000 
to  the  new  Catholic  Orphans'  Home 
in  Alton,  and  subscribed  $60,000  for 
the  new  Cathedral. 

There  are  four  Masses  on  Sunday 
morning  and  Vespers  are  held  in  the 
evening.  Every  Friday  afternoon  the 
bell  tolls  at  3  :00  o  'clock  in  memory 
of  the  death  of  our  Lord.  Every  eve- 
ning after  the  Angelus,  the  bell  tolls 
to  remind  the  people  to  pray  for  all 
those  who  have  died  in  the  world  that 
day.  At  the  Consecration  in  every 
High  Mass  the  bell  tolls  to  notify 
those  who  are  at  home  to  kneel  down 
to  welcome  the  presence  of  Christ  in 
the  Blessed  Sacrament. 

In  1924  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Griffin  raised  St.  Agnes'  parish  to  the 
dignity  of  an  irremovable  rectorship. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Neoga,  Cumberland  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1889. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Michael  Crowley. 


In  1889  Reverend   James   Vincent 
Martin  was  sent  to  Neoga  to  become 


its  first  resident  priest.     There  being 
r.o  church  or  priest's  house  then  at 


462 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Neoga,  he  purchased  a  home  in  the 
north  part  of  town  as  a  temporary 
residence  from  which  he  attended 
Trowbridge  and  Edgewood. 

Until  the  church  was  built  at  Neoga 
the  few  families  in  and  around  Neoga 
attended  Mass  at  Trowbridge.  Rever- 
end Patrick  Lyons  became  pastor  in 
1891,  occupying  the  home  purchased 
by  Father  Martin.  Father  Lyons  also 
attended  Trowbridge  and  Edgewood. 

Reverend  T.  J.  Butler  was  appoint- 
ed pastor  in  1893,  attending  as  his 
predecessors,  Trowbridge  and  Edge- 
wood.  In  the  summer  of  1895,  he  com- 
menced the  erection  of  the  church  at 
Neoga,  receiving  substantial  financial 
aid  from  the  non-Catholic  business 
men  of  town.  St.  Mary's  congrega- 
tion at  that  time  numbered  only  eight 
or  ten  families.  He  purchased  the 
ground  on  which  the  church  is  located 
from  E.  Jennings.  When  Father 
Butler  left,  Reverend  Patrick  R. 
Ducey  was  appointed  pastor  pro  tern. 
Reverend  William  Murphy  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  in  1896  and  under  his 
leadership  the  church  was  finished, 
the  tower  erected,  the  interior  of  the 
church  plastered,  pews  and  furnish- 
ings purchased. 

The  church  was  dedicated  by  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  the  Diocese,  in  August,  1897. 
Father  Murphy  then  took  charge  of 
Neoga,  Trowbridge  and  Edgewood. 
He  occupied  the  residence  pur- 
chased by  Father  Martin  for  a  short 
time  until  a  new  rectory  was  built  un- 
der his  supervision. 

In  1901,  Reverend  Francis  Kehoe 
became  pastor,  having  charge  of 
Neoga,  Trowbridge  and  Edgewood. 
Edgewood  was  attended  from  Neoga 
until  1908.  In  1902,  Reverend  John 
J.  Corcoran  was  appointed  pastor  at 
Neoga  and  remained  until  1906.  Rev- 
erend Thomas  McGrath  succeeded 
Father  Corcoran  from  1906  to  1908. 

In  1908,  Reverend  Francis  Curran 
was  appointed  pastor  and  attended 
Neoga  and  Trowbridge  until  July  1, 
1917,  when  he  was  transferred  to 
Pittsfield.  On  July  1,  1917,  Reverend 
Patrick  J.  Beary  became  pastor.    He 


attended  Neoga  and  Trowbridge  as 
did  his  predecessor,  Father  Curran. 

The  first  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion were  Joseph  Mihlbachler  and  his 
son,  John  Mihlbachler,  Fred  Kline, 
William  Hunk,  Michael  Donahoe, 
Jake  Steger,  Mrs.  Hoffman,  S.  T. 
Worland,  William  Fosbinder  and  T. 
W.  Worland.  The  old  settlers  were 
Joseph  Mihlbachler  and  Michael 
Donahoe. 

Joseph  Mihlbachler  contributed 
generously  towards  the  building  of 
the  church,  not  only  financially,  but 
helping  with  the  work  in  general.  His 
son,  John  Mihlbachler,  donated  the 
church  bell.  The  few  members  of 
which  the  congregation  was  then  com- 
posed gave  unstintedly  of  their  time 
and  labor,  helping  financially  as  far 
as  their  means  permitted. 

The  congregation  is  principally  of 
German  ancestry,  but  all  English 
speaking.  Of  the  old  parishioners 
only  a  few  remain,  namely :  Mrs. 
Josephine  Mihlbachler,  S.  T.  Wor- 
land, and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred  Kline. 

Neoga  is  situated  on  the  Illinois 
Central  Railroad,  has  a  population  of 
twelve  hundred  and  is  noted  for  its 
excellent  apple  orchards  and  splendid 
quality  of  apples.  The  village  was 
founded  in  1856,  on  land  owned  by 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad,  and 
Bacon  and  Jennings,  speculators,  who 
had  purchased  the  land.  The  name 
Neoga  is  of  Indian  origin  and  signi- 
fies a  "deer."  The  Illinois  Central 
station  bore  this  name  before  the 
town  was  thought  of,  but  it  is  quite 
appropriate  to  the  region  where  deer 
were  once  so  numerous. 

St.  Mary's  congregation  gave  to  the 
Dominican  order :  Rose  Worland, 
known  as  Sister  Rosanna,  and  Rach- 
ael  Worland,  known  as  Sister  Mary 
Innocent.  It  also  gave  some  of  its 
sons  to  the  world  war. 

St.  Mary's  Church  has  at  present 
twenty-five  families,  half  of  which  are 
of  the  farmer  class,  the  other  half  be- 
ing composed  of  business  people  and 
wage  earners.  The  congregation, 
though  not  large,  is  active  as  can  be 
seen    from    the    appearance     of     the 


463 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  and  rectory.  Both  church 
and  rectory  have  seen  many  improve- 
ments within  the  past  five  or  six 
years.  The  church  which  is  a  frame 
building,  lias  a  new  roof  and  is  new- 
ly painted.  The  interior  has  been 
neatly  frescoed,  has  a  new  altar,  new 
organ,  new  statuary  and  is  equipped 


with  electric  lights.  The  rectory 
which  is  also  a  frame  building  is  in 
good  repair  and  modernly  equipped. 
Father  Michael  Crowley  is  the  pres- 
ent pastor,  this  year  of  grace,  1927. 
Father  Crowley  succeeded  Father 
Beary,  who  for  reasons  of  health,  was 
forced  to  go  west. 


Church  of  the  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1890. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Leo  J.  McDonald. 


Before  the  year  1888  it  was  neces- 
sary for  the  Catholics  of  Mt.  Olive  to 
travel  either  to  Litchfield  on  the  north 
or  to  Staunton  on  the  south  in  order 
to  attend  Divine  Services. 

During  the  summer  of  1888,  how- 
ever, Reverend  Anthony  Zurbonsen, 
then  pastor  of  St.  Michael's  Church 
at  Staunton,  arranged  to  have  Mass 
every  second  Sunday  at  Mt.  Olive. 
Services  were  held  in  the  home  of  Mr. 
Lawrence  Reilly. 

Two  years  later  Father  Zurbonson 
and  his  little  band  of  parishioners 
built  the  first  Catholic  Church  in  Mt. 
Olive,  the  Church  of  the  Ascension. 
Five  lots  had  been  purchased  in  Nie- 
man's  addition  and  the  building  was 
erected  late  in  the  fall  of  1890.  On  the 
first  day  of  January,  1891,  the  new 
church  building  was  dedicated  by  the 
late  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan, 
D  D.,  Bishop  of  what  was  formerly 
the  Alton  Diocese.  On  this  occasion 
Father  Bond  of  the  Grove  Avenue 
Rock  Church  of  St.  Louis  delivered  a 
sermon  in  English,  and  Reverend 
Adam  Pennartz  of  Springfield, 
preached  in  German.  Father  Carrol 
and  Father  Aloysius  Teppe  assisted 
in  the  sanctuary. 

Father  Zurbonsen  continued  to  at- 
tend Mt.  Olive  as  a  mission  attached 
to  St.  Michael  Church  of  Staunton, 
and  said  Mass  in  the  new  church 
every  second  Sunday  until  1898  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Joseph 
Postner  as  pastor  of  Staunton. 

Father  Postner  during  his  pastor- 
ship of  St.  Michael  church  at  Staun- 
ton completed  the  payment  of  what 
remained  of  the  debt  on  the  Church 


of  the  Ascension,  and  continued  aft- 
er the  example  of  his  zealous  prede- 
cessor, to  care  for  the  spiritual  needs 
of  the  Catholics  of  Mt.  Olive  until 
January  1,  1905.  It  was  at  this  time 
that  the  members  of  the  Ascension 
Church  of  Mt.  Olive  realized  a  long 
and  cherished  desire  of  having  a  pas- 
tor of  their  own  who  could  live  in 
their  city  and  be  always  in  their 
midst.  Reverend  L.  P.  Hurkmans 
came  to  Mt.  Olive  as  the  first  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  the  Church  of  the 
Ascension.  During  his  stay  in  the 
parish  he  built  the  present  church 
rectory  and  made  other  needed  im- 
provements, also  from  this  time  Mass 
was  celebrated  in  the  Church  of  the 
Ascension  each  Sunday  and  Holy- 
day  for  the  convenience  and  for  the 
good  of  the  Catholics  of  Mount 
Olive.  Father  Hurkmans  was  pastor 
until  July  1,  1911,  at  which  time  he 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  William 
Toomey. 

From  about  the  year  1900  the 
membership  of  the  parish  had  been 
considerably  augmented  by  the  ar- 
rival of  a  large  number  of  Slovacs 
who  settled  at  Mt.  Olive  to  work  in 
the  coal  mines.  By  1921  their  num- 
ber had  so  increased  that  they  were 
able  to  build  the  second  Catholic 
Church  in  Mt.  Olive— The  Holy  Trin- 
ity Church. 

Father  Toomey  was  pastor  for 
thirteen  years  and  in  July,  1924,  was 
succeeded  by  Father  Leo  J-  McDon- 
ald, the  present  pastor. 

The  members  of  the  Church  of  the 
Ascension  who  labored  most  zeal- 
ously   that    they    might    enjoy    the 


464 


Springfield — St.  Agnes'  Softool,  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  J.  Howard,  D.D.,  Pastor,  St.  Agnes' 
Church  .  .  .  Neoga — St.   Mary's   Church,   Rev.   M.   J.    Crowley,   Pastor  .  .  .  Niantic — St 
Anne's  Church. 


Mt.  Olive  Ascension  Church  and  Rectory,  Rev.  I..  •/.  McDonald,  Pastor  .  .  .  Mendon 
—St.  Edward's  Church  .  .  .  Dalton  City  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rev.  P.  D.  Curran, 
Pastor  .  .  .  Quincy  -St.  Rose  of  Lima  Church,  Rev.  ■/.  P.  Brennan,  Pastor.  Rectory, 
School,  Convent. 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


blessing  of  the  church  in  their  midst 
have  every  reason  to  feel  well  repaid 
for  the  sacrifices  they  have  made. 
From  the  material  point  of  view, 
they  see  as  a  result  of  the  persever- 
ing efforts  a  neat  church  edifice,  a 
large,  well  furnished  rectory  sur- 
rounded by  ample  church  grounds, 
all  practically  free  from  debt. 

As  to  their  spiritual  advantages, 
Mass  is  celebrated  every  day  in  their 
church,  and  there  are  two  Masses  on 
Sundays  and  Holy  days.  Catecheti- 
cal instructions  are  given  their  chil- 
dren at  opportune  times. 


In  conclusion  it  may  well  be  said 
that  too  much  credit  cannot  be  given 
to  those  pioneers,  Father  Zurbonsen 
and  the  few,  but  faithful  Catholics, 
who  back  in  1890,  undismayed  by  the 
difficulties  that  beset  them,  cour- 
ageously brushed  aside  all  obstacles, 
and  with  true  christian  fortitude  be- 
gan to  plan  and  build  a  bigger  and 
more  Catholic  Mt.  Olive. 

The  parish  of  the  Church  of  the 
Ascension  is  today  made  up  of  twen- 
ty-six English  speaking  families  and 
sixty-five  Croatian  families. 


Church  of  St.  Ann,  Niantic,  Cass  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1890. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Thomas  F.  McGrath. 


Previous  to  the  year  1890,  the  scat- 
tered families  around  Niantic  in  the 
converging  counties  of  Logan,  Macon 
and  Sangamon  attended  Divine  Serv- 
ices at  Illiopolis,  Mt.  Pulaski,  or  De- 
catur, but  from  time  to  time,  for  sev- 
eral years,  Mass  was  said  in  the  home 
of  John  Henneberry,  lately  gone  to 
his  eternal  reward.  In  1889,  the  par- 
ish of  the  Visitation  of  the  B.  V.  M., 
Illiopolis,  was  divided;  lots  were 
bought  by  Reverend  Charles  Manuel, 
the  rector ;  a  congregation  was  organ- 
ized, and  a  frame  church,  55x35,  was 
built  in  honor  of  St.  Ann.  Since  then, 
as  a  mission,  it  has  been  regularly  ad- 
ministered every  Sunday  by  the  pas- 
tor of  Illiopolis. 

On  the  night  of  May  11,  1923,  the 
church  was  struck  by  lightning,  and 
burned  to  the  ground.  Fortunately 
it  was  covered  by  insurance.  After  a 
year  or  so,  the  corner  stone  of  the 
new  brick  structure  (70x38)  was 
laid  by  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield. 
After  its  completion,  the  pretty  new 
church  was  dedicated  on  October  18, 
1925,  by  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop, 
assisted  by  several  of  the  diocesan 
clergy,  in  the  presence  of  a  large 
gathering  of  people  from  Decatur, 
Springfield,  and  other  neighboring 
towns.  As  a  large  assembly  was  ex- 
pected, and  the  space  being  limited  in 


the  structure,  it  was  decided  to  hold 
the  services  in  the  open.  Consequent- 
ly, a  large  platform,  on  which  was 
placed  an  altar,  was  erected  on  the 
church  lawn.  The  platform  was  deco- 
rated with  flags  and  bunting,  and  the 
Altar  adorned  with  a  profusion  of 
flowers,  the  whole  presenting  a  most 
beautiful  sight.  It  was  perhaps  the 
first  time  that  this  part  of  the  Dio- 
cese witnessed  a  Pontifical  Field  Mass. 
After  the  Mass  and  before  the  dedi- 
cation of  the  new  church,  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  congratulated  the 
pastor  and  the  members  of  his  congre- 
gation on  the  good  work  accomplished, 
and  then  delivered  a  most  inspiring 
and  eloquent  sermon  suitable  to  the 
occasion.  The  ceremonies  were  fol- 
lowed by  a  sumptuous  banquet,  served 
by  the  ladies  of  St.  Ann's  Altar  So- 
ciety. 

St.  Ann's  new  church,  designed  by 
Stauduher,  a  well  known  Rock  Island 
architect,  is  of  Irish  Gothic  style  of 
structure.  The  contract  price  for 
building  was  $21,500,  but  an  addition- 
al $5,000  was  expended  in  furnishing 
the  interior. 

The  main  altar  was  donated  by 
Mrs.  Mary  Griffin ;  the  side  altars  by 
Mrs.  Edward  Connors,  and  Joseph 
Leo  Corrington  who  also  paid  for  Sta- 
tions of  the  Cross ;  and  the  altar  rail- 
ing was  given  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blair 


465 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


of  Illiopolis,  in  honor  of  their  son, 
Andrew  J.  Blair,  who  died  as  a  result 
of  injuries  sustained  in  the  World 
War.  Others  who  contributed  $500 
were  :  Reverend  Thomas  F.  McGrath, 
Pastor;  Mrs.  Honora  Beall,  Mrs.  A. 
R.  Delaney,  R.  S.  Delaney,  Raymond 
F.  McGrath,  James  Muldoon,  Frank 
Mooney,  Hugh  Mooney,  Edward 
Schneck,  and  Mrs.  Agnes  Mooney. 


The  congregation  of  St.  Ann  at  the 
present  time  numbers  about  twenty- 
five  families.  Reverend  Charles  Man- 
uel, organizer  and  builder  of  the 
original  church,  died  in  October, 
1901.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rever- 
end John  C.  Daw,  who  was  trans- 
ferred to  Vandalia  in  1919.  On  May  1, 
1919,  Reverend  Thomas  F.  McGrath, 
the  present  pastor,  was  appointed  in 
his  place. 


Church  of  St.  Edward,  Mendon,  Adams  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1890. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Charles  Flori. 


The  short  history  of  St.  Edward's, 
Mendon,  Illinois,  is  a  standing  proof 
to  the  world  that  an  excessive  and  ill- 
proportioned  exodus  from  the  farm  to 
the  already  over-crowded  towns  and 
cities  always  entails  loss  and  serious 
results.  In  1890,  the  town  of  Men- 
don and  farm  vicinity  were  exceed- 
ingly prosperous.  Today,  1925,  there 
are  heavy  farm  mortgages  and  many 
abandoned  farms. 

Father  Herman  Gesenhues  who  or- 
ganized and  established  St.  Edward 
Church  in  Mendon,  has  recorded  the 
following  historical  item  dated  Sep- 
tember 21,  1899:  "On  September  1, 
1899,  Reverend  Herman  Gesenhues, 
pastor  at  Bloomfield,  opened  a  sub- 
scription list  for  a  frame  church  to 
be  built  in  the  town  of  Mendon,  in 
crder  that  the  Catholics  living  in  the 
northwestern  part  of  the  county 
might  have  greater  facilities  in  at- 
tending church,  and  in  the  course  of 
time  grow  to  become  a  strong  congre- 
gation, as  the  town  of  Mendon  is  very 
prosperous,  blessed  with  a  railroad, 
etc." 

The  following  families  were  the  or- 
iginators and  the  first  contributors  of 
this  church :  Mathew  Graff,  Mathew 
Brady,  Xaverius  Savinsky,  Martin 
Klatt,  Frank  Ward,  Mrs.  Gunn,  Her- 
man Wenning,  Mrs.  Seals,  Joseph 
Petticord,  Phil  Rudden,  Pat  Brady, 
John  Brady,  Adam  Zopf,  Andreas 
Meier,  Phil  Brady,  John  Klatt,  Peter 
Rudden,  Henry  Tenvorde,  Alex  Shaf- 
fer, William  Mix,  Mathew  Brady,  Jr., 


Thomas  Ward,  James  Brady,  Henry 
Shaffer. 

Two  nice  lots  were  bought  in  the 
town  of  Mendon  from  Mr.  Crammers 
for  the  sum  of  $400.  Mr.  Frank  Tu- 
bessing  of  Quincy,  architect  of  more 
than  local  repute,  drew  up  the  plans 
of  a  nice  church  for  which  he 
charged  the  moderate  sum  of  $10. 
James  and  Mathew  Brady  quarried 
the  rock  for  the  foundation,  for  which 
they  each  charged  $25.00.  Walter 
Nutt  of  Mendon  built  the  church  by 
contract  for  $1,535.  After  the  church 
was  finished  Holy  Mass  was  no  longer 
said  in  Thomson's  hall,  but  in  the 
new  church,  and  for  the  first  time  on 
June  20,  1890. 

According  to  records,  Catholics  as 
well  as  non-Catholics  contributed 
$1,062.10  towards  the  erection  of  the 
church,  but  an  additional  $1,484  had 
to  be  borrowed  to  complete  the  struc- 
ture. One  hundred  and  thirty-five 
names  of  contributors  appear  on  the 
record,  one-third  of  them  non-Cath- 
olics, with  donations  ranging  from 
$100  by  Mathew  Graff  and  the 
Brady  family  to  10c  and  25c  by  a  few 
individuals. 

About  July  6,  1891,  Father  Gesen- 
hues left,  and  Reverend  John  Dieter- 
ich  took  charge  of  the  three  congrega- 
tions, Bloomfield,  Columbus  Road, 
and  Mendon.  Father  Dieterich  stayed 
until  July  1,  1894,  on  which  date 
Father  George  Pesch  took  charge. 
Then  followed  in  succession  Fathers 
T.  J.  Butler,  Francis  J.  Hussey,  John 


466 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


McVeigh,  Paul  Reinfels,  Charles  J. 
Flori.  St.  Edward  was  attended 
from  Bloomfield  from  1890  to  1897, 
from  St.  Joseph  on  the  Columbus 
Road  since  then  until  the  present  day 
on  one  Sunday  of  each  month.  In 
July,  1891,  there  were  twenty-five 
families.  Since  1915  only  six  families 
remain  to  carry  on  the  struggle  for 
existence.  Of  these  two  are  Catholic 
families  and  four  of  mixed  marriage. 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Oenning  of  Quincy, 
donated  the  beautiful  Mass  vestments, 
linoleum,  carpets  and  the  fine  vest- 
ment case. 


Several  earnest  efforts  were  made 
to  revive  the  parish  between  the  years 
]905  and  1915  by  missions  and  house 
to  house  visits,  but  the  results  were 
disappointing. 

Old  parishioners  still  living  are : 
Mrs.  Anna  Ward,  William  Mix,  Pat- 
rick Brady,  Mathew  Brady,  Herman 
Wenning,  John  Klatt,  Petter  Rudden, 
and  Frank  Ward. 

The  approximate  value  of  the 
church  building  as  it  now  stands  is 
$3,500.00. 

At  the  present  writing  (1927)  St. 
Edward's  is  attended  by  Father 
Charles  Flori,  pastor  of  Paloma. 


Church  op  the  Sacred  Heart,  Dalton  City,  Moultrie  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1891. 
Present  Pastor:   Reverend  Peter  D.  Curran. 


About  seventy-five  years  ago  a  num- 
ber of  Irish  immigrants  settled  on  the 
prairie  lands  of  Moultrie  County.  By 
patient  toil  and  persevering  effort  they 
drained  the  marshy  swamps  and  coax- 
ed the  obstinate  soil  into  fruitfulness 
and  fertility.  This  patience  and  per- 
severance were  offshoots  of  that  ster- 
ling Faith,  allegiance  to  which  was 
the  occasion,  if  not  the  cause,  of  their 
being  compelled  to  seek  in  a  strange 
land,  the  livelihood  denied  them  in 
their  own.  This  Faith  manifested  it- 
self in  a  desire  to  build  a  church  out 
of  their  trivial  means.  It  involved 
great  sacrifices,  but  sacrifices  which, 
in  the  end,  were  more  than  repaid  by 
the  resultant  blessings. 

The  cross  on  the  frame  structure 
lifted  itself  heavenward,  strengthen- 
ing them  with  hope  and  encouraging 
them  with  the  spirit  of  sacrifice.  In  its 
shadow  they  found  their  greatest  con- 
solation, as  those  immigrants  congre- 
gated each  Sunday  morning  to  wor- 
ship their  Lord  and  incidentally 
share  the  company  of  one  another,  ex- 
changing views  and  giving  the  need- 
ful encouragement  to  one  another, 
both  by  word  and  example. 

From  patience  and  thrift  they  soon 
reaped  success.  To  show  their  grati- 
tude to  the  Giver  of  all  good  gifts, 
they  decided  to  build  a  mere  adequate 


home  for  the  Sacramental  Presence  of 
our  Lord. 

They  were  divided  as  to  the  loca- 
tion of  the  new  church.  Some,  out  of 
consideration  for  the  sacrifices  of 
their  forefathers,  coupled  with  the  de- 
sire to  have  the  color  of  the  cross  still 
blending  with  the  golden  color  of  the 
corn,  as  it  bowed  its  head  in  gratitude 
to  God — were  in  favor  of  building  on 
the  same  site.  Others  were  of  the 
opinion  that  the  proper  place  for  the 
church  was  in  the  village  of  Dalton 
City  where  they  could  build  a  church 
adapted  to  the  needs,  and  within  the 
reach  of  all.  The  result  was  "They 
agreed  to  disagree."  Bishop  Ryan,  in 
order  to  please  both  parties,  gave  his 
consent  to  build  a  church  in  each 
place;  one  on  the  old  site — "St.  Isi- 
dore"—the  other  in  Dalton  City — 
"Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart." 

The  total  number  of  families  at  the 
time  was  seventy,  and  as  they  were 
divided  between  the  two  parishes,  the 
burden  of  building  was  intensified. 

In  1891  Bishop  Ryan  sent  Reverend 
M.  J.  Sweeney,  a  young,  zealous  but 
delicate  priest,  to  organize  the  new 
parish.  With  only  about  thirty  fami- 
lies he  was  obliged  to  be  conserva- 
tive in  his  plans.  He  had  only 
planned  the  structure  when,  through 
ill    health,    lie    had    to    give    up    his 


467 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


charge.  Reverend  John  A.  Clancy 
succeeded  him.  In  1892,  the  corner- 
stone was  laid  by  the  late  Monsignor 
Timothy  Hickey.  Father  Clancy  had 
willing  workers  who  realized  then,  as 
they  do  now,  that  benefits  presuppose 
burdens;  that  as  the  collection  of  in- 
dividuals makes  the  church,  the  col- 
lection from  individuals  sustain  it ; 
they  realized  that  as  they  had  to  bear 
the  burden  of  taxation  to  share  in 
the  benefits  of  the  State,  so  also  they 
had  to  bear  the  burden  of  tax  to  share 
the  benefits  of  the  church.  With  this 
sensible  and  practical  idea  in  their 
minds,  Father  Clancy  received  from 
the  people  hearty  co-operation  and 
generous  support  in  his  undertaking. 

In  the  fall  of  1894  he  was  succeeded 
by  Reverend  Thomas  Joseph  Morrow, 
who  did  not  meet  with  notable  success 
along  those  lines.  He  resigned  in 
favor  of  the  Reverend  Joseph 
0  'Rourke  who  took  charge  January  1, 
1896.  The  priestly  character,  the 
cheerful  and  tactful  method  of  this 
young  priest  the  people  soon  learned 
to  admire  and  appreciate.  The  result 
was,  in  a  short  time  he  succeeded  in 
paying  off  the  whole  debt. 

He  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
"William  J.  McGuire  who  remained  for 
six  years  (1899  to  1905).  Then  Rev- 
erend Michael  Joseph  O'Connor  took 
charge  in  1905  and  resigned  in  1906, 
to  be  succeeded  by  the  beloved  and  re- 
spected Reverend  Joseph  Finnegan. 
Owing  to  the  ill  health  of  Father  Fin- 


negan, the  Bishop  thought  he  might 
recuperate  in  this  quiet  place.  His 
condition,  however,  was  too  serious  to 
give  good  hopes  of  recovery.  He  suf- 
fered a  great  deal  and  died  a  painful 
death  from  cancer  of  the  throat  in 
February,  1908. 

Reverend  M.  J.  0 'Flaherty  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  in  1908.  Content  with 
the  bare  necessities  of  life,  he  was  not 
very  exacting  in  his  demands  from 
the  people.  He  ruled  quietly  and  un- 
ostentatiously for  six  years  to  be  suc- 
ceeded by  the  present  pastor,  Rever- 
end Peter  D.  Curran,  in  1914. 

The  people,  not  content  with  fur- 
nishing what  was  barely  necessary, 
immediately  contributed  a  generous 
sum  to  make  the  home  modern  and 
the  church  beautiful.  Running  water 
and  electric  light  were  installed  in 
the  house.  The  church  was  frescoed 
and  new  altars  purchased.  Notwith- 
standing the  fact  that  the  pastor's 
salary  was  raised  and  therefore  a 
greater  demand  made  on  their  pocket 
books,  they  contributed  generously  to 
every  worthy  Diocesan  cause,  donat- 
ing $1,700  to  the  Orphanage  at  Alton  ; 
#1,500.00  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus 
during  the  late  war,  and  $3,000.00  to 
the  new  Cathedral  Fund. 

Those  thirty  families  motivated  by 
the  Faith  and  self-sacrifice  of  their 
forefathers,  and  realizing  that  if  they 
are  to  share  the  benefits,  they  are  to 
shoulder  the  burdens,  make  up  in 
quality  what  they  lack  in  number. 


Church  of  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1892. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  John  P.  Brennan. 


On  Sunday,  March  27,  1892,  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  James  Ryan's  letter 
creating  this  parish,  was  read  in  all 
the  churches  of  Quincy,  authorizing 
Reverend  John  Brennan  to  proceed 
with  its  organization. 

A  board  of  directors  was  formed, 
composed  of  Charles  O'Neil,  James 
Brady  and  Patrick  O'Brien,  with 
Father  Brennan  as  chairman. 

The  pastor,  with  the  hearty  co-op- 
eration of  his  people,  set  to  work  im- 


mediately, and  soon  the  corner-stone 
of  the  first  place  of  worship,  the  pres- 
ent splendid  brick  school  and  hall, 
was  laid  by  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey 
on  Sunday,  October  21,  1892,  and 
dedicated  on  November  20,  1893. 

Having  provided  a  place  for  wor- 
ship, and  a  well  equipped  school  for 
children  under  the  care  of  conse- 
crated women,  he  built  in  1897  the 
present  commodious  brick  rectory  at 
a  cost  of  $8,000. 


468 


Effingham — Sacred  Hunt  Church  and  School,  Rev.  Daniel  Doyle,  Pastor,  Rectory. 
Auditorium  .  .  .  Moweaqua  -St.  Francis  de  Sales  Church  .  .  .  Macon  St.  Stanislaus 
Church  and  Rectory,  R<r.  Mirhticl  Donahue,  I'tistor. 


A.   0.    Kunsch, 


jf.  ./.  Duris.  Pastor. 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


But  the  pastor  was  not  satisfied 
and  would  not  be  satisfied  xmtil  he 
and  his  people  had  a  church  worthy 
of  their  Faith  and  fit  to  be  a  home  for 
their  Eucharistic  Lord.  The  pastor 
planned  well,  and  on  Sunday,  May  7, 
1911,  the  corner-stone  of  the  present 
beautiful  church  was  laid  in  the 
presence  of  8,000  people,  by  Very 
Reverend  Edward  Lancaster  Spal- 
ding, V.G.  A  sermon  suitable  to  the 
occasion  was  preached  by  Reverend 
Thomas  Madden,  of  Peoria. 

Bishop  Ryan  dedicated  the  new 
church  on  June  2,  1912.  The  dedica- 
tion sermon  was  preached  by  Very 
Reverend  Father  Fortunatus,  O.F.M., 
rector  of  Quincy  college. 

The  church  measures  124x76  feet 
and  is  built  on  an  imposing  elevation. 
Its  exterior  presents  a  harmonious 
combination  of  Gothic,  Roman  and 
Spanish  architecture,  making  it  the 
most  unique,  and  perhaps  the  most 
beautiful  church  in  Quincy.  It  i.s 
built  of  vitrified  cream-colored  brick 
with  Bedford  stone  trimmings  on  a 
Bedford  stone  foundation.  Its  majes- 
tic tower  rises  104  feet  above  the 
ground  and  is  crowned  with  a  solid 
copper  dome.  On  the  other  side  of 
the  building  rises  the  Bapistry,  octa- 
gonal in  shape,  likewise  crowned  with 
a  solid  copper  dome,  making  it  fit  in 
harmonious  beauty  with  the  imposing 
tower. 

The  interior  is  quite  artistic  and  in 


perfect  harmony  with  the  majestic  ex- 
terior. There  are  no  pillars,  self-sup- 
porting roof  trusses  being  used 
throughout.  The  art  glass  windows, 
very  devotional  in  their  design  and 
coloring;  the  statuary  of  Carrara 
marble ;  the  Stations  of  the  Cross ;  the 
pipe  organ,  the  altars,  in  white  and 
gold ;  the  Communion  railing  in  im- 
maculate white ;  the  Eucharistic  taber- 
nacle of  steel,  brass  and  bronze, — all 
combine  to  make  the  interior  a  beauti- 
ful and  fitting  place  of  worship. 

The  church  will  comfortably  seat 
about  five  hundred  persons. 

The  congregation  consists  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  families,  mostly  of 
Irish  descent.  There  are  150  children 
in  the  school.  Three  Precious  Blood 
Sisters  have  charge. 

The  following  societies  play  a  prom- 
inent part  in  all  of  the  parish  activi- 
ties :  St.  Rose,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Holy  Angels,  Altar  Society  and 
Propagation  of  the  Faith. 

Father  Brennan  at  one  time  had  an 
assistant  but  of  late  the  services  of 
one  have  become  unnecessary. 

Summing  up,  Father  Brennan  and 
his  good  people  have  labored  together 
since  1892  when  the  parish  was  first 
organized.  During  these  years  they 
have  accomplished  a  work  of  which 
they  may  justly  feel  proud,  and  they 
may  now  face  the  future  of  St.  Rose, 
full  of  confidence  and  hope. 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Effingham, 
Effingham  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1892. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Daniel  J.  Doyle 


The  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Effing- 
ham, Illinois,  is  located  at  the  corner 
of  Fayette  Avenue  and  Banker  Street 
on  the  intersection  of  two  great  trunk 
highways,  the  Old  National  Trail 
from  the  east  to  the  west,  and  the 
Egyptian  Trail  from  Chicago  to  the 
south,  almost  at  the  center  of  the 
business  part  of  the  thriving  little 
city  of  Effingham. 

The  congregation  was  organized 
January  1,  1892,  with  Reverend  Pat- 


rick R.  Ducey,  now  deceased,  as  the 
first  pastor,  and  on  June  23,  of  the 
same  year,  after  a  great  deal  of  hard 
labor  and  perseverance  on  the  part  of 
the  pastor  and  people,  the  corner- 
stone of  a  neat  and  substantial  church 
was  laid  by  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton,  assisted 
by  the  Very  Reverend  Timothy 
Hickey  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  a 
large  number  of  priests  of  the  diocese 
in  the  presence  of  the    largest    con- 


469 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


course  of  people  ever  assembled  in  the 
city.  The  sermon  on  the  occasion  was 
preached  by  the  late  Very  Reverend 
Dean  Mackin  of  Decatur,  one  of  the 
most  popular  and  eloquent  priests  in 
Illinois.  Four  months  later,  on  Oc- 
tober 25,  the  church  of  handsome 
brick,  trimmed  in  Bedford  stone,  with 
a  seating  capacity  of  five  hundred, 
heated  by  steam  and  ornamented  by 
beautiful  cathedral  glass  windows, 
was  dedicated  and  formally  opened 
for  worship  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Ryan,  D.D. 

In  September,  1892,  the  Sacred 
Heart  school  was  opened  and  placed 
in  charge  of  lay  teachers  until  June, 
1895,  when  the  Dominican  Sisters  of 
Springfield,  Kentucky,  were  given 
charge.  Previous  to  the  advent  of  the 
Sisters,  a  neat,  cozy  convent  was  built 
on  a  prominent  lot  facing  on  Banker 
street.  In  December,  1892,  a  two- 
story  frame  building  was  built  for  the 
parochial  residence.  Later,  in  1894, 
the  steeple  which  was  not  yet  com- 
pleted was  added  to  the  church,  and  a 
chime  of  three  bells  donated  by  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Fagan,  Mrs.  Bannin, 
Thomas,  Leddy  and  George  Hogan. 
The  accomplishment  of  so  much  in 
such  a  short  time  speaks  volumes  for 
the  pluck,  energy  and  perseverance  of 
Father  Ducey  and  his  faithful  flock. 
During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Ducey 
the  congregation  was  stunned  one  day 
by  the  announcement  that  the  Rail- 
road Shops  of  Effingham  were  closed 
and  the  division  of  the  Pennsylvania 
railroad  located  at  Effingham  would 
be  moved  to  Terre  Haute.  This  hap- 
pening removed  some  of  the  most  lib- 
eral contributors  and  diminished  the 
resources  of  many  others  who  re- 
mained. 

At  the  end  of  eight  years  of  earnest 
and  tireless  labor,  Father  Ducey,  the 
first  pastor,  was  transferred  to  Mar- 
shall, Illinois.  In  September,  1900, 
Reverend  William  J.  Healy  who  had 
been  secretary  to  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Ryan  for  over  five  years,  took 
charge  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Parish. 
The  congregation  steadily  prospered 
under  the  wise  guidance    of    Father 


Healy,  who  endeared  himself  to  all. 
He  was  especially  revered  in  Knights 
of  Columbus  circles,  acting  as  their 
State  Chaplain  for  four  terms.  After 
eight  years  given  to  the  welfare  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  people,  in  the  year  1908 
Father  Healy  was  transferred  to  Mar- 
shall, Illinois,  to  succeed  Father  Ducey 
whose  health  was  now  failing,  and 
who  was  compelled  to  take  a  much 
needed  rest. 

Father  Healy 's  successor,  Reverend 
Joseph  A.  Wilson,  was  then  appoint- 
ed by  Bishop  Ryan  to  take  charge  in 
the  year  1909.  He,  too,  had  hard 
work  to  do,  and  during  his  pastorate 
the  congregation  prospered  spiritual- 
ly and  financially,  and  in  the  fall  of 
the  year  1915,  following  the  rest  of 
his  predecessors,  was  transferred  to 
the  church  at  Marshall,  Illinois. 

Late  in  the  Fall  of  1915,  Reverend 
John  J.  Cronin  was  appointed  to 
carry  on  where  the  others  had 
stopped.  A  heavy  debt  had  been  drag- 
ging along  all  those  years,  and  Father 
Cronin  conceived  the  idea  that  now 
was  the  opportune  time  to  reduce  the 
debt  and  directed  his  labors  accord- 
ingly. During  his  short  stay  of  three 
years  of  earnest  endeavor,  he  succeed- 
ed in  placing  the  parish  in  a  satisfac- 
tory condition  financially. 

In  the  year  1918,  Bishop  Ryan 
transferred  Father  Cronin  to  St. 
Thomas  Church,  Newton,  and  ap- 
pointed as  his  successor  the  present 
pastor,  Reverend  Daniel  J.  Doyle. 
The  congregation  has  now  acquired 
additional  valuable  property  as  the 
spiritual  needs  demanded,  and  during 
the  last  three  years  the  old  land  mark, 
the  Campbell  home  on  the  principal 
street  of  the  city  has  been  purchased 
and  the  building  remodeled  for  school 
purposes  with  the  Sisters  of  Notre 
Dame  in  charge.  The  school  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition  and  has  an  en- 
rollment of  eighty  pupils. 

The  lot  adjacent  to  the  school  prop- 
erty has  been  purchased,  and  the 
plans  are  now  in  the  hands  of  con- 
tractors for  an  expensive  parish  hall 
to  serve  as  a  parish  and  community 


470 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


building  for  the  members  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

The  congregation  has  three  well-or- 
ganized societies :  The  Holy  Name 
Society,  with  H.  J.  Alt,  as  President ; 
Vice-President,  Charles  Althoff;  Sec- 
retary, Gerald  Began,  and  Louis 
Began,  Marshal;  Altar  Society,  with 
Mrs.  Jacobs  as  President;  Mrs.  Koel- 
ker,  Vice-President;  Mrs.    Althoff   as 


Secretary,  and  Mrs.  Piper  as  Treas- 
urer; the  Young  Ladies'  Sodality, 
with  Mary  Ordner,  as  President ; 
Hazel  Webb  as  Vice-President ;  Rose 
Sharpe,  as  Secretary,  and  Olivia  Ord- 
ner as  Treasurer. 

During  the  late  world  unpleasant- 
ness, Sacred  Heart  Parish  gave  its  ut- 
most in  men  and  money  to  the  cause 
of  the  Stars  and  Stripes. 


Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pierron,  Bond  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1892. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Anthony  Gr.  Kunsch. 


Pierron,  a  town  in  Bond  County 
and  originally  known  as  Oakdale,  was 
founded  by  Jacques  Pierron  about 
the  year  1869. 

Prior  to  1891  the  Catholics  living 
in  Pierron  and  the  immediate  neigh- 
borhood attended  Mass  at  Highland, 
St.  Rose,  Pocahontas,  or  Saline  ac- 
cording as  convenience  dictated. 
None  of  these  towns  was  more  than 
six  miles  distant  from  Pierron.  For 
a  number  of  years,  however,  Cate- 
chism classes  (and  sometimes  Lenten 
courses)  were  regularly  held  at  the 
public  school  of  Pierron  by  the  zeal- 
ous Father  Meckel,  who  was  then  pas- 
tor of  Highland.  Yet  this  state  of 
affairs  was  not  altogether  satisfactory. 
A  conviction  was  beginning  to  grow 
on  all  sides  that  Pierron,  since  it  was 
well  able  to  support  a  church,  should 
have  one  of  its  own.  Consequently, 
Bishop  Ryan  in  1891  authorized 
Father  Futterer,  then  in  charge  of 
Grantfork  and  Pocahontas,  to  organ- 
ize the  new  parish  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception  at  Pierron.  A  committee 
appointed  to  collect  building  funds 
soon  raised  $4,000,  with  little  effort. 
Work  was  begun  the  following  year 
on  the  new  church  and  priest's  house, 
and  both  were  completed  in  a  short 
time.  The  church,  though  not  yet 
fully  finished,  was  ready  for  Divine 
Services  on  February  2nd,  1893,  on 
which  day  Mass  was  said  for  the  first 
time  within  its  walls.  It  is  worthy  of 
note  that  the  first  Mass  was  said  for 
Joseph  Pierron,  one  of  the  prime 
movers  in  the  original  congregation 


of  the  new  parish,  but  who  had  now 
gone  to  his  eternal  reward.  The  dedi- 
cation of  the  new  church  took  place 
on  Trinity  Sunday,  1893.  A  great 
crowd  of  people  and  quite  a  few 
priests  were  present  at  the  ceremony. 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  James  Ryan 
officiated. 

In  the  fall  of  that  same  year,  1893, 
a  suitable  tract  of  land  for  a  cemetery 
was  secured,  and  henceforth  the  par- 
ish of  the  Immaculate  Conception  was 
able  to  meet  the  religious  needs  of  the 
congregation. 

After  three  years  of  successful 
work,  Father  Futterer  went  to  the 
Catholic  University  at  Washington, 
D.  O,  to  pursue  a  course  of  higher 
studies.  A  few  years  later  death 
claimed  him  in  his  native  Germany 
whither  he  had  gone  in  search  of  lost 
health. 

His  successor,  Reverend  Wimar 
Oberdoerster  entered  upon  his  new 
charge  July  16,  1894.  After  some  time 
the  mission  of  Pocahontas  which  had 
been  attended  from  Pierron  since  the 
establishment  of  the  latter  was  now 
attached  to  Greenville.  The  new  pas- 
tor now  set  himself  to  paying  off  the 
existing  debt  and  making  the  neces- 
sary improvements.  About  $2,000.00 
were  expended  on  improvements  dur- 
ing the  first  two  years  of  his  pastor- 
ate. Father  Oberdoerster  being  him- 
self a  gifted  musician  paid  special  at- 
tention to  the  development  of  a  good 
choir.  He  had  accomplished  much 
for  the  parish  and  had  many  more 
things  in  view  for  its  future    better- 


471 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


merit  when  typhoid  fever  cut  short 
his  life  in  July,  1897,  at  the  early  age 
of  37.  His  remains  lie  huried  in  the 
parish  cemetery. 

Reverend  William  Michael  was  next 
assigned  to  take  charge  of  Pierron  and 
during  the  fourteen  years  of  his  in- 
cumbency he  labored  conscientiously 
for  his  flock,  sometimes  in  the  face  of 
aggravating  and  disheartening  cir- 
cumstances. While  he  was  pastor  a 
parish  school  was  built.  It  was  indeed 
a  primitive  affair,  but  that  was  only 
because  his  plans  for  a  more  elaborate 
building  were  openly  voted  down  by 
his  parishioners.  However,  it  served 
its  purpose  very  well  until  1923,  when 
the  present  fine  school  was  erected, 
and  put  in  the  charge  of  the  Sisters 
of  St.  Francis  from  Milwaukee. 

On  Father  Michael's  promotion  to 
Carlinville,  Doctor  Henry  Becker  was 
appointed  to  succeed  him.  He  built 
the  present  Sisters'  home.  In  1917,  a 
few  days  after  making  the  diocesan 
retreat  at  Quincy,  he  gave  up  the  bur- 
den of  life  and  went  to  his  eternal  re- 
ward. 

Reverend  William  Pietsch  was  pas- 
tor  from    1917-1920.     During     these 


three  years  he  succeeded  in  paying 
off  all  church  debts.  He  also  bought 
for  $3,500.00  three  lots  with  the  hope 
of  some  day  building  thereon  a  new 
school.  This  transaction  did  not  meet 
with  approval  of  his  parishioners,  and 
finally  led  to  a  change  of  pastors. 

Father  Anthony  G.  Kunsch,  assist- 
ant at  St.  Boniface,  Quincy,  for  fif- 
teen years,  assumed  charge  of  Pier- 
ron, March  14,  1920,  in  succession  to 
Father  Pietsch.  He  is  the  present 
pastor.  During  his  term  here  many 
parish  improvements  have  been  made 
and  more  are  in  contemplation  for 
the  near  future. 

The  congregation  at  this  writing 
consists  of  125  families,  most  of  whom 
follow  agricultural  pursuits  for  a  live- 
lihood. The  newly  consecrated 
Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  visited  the  parish  in  1924, 
and  administered  confirmation  to  a 
class  of  eighty.  On  that  occasion  (it 
was  his  first  official  visit  to  the  par- 
ish) the  Bishop  was  given  a  very 
hearty  welcome  to  Pierron  by  the 
Catholics  and  non-Catholics  of  the 
locality. 


Church  of  St.  Stanislaus,  Macon  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1895. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Michael  Donahue 


Macon  is  a  town  of  about  800  in- 
habitants situated  on  the  Illinois  Cen- 
tral railroad  about  nine  miles  south 
of  Decatur,  Illinois.  The  popidation 
consists  largely  of  retired  farmers. 

The  present  parish  of  St.  Stanis- 
laus was  established  in  1868,  but  prior 
to  that  time  Mass  was  celebrated  in 
two  private  houses  of  the  old  settlers. 
It  is  extremely  difficult  to  get  any 
definite  data  as  to  who  the  priests 
were,  or  from  whence  they  came,  as 
the  children  and  grandchildren  of 
those  early  settlers  have  moved  away. 

The  earliest  records  of  this  church 
go  back  to  July,  1868,  when  Reverend 
Anthony  Vogt  was  pastor.  He  was 
succeeded  in  1874  by  Reverend  Man- 
asses  Kane  who  ministered  until  1876, 
in  which  year  Reverend  Edward  Mc- 
Gowan  began   a   pastorate   of   seven 


years.  The  latter  was  succeeded  by 
Reverend  Joseph  Maurer  who  served 
from  1883  to  1905,  when  Reverend 
Patrick  A.  Lyons  replaced  him  and 
remained  for  the  next  sixteen  years. 
Father  Lyons  in  1921  was  promoted 
to  the  parish  of  Paris,  his  place  at 
Macon  being  filled  by  the  present  pas- 
tor, Reverend  Michael  F.  Donahue. 

The  nationality  of  the  old  settlers 
was  predominantly  English,  but  there 
were  Irish,  German  and  French  also. 
Some  came  directly  from  the  old 
countries,  but  the  majority  came  from 
Kentucky  to  Illinois.  Today  there 
are  none  of  the  old  settlers  or  their 
children  left. 

The  first  church  was  a  small  frame 
building  which  was  destroyed  by  a 
tornado  soon  after  it  was  built.  The 
present    structure    which    was    built 


472 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


soon  after  is  a  brick  building  suf- 
ficiently large  for  the  stationary  con- 
gregation. The  old  parsonage  which 
was  a  frame  building  was  sold  in  1923 
and  a  new  brick  parsonage,  modern  in 
every  respect,  replaced  it. 

The  congregation  at  present  is 
small,  numbering  but  twenty-four 
families.  There  are  two  parish  so- 
cieties,   the    Altar    Society    and    the 


Catholic  Daughters  of  America.  Both 
these  organizations  are  of  great  help 
to  the  pastor  in  parish  social  activi- 
ties. 

The  church  of  St.  Francis  De  Sales, 
Moweaqua,  is  the  only  outlying  mis- 
sion. It  was  established  in  1895  and 
has  been  attended  from  Macon  since 
then. 


Church  op  St.  Francis  De  Sales,  Moweaqua, 
Shelby  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1895. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Michael  Donahue 


Moweaqua  is  a  town  of  about  1,500 
inhabitants,  in  Shelby  county,  situ- 
ated on  the  Illinois  Central  railroad. 
It  is  what  may  be  termed  a  farming 
community,  but  in  1890  a  coal  mine 
was  opened.  The  opening  of  this  coal 
mine  brought  many  Catholic  families 
to  Moweaqua  of  Hungarian,  Italian, 
Lithuanian  and  Polish  origin. 

Reverend  Joseph  Maurer  was  pas- 
tor of  Macon,  and  set  about  the  build- 
ing of  a  church  to  take  care  of  the 
people.  The  present  church  of  St. 
Francis  De  Sales  was  completed  in 
1895  and  the  first  Mass  was  cele- 
brated on  April  14th,  1895.  Since 
then  Moweaqua  has  been  a  mission  at- 
tended from  Macon.  Father  Maurer 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Patrick 


A.  Lyons  in  1905,  who  was  pastor  of 
Macon  and  Moweaqua  until  1921.  He 
was  promoted  to  Paris,  Illinois,  and 
Reverend  Michael  F.  Donahue  suc- 
ceeded him  in  Macon  and  is  in  charge 
at  the  present  time,  1926. 

The  number  of  families  is  about 
twenty-four,  Irish,  Italian,  Hun- 
garian, German  and  Lithuanian. 

Prior  to  the  establishing  of  a 
church  in  Moweaqua  there  were  a  few 
families  of  old  settlers  who  had  Mass 
celebrated  for  them  in  a  section  house 
on  the  Illinois  Central  railroad  prop- 
erty. The  priest  came  from  Assump- 
tion, Illinois,  but  it  is  impossible  to 
get  definite  data  as  the  children  of  the 
old  settlers  have  moved  away. 


Church  of  the  Holy  Family,  Athens, 

Menard  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1897. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Michael  J.  Davis. 


Athens  is  a  small  coal  mining  town 
situated  on  the  south  line  of  Menard 
county.  About  the  year  1897  a  few 
Catholics  came  to  work  in  the  mine. 
Occasionally  a  priest  from  Spring- 
field said  Mass  for  the  little  congrega- 
tion in  a  hall.  When  Father  Timothy 
Hickey  realized  that  a  church  was 
needed  he  selected  a  few  of  the  lead- 
ing men  of  the  congregation  to  collect 
funds.  Dr.  Mudd  and  Mr.  Clinton 
worked  hard  begging,  and  soon  had  a 
pretty  good  sum  collected.  Father 
Hickey  made  arrangements  to  build 


a  brick  church.  In  1903  it  was  dedi- 
cated to  the  care  of  "The  Holy  Fam- 
ily." 

Athens  was  attended  from  Spring- 
field for  a  few  years  until  Cantrall 
was  united  with  it,  when  it  became  a 
parish  and  the  first  resident  pastor 
was  Father  Moore.  A  priest's  house 
was  built  at  once.  After  Father 
Moore  came  Fathers  Flynn  and  Mur- 
nane.  The  present  pastor  is  Reverend 
Michael  Jefferson  Davis.  Mr.  P. 
Daley  and  Mr.  M.  Mahoney  are  the 


473 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


trustees.    There  are  only  about  twen- 
ty families  attending  church  now. 

Confirmation  was  administered  in 
this  church  in  1924.  In  1925  im- 
provements were  made  in  both  the 
church  and  the  rectory  and  a  new  or- 


gan installed,  involving  an  expendi- 
ture of  five  thousand  dollars,  which 
amount  constitutes  the  present  in- 
debtedness. In  1926  two  side  altars 
were  erected  and  two  statues  pur- 
chased costing  six  hundred  dollars. 


Church  of  St.  Francis,  Cantrall,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1897. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Michael  J.  Davis. 


St.  Francis  church  in  Cantrall  was 
built  in  the  fall  of  1897  at  a  cost, 
when  completed,  of  $1,998.50;  the 
cost  of  the  ground  was  $300.00.  At 
this  time  there  were  only  a  few  Cath- 
olic farmers  in  the  neighborhood.  The 
coal  mine  had  just  been  opened  and 
many  Catholic  miners  were  working 
there.  The  church  was  built  for  the 
convenience  of  the  miners,  so  they 
could  attend  Mass  without  going  to 
Springfield. 

The  outlook  for  the  coal  mine  was 
poor.  It  was  feared  if  any  debt  should 
be  incurred — it  would  never  be  paid ; 
hence  the  church  was  built  without 
any  ornament  and  the  cost  kept  to 
the  lowest  possible  figure.  However, 
the  congregation,  with  the  church  en- 
tirely out  of  debt  at  this  stage,  is  in 
a  very  prosperous  condition  with  a 
small  amount  of  money  in  the  treas- 
ury. 

Very  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey, 
Vicar  General,  of  Springfield  started 
the  building  of  the  church  and  it  was 
under  his  supervision  until  Reverend 
Thomas  W.  Moore  was  appointed  to 
have  charge  of  this  church  and  the 
one  at  Athens,  in  the  fall  of  1903. 


Father  Moore  remained  Pastor  from 
1903  to  1910.  There  were  about  thirty 
families  in  Cantrall  Parish.  They 
were  mostly  native  born  Irish,  staunch 
Catholics  who  settled  down  and  ac- 
quired their  homes  and  raised  large 
families. 

In  1910  Father  Edmund  V.  Flynn 
of  Shipman  Parish  succeeded  Father 
Moore  and  was  pastor  until  October  1, 
1915.  Cantrall,  during  these  years, 
was  a  flourishing  little  Parish. 

In  1915  Father  James  J.  Murnane 
succeeded  Father  Flynn  and  was  pas- 
tor until  1925.  The  coal  industry, 
during  this  period,  became  very  slack 
and  the  people  had  to  seek  work  in 
other  places,  resulting  in  a  large  num- 
ber of  the  parishioners  going  else- 
where to  live. 

In  November,  1921,  a  new  roof  was 
put  on  the  church  at  a  cost  of 
$400.00. 

In  July,  1925,  Father  Michael  Jef- 
ferson Davis  succeeded  Father  Mur- 
nane. By  that  time  there  were  only  a 
few  families  remaining  in  the  parish. 
They  are  devoted,  self-sacrificing  and 
loyal  to  the  present  veteran  pastor, 
whose  life  in  their  midst  is  exceed- 
ingly happy. 


Church  of  St.  John,  Coffeen,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1898. 

Present  Pastor:   Reverend  John  R.  Fannon. 


The  Catholics  of  Coffeen,  Montgom- 
ery County,  Illinois,  were  first  at- 
tended as  a  station  by  Reverend 
Thomas  M.  Moore,  a  newly  ordained 
priest  from  New  Douglas.  The  first 
Mass  was  celebrated  there  by  him  in 
August,  1898,  at  the  home  of  Peter 
Murphy.     Other  Masses  were  subse- 


quently said  at  the  same  place,  and 
it  soon  became  apparent  that  larger 
quarters  must  be  secured.  An  organ- 
ization was  perfected  and  a  hall  was 
secured  in  the  Howett  Building.  Here 
a  crude  altar  was  erected  and  the  hall 
furnished  with  pews  for  the  small  con- 
gregation. 


474 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Father  Moore  was  succeeded  in 
July,  1899,  by  Reverend  Augustus 
Charles  Gorris.  Father  Gorris  at- 
tended Coffeen  as  a  station  until  Octo- 
ber, 1901,  when  Reverend  Augustus 
Forster  took  charge.  There  were  now 
eighteen  families  and  Mass  was  cele- 
brated every  Sunday.  Father  Forster 
attended  Coffeen  until  April,  1904, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Francis  J.  Hussey.  Father  Hussey 
continued  holding  services  in  the  hall, 
the  capacity  of  which  was  soon  out- 
grown by  the  increasing  congregation. 

In  the  fall  of  1906  it  was  decided 
by  the  congregation  that  the  time  had 
arrived  when  they  should  erect  a 
church  of  their  own.  Committees  for 
soliciting  were  selected  which  met 
with  marked  success,  and  prepara- 
tions were  made  for  the  building  of 
the  new  church.  The  cornerstone  was 
laid  in  May,  1907,  and  the  building, 
a  frame  structure  32x48  feet,  was 
pushed  rapidly  to  completion.  On 
July  1,  1907,  Father  Hussey  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Reverend  Bernard  W.  Lee. 

The  new  church  was  now  nearing 
completion,  and  through  the  efforts  of 
Father  Lee  additional  funds  were  sub- 
scribed and  the  new  church  was 
equipped  with  beautiful  altars,  oak 
pews,  stations  and  statutes.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1908,  Father  Lee  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Reverend  Patrick  H.  Mas- 
terson.  On  November  22,  1908,  the 
church  was  dedicated  by  Right  Rever- 
end James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Alton,  after  which  the  Sacrament  of 
Confirmation  was  administered  to  a 
large  class. 

In  1910,  a  cemetery  was  added  to 
the  church  property.  In  1913,  Father 
Masterson  was  succeeded  by  Reverend 
Hugh  P.  Brady. 

Early  in  1916,  Father  Brady  con- 
tracted a  severe  cold  which  soon  de- 
veloped into  pneumonia,  and  in  April 


he  gave  up  his  spirit.  There  was  pro- 
found sorrow  in  the  entire  congrega- 
tion for  their  beloved  pastor. 

During  the  illness  of  Father  Brady, 
Reverend  Timothy  McKeogh  minis- 
tered to  the  needs  of  the  congrega- 
tion, and  at  his  death  Father  Mc- 
Keogh became  the  pastor,  in  April, 
1916.  During  the  summer  of  1916, 
Father  McKeogh  desired  to  take  up 
his  residence  in  Coffeen,  and  by  con- 
sent of  the  Bishop  a  residence  was 
purchased  and  Coffeen  had  for  the 
first  time  a  resident  priest.  In  De- 
cember, 1919,  Father  McKeogh  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Michael  J. 
Crowley. 

An  addition  was  built  to  the  pa- 
rochial residence,  making  it  modern 
in  every  respect.  In  1924,  the  church 
was  beautifully  decorated. 

The  parish  now  consists  of  forty- 
five  families  and  is  in  a  fairly  pros- 
perous condition.  The  coal  mine,  the 
only  industry  in  Coffeen  has  had  a 
checkered  career,  and  causes  that  part 
of  the  congregation  interested  therein 
to  be  of  a  transient  nature.  The  agri- 
cultural interests  surrounding  Coffeen 
lend  stability  to  the  parish. 

Father  Crowley  has  at  present  two 
out-missions,  one  at  New  Douglas  and 
one  at  Panama,  which  he  attends  each 
alternate  Sunday. 

The  pastor  feels  that  this  account 
would  not  be  complete  without  men- 
tioning the  names  of  George  Ernst, 
Peter  Murphy  and  the  trustees,  Gus 
Ernst  and  Louis  Spinner.  They  have 
been  particularly  solicitous  of  the  wel- 
fare of  this  church,  giving  freely  of 
their  means  and  labor. 

Since  the  above  was  written,  Rev- 
erend John  Fannon  has  taken  charge, 
and  under  his  able  leadership  the 
good  work  well  begun  by  his  prede- 
cessors is  being  vigorously  pursued. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Pawnee,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1899. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  James  J.  Murnane. 


The  parish  of  St.  Mary,  in  Pawnee, 
was  organized  April  23,  1899,  but  had 


no  church  building  until  the  spring  of 
1902.     On   September  10,   1901,  the 


475 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


contract  was  let  for  the  erection  of  a 
building  and  on  the  17th  of  March, 
1902,  the  first  Mass  was  celebrated  in 
the  new  church  by  Reverend  Joseph 
O'Connor  of  Auburn,  who  was  the 
first  pastor  of  the  parish,  Pawnee 
being  then  a  mission  attached  to  Au- 
burn. 

On  June  26, 1902,  the  church,  which 
is  a  very  handsome  and  commodious 
one,  was  dedicated  by  Very  Reverend 
Timothy  Hickey,  Vicar  General,  as- 
sisted by  Fathers  Joseph  and  Michael 
O'Connor,  Patrick  Lyons,  James 
Howard,  Frances  J.  Hussey  and  Jo- 
seph O'Rourke.  Father  Hickey  de- 
livered an  inspiring  dedication  ser- 
mon. 

Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan  succeeded 
Father  O'Connor  in  1904  and  contin- 
ued pastor  until  1905,  in  which  year 
the  territory  was  divided  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Ryan,  D.D.,  Pawnee 
being  then  made  a  separate  parish 
with  St.  Michael  of  South  Fork  at- 
tached as  a  mission.  Reverend  Jo- 
seph A.  M.  Wilson  was  appointed  the 
first  resident  pastor  of  Pawnee  on 
March  25  in  1905.  Father  Wilson  at 
once  set  about  building  a  priost's  resi- 
dence, which  was  completed  the  same 
year. 

Reverend  John  Lupton,  Father  Wil- 
son's  successor,  took  charge  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1909,  and  remained  as  pastor 
for  the  next  sixteen  years.  He  built 
a  fine  Knights  of  Columbus  hall  on 
the  church  property,  which  has  ever 
since  proved  a  great  benefit  to  the 
parish  in  many  ways.  During  the 
later    years    of    his    administration, 


Father  Lupton  had  for  assistant,  first, 
Father  Edmund  A.  Carey,  and  then 
Father  John  J.  Hogan,  who  is  at  pres- 
ent stationed  at  Collinsville.  The  or- 
ganization of  Kincaid  as  an  out- 
mission  of  Pawnee  made  the  service 
of  a  second  priest  necessary,  but  now 
that  Kincaid  is  a  separate,  thriving 
parish  with  a  resident  priest  of  its 
own,  Pawnee  has  no  longer  any  need 
of  two  priests. 

On  Father  Lupton 's  promotion  to 
Newton  on  February  15,  1925,  Rever- 
end Arthur  John  Vanspeybroeck  was 
appointed  administrator  at  Pawnee, 
where  he  served  until  July  15,  at 
which  date  he  was  appointed  pastor 
of  the  new  St.  Rita  Parish,  Kincaid. 
The  vacancy  made  at  Pawnee  was 
filled  by  the  present  pastor,  Reverend 
James  J.  Murnane,  who  had  been  for 
a  number  of  years  in  charge  of 
Athens. 

At  the  time  of  its  organization  this 
parish  had  some  of  the  oldest  Catholic 
families  in  Sangamon  County,  among 
whom  may  be  mentioned  Matthew 
Kavanaugh,  Gerrard  Young,  and  Pat- 
rick Howard,  who  lived  to  be  quite 
active  at  ninety-two.  The  population 
fluctuates  somewhat  due  to  more  or 
less  dependence  upon  the  operation 
of  coal  mines  in  the  vicinity.  Farm- 
ing and  mining  are  the  only  two  in- 
dustries of  Pawnee. 

At  present  the  parish  has  seventy 
families  representing  quite  a  number 
of  nationalities.  It  has  two  flourish- 
ing organizations,  the  Holy  Name  and 
Altar  Societies. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1901. 
Present  Pastor :  Very  Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan,  R.D. 


From  a  corn  field  in  1890  to  a  mod- 
ern industrial  city  of  twenty-six  thou- 
sand people  in  1926,  is  the  brief  but 
progressive  history  of  Granite  City. 

From  a  few  scattered  Catholic  fam- 
ilies in  1901  to  one  of  the  largest  par- 
ishes in  the  Springfield  diocese — with 
a  full  grown  daughter,  Sacred  Heart 
Parish,   is  the  striking  story  of  the 


birth  and  growth  of  the  parish  of  St. 
Joseph  in  Granite  City. 

About  the  year  1890  the  Neidring- 
haus  people  bought  land,  now  Granite 
City's  main  section,  and  began  to 
grade  and  plat  it  for  the  building  of 
homes.  With  the  establishment  of  a 
number  of  factories  the  population 
began  to  grow  rapidly.     Then  came 


476 


Coffeen — St.  John's  Church  and  Rectory  .  . 
St.  Mary's  Church  and  Rectory  .  .  .  Granite  City- 
I).  ./.  Ryan,  Pastor,  Rectory,  Sisters'  Residence. 


.  Pawnee-    Rev.  J.  J.  Murnane,  Pastor, 
-St.  Joseph's  Church,  School,  Very  Ret 


TK£  LIBRARY 

OF  Tht 

HNIVERSITT  OF  IUJR0IS 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


the  devastating  flood  of  1902,  the 
worst  in  the  history  of  this  part  of 
the  country,  to  dampen  the  ardor  of 
the  incipient  city.  The  retardation, 
however,  was  but  momentary,  for  in 
1904  the  American  Steel  Company 
established  a  large  plant  there,  thus 
assuring  the  future  progress  of  the 
city.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that 
Fred  Gould,  a  trustee  of  St.  Joseph 
Church,  poured  the  first  heat  in  the 
big  steel  plant  in  November,  1894. 

Very  early  in  local  history,  Catho- 
lics began  to  feel  the  need  of  a  church, 
school  and  resident  priest.  To  Ven- 
ice and  Michael  they  had  hitherto 
gone  to  services  as  convenience  dic- 
tated. But  to  either  place  was  a  long, 
difficult  journey  especially  in  winter 
when  the  bottom  roads  were  often 
well-nigh  impassable. 

On  being  petitioned  for  a  priest 
Bishop  Ryan,  before  taking  action, 
asked  that  a  list  of  the  names  of  the 
Catholics  living  in  Granite  City  be 
submitted  to  him.  This  was  done,  and 
the  census  then  taken  is  still  extant 
and  bears  the  date  November,  1897. 
Evidently  the  good  Bishop  did  not 
grant  the  request  immediately,  for 
not  until  February  5,  1901,  do  we  find 
him  sending  Reverend  William 
Murphy  to  Granite  City  with  author- 
ity to  organize  a  parish  and  build  a 
church.  Introduced  to  his  new  field 
of  labor,  Father  Murphy  lost  no  time 
in  beginning  the  solution  of  the  prob- 
lem before  him.  His  work,  though 
hard,  was  greatly  facilitated  by  the 
generous  co-operation  of  his  people. 
On  April  21,  1901,  immediately  after 
Mass  which  was  said  in  Rozenberg's 
hall,  Nineteenth  and  State  Streets, 
the  parish  under  the  protection  of  St. 
Joseph,  was  formally  organized  with 
the  Pastor,  John  Willis  and  Frank 
Vorwald  as  trustees.  On  that  occasion 
too,  various  committees,  which  later 
proved  very  helpful  to  Father  Murphy 
in  carrying  out  the  new  project,  were 
appointed  from  the  representative 
people  of  the  parish.  At  first  the  con- 
gregation used  Rozenberg's  hall  for 
services,  later  moving  across  the  street 


to  Dr.  Tully's  hall  which  was  deemed 
more  suitable. 

A  valuable  piece  of  property  was 
secured  on  Twenty-first  street  be- 
tween State  and  East  Streets,  on 
which  to  build  the  projected  combina- 
tion church  and  school.  The  corner- 
stone of  the  new  building  was  laid 
November  5,  1901,  by  the  Very  Rev- 
erend Dean  Crowe,  of  Jacksonville, 
delegated  by  the  Bishop,  who  was  ill 
at  the  time.  On  April  20th  of  the 
following  year  the  first  Mass  was  said 
in  the  new  completed  structure. 

The  dedication,  which  took  place 
May  11,  1902  ,was  one  of  the  very 
great  days  in  the  history  of  St.  Joseph 
parish.  The  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Ryan  was  there,  and  a  number  of 
neighboring  priests.  The  presence  of 
the  Hibernians  from  St.  Louis  in  full 
regalia  added  color  to  the  whole  pro- 
ceedings. The  same  distinguished 
Father  Crowe  referred  to  above, 
preached   the   dedication  sermon. 

The  school  opened  on  September  3, 
1902,  with  the  encouraging  enroll- 
ment of  one  hundred  fifty-nine  pupils. 
The  first  teachers,  Ursuline  Nuns 
from  Springfield,  were  Sisters  Raph- 
ael, Cecelia,  Seraphim,  and  Camilia. 
The  Ursulines  are  still  in  charge. 

The  new  Sisters'  home  was  com- 
pleted in  1903  for  the  comparatively 
modest  sum  of  $3,175.00,  including 
the  price  of  lots. 

For  four  years  Father  Murphy  had 
endured  many  hardships  from  living 
now  in  one  place  and  now  in  another 
under  trying  circumstances.  However, 
in  1905,  he  had  the  happiness  of  mov- 
ing into  the  new,  substantial  parish 
residence  which  had  just  been  built, 
but  which  remained  unfinished  until 
the  following  year. 

During  the  thirteen  years  of  bis 
administration  in  Granite  City,  Fath- 
er Murphy  labored  earnestly  and  suc- 
cessfully in  laying  deep  and  firm  the 
foundations  of  the  new  parish.  And 
it  was  not  an  easy  task.  True,  the 
people  were  good,  but  they  were  poor, 
and  their  poverty  in  the  infant  years 
of  the  parish  was  greatly  aggravated 
by  the  destructive  flood  already  men- 


477 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


tioned.  It  was  then,  however,  that 
Father  Murphy,  as  a  priest  and  lead- 
er, appeared  at  his  best.  He  was  in- 
defatigable in  his  labors  in  the  relief 
of  the  general  distress.  His  spiritual 
and  civic  leadership  was  no  small  fac- 
tor in  the  cause  which  enabled  St. 
Joseph  Church  and  Granite  City  to 
tide  over  those  trying  days.  Indeed, 
his  influence  all  along  made  for  the 
social,  civic,  and  spiritual  betterment 
of  the  people  amongst  whom  he 
lived. 

In  November,  1913,  Father  Murphy 
was  sent  to  the  quiet  parish  of  Ash- 
land and  his  place  at  Granite  City 
was  taken  by  Reverend  Dennis  J. 
Ryan,  who  had  been  in  charge  of 
Auburn  for  some  time  previous.  The 
new  pastor  full  of  youthful  life  and 
priestly  enthusiasm  took  up  the  work 
boldly  where  his  predecessor  had  laid 
it  down  and  pushed  it  forward  vigor- 
ously. Granite  City,  and  with  it  St. 
Joseph  parish,  was  then  experiencing 
its  strongest  growing  pains.  Four 
Masses  had  to  be  said  on  Sunday  to 
accommodate  the  crowds,  and  the 
school  enrollment  had  grown  to  the 
four  hundred  mark. 

Shortly  after  coming  Father  Ryan 
held  a  parish  bazaar  which  realized 
the  unusually  large  sum  of  $5,000.00. 
This  achievement  released  old  and 
generated  new  ideas  in  the  minds  of 
the  parishioners.  Within  a  few  years 
$18,000.00  were  expended  on  improve- 
ments on  the  church,  convent,  school, 
priests'  residence  and  church  prop- 
erty in  general.  Notwithstanding  all 
the  costly  improvements  made,  1919 
saw  the  parish  free  from  debt.  By 
this  time,  because  of  the  increasing 
congregation,  a  new  school  was  be- 
coming an  imperative  necessity.  In 
1920  the  school  children  started  the 
campaign  for  funds.  They  collected 
$2,000.00,  an  auspicious  beginning, 
which  was  used  to  dig  the  basement. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  new  build- 
ing was  laid  May  29,  1921,  by  Very 
Reverend  Edward  Lancaster  Spal- 
ding in  the  presence  of  many  priests 
and  three  thousand  of  the  laity.  A 
parade  in  which  the  many  parish   so- 


cieties participated,  as  separate  units, 
added  much  color  and  solemnity  to 
the  ceremony. 

The  new  church  was  formally  open- 
ed to  the  congregation  and  the  pub- 
lic on  Christmas  morning,  1921,  with 
Solemn  High  Mass  by  the  three 
Diocesan  Missionaries,  Fathers  David 
Scully,  William  Sloan,  and  John  B. 
Franz,  who  made  their  headquarters 
at  the  parish  residence. 

The  new  church  is  a  solid  brick 
structure  with  a  seating  capacity  of 
eight  hundred.  On  special  occasions 
it  can  be  easily  made  to  accommodate 
one  hundred  fifty  more.  The  building 
is  a  model  of  space  appropriation, 
tasteful  appointments,  harmonious 
colors,  convenience  and  comfort. 
Everything  about  the  church  is  calcu- 
lated to  elevate  the  hearts  of  the 
faithful  to  God.  The  beautiful  fur- 
nishings are  practically  all  donations 
of  various  members  of  the  parish. 
Space  does  not  permit  recording  here 
the  names  of  all  donors. 

The  war  record  of  St.  Joseph  Par- 
ish is  creditable.  All  that  need  be 
said  here  is,  that  priests  and  people 
did  their  patriotic  share  and  did  it 
well. 

Several  societies — Altar,  Holy 
Name,  Slovak,  Hungarian,  Boy 
Scouts,  etc., — are  active  in  parish  life, 
and  all  do  good  work  along  their  indi- 
vidual lines. 

June  6,  1926,  being  the  25th  anni- 
versary of  the  foundation  of  the  par- 
ish was  celebrated  with  befitting  cere- 
mony and  jubilation.  Bishop  Griffin 
was  present  and  a  large  number  of 
priests  and  of  the  laity.  The  day  was 
a  gala  one,  long  to  be  remembered  in 
the  annals  of  local  history.  As  a 
happy  sequence  Father  Ryan,  the 
well-beloved  pastor,  celebrated  his  sil- 
ver jubilee  in  the  priesthood  a  few 
days  later. 

At  present  the  parish  consists  of 
about  seven  hundred  families,  with 
slightly  more  than  half  of  foreign  ele- 
ment. The  school  has  an  enrollment 
of  over  five  hundred  children  under 
the  teaching  care  of  Ursuline  Sisters 
from  the  mother-house,  Springfield. 


478 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


St.  Joseph  Parish  has  had  only  two 
pastors  in  its  life  of  twenty-six  years, 
Reverend  William  Murphy,  and  the 
present  incumbent,  Very  Reverend 
Dennis  J.  Ryan.  The  former  had  as 
assistants  Fathers  William  Toomey, 
Ignatius  Stepuncik,  and  Richard  Mc- 
Keogh;  the  latter,  Fathers  Timothy 


McKeogh,  David  Scully,  William 
Sloan,  John  Franz,  and  the  present 
assistant  George  Powell.  All  these 
priests  have  labored  faithfully,  and 
to  the  best  of  their  ability,  in  making 
St.  Joseph  one  of  the  strongest  par- 
ishes in  the  Diocese,  spiritually  and 
numerically. 


Mission  of  St.  Elmo,  St.  Elmo,  Fayette  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1903. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  John  Phillip  Walsh. 


The  holy  sacrifice  of  the  Mass  was 
offered  up  for  the  first  time  in  the 
Mission  of  St.  Elmo  by  the  Reverend 
E.  J.  Durbin  of  Morganfield,  Ken- 
tucky. The  services  took  place  in  the 
private  home  of  George  R.  Durbin,  a 
relative  of  the  officiating  priest. 

Father  Durbin  was  one  of  the  early 
pioneer  missionary  priests  of  Amer- 
ica. His  life  work  for  the  cause  was 
considered  important  enough  to  find 
space  in  the  Catholic  Encyclopedia, 
Volume  V,  page  209. 

The  present  Church  of  the  Immac- 
ulate Conception  was  built  at  St. 
Elmo  in  the  year  of  1903,  during  the 
Johnson  Boom.  Father  John  H. 
Stubbe  initiated  the  work  and 
brought  it  to  a  successful  conclusion. 
It  was  dedicated  by  Reverend  Father 
0 'Regan  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

In  the  year  1904,  the  'Frisco  Shops 
were  moved  from  St.  Elmo  to  Salem, 
leaving  only  a  few  scattered  Catholic 
families  in  this  neighborhood.  This 
was  a  severe  blow  to  the  Catholic 
Congregation  of  St.  Elmo  from  which 
it  has  never  recovered. 

In  1913,  Miss  Anna  Stubbe  donated 
the  present  new  Church  bell,  in  mem- 
ory of  her  deceased  brother,  Reverend 
Father  Stubbe,  a  former  pastor  of 
this  Church. 

In  the  year  1914,  the  Church  was 
remodeled  and  frescoed  by  the  pres- 
ent pastor. 

The  Mission  of  St.  Elmo  includes 
Louden,  Avena  and  part  of  Sefton 
Township  in  Fayette  County.  At  the 
present  time  the  Mission  has  ten 
families.  Joseph  A.  Siebert  and  John 
S.  Koberlein  are  the  trustees. 


As  an  evidence  of  the  loyalty  and 
devotion  of  the  pioneer  Catholic, 
George  W.  Durbin,  a  bequest  was 
made  to  St.  Elmo's  Mission  Church 
and  Cemetery  which  provides  an  an- 
nual sum  in  excess  of  $400.00  in  the 
form  of  interest. 

Reverend  John  II.  Stubbe,  then  the 
pastor  of  this  Mission  had  practically 
abandoned  all  hope  of  obtaining  this 
bequest.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  an 
error  occurred  on  the  part  of  the 
lawyer  when  the  will  was  drawn  up, 
the  heirs  had  contested  the  legacy. 
Had  it  not  been  for  the  interest  of 
Joseph  C.  Burtschi  of  Vandalia,  this 
bequest  would  have  probably  been 
lost  to  the  Church.  At  any  event,  the 
Attorney  secured  by  Mr.  Burtschi,  a 
Mr.  Burnside,  discovered  that  a  law 
passed  three  weeks  previous  to  the 
time  the  will  was  mad.}  saved  the 
money  for  St.  Elmo's  Mission.  Circuit 
Judge  Rose  appointed  Mr.  Burtschi, 
Administrator,  with  the  approval  of 
Bishop  Ryan.  The  present  pastor, 
Father  Walsh,  directed  the  litigation 
and  was  much  rejoiced  by  the  happy 
conclusion. 

The  donor  of  this  bequest,  George 
W.  Durbin,  son  of  John  Durbin  and 
Mary  Weinbrenner,  was  born  Decem- 
ber 26,  1821,  and  was  married  to  Miss 
Harriet  Myers,  October  24,  1849.  He 
died  on  November  11,  1911,  and  was 
buried  in  the  old  St.  Bonaventure 's 
Cemetery. 

Many  of  the  Durbin  heirs  had  fallen 
away  from  the  Church  even  before 
the  will  was  made.  Naturally  they 
were  not  pleased  with  the  final  de- 
cision of  the  Court. 


479 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston, 

Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1904. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  William  R.  Yahner. 


In  the  Southwestern  portion  of  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield,  lies  the  little 
mining  town  of  Livingston.  The  town 
is  located  in  Madison  County  and  has 
a  population  of  about  thirteen  hun- 
dred souls. 

The  parish  of  Livingston  is  of  com- 
paratively recent  origin.  Unlike  many 
Catholic  parishes,  it  is  unable  to 
point  to  any  nucleus  or  original  Cath- 
olic settlers.  The  town  of  Livingston 
sprung  up  as  if  by  magic  with  the 
opening  of  the  coal  mines  and  the 
building  of  a  railroad  in  the  locality. 
It  dates  its  birth  from  the  year  1904. 

In  a  short  time  the  young  town  as- 
sumed a  distinctly  foreign,  but  at  the 
same  time,  Catholic  complexion.  It 
is  largely  made  up  of  Slavic  peoples. 
Naturally  the  Catholic  complexion  of 
the  population  called  for  a  church,  or, 
at  least,  Catholic  services.  For  the 
first  five  years,  the  new  town  was  an- 
nexed as  a  mission  to  the  parish  of 
New  Douglas.  Reverend  Bernard  W. 
Lee,  pastor  of  that  parish,  made  peri- 
odical calls  at  Livingston  and  said 
Mass  in  the  hall,  which  was  later  de- 
stroyed by  fire. 

About  1910  Livingston  was  an- 
nexed to  the  Staunton  parish  over 
which  Father  John  A.  Duval  presided 
as  pastor.  Masses  were  said  from 
time  to  time  in  the  public  school 
building  and  also  in  the  city  hall.  This 
state  of  affairs  continued  until  1913 
when  Bishop  Ryan  realized  the  need 
cf  building  a  church  and  organizing 
an  individual  parish  at  Livingston. 
The  new  church  was  begun  the  same 
year — the  first  donation  coming  from 
Bishop  Ryan.  When  it  was  almost 
completed,  it  was  destroyed  by  a  fire 
of  undetermined  origin.  Fortunately, 
Father  Ignatius  Kershevich,  who 
took  care  of  the  mission,  had  suf- 
ficient in  surance  on  the  building 
to  practically  cover  the  loss.  Soon 
it    was    decided    to    build    a    similar 


structure  on  the  foundation  of  the 
one  destroyed.  To  help  along  the 
building  and  encourage  the  people, 
Bishop  Ryan  and  Father  Kershevich 
made  personal  donations. 

The  new  church  was  completed  and 
dedicated  on  Thanksgiving  Day,  1914. 
The  self-sacrificing  pastor,  Father 
Kershevich,  moved  into  the  Sacristy 
which  was  his  only  abode  for  the  next 
few  years.  Within  a  short  time,  he 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the 
church  debt  entirely  wiped  out,  and 
the  spirit  of  religion  grow  in  his 
parish.  He  next  purchased  a  plot  of 
ground  for  a  Catholic  cemetery,  and 
shortly  afterwards  built  a  neat  bunga- 
low parsonage  at  a  cost  of  $5,000. 
Father  Kershevich  deserves  the  title 
of  founder  of  the  parish  and  his  mem- 
ory is  still  fondly  cherished  by  the 
Catholics  of  Livingston. 

Father  Jaksyteys  succeeded 
Father  Kershevich  in  1919,  the  latter 
having  gone  to  take  charge  of  St.  Vin- 
cent de  Paul  Church  in  Springfield. 
Father  Jaksyteys  remained  only  a 
short  time;  then  came  Reverend  Wil- 
liam Sloan  as'  pastor,  who,  in  the  face 
of  very  trying  circumstances,  ac- 
complished much  good  work  during 
his  time  there.  He  organized  plays, 
socials,  fairs,  etc.,  and  in  this  manner 
raised  funds  to  pay  for  decorating  the 
church  and  many  other  needed  im- 
provements. From  Livingston,  Fath- 
er Sloan  went  to  the  Apostolic  Mis- 
sion House  in  Washington,  D.  C,  to 
prepare  for  special  missionary  work. 

His  successor  was  the  Reverend 
Francis  Gribbin.  Despite  some  conten- 
tentions  in  the  first  years  of  his  pas- 
torate, Father  Gribbin  labored  on  for 
six  years  during  which  time  he  made 
considerable  improvements  in  the 
church  by  way  of  statuary,  furnish- 
ings, heating,  etc.  In  1924,  he  built 
a  brick  school,  modern  in  every  detail, 
to  take  care  of  the  great  number  of 


480 


r 


i 


l 


jja<  i  ■ 


St.  Jacob  St.  James'  Church  .  .  St.  Elmo  St.  Mary's  Church  ,  .  Hum*  SI 
Michael's  Church,  Rev.  M.  J.  0' Flaherty,  Pastor  .  .  .  Jerscyville  Holy  Ghost  Church, 
Rev.  ./.  //.  Gramke,  Pastor,  Rectory. 


!to  Jftj 


I.iini'^tmi  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Hchool,  Rectory  .  .  .  Witt  Rectory,  Her.  H.  X. 
Manning.' Pastor,  and  St.  Barbara's  Church  .  .  .  Springfield  St.  Patrick's  Church,  Rev. 
rhos    Fennessy,  Pastor,  Rectory,  and  School  .         Hagaman     St.  Catherine's  Church. 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


children  in  the  parish.  The  school 
building  as  it  stands  is  a  joy  to  the 
parish  and  leaves  nothing  to  be  de- 
sired except,  alas ! — a  way  to  pay  off 
the  $23,000  which  it  cost. 

In  June,  1926,  the  Bishop  relieved 
Father  Gribbin  of  the  heavy  burden, 
and  sent  the  Reverend  William  R. 
Yahner  to  take  charge.  He  in  turn 
was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Marc 
Marangos,  who  was  appointed.  Ad- 
ministrator late  in  1927. 

In  1925  there  were  two  hundred 
eighty-three  families  in  the  parish ; 
thirty-two  baptisms,  and  eight  mar- 
riages ;  and  in  1924,  one  hundred  sev- 
enty-five children  were  confirmed  by 


the  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Grif- 
fin, D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield  in  Illinois. 

The  future  of  this  parish  will  de- 
pend largely  on  the  local  coal  mine. 
There  are  a  great  many  children  of 
school  age  in  the  congregation.  The 
Ursuline  Sisters  of  Alton  have  done 
much  for  this  parish  in  the  past  three 
years.  There  advent  here  has  been  a 
blessing  and  the  fruit  of  their  efforts 
is  already  patent.  The  congregation  is 
appreciative  of  this  service — a  few 
more  years  of  this  activity  will  un- 
doubtedly intensify  the  Catholicity  of 
this  parish  and  result  in  greater  serv- 
ice of  God  and  country. 


Church  of  St.  Barbara,  Witt,  Montgomery  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1904. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Bernard  Manning. 


In  the  year  1897  the  Paisley  Coal 
Corporation  opened  a  coal  mine  in 
Witt.  Before  that  time  there  were 
but  few  Catholics  in  the  community 
and  those  few  attended  St.  Louis 
Church  in  Nokomis.  When  the  mine 
opened  many  Catholics  moved  to 
Witt;  families  representing  several 
nationalities,  including  Austrians, 
Hungarians,  Lithuanians,  Poles,  Irish, 
Italians  and  Germans. 

Reverend  Clemens  Johannes,  pas- 
tor of  St.  Louis  parish,  Nokomis,  vis- 
ited Witt  occasionally  from  1900  to 
1905,  gathered  the  children  for  in- 
structions, said  Mass  on  week  days  in 
the  Paisley  Hall  and  gave  the  people 
an  opportunity  of  making  their 
Easter  Duties. 

In  1904  Andrew  Redmond,  one  of 
the  present  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion bought  from  Mitchell  and  Betty, 
for  $166.00,  the  two  lots  upon  which 
the  church  is  built,  having  collected 
the  money  from  the  Catholics  of  the 
town.  During  the  same  year  Father 
Johannes  and  Henry  Ernst  went  to 
the  few  Catholic  farmers  of  the  lo- 
cality to  collect  money  to  build  a 
church  in  Witt.  Some  of  them  would 
not  subscribe  anything,  and  the  others 
among  them  gave  a  total  of  $300.00. 
Towards  the  end  of  1904  the  old   St. 


Louis  church  of  Nokomis  was  torn 
down,  brought  to  Witt  and  rebuilt  at 
a  cost  of  $1,500.  The  church  was 
named  in  honor  of  St.  Barbara,  the 
patroness  of  miners.  On  Sunday, 
January  8,  1905,  it  was  dedicated  by 
Reverend  Clemens  Johannes,  assisted 
by  Father  Laycock,  who  opened  a 
mission  with  very  satisfactory  results. 

From  January,  1905,  to  April, 
1905,  Father  Johannes  said  an  early 
Mass  in  Witt  on  the  second  and 
fourth  Sunday  of  the  month.  In 
April,  1905,  Father  Thomas  Master- 
son,  then  of  Hillsboro,  was  ordered  by 
Bishop  Ryan  to  take  charge  of  Witt. 
He  attended  it  from  Hillsboro,  saying 
Mass  likewise  on  the  second  and 
fourth  Sunday  of  each  month  until 
October,  1905,  when  Reverend  Ed- 
mund A.  Brodmann  was  appointed 
the  first  resident  pastor. 

When  Father  Broadmann  came  to 
Witt  there  was  no  Catholic  parsonage. 
He  lived  in  the  Mitchell  building  for 
some  time.  In  the  meantime  he 
bought  two  lots  on  the  east  side  ad- 
joining the  church  property.  On 
those  two  lots  he  erected  a  beautiful 
nine  room  frame  building  for  a  par- 
sonage. In  1906  another  coal  mine 
was  opened  about  a  half  mile  east  of 
Witt.     With  the  development  of  this 


481 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


mine  the  Catholic  population  in- 
creased so  that  the  church  became  too 
small  for  the  people.  Not  being  able 
to  finance  the  building  of  a  new 
church,  he  added  twenty  more  feet  to 
the  old  church. 

Father  Broadmann  continued  as 
pastor  of  St.  Barbara  until  February, 
1910,  when  Reverend  Francis  Sheils 
was  appointed  its  pastor.  Father 
Sheils  made  many  improvements  on 
the  place,  the  most  extensive  being 
the  installation  of  a  new  steam  fur- 
nace under  the  parsonage  to  heat  the 
church  and  house. 

Father  Sheils  was  pastor  of  St. 
Barbara  until  September,  1915,  when 
Reverend  James  McCarthy  of  Paris, 
Illinois,  was  appointed.  Poor  Father 
McCarthy  never  reached  Witt,  as  he 
was  killed  by  a  Big-Four  train  a  few 
days  after  his  appointment.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1915,  Father  Michael  Mee, 
then  assistant  at  St.  Francis  Xavier 
Church,  Jerseyville,  was  sent  by 
Bishop  Ryan  as  pastor  of  Witt.  Father 
Mee  remained  in  Witt  until  July  1, 
1918,  when  by  orders  of  Bishop  Ryan 
he  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  Ber- 
nard N.  Manning,  then  assistant  at 
St.  Patrick  church,  Alton. 


In  1924  Father  Manning  had  exten- 
sive repairs  made  on  the  church.  The 
old  plaster  was  torn  from  the  walls, 
metal  laths  put  on,  and  the  entire 
building  replastered,  also  repainted, 
inside  and  outside,  new  oak  pews  in- 
stalled, hardwood  floors  laid  in  the 
sanctuary,  a  vestibule  ten  feet  in 
length  added,  and  a  new  basement 
put  under  the  building.  This  base- 
ment is  81x34  feet,  with  a  ceiling  7V& 
feet  in  the  clear.  The  old  steam  fur- 
nace which  heated  the  parsonage  and 
church  was  removed  to  the  church 
basement  and  installed  there,  and  a 
new  but  smaller  furnace  installed  in 
the  rectory.  The  entire  cost  of  im- 
provements was  $8,601.75  in  cash, 
and  $2,000,  in  work  donated  by  men 
of  the  parish. 

Most  of  the  parishioners  are  or- 
ganized under  one  or  other  of  the 
following  active  societies :  Holy 
Angel  and  Young  Ladies'  Sodalities, 
Altar  and  Holy  Name  Societies. 

The  parish  of  Witt,  from  a  few 
Catholic  families  in  1897,  when 
Father  Johannes  occasionally  visited 
it  to  instruct  the  children,  has  grown 
to  one  hundred  forty  families  today 
(1925),  with  a  total  Catholic  popula- 
tion of  six  hundred  sixteen  souls. 


Church  of  St.  Columba,  Sullivan,  Moultrie  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1905. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Lawrence  Winking. 


In  1905  Reverend  Edward  Mc- 
Gowan,  pastor  of  Bethany  at  the  time, 
organized  St.  Columba  congregation 
at  Sullivan  and  there  built  a  church 
in  the  same  year.  The  congreation, 
at  first  very  small,  was  soon  consid- 
erably augmented  so  that  in  the 
course  of  a  few  years  thirty-five  fam- 
ilies worshipped  at  St.  Columba, 
mostly  of  Irish  and  German  extrac- 
tion. *  Father  McGowan  almost  imme- 
diately committed  the  Sullivan  par- 
ish to  the  care  of  the  priest  at  Mattoon 
and  ever  since  the  spiritual  interests 
of  the  Sullivan  Catholics  have  been 
in  charge  of  the  assistant  priests  sta- 
tioned at  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Parish  in  Mattoon,  Illinois. 


Having  prospered  on  the  farms, 
many  of  the  Catholic  families  event- 
ually turned  their  eyes  to  the  educa- 
tional facilities  of  the  larger  neighbor- 
ing cities  with  the  result  that  the  par- 
ish grew  less  and  less  until  at  present 
it  numbers  scarcely  ten  families,  none 
of  whom  figure  prominently  in  the 
business  or  professional  life  of  the 
community. 

Prominent  among  the  early  settlers 
were  the  Ryans,  Hesses,  Hengsts,  Mo- 
riartys,  Sweenys,  Walshes  and  Burns. 
One  of  these,  J.  B.  Burns,  was  a  suc- 
cessful lawyer  and  played  an  active 
part  in  civic  life. 

The  Illinois  Blue  Book  (1925-26) 
records  Sullivan  as  having  a  popula- 


482 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


tion  of  2,532  in  the  year  1920.  It  is 
a  typical  farming  community.  Sev- 
eral attempts  to  attract  new  indus- 
tries in  recent  times  have  failed.  This 
is  rather  strange  when  one  considers 
Sullivan's  fine  railroad  facilities — 
the  Wabash,  Illinois  Central  and  the 


Chicago  &  Eastern  Illinois  Railroads 
running  through  there. 

Since  the  above  was  written  St. 
Columba  has  been  made  an  out- 
mission  of  Shelbyville  and  is  now  in 
the  charge  of  Reverend  Lawrence 
Winking,  who  says  Mass  there  every 
Sunday  and  Holyday. 


Church  op  St.  Patrick,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1905. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Thomas  Fennessy. 


The  Church  of  St.  Patrick  in 
Springfield,  Illinois,  was  established 
in  the  year  1905  by  the  Very  Rever- 
end Timothy  Hickey,  assisted  by  Rev- 
erend John  Connolly  and  Reverend 
Francis  Curran.  They  purchased  six 
lots  and  built  the  church  on  the  cor- 
ner of  Cedar  Street  and  Wheeler 
Avenue  at  a  cost  of  approximately 
$12,000.00  and  attended  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  parish  until  October, 
1908. 

On  October  1,  1908,  Father  Thomas 
Fennessy  was  appointed  pastor  by 
Bishop  Ryan.  A  parish  house  was 
built  near  the  church  on  the  old  site 
in  1909  at  a  cost  of  $6,000.00.  Later 
a  new  site  in  a  far  more  desirable 
location  was  purchased  at  the  corner 
of  Eighteenth  Street  and  South 
Grand  Avenue,  and  a  six-room  school 
erected  on  same  in  1910  at  a  cost  of 
$11,000.00.  In  the  year  1912  the 
church  and  house  were  moved  by 
Crowe  Brothers  of  Chicago,  Illinois, 
a  distance  of  six  blocks  to  the  present 
location  at  Eighteenth  Street  and 
South  Grand  Avenue. 

Missions  were  given  by  Fathers 
Dennis  J.  Ryan,  John  Joseph  Dris- 
coll  and  George  Hensey  of  the  Alton 
Mission  Band  in  the  years  1909  and 
1911,  and  by  Father  Curley,  a  Via- 
torian,  in  1913.  Father  Gunn  of  the 
Redemption  Order  gave  missions  in 
1915  and  1916,  and  assisted  by  Father 
McKeown,  gave  one  in  the  year  1921. 
The  men  made  their  mission  in  the 
church  basement  and  the  women  in 
the  church  proper. 

Bishop    Ryan    visited    the    parish, 


every  three  years  to  administer  the 
Sacrament  of  Confirmation,  and  the 
present  Bishop,  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  gave  Confirm- 
ation October  26,  1924. 

During  the  World  War,  eighty 
boys  of  the  parish  enlisted  in  the 
army  and  of  these  two  made  the  su- 
preme sacrifice. 

The  congregation  at  present  con- 
sists of  one  hundred  seventy-five  fam- 
ilies, mostly  of  Irish  descent.  There 
are,  however,  some  families  of  Ger- 
man origin,  some  of  Italian  and  other 
nationalities.  The  parish  school  has 
an  enrollment  of  two  hundred  thirty 
children  in  the  competent  charge  of 
five  Dominican  Sisters.  The  spiritual, 
social  and  financial  interests  of  the 
parish  are  greatly  furthered  by  the 
earnest  work  of  the  Holy  Name  So- 
ciety, Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  Altar 
Society  and  Sacred  Heart  League. 

Every  year  the  parish  fittingly 
stages  a  magnificent  St.  Patrick's 
Day  celebration.  In  the  morning  a 
Solemn  High  Mass  is  sung  and  a  ser- 
mon appropriate  for  the  occasion  is 
delivered  by  some  priest  who  knows 
the  history  of  the  Irish  race.  The 
evening  is  marked  by  a  diversified 
entertainment  given  by  the  histrionic 
talent  of  the  parish.  The  whole  pro- 
ceeding is  thoroughly  reminiscent  of 
Ireland. 

Father  James  Landers,  a  young 
priest  who  recently  came  from  Ire- 
land where  he  was  born  and  edu- 
cated, has  been  assistant  to  Father 
Fennessy  since  the  summer  of  1926. 


483 


DIOCESE   OF   SPKINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Church  op  St.  Catherine,  IIagaman,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1905. 
Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Michael  Enright. 


Catholics  began  to  settle  in  the  ter- 
ritory now  comprising  the  parish  of 
St.  Catherine  about  the  year  1860. 
Those  living  to  the  east  were  included 
in  the  parish  of  St.  Mary,  Carlin- 
ville,  and  those  to  the  west  belonged 
to  the  parish  of  St.  Michael,  Green- 
field. They  were  entirely  of  Irish  na- 
tionality. Among  the  first  settlers 
were  the  McAlineys,  Costellos,  Reding- 
tons,  Lambs,  Flanagans  and  Cruises. 

The  distance  from  the  church, 
eleven  or  twelve  miles  on  either  side, 
caused  them  to  decide  to  erect  a 
church  of  their  own  at  the  little  vil- 
lage of  IIagaman.  Father  Francis 
Kehoe,  at  this  time  living  at  Green- 
field, and  having  charge  of  St.  Mich- 
ael, Greenfield,  and  St.  Sebastian  at 
Waverly,  erected  the  church  of  St. 
Catherine  in  the  year  1905.  Very 
Reverend  Timothy  Hickey,  V.G.,  pre- 
sided at  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone 
on  August  16,  1905.  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  dedicated 
the  church  and  administered  Con- 
firmation July  28,  1907. 

At  the  time  of  the  erection  of  St. 
Catherine  Church  there  were  about 
thirty-five  families  in  the  new  parish. 
Father  Kehoe  continued  to  minister 
to  the  people  of  Hagaman  until  Octo- 
ber, 1907.  Reverend  Patrick  R.  Mc- 
Aulay  succeeded  and  attended  St. 
Catherine  from  Waverly  until  Octo- 
ber,  1912.     Father  McAulay   in   his 


time  acquired  the  ground  for  the 
Catholic  Cemetery  now  in  use.  Next 
followed  Reverend  Lawrence  C.  Ryan, 
who  was  in  charge  from  October, 
3912,  to  May,  1919,  Reverend  Amos  E. 
Giusti  from  May,  1919,  to  December, 
1922;  Reverend  Edmund  Butler  from 
December,  1922,  to  December,  1924. 

On  September  7,  1924,  Bishop  Grif- 
fin made  his  first  official  visit  to  the 
parish  and  administered  Confirma- 
tion to  twenty-one  children.  He  was 
attended  by  Reverend  Michael  A. 
Tarrent,  Chancellor,  Springfield ;  Rev. 
Michael  Enright,  Greenfield ;  Rever- 
end David  Scully,  Granite  City;  Rev- 
erend Andrew  Robinson  and  the  rec- 
tor, Reverend  Edmund  Butler. 

While  Hagaman  was  being  served 
from  Waverly,  it  was  possible  to  have 
Mass  only  on  alternate  Sundays.  In 
order  that  better  service  be  provided 
for  the  people,  Bishop  Griffin  in  De- 
cember, 1924,  ordered  that  the  Haga- 
man congregation  be  served  from 
Greenfield.  So  on  the  first  Sunday 
of  December,  1924,  Reverend  Michael 
Enright  of  Greenfield  took  charge  of 
Hagaman  and  Holy  Mass  is  now 
offered  every  Sunday. 

The  Hagaman  congregation  is  made 
up  entirely  of  farmers.  Through  the 
years  of  St.  Catherine  parish,  there 
has  existed  among  the  people  a  splen- 
did spirit  of  devotion  to  their  church 
and  Holy  Faith,  as  well  as  a  spirit  of 
steadfast  loyalty  to  the  clergy. 


Church  op  the  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1905. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Timothy  Smith. 


In  response  to  an  earnest  appeal  by 
some  resident  Catholics  at  Divernon, 
Reverend  Joseph  O'Connor,  then  at 
Auburn,  went  to  Divernon  and  said 
Mass  in  Wells  Hall  July  5,  1903,  this 
being  the  first  Mass  celebrated  in  the 
village.  For  six  months  Father 
O'Connor,  then  assistant  at  Auburn, 
attended  the  spiritual  needs  of  the 


Catholics  of  Divernon,  after  which, 
owing  to  the  illness  of  his  brother, 
Reverend  J.  O'Connor,  he  was  forced 
to  discontinue,  hence  no  Mass  was 
said  until  June,  1904. 

When  Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  churches 
of  Auburn  and  Glenarm,  his  first 
thoughts  turned  to  the  spiritual  needs 


484 


Divernon-  -Sacred   Heart   Church,    Rev.    Timothy   smith.    Pastor,    Rectory  .  .  .   Villa 
Grove — Sacred  Heart  Church,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  Church,  Springfield,  Rev.  John  Gzuber- 
kis,  former  Pastor.  Iter.  Ignatius  Kershevich,  former  Pastor.  Rev.  8.  <>.   Yunker,  Pastoi 
.  .  .  Batchtoum — Rev.  J.  L.  Marley,  Pastor,  Rectory  and  St.   Barbara's  chunk   .    .    . 
Medora — St.  John's  Church. 


ttLUBB.lBY 

Gf  Iht 

UNIVERSITY  OF  1LUWMS 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


of  the  Catholics  of  Divernon,  who 
were  without  any  fixed  place  of  wor- 
ship. Father  Ryan  obtained  an  ex- 
clusive lease  of  Wells  Hall  and  said 
Mass  there  once  every  month  until 
Reverend  John  J.  Enright  was  ap- 
pointed assistant,  from  which  date 
the  people  had  the  privilege  of  Mass 
more  or  less  every  Sunday  until  No- 
vember 1,  1915. 

Benediction  of  the  most  Blessed 
Sacrament  was  given  at  Wells  Hall 
for  the  first  time  May  20;  1905. 

The  first  trustees  of  the  new  con- 
gregation were  Messrs.  J.  R.  Abell 
and  Thomas  Hill,  one  of  whom  has 
gone  to  his  reward.  The  other,  J.  R. 
Abell,  still  remains  the  faithful  pi- 
oneer of  Sacred  Heart  Church. 

In  1910  steps  were  taken  for  the 
erection  of  a  church  edifice  to  be 
called  the  Sacred  Heart  Church. 
Ground  was  secured,  a  concrete 
foundation  and  basement  walls  were 
constructed  by  the  most  beloved  and 
venerated  pastor,  Reverend  Dennis  J. 
Ryan.  September  30,  1910,  saw  the 
basement  completed  and  covered  with 
a  temporary  roof.  Here  the  Diver- 
non congregation  had  regular  services 
during  the  winter  and  the  following 
spring. 

Sunday  afternoon,  May  15,  1911, 
was  the  date  set  for  the  cornerstone 
laying,  at  which  Very  Reverend  Tim- 
othy Hickey,  V.G.,  officiated  and 
preached  a  very  appropriate  sermon 
to  one  of  the  largest  congregations 
ever  assembled  in  Divernon.  The  ex- 
ercises were  attended  by  large  dele- 
gations from  Springfield  and  neigh- 
boring villages.  In  the  morning  the 
former  venerated  pastor  of  Auburn, 
Reverend  Michael  J.  Davis,  sang 
High  Mass,  at  which  Reverend  John 
Joseph  Driscoll  gave  an  eloquent  dis- 
course on  the  beauty  of  the  Catholic 
Church. 

October  1,  1911,  the  present  struc- 
ture was  completed  at  a  cost  of 
$12,000,  which  stands  today  as  a 
beautiful  monument  to  the  zeal  and 
indomitable  energy  of  Reverend 
Dennis  J.  Ryan  and  the  pioneer 
Catholics  of  Divernon. 


The  following  year,  September  1, 
1912,  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan, 
D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Alton,  dedicated  the 
new  church.  November  1,  1913, 
Father  Ryan  was  promoted  to  the 
important  parish  of  Granite  City, 
after  a  fruitful  pastorate  of  nine 
years  over  the  parishes  of  Auburn, 
Glenarm  and  Divernon. 

November  1,  1913,  Reverend  Daniel 
J.  Quinn  succeeded  Father  Ryan  and 
had  charge  of  the  above  named 
churches  until  October  15,  1919,  when 
Reverend  Patrick  J.  Fox  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Divernon  and  Glenarm. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1920,  prep- 
arations were  made  for  the  erection 
and  furnishing  of  the  present  fine  and 
commodious  new  rectory  which  was 
completed  before  the  end  of  the  year 
at  a  cost  of  a  little  over  $14,000.00. 
Today  the  Sacred  Heart  Church  prop- 
erty is  the  pride  of  the  Catholic  peo- 
ple of  Divernon  and  Glenarm,  a  mon- 
ument to  their  zeal  and  generosity. 

May  1,  1924,  pastor  and  people 
turned  their  attention  to  the  church 
which  needed  some  repairs,  hence  a 
new  asbestos  roof,  painting  the  ex- 
terior, frescoing  the  interior  together 
with  some  other  minor  repairs  con- 
stituted the  improvements  for  the 
year  at  a  cost  of  $3,000.00. 

September  14,  1924,  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  made 
his  first  episcopal  visitation  of  the 
parish  and  confirmed  a  large  class  of 
ninety-seven,  composed  of  various 
nationalities.  It  is  pleasant  to  recall 
that  on  that  occasion  the  Protestants 
of  Divernon  joined  their  Catholic 
townsmen  in  extending  the  Bishop  an 
enthusiastic  welcome,  thus  exhibiting 
a  fine  spirit  of  good  will. 

At  the  end  of  the  year  1925,  the 
pastor  and  people  were  rejoiced  to 
have  two  new  beautiful  side  altars 
added  to  the  church  at  a  cost  of  about 
$620.00. 

Rev.  Timothy  Smith,  for  several 
years  past  assistant  at  St.  Agnes, 
Springfield,  is  now  pastor  of  Sacred 
Heart,  Divernon.    He  succeeded  Rev- 


4  s:. 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


erend    Patrick    Fox,    who   was    pro- 
moted to  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling,  on 


the  death  of  Father  Joseph  O'Rourke, 
which  occurred  in  March,  1927. 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Villa  Grove,  Douglas  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1906. 
Present  Pastor  :    Reverend  August  Hohl. 


Villa  Grove,  Douglas  County,  is  a 
thriving  industrial  city  with  a  popu- 
lation of  three  thousand.  Not  so 
many  years  ago  it  was  only  a  small 
village,  but  with  the  coming  of  the 
Chicago  and  Eastern  railroad  shops, 
it  was  given  a  strong  impetus  to  ex- 
pansion. Today  there  is  a  fine  pros- 
pect of  a  larger  and  more  prosperous 
Villa  Grove  in  the  not  distant  future. 

When  Father  Quattman  was  sent 
to  Tuscola  in  June,  1906.  Right  Rev- 
erend James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Alton,  instructed  him  to  build  a 
church  at  Villa  Grove  to  take  care  of 
the  few  Catholic  families  residing 
there  and  in  the  immediate  neighbor- 
hood. Father  Quatmann  cheerfully 
undertook  the  task  and,  in  the  mean- 
time, until  the  church  could  be  built, 
served  the  needs  of  the  parish  by 
having  Mass  every  Sunday  and 
Holyday  at  the  opera  house  where  a 
temporary  altar  had  been  erected. 

The  brothers,  Frank  and  Bernard 
Hessler,  donated  two  lots  as  a  suitable 
site  for  the  new  church.  A  collection 
was  started  and  before  the  year  was 
ended  the  parish  had  the  satisfaction 
of  worshipping  in  their  own  church — 
a  commodious  frame  structure  which 
still  does  service.  The  new  congrega- 
tion consists  of  about  thirty  families 
at  this  time. 

Mass  is  now  said  every  Sunday  and 
Holyday  at  Sacred  Hear*  and  once 
during  the  week.  Since  its  inception 
the  congregation  has  steadily  grown 
and  now  numbers  fifty  families. 

On  Father  Quattman 's  promotion 
to  Sigel  in  1917,    Reverend    August 


Hohl  succeeded  him  as  pastor  of  Tus- 
cola from  which  place  he  continued  to 
minister  to  the  spiritual  needs  of  the 
Villa  Grove  congregation. 

Under  Father  Hold's  direction  a 
beautiful  new  location  has  been 
bought  for  $3,450,  awaiting  the  day 
when  a  resident  priest  will  be  sent  to 
build  a  parsonage  and  perhaps,  a 
combination  church  and  school. 

Besides  paying  for  the  lots  above 
mentioned,  the  church  has  a  few  thou- 
sand dollars  in  their  building  fund  to 
which  they  are  enthusiastically  add- 
ing. The  present  trustees  are  Aug- 
ust Held  and  John  Kleiss. 

The  people  are  for  the  most  part  of 
German  and  Irish  extraction,  with  a 
sprinkling  of  Bohemian.  About  half 
are  railroad  men,  the  other  half  being 
farmers  and  business  men.  The  Cath- 
olics of  Villa  Grove  are  leaders  in  the 
endeavor  to  promote  a  wholesome 
community  spirit  and  good  citizen- 
ship, and  some  of  them  hold  influen- 
tial places  in  the  city's  affairs.  Their 
service  flag,  during  the  late  war,  had 
nine  stars  as  the  quota  sent  out  at  the 
country's  call. 

In  1924  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  lately  consecrated  Bishop, 
visited  Villa  Grove  mission  for  the 
first  time  and  administered  the  Sac- 
rament of  Confirmation  to  a  large 
class.  On  that  occasion  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  was  given  a  most 
enthusiastic  welcome  and  his  inspir- 
ing words  made  a  deep  impression  on 
all  those  who  had  the  good  fortune  to 
be  present. 


Church  of  St.  Vincent  De  Paul,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1906. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Stanislaus  0.  Yunker. 


St.  Vincent  de  Paul  is  the  only  Na- 
tional    Lithuanian     parish     in     the 


Springfield  Diocese.     The  first  Lithu- 
anian   immigrants    came    to    Spring- 


486 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


field  in  the  late  nineties  of  the  last 
century  attracted  by  the  boom  in  coal 
mining  which  then  existed  in  Spring- 
field. In  1901  there  were  about  twen- 
ty families.  Their  numbers  were  too 
few  to  establish  a  parish  of  their  own, 
and  yet  not  being  able  to  speak  the 
English  language,  other  churches 
could  not  satisfactorily  attend  to  their 
spiritual  needs.  In  the  same  year  they 
established  a  fraternal  benefit  society 
— St.  Joseph's.  Members  of  this  or- 
ganization affiliated  themselves  with 
the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, and  through  the  influence 
and  assistance  of  the  pastor,  Very 
Reverend  Timothy  Hickey,  they  ob- 
tained a  Lithuanian  priest,  Father 
John  Bukavetzkas  who  came  to 
Springfield  in  1903.  After  a  short 
time  he  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Dumsa  who  continued  to  minister  to 
the  needs  of  the  Lithuanians  in  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion. In  1905  Father  Dumsa  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Father  Malinowski.  By  this 
time  there  were  about  200  Lithuanian 
families  in  the  city,  yet  little  prog- 
ress had  been  made  toward  establish- 
ing their  own  parish. 

In  1906  Father  Malinowski,  with 
the  aid  of  Father  Hickey,  organized 
the  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  parish.  This 
same  year  two  lots  were  purchased  at 
the  corner  of  Eighth  Street  and  Enos 
Avenue.  The  choice  of  location  had 
caused  many  heated  discussions  in 
fact,  it  had  postponed  the  erection  of 
the  church  for  several  years.  The 
reason  for  this  was  that  the  Lithu- 
anians had  settled  in  all  four  extremi- 
ties of  the  city  and  each  section  de- 
sired the  church  in  its  own  district. 
The  final  agreement  was  to  select  a 
centrally  located  place  and  as  a  re- 
sult the  present  location  was  chosen, 
it  being  about  equally  distant  from 
the  Lithuanians  living  east,  west, 
north  and  south.  In  1909  Father 
Malinowski  was  succeeded  by  Father 
Czuberkis.  He  came  to  this  parish 
from  Scotland  at  the  solicitation  of  a 
number  of  parishioners.  During  the 
next  ten  years  he  accomplished  much 


by  improving  the  church  property 
and  reducing  the  debt. 

In  1919  Father  Czuberkis  left  the 
diocese  and  Bishop  Ryan  appointed 
Father  Ignatius  Kershevich,  the  first 
Diocesan  Lithuanian  priest.  Through 
his  untiring  zeal  and  efforts,  Father 
Kershevich  succeeded  in  a  few  years 
in  clearing  off  the  church  debt.     In 

1924  he  purchased  two  additional 
houses  with  the  object  in  view  of  hav- 
ing some  day  a  parochial  school.     In 

1925  he  began  to  remodel  the  rectory, 
when,  in  the  midst  of  that  undertak- 
ing, he  met  an  untimely  death  as  a 
result  of  an  operation.  Father  Ker- 
shevich died  November  20,  1925,  at 
St.  John's  Hospital,  after  an  illness 
of  two  weeks.  During  his  six  years  at 
St.  Vincent  de  Paul  he  accomplished 
a  great  work  and  no  higher  tribute 
can  be  paid  him  than  that  by  Bishop 
Griffin  who  said  at  his  funeral  Mass, 
' '  He  was  a  true  hero. ' ' 

On  December  1,  1925,  Bishop  Grif- 
fin appointed  Father  Stanislaus  O. 
Yunker  pastor  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul 
Church.  It  was  left  for  Father 
Yunker  to  complete  the  remodeling 
and  furnishing  of  the  rectory  and  the 
renovation  of  the  church.  Since  his 
coming,  Father  Yunker  received  the 
whole-hearted  co-operation  of  the 
parishioners  and  with  their  aid  he  was 
able  to  pay  for  the  various  improve- 
ments as  they  were  being  made.  The 
result  is,  that  today  (January  1, 
1926)  the  church  property,  valued  at 
about  $40,000.00,  stands  free  of  debt. 

In  1925  the  parish  had  two  sundred 
forty-nine  families  —  approximately 
nine  hundred  fifty  souls — nearly  all 
of  whom  are  employed  in  the  local 
coal  mines.  In  that  year  there  were 
seventeen  marriages  and  sixty-one 
baptisms.  These  figures  are  taken 
from  the  1925  annual  parish  report. 

The  pressing  need  of  the  parish  at 
the  present  time  is  a  Catholic  grade 
school  to  take  care  of  the  great  num- 
ber of  children.  The  pastor  and  the 
people  are  working  earnestly  towards 
the  realization  of  this  laudable  end 
and  soon  hope  to  erect  a  school  where 


487 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


the  children  of  the  parish  may  receive 
a  pood  Christian  education. 

The  parish  has  the  following  organ- 
ized societies,  namely,  St.  Joseph's, 
St.  Vincent's  Knights  of  Lithuanian, 
Lithuanian  Roman  Catholic  Alliance, 
and  Alliance  of  Catholic  Women. 
These  parish  and  branch  organiza- 
tions do  splendid  work  along  their  in- 
dividual lines. 

The  congregation  is    served    by    a 


large  male  choir  with  a  full  time  and 
very  capable  organist.  The  church 
services  are  carried  out  with  a  full 
liturgy.  The  present  pastor  provides 
many  special  services  yearly,  which 
attract  favorable  notice  on  the  part  of 
the  local  newspapers.  The  congrega- 
tion is  planning  on  many  improve- 
ments in  the  near  future,  as  soon  as 
the  present  unfavorable  industrial 
situation  improves. 


Church  of  St.  Barbara,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1909. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Francis  S.  Mazir. 


It  was  May  11,  1909,  when  the 
Slovenians  of  Springfield  first  met  for 
the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Slovenian 
Church  Building  Association  (Slo- 
vensko  Cerkveno  Stavbeno  Drustvo). 
The  following  thirty-seven  members 
promised  to  pay  fifty  cents  or  more 
a  month  toward  the  fund :  John  Pe- 
ternel,  Michael  Ushman,  Frank  Ger- 
movsek,  John  Petkovsek,  Anton  Bre- 
san,  Anton  Kuznik,  Matt  Germovsek, 
Jernej  Mlaker,  Frank  Grabner,  Frank 
Sercel,  Vincenc  Peternel,  Frank 
Kuznik,  Matt  Rancigaj,  Anton  Zaubi, 
Joe  Ushman,  Rev.  F.  Sustersic,  Joe 
Kren,  John  Diksen,  Frank  Kmet, 
John  Potrebujes,  Jacob  Kuznik,  Joe 
Grobelink,  Frank  Beg,  Bartel  Vrh, 
Joe  Kambus,  Anton  Zupancic,  Frank 
Bucar,  John  Klopcic,  John  Persina, 
and  John  Zauher. 

Michael  Ushman  was  elected  presi- 
dent of  the  Association.  Joseph  J. 
Kren  was  elected  Secretary;  Anton 
Kuznik,  Treasurer.  Jernej  Mlaker, 
John  Klopcic,  Blase  Ushman  and 
John  Zauher  were  elected  collectors. 

The  two  room  Isles  school  building 
at  Fifteenth  and  Laurel  Streets,  with 
the  adjoining  lot  was  purchased  from 
the  school  board  for  $600.  The  build- 
ing was  remodeled  and  used  as  a 
church  under  the  direction  of  Rever- 
end Albin  Moder,  a  young  Slovenian 
priest,  who,  upon  permission  of  Bishop 
Ryan,  of  Alton,  Illinois,  took  up  his 
residence  with  Father  Charles  Kreck- 
enberg,  at  that  time  pastor  of  Sacred 


Heart  Church,  at  Twelfth  Street  and 
Lawrence  Avenue. 

At  a  meeting  held  January  26, 
1911,  it  was  decided  that  a  Slovenian 
parish  be  organized.  Father  Moder 
with  Bartel  Mlaker  and  John  Zauher 
were  delegated  to  present  the  petition 
to  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  Alton.  Bishop  Ryan  was 
pleased  to  grant  permission  for  the 
establishment  of  St.  Barbara's  Slo- 
venian parish,  and  gave  Father 
Moder  the  necessary  faculties  as  the 
first  resident  pastor  of  the  new 
church. 

On  January  29,  1911,  another 
meeting  of  the  parishioners  was  held. 
A  board  of  trustees  was  elected  with 
Blase  Ushman  as  president  and  John 
Peternel  as  secretary.  Each  member 
of  the  new  parish  agreed  to  pay  $1.00 
a  month  for  church  support. 

St.  Barbara  Church  was  dedicated 
on  April  23,  1911,  by  Very  Reverend 
Timothy  Hickey,  pastor  of  the  church 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  and 
Vicar  General  of  the  diocese.  Father 
Moder  resigned  in  October,  1912. 
Father  Wubbe,  assistant  at  St.  John 's 
hospital,  supplied  during  the  vacancy. 

On  March  30,  1913,  Reverend 
Frank  Saloven,  a  Slovenian  priest 
took  up  his  duties  as  pastor  at  St. 
Barbara,  continuing  the  missionary 
work  of  his  predecessor  with  zeal.  He 
felt  the  necessity  of  a  parish  school, 
and  soon  erected  a  two  room  school 
building  for  $6,000.00.     Father  Salo- 


488 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


ven  resigned  in  October,  1914,  to  go 
to  a  larger  field. 

Again  Father  Wubbe  took  care  of 
St.  Barbara  church  for  six  months. 
On  March  18,  1915,  Reverend  Francis 
Mazir  was  appointed  pastor.  In  1916 
Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  from 
Nazareth  Home  in  Alton,  Illinois,  re- 
placed the  lay  catechists  in  St.  Barb- 
ara 's  school.  In  a  few  years  the  num- 
ber of  children  in  the  school  had 
reached  almost  two  hundred. 

In  1918  it  became  necessary  to  give 
the  good  Sisters  a  suitable  home.  Ac- 
cordingly it  was  decided  to  erect  a 
pastoral  residence  and  give  the  Sis- 
ters the  rectory.  Bishop  Ryan  ap- 
proved the  plans.  The  present  beau- 
tiful rectory  was  built  and  furnished 
at  a  cost  of  $14,000.  The  same  year 
three  additional  lots  on  Fourteenth 
and  Laurel  Streets,  and  a  four  room 
house  to  serve  as  a  dwelling  for  the 
sexton,  were  purchased  for  $2,900. 

In  1919,  the  first  eighth  grade 
graduates  went  forth  from  St.  Barb- 
ara school.  They  were  :  Mary  Zupan- 
cic,  Mary  Potrebujes  and  Clara 
Zaubi.  Dominican  Sisters  replaced 
the  Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  in 
1924. 

At  a  parish  meeting  held  on  April 
26,  1925,  it  was  decided  to  erect  an 
auditorium,  equipped  with  a  stage, 
hall  room  and  kitchen.  The  building 
was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $11,000.  It 
was  opened  August  2,  1925.  The 
parish  report  for  this  year  shows  re- 
ceipts to  the  amount  of  $9,348.27. 

The  parish  property  consists  now 
of  almost  a  city  block,  with  church, 
school,  rectory,  sisters'  house,  audi- 
torium, and  sexton 's  home.  The  valu- 
ation of  the  property  is  $70,000, 
with  $20,000  liabilities. 

On  July  26,  1927,  Reverend  Ernest 
A.  Burtle  was  appointed  administra- 
tor of  St.  Barbara  parish  during  the 
absence  of  the  pastor,  Reverend  Fran- 
cis S.  Mazir,  who  had  left  the  Sun- 
day previous  for  a  visit  to  his  parents 
in  Jugo-Slavia. 

Realizing  the  good  that  comes  from 
contact  with  the  people  particularly 


with  the  children,  Father  Burtle  a 
few  days  after  his  arrival  at  St. 
Barbara,  got  in  touch  with  the 
Springfield  Playground  and  Recrea- 
tion Commission,  and  arranged  to 
have  the  extensive  grounds  belonging 
to  the  parish  turned  into  a  public 
playground  for  evening  recreation 
for  young  and  old.  Accordingly, 
volley  balls,  indoor  baseballs,  horse- 
shoes and  paraphernalia  for  other 
games  were  provided.  The  Commis- 
sion sent  two  instructors  to  the  play- 
ground on  Monday,  Wednesday  and 
Friday  evenings  of  each  week  to 
supervise  the  play — a  man  for  the 
men  and  boys,  a  woman  for  the 
women  and  girls.  The  playground 
was  opened  each  evening  except  Sun- 
day, with  the  men  of  the  parish  taking 
turns  in  acting  as  overseers.  The 
grounds  were  beautifully  lighted,  and 
provided  a  nightly  rendezvous  for 
young  and  old  of  all  creeds  and  na- 
tionalities. 

Teams  in  the  various  games  were 
formed  and  prizes  offered  in  com- 
petitive contests.  Some  games  were 
played  with  teams  from  other  pla;r- 
grounds.  St.  Barbara  baseball  team 
holds  second  place  in  the  Holy  Name 
League  (1927). 

With  the  temporal  welfare  of  the 
the  children  cared  for,  Father  Burtle 
began  looking  more  carefully  into  the 
spiritual.  This  was  difficult  because 
of  the  large  territory  of  the  parish, 
which  includes  not  only  the  Slove- 
nians who  for  the  most  part  live  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  church,  but  also 
the  Slovaks  who  reside  principally  at 
Ridgley.  Father  Burtle  sought  the 
aid  of  the  Catholic  Instruction 
League.  The  result  was  that  instead 
of  centering  his  efforts  upon  the  mem- 
bers of  his  parish  only,  he  under  the 
guidance  of  Father  Cahill,  head  of 
the  League,  and  with  the  aid  of  the 
catechists  of  the  League,  began  giv- 
ing catechetical  instruction  in  six  dif- 
ferent centers  to  Catholic  children  of 
all  nationalities. 

On  Sunday,  July  31,  a  three  day 
mission  for  all  the  children  under  in- 


489 


DIOCESE   OK    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


struction  opened  at  St.  Barbara  with 
a  solemn  field  Mass  celebrated  under 
a  huge  tent  on  the  playground.  Five 
hundred  children  attended.  Father 
Burtle  was  celebrant  of  the  Mass. 
Father  (. 'ah ill  was  sub-deacon.  The 
deacon  was  Reverend  John  Gerst, 
S.J.,  of  St.  Louis  University,  who  also 
preached  the  sermon. 

Father  Gerst  with  his  companion, 
Reverend  J.  L.  Scott,  S.J.,  of  Rock- 
hurst  College,  Kansas  City,  Kansas, 
conducted  the  mission.  No  little  aid 
was  given  by  the  catechists  of  the 
Catholic  Instruction  League.  The 
children  were  brought  to  St.  Barbara 
each  day  in  busses.  The  average  at- 
tendance during  the  mission  was 
about  400.  The  closing  ceremony 
took  place  Thursday  morning  with 
two  hundred  going  to  Holy  Com- 
munion, several  for  the  first  time. 
Many  others  made  their  first  con- 
fession during  the  mission.  Fourteen 
of  the  children  were  baptized.  Prac- 
tically every  home  was  visited  before 
the  mission. 

Among  the  nationalities  represent- 
ed were  the  following :  Irish,  Scotch, 
German,  Italian,  Slovak,  Slovenian, 
English,  Lithuanian,  Croatian, 
French,  Negro,  Portugese,  Polish, 
Hungarian,  Belgian,  Spanish,  and 
Austrian.  After  the  mission  the  in- 
struction continued  in  the  centers. 
Another  gala  day  is  being  planned  for 
St.  Barbara — the  administration  of 
the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation  to  the 
children  in  the  instruction  centers. 

It  is  planned  to  hold  classes  for 
adults  seeking  to  refresh  their  mem- 
ories on  their  religion.    Americaniza- 


tion classes  were  conducted  by  Father 
Burtle,  in  which  aid  was  given  those 
learning  English,  or  who  desired  to 
take  out  naturalization  papers. 

With  the  aid  of  the  men  and  women 
of  the  parish  who  willingly  donated 
their  labor,  Father  Burtle  was  able  to 
do  several  hundred  dollars  worth  of 
material  improving  on  the  school  and 
grounds.  The  whole  interior  of  the 
school  was  painted. 

Registration  on  September  1,  1927, 
resulted  in  a  slight  increase  over  the 
preceding  year.  The  new  auditorium 
was  opened  for  use  as  a  class  room. 

From  the  day  of  the  establishment 
of  St.  Barbara  parish,  not  a  little  an- 
noyance for  priest  and  people  came 
from  sources  usually  attributed  as 
socialistic.  Whatever  be  the  real 
cause  of  the  disturbances,  it  is  evi- 
dent that  the  Catholic  traditions  of 
old  Austria  and  her  neighboring 
provinces,  were  often  absorbed  by  the 
propaganda  of  agents,  broadcasted  by 
word,  more  often  and  effectively  by 
the  foreign  language  press. 

Being  poor,  often  uneducated,  find- 
ing few  to  sympathize  with  their  lot, 
and  to  preach  the  dignity  of  labor, 
many  easily  fell  victims  of  the  false 
economic  doctrines  larded  so  taste- 
fully in  the  columns  of  many  foreign 
language  newspapers.  The  routine  of 
the  shop  and  mine  must  have  its  re- 
action. And  this  reaction  will  not  be 
for  the  better,  unless  the  principles  of 
justice  and  charity  are  made  to  shine 
forth  in  social  relations  by  the  church 
and  by  the  state — the  former  true 
friend  of  the  workingman — the  latter, 
sometimes  missing  that  role. 


Church  of  St.  Barbara,  Batchtown,  Calhoun  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1909. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Jerome  Marley. 


At  the  early  dawn  of  the  nineteenth 
century  the  Catholics  west  of  the  di- 
viding ridge  talked  of  building  a 
church  in  the  village  of  Batchtown. 
Realizing  that  the  number  of  Catho- 
lics was  not  small  in  this  section  of 
the  country,  they  gathered  up  enough 
courage  to  ask  Father  Wand    if    he 


would  not  come  and  say  Mass  once  a 
month,  and  he  gladly  consented  after 
consulting  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
James  Ryan.  The  Holy  Sacrifice  was 
offered  up  for  the  first  time  in  the  Old 
Rock  School  building,  and  when  they 
found  the  building  too  small  to  ac- 
commodate all  the  congregation,  they 


490 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


moved  their  place  of  worship  to  the 
Woodman  Hall.  After  remaining 
there  a  year  or  so,  they  again  moved 
to  the  Weishaupt  Hall  and  remained 
there  until  the  church  was  built  that 
is  now  occupied. 

In  the  meantime,  the  congregation, 
together  with  their  pastor,  Father 
"Wand,  appointed  two  trustees  and  a 
secretary  to  look  after  the  financial 
part  of  the  undertaking.  The  trustees 
were  the  late  Gasbert  Snyders  and 
John  Castleton,  the  secretary  being 
E.  J.  Canan.  Finally  in  the  year 
1909,  their  efforts  began  to  materialize 
and  their  longings  were  satisfied 
when  they  began  to  build  the  frame 
church  now  used  as  a  house  of  wor- 
ship. The  late  John  Eageny  of 
blessed  memory  was  the  one  chosen 
to  do  the  construction  work,  and  on 
Thanksgiving  Day,  1909,  the  corner- 
stone was  laid.  The  structure  was 
completed  about  August  1,  1910,  and 
was  dedicated  on  the  Feast  of  the  As- 
sumption of  our  Blessed  Mother, 
August  15,  1910.  The  church  was 
named  after  the  great  St.  Barbara, 
the  virgin  and  martyr  of  Nicomedia. 
The  pastor  of  the  congregation  chose 
this  patron  since  the  late  John  Simon 
told  them  he  would  donate  the  bell  if 
they  named  the  church  after  his  de- 
ceased wife's  patron,  St.  Barbara. 
Since  that  time  the  congregation  has 
nourished  under  the  guidance  and 
protection  of  this  virgin  and  martyr. 

The  church  is  in  the  village  of 
Batchtown,  and  Batchtown  is  located 
in  the  south  central  part  of  the 
county,  about  two  miles  from  the 
banks  of  the  Mississippi.  It  lies  in  a 
picturesque  section  of  the  country  all 
surrounded  by  orchards  and  grain 
producing  farms.  The  church  and  pas- 
toral residence  of  St.  Barbara  parish 
are  built  on  a  two  acre  tract  of  land 
lying  just  north  of  the  village  on 
Fourth  Street  near  the  Mississippi 
Scenic  Highway. 

The  ground  on  which  the  church 
property  is  located  is  a  gift  of  the 
Doctor  Douglas  heirs :  Mr.  Benjamin 
Douglas  and  his  sister.  What  makes 
the    congregation     appreciate    their 


generosity  all  the  more  was  the  fact 
that  the  Douglas  heirs  are  non-Catho- 
lics. However,  this  only  goes  to 
show  what  a  whole-hearted  class  of 
citizens  Calhoun  has,  and  especially 
the  citizens  in  and  near  the  vicinity 
of  Batchtown.  The  donors  of  our 
own  Faith  who  helped  to  make  this 
enterprise  a  lasting  one  were  men  of 
German,  Irish,  Dutch,  and  English 
extraction.  Most  of  their  forefathers 
came  from  Europe  with  the  exception 
of  the  Irish  element  and  they  came 
here  principally  from  New  Orleans. 
However,  it  matters  not  what  their 
nationalities  were,  they  had  one  thing 
in  common,  and  that  was  the  good 
Catholic  Faith,  and  this  is  the  reason 
why  they  started  the  church  in  Batch- 
town. 

The  first  pastor  who  helped  to  es- 
tablish St.  Barbara  parish  was  the 
good  Father  Wand.  He  came  here 
from  Meppen,  having  Batchtown  as  a 
mission,  for  the  first  time  in  1906,  and 
he  remained  here  and  at  Meppen  only 
about  six  months  after  the  church  was 
completed.  The  fall  of  1910,  he  re- 
signed as  pastor  of  Meppen  and 
Batchtown  and  went  west  in  search  of 
health.  He  is  at  present  located  in 
one  of  the  Oregon  dioceses.  Father 
Wand,  after  his  departure  in  the 
early  fall  of  1910,  was  succeeded  by 
Father  John  B.  Wardein. 

Father  Wardein  spent  about  nine 
years  at  Meppen,  coming  to  Batch- 
town  once  a  month,  and  during  his 
stay  at  St.  Barbara  parish,  he  did 
great  work  for  the  congregation  and 
for  the  good  of  the  Church  in  general. 
Every  now  and  then  we  can  hear  the 
words  of  praise  for  the  good  priest. 

Father  Wardein  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Stephen  C.  Schauwecher  who 
was  also  a  very  zealous  worker  among 
the  people  and  equally  loved  and  es- 
teemed by  all.  Father  Sehauwecker 
first  came  to  Meppen,  having  St. 
Barbara  as  a  mission,  on  June  1,  1919, 
and  he  traveled  over  all  sorts  of  roads 
the  same  as  his  predecessors  did  until 
Father  Jerome  Leo  Marley  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  resident  pastor  of  St. 
Barbara  parish,  June  29,  1924. 


491 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


When  Father  Marley  was  appoint- 
ed pastor  of  St.  Barbara  church,  the 
parish  was  without  a  priest's  resi- 
dence. However,  the  Bishop  told  the 
trustees  to  get  a  house,  but  as  they 
could  find  none  to  buy,  they  decided 
to  build  along  side  the  church.  This 
task  was  started  about  August  1, 
1924,  and  with  the  good  will  and  co- 
operation of  the  people  a  fine  modern 
eight-room,  two-story  house  was  erect- 
ed just  west  of  the  church.  The 
largest  donors  to  the  building  of  the 
parish  house  were  as  follows :  Mrs. 
Louisa  Johnes,  Geo.  Friedal,  Mrs. 
Anna  Snyders,  G.  K.  Snyders,  John 
Castleton,  Anton  Snyders,  Sr.,  Anton 


Schulte,  Nick  Seimer,  John  Simon, 
Wm.  Castleton,  Mrs.  Anna  Castleton, 
Albert  Snyders,  Andrew  Snyders, 
and  then  there  were  others  who  did 
equally  well  according  to  their  means. 

The  first  person  to  be  baptized  in 
the  church  was  Eveline  Castleton ;  the 
first  to  be  married,  Joseph  Klocken- 
kemper  and  Emma  Kroner,  and  the 
first  to  be  buried  in  the  new  cemetery, 
Gasbert  Snyders. 

St.  Barbara  parish  has  not  only 
done  her  duty  to  the  Church  but  has 
also  performed  her  civic  duty  equally 
well,  a  fact  demonstrated  during  the 
World  War  by  the  number  of  soldiers 
that  went  to  fight  for  their  country. 


Church  of  the  Visitation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  Alexander, 

Morgan  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1909. 

Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Francis  A.  Lucius. 


Alexander,  a  little  town  of  three 
hundred  inhabitants,  is  situated  on 
the  Wabash  railroad,  twenty-four 
miles  west  of  Springfield,  in  the  heart 
of  a  fertile  corn-raising  country. 
Hard  road  No.  10  passes  through  it, 
thus  giving  easy  access  to  the  larger 
neighboring  cities  of  Springfield  and 
Jacksonville. 

The  few  Catholics  in  and  around 
Alexander  prior  to  its  institution  as 
a  separate  parish,  were  first  attached 
to  New  Berlin  and  later  to  Franklin. 
In  the  Spring  of  1908,  the  faithful  of 
Alexander  petitioned  Right  Reverend 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  then 
Alton  Diocese,  for  permission  to  erect 
a  church  in  Alexander.  They  felt 
that  the  journey  to  Franklin  was  long 
and  difficult,  and  they  were  confident 
in  their  ability,  as  an  organized  con- 
gregation, to  build  and  support  a 
church  of  their  own.  These  reasons 
were  no  doubt  the  deciding  factors 
in  their  petitioning  the  Bishop  to  es- 
tablish a  separate  parish  with  a  resi- 
dent priest.  On  being  shown  good 
cause,  the  Bishop  granted  their  re- 
quest and  authorized  Reverend  Wil- 
liam Weigand,  then  stationed  at  New 
Berlin,  to  organize  a  new  parish  and 
build  a  suitable  church  at  Alexander. 


Work  was  begun  on  the  new  church 
in  1909,  but  was  temporarily  halted 
by  the  strong  objections  of  the  Frank- 
lin people  who  claimed  that  the  es- 
tablishment of  this  new  congregation 
resulted  in  an  unfair  and  detrimental 
dismemberment  of  the  Franklin  par- 
ish. Their  objections,  however,  were 
finally  over-ruled  after  a  careful  an- 
alysis by  the  higher  authorities,  and 
so  work  was  again  resumed  and  the 
building  completed  early  in  1910. 

January  16,  of  that  same  year, 
Father  Weigand  said  the  first  Mass  in 
the  new  edifice  now  bearing  the  name 
of  the  Church  of  the  Visitation.  The 
name  Visitation  was  chosen  because 
it  was  on  the  second  of  July  Father 
Weigand  received  a  letter  from 
Bishop  Ryan,  appointing  him  organ- 
izer of  the  parish  and  superintendent 
of  the  building  of  the  church  in  Alex- 
ander. 

During  the  year  1910  Mass  was  said 
every  Sunday  by  the  assistants  of 
New  Berlin,  Reverends  Oscar  Wernet 
and  Francis  A.  Lucius.  On  January 
1,  1911,  Father  Lucius  was  appointed 
resident  pastor,  and  took  up  his  resi- 
dence in  the  priest's  home  which  had 
been  built  and  furnished  during  1910. 
He  is  still  the  incumbent. 


492 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Bishop  Ryan  visited  the  parish  on 
June  30,  1912,  to  dedicate  the  church 
and  administer  the  Sacrament  of  Con- 
firmation. On  that  occasion  he 
preached  an  inspiring  sermon  which 
is  still  remembered  by  those  who 
heard  it. 

The  church  is  located  in  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  village,  on  ground 
donated  by  Joseph  Kumle,  directly  on 


the  hard  road,  Route  No.  10.  It  is 
built  of  brick  and  well  equipped,  and 
has  a  seating  capacity  of  two  hundred 
fifty.  Though  large  for  the  original 
congregation,  it  is  now  well  filled,  as 
the  parish  has  grown  from  thirty-five 
families  to  over  fifty. 

During  the  late  war,  Alexander 
sent  about  thirty  boys  to  the  service; 
of  these,  eleven  were  Catholics. 


Church  of  St.  Valentine,  Bend,  Jasper  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1910. 

Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Bernard  Wubbe. 


St.  Valentine  Parish  is  situated  at 
the  Bend  in  Sainte  Marie  Township, 
Jasper  County,  Illinois.  Prior  to  1893 
the  Catholics  of  that  locality  were  af- 
filiated with  the  Assumption  Parish 
of  Sainte  Marie.  In  that  year  a  church 
was  built  in  Bend  at  the  suggestion 
of  Father  Peter  Virnich,  then  in 
charge  of  Sainte  Marie.  This  build- 
ing was  originally  intended,  and  for  a 
number  of  years  continued  to  be  so 
used,  as  a  chapel  of  ease  where  oc- 
casional services  could  be  held  when 
the  bottom  roads  would  be  impossible 
for  longer  journeys. 

In  the  year  1910  Father  Henry 
Prost  at  that  time  assistant  to  Father 
Virnich,  pointed  out  the  desirability 
of  a  separate  parish.  The  Bishop  be- 
ing petitioned  on  that  point  readily 
consented  and  appointed  Father 
Prost  as  the  first  resident  pastor.  A 
parish  home  had  already  been  erected 
out  of  a  fund  generously  established 
years  before  by  one  Valentine  Kraus 
in  view  of  such  eventualities.  About 
that  time  Jacob  Rennier.  one  of  the 
trustees,  donated  seven  acres  of  land 
for  church  purposes. 


In  1913  Father  Prost  joined  the 
Peoria  diocese.  His  successor  at  the 
Bend,  Reverend  Charles  Flori,  made 
some  much  needed  improvements. 
Father  Paul  Reinsfels,  the  next  pas- 
tor, did  not  remain  long,  being  suc- 
ceeded in  1920  by  the  Reverend  Fran- 
cis Albert  Meyrs,  who  remained  until 
his  death  in  May,  1926.  From  the 
latter 's  death  until  October,  1926, 
when  the  present  pastor,  Father 
Wubbe  assumed  charge,  the  parish 
was  attended  by  the  Sacred  Heart 
Fathers  from  Indiana.  During  his 
short  administration,  Father  Bernard 
Wubbe,  with  the  willing  and  generous 
aid  of  his  people,  has  noticeably 
furthered  the  spiritual  and  material 
interests  of  the  parish. 

True,  indeed,  the  parish  of  St.  Val- 
entine is  small  in  numbers,  having  but 
thirty-three  families  totaling  one  hun- 
dred nine  souls  in  all.  But  what  it 
lacks  in  quantity  it  more  than  makes 
up  for  in  quality.  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  Ordinary  of  the 
diocese,  visited  the  parish  in  1924, 
and  confirmed  a  class  of  twenty-one 
persons.  The  Bishop's  visit  was  made 
the  occasion  for  much  local  rejoicing. 


Church  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  Medora,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1911. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Patrick  J.  Malloy. 


The  Catholic  congregation  in  and 
around  the  little  town  of  Medora  was 
originally  a  part  of  St.  Francis 
Xavier  congregation,  Jerseyville. 
About  the  year    1910,    Father   John 


Joseph  Driscoll,  the  pastor  of  St. 
Francis,  realized  that  the  farmers 
around  Medora  found  it  well-nigh  im- 
possible to  attend  services  in  Jersey- 
ville. Consequently  a  hall  was  secured 


493 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


in  Medora  and  services  were  held 
there  occasionally  by  Father  Driscoll 
and  his  assistant,  Father  Michael  J. 
Mee.  In  1924  the  congregation  con- 
sisting of  about  twenty-five  families 
was  turned  over  to  Reverend  Dennis 
J.  0  'Brien  as  a  mission  to  be  attended 
from  Greenfield. 

In  the  meantime,  the  present  prop- 
erty had  been  secured  and  services 
were  then  held  in  the  residence  which 
stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  church. 
The  cornerstone  of  the  church  was 
laid  on  the  second  Sunday  of  Advent, 
December  6,  1914.  The  church  was 
completed  and  put  in  use  during  the 
early  part  of  1915,  but  was  not  dedi- 


cated until  September  9,  1917.  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  offici- 
ated at  the  dedication,  assisted  by  the 
pastor,  Reverend  Dennis  J.  O'Brien, 
and  Reverend  Daniel  J.  Higgins  of 
Bunker  Hill. 

On  November  1,  1920,  Father 
O'Brien  was  succeeded  as  pastor  of 
Greenfield  and  Medora  by  Reverend 
Michael  Costello,  who,  in  turn,  was 
succeeded  by  Reverend  Michael  En- 
right  on  July  1,  1922.  In  November, 
1924,  the  mission  of  Medora  was 
changed  from  Greenfield  to  Brighton. 
Services  are  now  conducted  every 
Sunday  by  the  present  pastor,  Rever- 
end Patrick  J.  Malloy. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Madison,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1912. 

Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  David  Scully. 


The  history  of  the  Church  of  St. 
Mary  in  Madison,  Illinois,  is  a  short 
but  varied  one.  In  1912  it  was  found- 
ed by  that  pioneer  priest  of  the  Illi- 
nois bottoms,  Reverend  Peter  Paul 
Kaenders,  who  was  then  pastor  of  St. 
Mark,  Venice,  Illinois. 

Father  Kaenders,  observing  the 
rapid  growth  and  the  influx  of  many 
European  peoples,  realized  that  if  the 
Catholic  interests  were  to  be  shep- 
herded a  church  must  be  built  m  that 
city.  Hence,  on  the  twelfth  of  July, 
1912,  the  contract  was  let  for  a  two- 
story  frame  building  to  be  built  at 
Tenth  and  L  Streets  for  the  modest 
sum  of  $8,265.00.  The  contract  was 
let  to  Markus  Voegel  of  Venice,  Illi- 
nois. 

On  account  of  the  large  number  of 
Polish  emigrants  in  Madison,  Father 
Kaenders  petitioned  Right  Reverend 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
Illinois,  to  appoint  his  assistant,  Rev- 
erend William  Wozniak  as  the  pastor 
of  the  new  parish  since  he  was 
familiar  with  the  customs  and  man- 
ners of  the  Slavish  races. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  1912  Bishop 
Ryan  appointed  the  following  trus- 
tees :  Father  Kaenders,  Adalbert  Las- 
koski,  and  Frank  Kowalski.  The  new 
two-story  frame  building,  containing 


parochial  residence,  two  class  rooms, 
and  church  with  a  seating  capacity  of 
two  hundred,  was  formally  opened  on 
Christmas  Day,  1912.  Father  Wos- 
niak  now  resumed  the  charge  as 
Polish  pastor  and  devoted  his  care  to 
the  Polish  people.  In  September, 
1913,  he  opened  the  two  class  rooms 
and  established  a  strong  Polish  school. 
The  school  was  under  the  care  of  the 
Polish  Franciscan  Sisters. 

During  the  first  three  years  (1913 
— 16)  of  his  pastorate,  Father  Woz- 
niak worked  hard  and  zealously  and 
succeeded  admirably. 

Shortly  afterwards,  dissensions 
arose  within  the  congregation  owing 
to  Polish  national  and  radical  leaders. 
The  people  became  divided  amongst 
themselves.  Factions  antagonistic  to 
one  another  were  established,  and  the 
pastor  found  it  difficult  to  receive  the 
co-operation  necessary.  Eventually 
the  school  was  closed  and  the  children 
found  it  necessary  to  receive  their 
education  in  the  public  school.  The 
parish  now  became  controlled  by  new 
lay  trustees  which  proved  to  be  a  det- 
riment both  to  the  financial  and  spir- 
itual progress  of  the  congregation. 
Recognizing  this  lack  of  co-operation, 
Father  Wozniak  resigned  as  pastor, 
in    October,    1924.     His    resignation 


494 


TIIE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


was  accepted  by  the  present  Bishop, 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  of  Springfield,  Illinois. 

Numbers  of  the  people  petitioned 
the  Bishop  for  a  priest  of  their  own 
nationality,  but  His  Lordship  having 
assured  them  that  he  had  no  Polish 
priest  in  the  Diocese,  it  was  agreed  to 
appoint  an  English-speaking  priest. 
Reverend  David  L.  Scully,  who  was 
then  assistant  at  St.  Joseph  Church, 
Granite  City,  Illinois,  and  Apostolic 
Missionary  of  the  Diocese,  was  ap- 
pointed to  take  charge  of  the  congre- 
gation of  St.  Mary  on  November  1, 
1924. 

Realizing  the  need  of  a  parochial 
school,  he  immediately  had  plans 
drawn  for  a  building  which  were  ap- 
proved by  the  Bishop.  The  ground 
was  broken  on  May  19,  1925,  for  a 
combination  brick  building,  modern 
in  every  detail.  The  building  contains 
nine  rooms  and  church  auditorium 
with  a  seating  capacity  of  four  hun- 
dred fifty.  It  was  built  at  a  cost  of 
$50,000.00,  and  was  opened  on  Sep- 
tember 1,  1925,  with  a  school  enroll- 
ment of  two  hundred  sixty-five.  The 
school  is  under  the  care  of  the  Sisters 
of  Divine  Providence  from  Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania,  who  are  noted 


for  their  achievements  in  educational 
and  social  work  in  many  of  the  east- 
ern states.  The  school  has  a  cosmo- 
politan aspect  representing  no  less 
than  eleven  different  nationalities. 

Since  the  building  of  the  new 
Church  of  St.  Mary,  the  congregation 
so  increased  that  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  appointed  Reverend  Anthony 
Tamolunas  to  assist  Father  Scully  in 
his  work  at  Madison. 

Reverend  Joseph  Labno,  a  newly  or- 
dained priest,  is  now  assistant,  having 
succeeded  Father  Tamolunas  toward 
the  close  of  1926. 

During  the  past  year  the  parish  has 
been  thoroughly  organized.  Societies 
for  men  and  women  have  been  estab- 
lished. The  parish  has  the  Holy  Name 
Society,  Young  Ladies'  Sodality,  So- 
ciety for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith,  Sacred  Heart  League  and  Boy 
Scout  Troop.  At  present  the  societies 
hold  their  meetings  in  the  old  church 
which  has  been  renovated  and  adapt- 
ed as  a  hall. 

Additional  property  has  been  pur- 
chased as  a  playground  for  the  chil- 
dren, and  many  improvements  have 
been  made  which  makes  St.  Mary  one 
of  the  foremost  parishes  in  the  dio- 
cese. 


Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1912. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  Charles  Knaperek. 


Holy  Trinity  Parish  at  Mt.  Olive 
is  the  mother  Slovak  parish  in  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield.  It  is  also,  so 
to  say,  the  center  of  the  Slovaks  of 
the  Diocese.  Its  history,  though  com- 
paratively brief,  consisting  of  some 
thirteen  years,  is  nevertheless  an  in- 
teresting one.  It  shows  a  very  speedy 
growth,  like  the  mustard  seed  of  the 
Gospel,  within  so  short  a  span  of 
years.  The  original  number  of  fam- 
ilies was  some  thirty-five.  Today  its 
numbers  have  increased  to  ninety- 
five.  It  has  a  modest  frame  church 
with  a  large  basement  made  into  a 
parish  hall,  a  fine  parsonage  and  a 
large  cemetery  within  a  short  distance 
of  the    church    property.      Lately    a 


beautiful  modern  two-story  brick  com- 
bination school  and  Sisters'  home  has 
been  erected.  The  value  of  the  whole 
church  and  school  propertv  is  esti- 
mated at  $75,000.00. 

It  was  in  the  year  1909  that  the 
idea  of  a  parish  for  the  Slovak  people 
in  Mt.  Olive  was  conceived.  At  a 
meeting  of  Branch  128  of  the  First 
Slovak  Catholic  Union,  the  matter 
was  brought  before  the  members  by  a 
few  of  the  leading  Slovak  laity  of  .Mt. 
Olive.  It  was  not  acted  upon  until 
three  years  later.  Until  then  the 
Slovak  people  were  members  of  the 
Church  of  the  Ascension,  which  they 
generously  helped  to  build  and  sup- 
port. 


495 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


The  Slovak  people  as  a  nation  are 
Catholic  and  deeply  religious,  prizing 
their  faith  above  all,  and  at  the  same 
lime  deeply  patriotic,  and  since  their 
number  attending  the  Church  of  the 
Ascension  was  in  the  majority,  and 
mostly  immigrants  from  Slovakia, 
their  heart's  desire  was  to  have  a 
place  which  they  could  call  their  own, 
and  have  a  priest  who  would  under- 
stand them  and  constantly  be  amongst 
them  to  minister  to  their  needs  and 
announce  to  them  the  word  of  God 
in  their  native  tongue.  To  attain  this 
they  were  willing  to  make  great  sac- 
rifices. And  this  they  did  most  cheer- 
fully. It  was  in  November  of  1911 
that  the  question  of  a  Slovak  parish 
was  brought  up  again.  Now  a  com- 
mittee was  selected  to  approach  the 
late  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan, 
D.D.,  Bishop,  to  attain  permission 
for  the  establishment  of  a  parish  in 
Mt.  Olive  for  the  Slovaks.  With  the 
assurance  on  the  part  of  the  com- 
mittee that  a  priest  would  be  support- 
ed, permission  was  granted.  A  build- 
ing committee  was  at  once  chosen, 
consisting  of  the  following:  Andrew 
Pastor,  Chairman;  Paul  Tomas,  Sr., 
Secretary;  George  Tomso,  Treasurer, 
and  George  Krivy,  Financial  Secre- 
tary. The  church  trustees  also  chosen 
at  this  meeting  were :  John  Gavrun, 
Sr.,  Michael  Fedor,  George  Zolovcik 
and  Michael  Grayciar. 

Property  was  at  once  bought  in  the 
south  end  of  the  city  and  work  begun. 
The  people  overjoyed,  threw  them- 
selves into  their  burdensome  task 
with  renewed  zeal  and  redoubled 
strength  that  their  ardent  hopes 
might  be  realized.  "In  unity  there  is 
strength"  they  said,  and  unity  there 
was  when  you  consider  that  no  pastor 
as  yet  was  appointed  them  to  be  their 
guide.  They  contributed  generously, 
donated  much  labor  and  thus  achieved 
a  glorious  success. 

In  the  early  part  of  April,  1912, 
ground  was  broken  and  the  founda- 
tion laid.  The  corner-stone  was  laid 
on  the  26th  of  May  of  the  same  year. 
On  May  1,  1912,  with  gladdened 
hearts  they  greeted  their  first  pastor 


in  the  person  of  Reverend  Ignatius 
Stepuncik,  at  that  time  assistant  at 
St.  Michael  Church  in  Staunton.  The 
new  pastor  at  once  assumed  his  duties, 
and  began  to  labor  hard  with  and  for 
his  people.  The  church  was  dedi- 
cated in  the  summer  of  1913  by  the 
late  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan, 
D.D. 

The  Reverend  Ignatius  Stepuncik 
labored  very  hard  for  the  welfare  of 
the  parish.  He  had  to  undergo  many 
hardships.  For  almost  two  years  he 
lead  a  real  missionary  life,  until  late 
in  1913,  the  fine  parsonage  was  erect- 
ed. The  following  year  a  large  tract 
of  land  was  bought  for  a  cemetery.  In 
3919  the  church  was  supplied  with 
steam  heat.  And  now  in  1921  Father 
Stepuncik  instead  of  sharing  the 
fruits  of  his  labors  left  the  diocese  to 
take  charge  of  a  large  Slovak  parish 
in  Gary,  Indiana.  The  people  are 
much  indebted  to  him  fcr  his  noble 
leadership  and  labors. 

A  six  months  vacancy  now  inter- 
vened in  the  pastorate.  Bishop  Ryan 
finally  appointed  the  present  pastor, 
Reverend  Charles  F.  Knaperek,  assist- 
ant at  the  time  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
Church  at  Collinsville,  to  guide  the 
destinies  of  the  parish.  He  assumed 
his  duties  on  September  1,  1921.  Since 
then  the  parish  has  made  splendid 
progress.  In  the  autumn  of  1922  the 
new  pastor  made  many  innovations 
in  the  church  and  had  same  frescoed 
by  the  well-known  Catholic  decora- 
tors, Conrad  &  Schmitt  of  Milwaukee, 
at  a  cost  of  $2,000.00.  The  occasion 
was  celebrated  by  holding  a  week's 
mission — the  first  in  the  church. 

In  the  fall  of  1922  with  the  per- 
mission of  the  bishop,  property  was 
purchased  for  $2,500.00,  to  be  used 
for  the  erection  of  a  new  parochial 
school  of  which  the  pastor  saw  a  dire 
need  since  Mt.  Olive  had  no  Catholic 
school.  In  April,  1924  the  new 
Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  was  approached  for  per- 
mission to  build  the  contemplated 
school,  and  needless  to  say,  the  re- 
quest was  graciously  granted.  Plans 
were  at  once  made  and  ground  for  the 


496 


Springfield — St.  Barbara's  Church.  Rectory  and  School,  Auditorium,  Rev.  E.  A.Burtle. 
Ad.  .  .  .  Alexander— Rev.  F.  A.  Lucius,  Pastor,  Visitation  B.  V.  M.  Church  and  Rectory 
.  .  .  Brighton— St.  Alphonsus'  Church,  Rectory  and  Hall,  Rev.  P.  J.  Malloy,  Pastor. 


&**igji|ii[iii|ijii 


i  9&\ 


lt     1      i  1  WE 

JH  \ 

■E    k  N  ta 

s^      JhHH 

.J; 


1 


M'l'hsoii  Old  Church,  Rev.  I>.  I..  Scully,  Pastor,  New  Church  mid  s<hool  .  .  .  Ml. 
Olive — Holn  Trinity  Church,  Rev.  C.  /•'.  Knapareh,  Pastor,  School  .  ■  ■  Virclen — Rectory, 
Sacral  Heart  Churi  //,  Hi  v.  ■/.  Dolack,  Pastor. 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


new  edifice  was  broken  on  the  first 
of  May,  1924,  the  contract  being  let 
for  $24,600.00  for  the  building  alone. 
On  June  24,  the  corner-stone  was  laid. 
The  school  was  completed  and  occu- 
pied on  October  1,  but  the  dedication 
was  postponed  until  May  24,  1925, 
when  Bishop  Griffin,  in  the  presence 
of  many  priests  gave  it  over  solemnly 
to  its  noble  purpose.  The  cost  of  the 
building  as  it  stands  furnished  is  es- 
timated at  $35,000.00,  of  which  more 
than  half  has  been  paid. 

The  Ursuline  Sisters  of  Alton  took 
charge  of  the  school,  it  being  impos- 
sible at  the  time  to  procure  teachers 
of  the  Slovak  nationality.  Three 
rooms  with  an  enrollment  of  128  chil- 
dren and  eight  grades  have  been 
opened.  In  June  a  class  of  nine,  con- 
sisting of  seven  boys  and  two  girls, 
graduated.  At  present  the  school  has 
an  enrollment  of  some  one  hundred 
thirty-eight  children. 

A  word  as  to  the  city  of  Mt.  Olive 
itself.  It  is  called  the  Coal  City,  and 
is  noted  for  a  high  grade  coal  which 
is  in  much  demand  in  the  market.  The 
Consolidated  Coal  Company  of  St. 
Louis  owns  and  operates  two  large 
mines  and  a  million-dollar  power 
plant  which  supplies  its  miners  and 
the  cities  of  Staunton  and  Mt.  Olive 
with  electricity.     The  other  mine  is 


owned  and  operated  by  the  Madison 
Coal  Company. 

The  inhabitants  of  Mt.  Olive  are 
largely  of  foreign  extraction  yet  a 
most  friendly  spirit  prevails  in  the 
community.  The  Slovak  people  take 
and  play  a  principal  part  in  the  in- 
dustrial, civic  and  social  duties,  obli- 
gations and  privileges  of  the  city. 
They  are  a  devoted  people,  true  to 
their  Faith,  loyal  to  their  priest,  flag, 
and  the  land  of  adoption — America. 

In  the  late  World  War  the  Catholic 
Slovaks  of  Mt.  Olive  did  not  wait  to 
be  called  upon  to  serve  their  country, 
but  most  of  the  boys  willingly  offered 
their  services  by  enlisting.  About 
twenty-eight  young  men  joined  the 
colors,  one  of  whom,  Joseph  Tomso, 
Jr.,  son  of  Joseph  Tomso,  Sr.,  gave  his 
life  for  his  country  in  service  with 
the  Marines.  While  the  boys  were 
"over  there"  their  mothers  and  sis- 
ters were  busy  in  making  different 
useful  articles  for  the  soldier  boys, 
meeting  twice  weekly  for  this  pur- 
pose. The  ladies  canvassed  the  whole 
parish  and  collected  for  the  Red  Cross 
a  sum  amounting  to  $600.00. 

Not  only  in  time  of  war,  but  at  all 
times  and  occasions  the  Slovaks  treas- 
ure very  dearly  the  land  of  Liberty 
and  are  always  glad  and  ready  to 
show  their  loyalty  to  it  not  only  in 
word  but  in  deed  also. 


Church  op  the  Sacred  Heart,  Virden,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1912. 
Present  Pastor  :  Reverend  John  P.  Dolack. 


The  Slovak  parish  is  comparatively 
of  recent  origin,  its  history  reaching 
back  only  as  far  as  1912.  In  that 
year  most  of  the  Slovak  families  that 
now  comprise  Sacred  Heart  parish 
were  still  members  of  old  St.  Cather- 
ine Church  of  this  city,  which  had 
taken  care  of  their  spiritual  needs  to 
the  best  of  its  ability  ever  since  the 
prosperous  mining  industry  in  this 
part  of  the  state  lured  them  to  Vir- 
den. The  Slovaks,  however,  never  al- 
lowed themselves  to  be  assimilated. 
Thev  clung  stubbornlv  to  their  cus- 


toms and  mother  tongue  with  the 
natural  consequence,  that  on  account 
of  their  meager  knowledge  of  English 
they  could  not  be  given  the  proper 
pastoral  care  by  the  priests  at  St. 
Catherine. 

Once  a  year  Reverend  Louis  Bis- 
kupsky,  pastor  of  the  Slovak  parish 
in  Streator,  Illinois,  would  come 
down  to  Virden  to  enable  the  Slovaks 
to  attend  to  their  Easter  duties ;  and 
he  it  was  who  first  suggested  to  them 
the  idea  of  organizing  a  parish  of 
their  own — a  purely  Slovak  parish. 
The  thought  of  having  their  own  little 


497 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


church  with  a  priest  of  their  nation- 
ality to  minister  unto  them  fired  the 
little  band  with  enthusiasm.  Meetings 
were  called  and  held,  delegation  after 
delegation  stormed  the  Bishop's  house 
with  the  result  that  the  summer  of 
1912  witnessed  the  birth  of  the  second 
Slovak  parish  of  the  then  Alton  dio- 
cese, the  other  one  being  Holy  Trinity 
parish  of  Mt.  Olive,  Illinois. 

Reverend  Ignatius  A.  Stepuncik, 
then  pastor  of  Holy  Trinity  Church, 
was  really  the  organizer  of  this  new 
Slovak  parish  in  Virden.  He  became 
interested  in  the  cause  of  the  Virden 
Slovaks  through  Father  Biskupsky, 
who  on  account  of  distance  could  not 
give  them  the  service  and  constant  at- 
tention they  needed.  But  even 
Father  Stepuncik  could  give  them  the 
benefit  of  only  part  of  his  time,  but  it 
meant  a  whole  lot  to  this  infant 
parish. 

Naturally  a  church  of  their  own 
was  their  next  goal.  The  Bishop  gave 
them  his  permission  to  build  on  the 
condition  that  they  raise  the  necessary 
funds.  A  house  to  house  canvas  se- 
cured the  funds  and  everything  was 
ready  for  the  selection  of  the  site. 
After  some  warm  discussions  a  corner 
lot  along  the  highway  running 
through  the  town  was  decided  upon. 
This  place  is  just  inside  the  northern 
limits  of  Virden  and  three  miles  south 
of  Thayer,  where  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  parishioners  live. 

Spring  of  1914  was  ushered  in  be- 
fore the  contract  for  a  brick  church 
was  let,  but  by  July  4  of  that  year 
things  had  progressed  far  enough  to 
permit  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone. 
This  ceremony  was  performed  by  Ed- 
ward L.  Spalding,  Vicar  General, 
Father  Ivacic  of  Joliet,  preaching  the 
sermon  of  the  occasion.  By  the  mid- 
dle of  the  following  November  the 
structure  was  finished  and  Father 
Stepuncik  celebrated  Mass  there  for 
the  first  time,  Thanksgiving  Day. 
That  was  a  happy  day  for  the  Virden 
Slovaks. 

However,  even  with  this  beautiful 
little  church  standing  as  a  memorial 
to  their  staunch  faith  and  self-sacri- 


fice their  fondest  hope  was  as  yet  un- 
realized. The  flock  and  the  fold  were 
there  but  a  permanent  shepherd  was 
still  lacking.  And  not  until  March  of 
the  year  1916  did  this  fond  hope  be- 
come a  reality  in  the  coming  of  Rev- 
erend George  A.  Bendik.  Under  him 
the  church  was  consecrated  and  dedi- 
cated June  18,  1916,  amid  much  pomp 
and  solemnity.  Bishop  Ryan  was  in 
charge  of  the  dedication  and  once 
again  Father  Ivacic  of  Joliet  was  the 
speaker  of  the  day. 

They  had  hardly  settled  down  to 
the  quiet  life  of  a  normal  parish  when 
Father  Bendik  left  them  suddenly 
October  3,  1916,  after  a  stay  of  but 
seven  months.  Appeals  for  another 
Slovak  priest  flooded  Bishop  Ryan 
but  as  Slovak  speaking  priests  were 
very  rare  they  had  to  wait  until  the 
summer  of  1917  when  Father  J.  A. 
Vraniak  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood. He  took  up  the  reins  of  the 
parish  in  July,  1917. 

Now  began  an  era  of  growth  and 
development,  both  spiritual  and 
financial,  for  Sacred  Heart  parish. 
Father  Vraniak  was  young,  enthusi- 
astic and  a  willing  worker.  Blessed 
with  a  cheerful  and  friendly  nature 
he  attracted  all  to  himself.  He  was 
also  gifted  in  many  ways  and  soon  he 
had  the  parish  buzzing  with  many  ac- 
tivities. He  organized  and  personally 
coached  a  baseball  team,  the  "Virden 
Slovaks"  which  soon  became  re- 
nowned throughout  the  state.  An 
equally  famous  band  and  orchestra 
owed  its  origin  to  him  also.  A  steady 
succession  of  bazaars,  suppers,  socials 
and  picnics  found  a  capable  promoter 
in  him  and  not  even  dramatics  did  he 
neglect. 

During  his  pastorate  an  old  Pres- 
byterian church  building  was  bought, 
transferred  and  changed  into  a  parish 
meeting  hall.  The  present  rectory 
was  also  acquired  during  his  time.  He 
even  seriously  considered  building  a 
parochial  school,  since  the  parish  had 
increased  from  a  mere  handful  to 
around  one  hundred  fifty  families. 
Then  like  a  bolt  out  of  a  clear  sky 
the  news  of  Father  Vraniak 's  mys- 


498 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


terious  disappearance  stunned  the 
Catholics  of  this  country.  He  van- 
ished while  on  a  business  trip  to  St. 
Louis.  That  was  in  March,  1923,  just 
before  the  lenten  season.  And  as 
Father  Vraniak's  arrival  at  Sacred 
Heart  Church  marked  the  dawn  of 
the  parish 's  greatest  prosperity  so  his 
passing  away  ushered  in  a  gradual  de- 
cline in  all  the  phases  of  its  life. 

To  make  matters  worse,  the  coal 
mines  in  and  around  Virden  closed 
down.  As  a  consequence  the  Slovaks 
began  to  leave  Virden  with  the  ex- 
ception of  about  fifty  families  who 
with  about  thirty  from  Thayer  are 
struggling  to  support  Sacred  Heart 
Church  now. 

The  next  resident  pastor  was  Rev- 
erend Benedict  Mazurek  of  Chicago. 
He  remained  only  a  month.  Father 
Mazir,  pastor  of  St.  Barbara  in 
Springfield,  generously  offered  his 
services  to  the  shepherdless  parish.  He 
was  appointed  temporary  pastor 
August  20,  1923,  and  administered  to 


these  people  until  Reverend  John 
Novotny  arrived  as  the  new  pastor, 
June  7,  1924.  Barely  three  years  later 
there  was  again  a  vacancy  at  this 
Slovak  Church  and  this  time  Rever- 
end George  J.  Kenney,  pastor  of  St. 
Catherine  in  Virden  was  called  upon 
for  help.  He  was  very  successful, 
and  when  he  relinquished  the  charge 
June  25,  1927,  to  the  young  and  inex- 
perienced newly  appointed  pastor, 
Reverend  John  P.  Dolack,  the  parish 
was  once  again  standing  squarely  on 
its  feet,  eager  for  another  chance  to 
make  good. 

In  its  short  history  of  fifteen  years 
Sacred  Heart  parish  of  Virden  has 
had  ten  priests,  five  of  whom  were 
resident  pastors. 

The  first  Baptism  to  take  place 
within  Sacred  Heart  Slovak  Church 
was  solemnly  conferred  April  6,  1916, 
by  Reverend  George  A.  Bendik. 
Father  Vraniak  conducted  the  first 
funeral  July  7,  1917,  and  solemnized 
the  first  marriage  August  27,  1917. 


Church  op  St.  Joseph,  Benld,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1915. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  George  M.  Link. 


The  history  of  the  church  of  St. 
Joseph  of  Benld,  Illinois,  goes  back 
only  as  far  as  1915.  On  April  6th  of 
that  year  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton,  granted  per- 
mission to  Reverend  John  Crosson, 
pastor  at  Gillespie,  to  erect  a  church 
at  Benld.  It  remained  a  mission  at- 
tached to  Gillespie  for  nine  years.  The 
parish  included  not  only  the  town  of 
Benld  but  the  villages  also  of  Sawyer- 
ville,  Mt.  Clair,  and  Eagerville,  all  in 
Macoupin  County. 

The  corner-stone  laying  took  place 
October  17,  1915,  with  the  Reverend 
John  Duval  of  Staunton,  officiating 
as  representative  of  the  Bishop.  By 
April  of  the  following  year  the  build- 
ing was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $10,- 
000.00. 

The  first  Mass  was  celebrated  by 
Father  Crosson  on  Sunday,  April  13, 
1916.  The  first  Baptism  was  that  of 
Steve  Polagiak,  May  7,   1916.     The 


first  wedding  to  take  place  in  the  new 
church  was  that  of  John  Preisker  and 
Lillian  Hargrove.  George  Jasko  was 
the  first  person  buried  from  St. 
Joseph. 

Reverend  Michael  J.  Griffin  was 
appointed  Assistant  to  Father  Cros- 
son, June  15th,  1917,  thus  enabling 
the  Benld  parish  to  have  two  Masses 
on  Sunday.  It  was  probably  in  the 
same  year  that  poetic  justice  was  done 
the  Public  School  Board  which  had 
been  so  generous  to  the  Catholics  in 
earlier  years.  Back  in  1906,  Cate- 
chism classes  had  been  held  in  the 
home  of  Mrs.  Johanna  Donnelly,  but 
later  in  the  Public  School,  for  which 
permission  had  been  obtained  from 
the  School  Board.  Now,  in  1917,  the 
public  school  building  burned  down, 
and  for  a  period  of  nearly  a  year 
Bishop  Ryan  granted  permission  for 
the  church  to  be  used  for  school  pur- 


499 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 


poses.  Three  teachers  daily  held 
classes  in  it. 

In  the  history  of  the  World  War, 
Benld  wrote  its  own  glorious  page, 
not  a  few  of  the  lines  of  which  were 
furnished  by  St.  Joseph  Parish. 
Forty-seven  stars  are  counted  on  her 
Service  Flag  and  every  kind  of  war 
work  recorded  in  her  annals. 

Reverend  George  Faller  succeeded 
Father  Griffin  at  Gillespie  in  March, 
1919,  only  to  be  followed  by  Reverend 
Leo  J.  McDonald  in  July  of  the  same 
year. 

Father  McDonald  continued  at  Gil- 
lespie just  five  years,  to  July  1,  1924. 
He  devoted  most  of  his  labors  to  the 
people  at  Benld,  added  two  lots  more 
to  the  church  property,  thus  giving  a 
frontage  of  a  full  block  along  Central 
Avenue,  and  bought  a  five  room  cot- 
tage situated  on  one  of  the  lots.  The 
total  indebtedness  of  the  church  at 
this  time,  amounted  to  $3,000.00. 

The  next  Assistant  to  be  appointed 
at  Gillespie  was  Reverend  Richard 
McKeogh.  On  December  1,  1924,  he 
was  made  Administrator  of  Benld  by 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
Bishop  of  what  had  become  the 
Springfield  in  Illinois  Diocese,  and 
St.  Joseph  Parish  ceased  to  be  a  Mis- 
sion. 

Confirmation  was  administered  for 
the  first  time,  June  9,  1924,  to  a  class 
of  ninety-eight.  Later,  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1925,  two  Sisters  were  sent  to 
Benld  to  instruct  the  children.  They 
remained  however,  only  a  short  time 
and  the  people  of  the  parish  have  had 
a  great  longing  for  a  school  ever 
since. 

Reverend  Edmund  A.  Carey  suc- 
ceeded Father  McKeogh  on  Septem- 
ber 1,  1925.  The  first  Forty  Hours 
Exposition  was  held  during  his  ad- 
ministration in  June  of  the  following 
year.  The  Holy  Name  Society  and 
the  Ladies'  Sodality  were  established 
as  well  as  the  St.  Aloysius  Society  for 
the  boys,  and  the  Children  of  Mary 
for  the  girls. 

On  March  13,  1927,  the  present 
Pastor,  Reverend  George  M.  Link, 
was  appointed  Administrator  during 


the  illness  of  Father  Carey,  and  on 
April  24  was  given  full  charge. 

The  statistics  of  St.  Joseph  Parish 
as  they  appear  in  the  yearly  report 
for  1926,  show  four  hundred  families 
in  the  congregation.  Twenty-five  of 
these  are  of  mixed  religion.  The  total 
number  of  souls  as  set  down  in  the  re- 
port is  one  thousand  five  hundred 
forty-seven.  In  the  course  of  that 
year,  five  converts  were  received  into 
the  Church.  Eight  Catholic  mar- 
riages were  performed  and  one  mixed 
marriage.  Six  adults  and  fifty-three 
infants  were  baptized.  Twelve  deaths 
occurred. 

In  the  First  Communion  Class  of 
1927  there  were  sixty-five  children, 
and  for  Confirmation,  one  hundred 
and  seventy-seven.  A  Children's  Mis- 
sion was  given  in  July  by  the  Catho- 
lic Instruction  League.  A  Mission 
for  the  people  was  conducted  by  the 
Paulist  Fathers  in  September. 

At  present  the  Church  Trustees  are 
Mr.  Herman  Rizzie  and  Mr.  Bernard 
O  'Flaherty,  with  Mr.  John  Bednar  as 
Treasurer.  The  Sacristan  is  Mr. 
Adam  Weschak.  Mr.  O 'Flaherty  is 
the  President  of  the  Holy  Name  So- 
ciety and  Mrs.  William  Bollini,  of 
the  Ladies'  Sodality. 

In  times  gone  by  a  great  deal  of 
anti-Catholic  and  anti-government 
literature,  especially  in  the  foreign 
tongue,  has  been  accountable,  along 
with  the  activities  of  certain  secret 
societies,  for  much  of  the  woeful  con- 
dition of  soul  of  many  in  the  congre- 
gation. All  this  is  gradually  disap- 
pearing however,  and  perhaps  the 
process  of  Americanization  will  have 
its  share  in  bringing  about  this  desir- 
able state. 

The  latest  achievement  has  been 
the  erection  of  a  ten-room  house  for 
the  priest's  rectory.  This  was  un- 
dertaken, in  the  absence  of  the  Pastor, 
under  the  leadership  of  a  Building 
Committee,  of  which  Mr.  John  Lacy 
was  Chairman.  In  deeds  like  this,  in 
the  spirit  of  devotion  of  which  this  is 
an  indication,  is  to  be  found  the 
promise  of  a  golden  future  for  St. 
Joseph  Parish. 


500 


Benld-  Rectory,  Rev.  Geo.  M.  Link,  Pastor,  st.  Joseph's  Church  .  .  .  Lovington — St. 
Mary's  Church  .  .  .  Panama  -Sacred  Heart  Church  .  .  .  Wood  River  xt.  Bernard 
Church  and  School.  Rev.  E.  •/.  Douglas,  Pastor.  Rectory. 


Brockton  St.  Tin, mas'  Church  .  .  .  Chatham  St.  Joseph's  Church  .  .  .  Kincaid— 
st.  Rita's  Church  and  School  .  .  .  Decatur  St.  Thomas'  Church  and  School,  Rev.  Andrew 
Smith,   Pastor  .  .  .  Granite  City — Rev.  Michael   Costello,  Pastor,  Sacred  Heart   Church 

fiti'l  S,  hoot. 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Church  of  St.  Mary,  Lovington,  Moultrie  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1915. 

Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Charles  J.  Fanning. 


The  Church  of  St.  Mary  is  situated 
in  the  town  of  Lovington,  Moultrie 
County.  Lovington  is  about  eight 
miles  north  of  Sullivan,  the  County 
seat,  and  about  twenty-four  miles 
southeast  of  Decatur,  Illinois  on  high- 
way route  32. 

About  the  year  1913,  the  Eeverend 
Michael  Jefferson  Davis,  pastor  of  St. 
Isidore  church,  Bethany,  saw  the  ne- 
cessity of  giving  better  service  to  the 
Catholic  families  who  had  moved  to 
Lovington,  following  the  opening  of 
the  coal  mines.  He  therefore  arranged 
for  his  first  Mass  in  Lovington,  which 
was  held  through  the  courtesy  of  Mr. 
Frank  Stanley  in  his  moving  picture 
house.  Afterwards,  Mass  was  said  in 
the  home  of  Mr.  Felix  Lavery.  The 
crowd  that  came  could  not  be  accom- 
modated in  the  home,  so  a  hall  was 
rented  in  the   upstairs    building    in 

1914.  Here  Mass  was  celebrated  regu- 
larly every  two  weeks  until  the  church 
was  built. 

Ground  was  secured  for  the  church 
in  the  early  spring  of  1915.  Work 
began  at  once ;  the  men  of  the  parish 
donating  their  labor  as  well  as  their 
money,  and  through  the  untiring  ef- 
forts of  Father  Davis  the  church  was 
dedicated  free  of    debt,    August    15, 

1915.  The  ceremony  of  dedication 
was  performed  by  Very  Eeverend  J. 
Murphy  of  Decatur,  Illinois,  due  to 
the  inability  of  Bishop  Ryan  coming 
on  account  of  illness.  The  church 
seats  about  one  hundred  fifty  people. 
It  has  a  beautiful  main  and  side 
altar. 

The  basement  underlies  the  entire 
building  and  is  used  for  furnace 
room  and  for  holding  fairs  and  fes- 
tivals. In  1921,  the  church  was  deco- 
rated by  William  Kloer  of  St.  Louis, 
and  new  stained  glass  windows  were 
donated  by  different  members  of  the 


congregation  in  memory  of  their  de- 
parted friends  and  relatives. 

The  early  congregation  consisted  of 
Germans,  Polish,  Austrians,  Scotch, 
Irish  and  Americans.  There  were  not 
so  many,  but  their  zeal  was  an  evi- 
dence of  that  Faith  which  fills  the 
world. 

The  congregation  has  diminished 
lately  due  to  the  closing  of  the  coal 
mine.  There  still  remain  of  that 
handful  who  were  here  from  the  be- 
ginning .-  Felix  Lavery,  Thomas  Grif- 
fin, Michael  Ducey,  Henry  Hoelscher, 
Paul  Hanisko,  Charles  Clancy,  Mich- 
ael Twardoz,  Joseph  Jurick  and  Den- 
nis Houlihan.  Others  who  were  here 
when  the  church  was  built  and  have 
left,  were :  Thomas,  John  and  Patrick 
Manus,  James  Clancy.  Edward, 
George,  Peter  and  John  McChrystal, 
Archie  and  William  O'Donnell  and 
Harry  Butler. 

Since  1915  instructions  were  given 
regularly,  not  only  on  Sundays,  but 
at  stated  times  during  the  week  by 
the  following  teachers :  Mary  Jurick, 
Susan  Clancy,  John  Clancy  and  Den- 
nis Houlihan.  The  Parish  of  St.  Mary 
gave  to  Uncle  Sam's  World  War: 
Thomas  and  John  Clancy,  George  Mc- 
Chrystal, Mox  Jurick,  Bernard  Doyle 
and  George  Smith.  All  were  honor- 
ably discharged  after  the  war  with 
the  exception  of  George  Smith  who 
made  the  supreme  sacrifice. 

Father  Davis  attended  St.  Mary 
from  Bethany  every  two  weeks  from 
3915  to  1919.  In  1919  the  present 
pastor,  Reverend  Charles  Fanning, 
took  charge  and  Mass  is  being  said 
each  Sunday  without  interruption. 
There  are  about  a  dozen  families  in 
the  congregation  now  and  the  number 
of  men,  women  and  children  is  about 
fifty. 


501 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Panama,  Bond  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1916. 

Present  Pastor:   Reverend  John  R.  Fannon. 


The  town  of  Panama  in  Bond  Coun- 
ty came  into  being  some  twenty  years 
ago  through  the  opening  of  a  coal 
mine  by  the  Shoal  Creek  Mining  Com- 
pany. 

The  mine  drew  a  large  foreign  pop- 
ulation, nominally  Catholic.  Reverend 
August  Forster  was  at  this  time  pas- 
tor of  St.  Ubaldus  Church,  New 
Douglas,  with  an  out-mission  at  Cof- 
feen.  He  and  his  successors,  Fathers 
Francis  Hussey,  Bernard  Lee,  Pat- 
rick Masterson,  Hugh  Brady,  and 
Timothy  McKeogh  attended  the  spir- 
itual needs  of  the  people  of  Panama 
whenever  they  were  called  upon. 

In  1916  Reverend  Timothy  Mc- 
Keogh  purchased  a  residence  in  Cof- 
feen  and  came  there  to  reside,  thus 
reversing  the  relative  positions  of  the 
parishes  of  Coffeen  and  New  Doug- 
las. 

In  December,  1919,  he  was  succeed- 
ed by  Reverend  Michael  J.  Crowley. 
In  June,  Father  Crowley  succeeded 
in  organizing  a  First  Communion 
class  at  Panama,  which  he  instructed 
in  Murphy's  Hall.  It  gives  me  great 
pleasure  to  state  here  that  the  hall 
rent  was  paid  by  a  non-Catholic, 
(Robert  Pullen).  "With  the  permis- 
sion of  the  late  Bishop  Ryan,  Mass 
was  celebrated  in  the  Miners'  Hall,  in 
May,  1923. 

The  best  information  available  is 
that  this  was  the  first  time  Mass  was 
ever  offered  up  in  Panama.  There 
were  about  a  dozen  adults  and  sixteen 
children  in  attendance.  From  this 
time  to  the  opening  of  the  church, 
October  5,  1924,  Mass  was  offered  up 
once  a  month.  Thanks  are  due  the 
miners  of  Panama  who  gave  the 
Catholics  the  free  use  of  their  hall 
for  a  vear. 


Early  in  1924,  the  pastor  thought 
the  time  was  ripe  for  the  building  of  a 
church.  With  the  encouragement  of 
Bishop  Griffin  and  the  enthusiastic 
support  of  Messrs.  Edward  LeClaire, 
M.  VonBrunn,  Michael  Doreen  and 
Peter  Spensberger  the  foundation  was 
dug  early  in  August  and  the  work 
went  on  so  rapidly  that  the  church 
was  completed  and  the  first  Mass  of- 
fered up  on  the  fifth  day  of  October. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  of 
the  most  substantial  benefactor,  the 
church  was  named  Sacred  Heart. 

The  Sacred  Heart  Church  is  a 
frame  structure  32x48  feet.  It  is  well 
furnished  with  pine  wood  pews,  has 
a  pretty  altar,  a  spacious  sanctuary 
and  two  sacristies,  9x9  feet. 

The  interior  is  beautifully  deco- 
rated— the  free  handiwork  of  Michael 
Doreen.  The  church  has  a  fine  floor 
and  concrete  basement  of  the  same  di- 
mensions as  the  super-structure.  A 
hot  air  furnace  installed  by  the  con- 
tractor and  builder,  Mr.  Judd  Dolan, 
has  proven  very  satisfactory. 

Since  the  opening  of  the  church, 
Mass  is  celebrated  at  Panama  every 
other  Sunday. 

Before  bringing  this  sketch  to  a 
close,  the  pastor  wishes  to  gratefully 
acknowledge  the  substantial  contribu- 
tions received  from  the  Right  Rever- 
end James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  and  Rev- 
erend Louis  Hufker  and  his  Mission- 
ary Society. 

Reverend  John  Raphael  Fannon  is 
now  in  charge  of  Panama  and  attends 
to  the  temporal  and  spiritual  needs  of 
the  people  from  Coffeen  where  he  is 
stationed.  Under  his  earnest  and  able 
administration,  the  good  work  begun 
by  Father  Crowley  is  being  perpetu- 
ated and  expanded. 


Church  of  St.  Thomas,  Brocton,  Edgar  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1917. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Morgan  J.  0  'Flaherty 


The  parish  of  St.  Thomas  Aquinas, 
Brocton,  though  comparatively  a  new 


one,  has  nevertheless    an    interesting 
history.    It  was  founded   by   Father 


502 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Thomas  Moore  between  1899  and  1905 
and  was  originally  a  part  of  St. 
Michael  parish  at  Hume  of  which 
Father  Moore  was  then  pastor. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  many  far- 
mers had  to  travel  a  considerable  dis- 
tance to  attend  Mass  at  Hume,  Father 
Moore  conceived  the  idea  of  building 
a  church  in  close  proximity  to  the 
Catholic  settlement  which  was  then 
being  established  in  the  northwest 
portion  of  Edgar  County.  He  erect- 
ed a  small  frame  building  which 
served  the  needs  of  the  faithful  dur- 
ing the  pastorates  of  himself  and 
Fathers  Hensey  and  "Walsh. 

Shortly  after  the  present  pastor, 
Reverend  James  Ahern,  was  appoint- 
ed to  take  charge  of  the  flock,  scatter- 
ed around  this  part  of  the  Lord's 
vineyard,  he  realized  that  the  small 
edifice  had  outlived  its  usefulness. 
With  the  hearty  accord  of  the  late  la- 
mented Bishop  Ryan  and  the  active 


co-operation  of  the  faithful,  a  beauti- 
ful new  brick  and  stone  Gothic 
church  was  built  in  1917.  In  its  ap- 
pointments this  church  leaves  little 
to  be  desired.  Its  interior  is  so  ar- 
tistically arranged,  as  regards  altars, 
rails,  decorations,  etc.,  that  it  inspires 
devotion  from  the  very  first  entrance. 
It  will  ever  stand  as  a  monument  to 
the  piety  of  the  parishioners  and  the 
zeal  of  the  pastor. 

The  congregation  of  twenty-three 
families  is  entirely  made  up  of  sub- 
stantial farmers  most  of  whom  are  of 
Irish  descent.  They  are  a  most  law 
abiding  and  religious  people.  The 
Ladies'  Altar  Society  takes  great  de- 
light in  keeping  the  pretty  church 
neat  and  clean. 

In  1926  Reverend  James  Ahern 
was  promoted  to  Beardstown,  where- 
upon Reverend  Morgan  J.  0  'Flaherty 
was  put  in  charge  of  Hume  and  Broc- 
ton. 


Church  of  St.  Bernard,  Wood  RrvER,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1920. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Edmund  J.  Douglas. 


In  the  fall  of  1906  a  small  contin- 
gent of  men  set  out  for  this  desolate 
wilderness  on  a  tour  of  inspection, 
which  happily  resulted  in  the  erection 
of  the  Wood  River  Refinery  just  east 
of  the  little  stream  from  which  our 
city  derives  its  name.  With  the  birth 
of  the  refinery  Wood  River  sprang  in- 
to existence  almost  instantaneously 
and  from  that  time  on  the  history  of 
cur  village  has  been  one  of  progress 
and  development,  tempered  in  great 
measure  by  the  growth  and  expansion 
of  the  refinery  itself.  To  this  incipi- 
ent industry  men  of  neighboring 
towns  flocked  for  employment,  and 
upon  the  success  of  their  applications, 
reared  aloft  their  humble  dwellings 
on  the  sun-baked  sands  of  Wood 
River  valley.  As  time  wore  on  and 
the  infant  refinery  merged  into  the 
successive  stages  of  maturity,  Wood 
River  blossomed  forth  into  a  thriving 
village  and  in  1920  merited  well  the 
appellation  of  the  "fastest  growing 
city  in  the  United  States." 


But  material  progress  is  ever  at- 
tended with  some  degree  of  spiritual 
advancement,  and  in  this  regard 
Wood  River  was  no  exception.  In  the 
earliest  years  of  our  city's  develop- 
ment the  spiritual  phase  of  human 
life  firmly  asserted  itself,  and  so  in 
prompt  obedience  to  the  inner  voice 
of  conscience  Wood  River's  earliest 
inhabitants  provided  for  themselves 
a  temporary  house  of  worship  where- 
in they  might  assemble  and  offer 
homage  to  the  God  of  their  hearts. 

An  humble  edifice,  this  first  house 
of  worship,  was  situated  in  what  was 
at  that  time  known  as  the  Reis  lumber 
yard.  No  decorative  beauty  marked 
this  primitive  church,  yet  within  its 
humble  walls,  pious  souls  assembled 
and  offered  to  God  the  sweet  incense 
of  adoration.  Later  the  place  of  di- 
vine worship  was  removed  from  the 
Reis  lumber  yard  to  the  Singler  build- 
ing on  the  corner  of  Third  Street  and 
Lorena  Avenue.    Here  the  congrega- 


503 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 


tion  continued  to  hold  services  until 
the  new  building  was  constructed. 

In  the  meantime  a  suitable  location 
for  the  new  St.  Bernard's  Church  was 
secured.  However,  before  payment 
could  be  made  on  the  lots  selected,  a 
change  occurred  in  the  pastorate  and 
Reverend  Edward  J.  Douglas  was  ap- 
pointed Father  Kehoe's  successor 
with  residence  at  Mitchell. 

From  the  organization  of  the  parish 
up  to  the  appointment  of  Father 
Douglas,  St.  Bernard's  flourished  as 
a  mission  of  St.  Patrick's  Church  in 
Alton  and  was  attended  at  first  by 
Reverend  Francis  B.  Kehoe,  its 
founder,  and  later  by  three  assistants, 
Reverend  Dennis  O'Brien,  of  Ash- 
land ;  Reverend  Bernard  Manning,  of 
Witt,  and  Reverend  Daniel  Daly  of 
Hardin.  During  this  period  $2,450.00 
were  expended  as  payment  on  the 
church  lots  after  which  followed  the 
erection  of  the  basement  floor  of  the 
new  St.  Bernard's  School  at  a  cost 
of  $30,000.  Until  the  completion  of 
the  building  in  the  Fall  of  1924,  de- 
votions were  held  in  the  newly  erected 
1  asement. 

On  June  15  of  the  same  year  (1924) 
this  youthful  city  played  host  for  the 
first  time  to  our  newly  consecrated 
bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.  The  occasion  of  his  visit 
was  the  conferring  of  the  Sacrament 
of  Confirmation.  Through  the  cour- 
tesy of  town  officials,  all  traffic  was 
suspended  on  the  main  thoroughfare 
in  order  to  permit  his  lordship  to 
pass  in  solemn  procession  through  the 
city.  It  was  a  very  impressive  sight 
with  three  hundred  little  children 
clothed  in  white  leading  the  long 
march  to  the  church  where  the  Sacra- 
ment of  Confirmation  was  administer- 
ed to  two  hundred  parishioners,  old 
and  young. 

In  the  summer  of  1922  Father 
Douglas  received  his  appointment  as 
first  resident  pastor  of  Wood  River. 
For  some  years  previous  he  had  been 
attending  it  from  Mitchell.  The  need 
of  a  parochial  residence  necessitated 
further  building  and  it  was  not  until 
the  early  part  of  January,  1925,  that 


St.  Bernard's  parish  could  boast  of  a 
Catholic  plant  consisting  of  a  church, 
school,  auditorium,  rectory,  and  a 
home  for  the  Sisters.  The  building 
was  solemnly  dedicated  by  Bishop 
Griffin  on  May  3,  1925.  The  impres- 
sive scenes  and  ceremonies  of  that 
brilliant  function  will  linger  long  and 
gratifyingly  in  the  memories  of  Wood 
River's  inhabitants. 

Today  Wood  River  numbers  among 
its  inhabitants,  Catholics,  Protestants, 
Jews,  and  the  Unbelievers,  the  Ameri- 
can and  the  foreigner.  It  boasts  of  a 
combined  population  of  0,000  inhabi- 
tants employed  for  the  most  part  by 
the  four  leading  industries — the 
Standard  Oil,  Roxana  and  White 
Star  refineries  and  the  International 
Shoe  Company  tannery.  Foremost 
among  the  institutions  of  which  our 
city  is  justly  proud,  are  its  schools, 
public  and  parochial,  elementary  and 
high,  with  a  combined  enrollment  of 
1,400  students;  of  these,  262  children 
attend  St.  Bernard's  School  and  ap- 
proximately twenty  per  cent  of  the 
population  are  registered  on  the  par- 
ish records. 

Wood  River  is  quite  cosmopolitan 
in  its  population;  so  is  St.  Bernard's 
congregation.  But  the  fact  that  most 
of  the  members  of  St.  Bernard's  par- 
ish are  of  foreign  birth  or  extraction 
does  not  prevent  them  from  loving 
their  adopted  land,  for  during  the 
late  war  no  less  than  twenty-two 
young  men  from  the  parish  enlisted 
in  the  army. 

At  the  present  writing  our  city  is 
laboring  under  its  periodical  slump 
due  to  a  general  depression  in  the  oil 
industry  on  which  municipal  prog- 
ress mainly  depends.  A  debt  of  $72,- 
000.00  still  incumbers  the  parish 
plant  and  continually  taxes  the  scanty 
pay-roll  of  the  parishioners  but  the 
pastor  and  people  look  forward  con- 
fidently to  a  time  in  the  near  future 
when  this  debt  shall  be  liquidated. 

The  short  history  of  Wood  River 
and  St.  Bernard's  Parish  pass  before 
the  mind  in  pleasing  retrospect.  Both 
have  made  great  sacrifices  and  it  is 


504 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


gratifying  to  note  that  these  sacri- 
fices have  not  been  made  in  vain. 
Wood  River  has  not  yet  reached  ma- 
turity and  St.    Bernard's    Parish    is 


still  in  the  incipient  stage  of  its  de- 
velopment. The  noble  past  of  both 
makes  us  confident  and  hopeful  of  a 
still  brighter  future. 


Church  op  St.  Rita,  Kincaid,  Christian  County,  Illinos. 
Established  in  1920. 
Present  Pastor:    Reverend  Anthony  J.  Vanspeybroeck. 


The  town  of  Kincaid  was  founded 
by  the  Peabody  Coal  Company  in  the 
year  1914. 

At  first  men  came  from  Pawnee 
and  other  nearby  camps  to  mine  coal 
here.  Soon  a  number  of  families 
sought  homes  in  the  neighborhood,  so 
that  the  Peabody  Coal  Company  erect- 
ed a  number  of  houses.  These  were 
soon  occupied  by  the  miners'  families. 
A  good  numbr  of  them  were  Catholics 
of  the  Lithuanian,  Polish,  Austrian, 
French  and  Irish  nations. 

These  people,  keenly  anxious  for  fa- 
cilities to  practice  their  religion,  ap- 
plied to  Reverend  John  Lupton,  the 
pastor  of  Pawnee,  to  attend  their 
spiritual  needs.  At  first  they  would 
attend  Mass  at  South  Fork,  but  very 
few  having  conveyances  it  became 
necessary  for  Father  Lupton  to  ar- 
range to  give  them  Mass  in  Kincaid. 
He  applied  to  Bishop  Ryan  for  an  as- 
sistant, and  Father  Edmund  Carey 
was  sent  him  to  assist. 

The  people  responded  very  gener- 
ously and  willingly  to  the  earnest  ap- 
peal of  this  young,  zealous  priest,  so 
that  soon  preparations  were  made  to 
build  a  church.  In  the  meantime 
Mass  was  said  every  Sunday  in  a  local 
hall. 

In  the  year  1920  the  church  was  be- 
gun, and  dedicated  the  following 
year.  By  this  time  the  Catholics  had 
become  so  numerous  that  it  was  neces- 
sary to  have  two  Masses  every  Sun- 
day. Father  Carey  took  exclusive 
charge  under  the  direction  of  the 
pastor,  Father  Lupton. 

After  two  years  of  hard  and  earn- 
est work  for  the  Kincaid  people, 
Father  Carey  was  transferred  by 
Bishop  Ryan  to  Marshall,  and  Father 
J.  J.  Hogan  came  to  Pawnee  to  take 
his  place. 


In  1924  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin  made  an  episcopal  visitation 
of  the  parish,  and  he  at  once  saw  the 
necessity  of  sending  a  resident  priest 
to  Kincaid ;  besides  the  people  had  for 
some  time  been  petitioning  the  Bishop 
for  a  resident  priest. 

The  very  large  confirmation  class, 
besides  the  great  number  of  children 
spectators  at  this  visitation  con- 
vinced the  Bishop  that  there  was 
great  work  to  be  done  in  Kincaid  for 
the  Catholics.  So  with  his  character- 
istic zeal  he  at  once  set  to  work  to 
select  the  man  best  suited  for  the 
great  task.  Father  Bernard  Wubbe, 
then  pastor  of  Ocenee,  was  selected 
for  the  pastorate.  He  came  to  Kin- 
caid in  July,  1924,  and  at  once  took 
up  his  residence  there.  The  Peabody 
Coal  Co.,  generously  offered  to  give 
the  pastor  free  use  of  a  company 
house  to  be  used  as  a  residence.  This 
was  accepted  and  furniture  was  pro- 
cured. 

Father  Wubbe  did  not  delay,  but 
set  to  work  at  once  to  find  out  just 
how  many  Catholics  there  were  in 
Kincaid  and  the  adjoining  villages. 
After  a  thorough  canvass  he  decided 
to  take  up  pledges  to  secure  funds  to 
build  a  much  needed  school.  It  was 
evident  that  a  place  would  have  to  be 
found  for  the  present  in  which  school 
could  be  taught,  for  it  was  very  near 
to  school  opening  time,  so  he  fitted  out 
the  church  and  built  a  small  house 
near  in  which  school  could  be  opened. 
The  new  school  was  dedicated  to  St. 
Rita  and  put  in  the  care  of  the  Do- 
minican Sisters  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
Academy  of  Springfield.  Sisters  Hil- 
degarde  and  Zita  were  sent.  The  en- 
rollment was  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty,  and  many  more  could  have  been 
secured  had  there  been  room.  Never 


505 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


was  a  school  opened  under  more  fa- 
vorable circumstances.  The  harvest 
was  indeed  ripe  and  the  good  sisters 
made  the  very  best  of  their  golden  op- 
portunity. 

After  a  year  spent  in  the  church,  as 
a  school,  the  children  graduated  on 
the  feast  of  St.  Rita.  Father  Wubbe 
had  been  working  very  hard  in  the 
meantime  to  secure  funds  and  plans 
for  the  school  which  he  had  so  much 
at  heart.  Truly  may  it  be  said  that 
during  his  time  here  Father  Wubbe 
worked  hard  and  accomplished  much 
in  the  face  of  rather  disheartening 
difficulties.  In  the  midst  of  his  build- 
ing program  his  health  gave  way,  and 
lie  was  obliged  to  relinquish  the  task 
he  had  labored  so  heroically  to  ac- 
complish. The  foundation  had  been 
laid  and  the  brick  work  begun  before 
he  left  for  a  much  needed  and  de- 
served vacation.  Reverend  Arthur 
John  Van  Speybroeck,  then  Admini- 
strator of  Pawnee,  was  sent  to  finish 
the  school  and  have  everything  in 
readiness  for  September,  1925. 

At  this  point  in  our  historical  sketch 
we  are  glad  to  acknowledge  with  sin- 
cere thanks,  Mr.  Peabody's  generosity 
to  the  struggling  infant  parish. 
Thanks  to  him,  the  school  sisters  live 
in  a  nice  home,  the  use  of  which  has 


been  donated  to  them  for  an  indefinite 
period.  The  pastor,  too,  lives  in  a 
Peabody  home,  free  of  rent,  until 
such  time  as  the  parish  can  afford  to 
erect  a  suitable  parsonage.  His  most 
valuable  donation,  however,  is  a  large 
plot  of  ground  three  hundred  by  two 
hundred  and  fifty  feet,  to  be  used  as 
a  site  for  a  school  and  hospital  (the 
hospital  is  yet  in  prospect,  but  will  no 
doubt  come  in  its  own  good  time). 

The  history  of  Kincaid  is  not 
lengthy,  but  from  the  first  the  people 
manifested  such  an  intense  interest  in 
the  church  affairs  that  history  was 
made  very  rapidly.  Kincaid  is  bound 
to  become  one  of  the  important  par- 
ishes of  the  diocese  in  due  course  of 
time. 

Father  Van  Speybroeck  has  literal- 
ly accomplished  wonders  in  Kincaid 
since  his  coming.  Under  his  manage- 
ment of  little  more  than  two  years  a 
debt  of  twelve  thousand  dollars  has 
been  paid  off  and  the  parish  has 
grown  considerably  in  numbers  and 
prosperity.  At  this  writing  Saint 
Rita  parish  has  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
eight  families,  and  one  hundred  and 
forty-eight  children  in  school  taught 
by  four  Dominican  Sisters.  Such 
healthy  conditions  in  the  present  pre- 
dict a  bright  future. 


Church  of  St.  Joseph,  Chatham,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1920. 
Present  Pastor :  Reverend  Daniel  J.  Quinn. 


Chatham  is  a  town  in  Sangamon 
County  with  a  population  of  eight 
hundred,  and  lies  on  State  Highway 
Route  4  leading  to  St.  Louis.  In  this 
little  town,  St.  Joseph  congregation 
was  organized  in  the  month  of  Janu- 
ary, 1920,  by  Reverend  Daniel  J. 
Quinn. 

Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D., 
gave  the  new  pastor  permission  to  say 
Mass  in  the  home  of  Mrs.  Mary  John- 
son until  a  church  could  be  built.  The 
first  Mass  said  by  Father  Quinn  in 
Chatham  had  an  attendance  of  twelve 
adults  and  fifteen  children. 

The  parish  was  started  by  nine 
English-speaking  families      The  peo- 


ple, although  not  having  much  of  the 
world's  goods,  donated  freely  and 
also  did  a  great  deal  of  the  labor  in 
building  the  church.  They  were  will- 
ing to  make  any  sacrifice  in  order  to 
have  a  church. 

There  were  no  contracts  let  to 
build  the  church  on  account  of  the 
poverty  of  the  congregation.  The 
pastor,  himself,  superintended  the 
work  and  hired  the  men  by  the  day. 
In  this  way  the  modest  little  church 
was  built  at  a  reasonable  price.  The 
non-Catholics  of  the  community,  be 
it  said  to  their  credit,  showed  their 
good  will  by  offering  their  services 
freely  in  helping  to  build  the  church. 


506 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


The  corner-stone  was  laid  July  20th, 
seventeen  priests  taking  part  in  the 
ceremony,  and  with  a  very  large  num- 
Ler  of  people  present.  The  church  is 
built  of  brick  with  a  large  hall  below 
which  is  used  for  parish  social  affairs. 
It  is  a  noticeable  fact  that  since  erect- 
ed the  church  has  done  much  good  in 
the  community. 


The  parish  has  eighteen  families, 
sixteen  with  father  and  mother  Cath- 
olic, and  two  mixed.  A  devoted  Altar 
Society  takes  care  of  the  social  activi- 
ties of  the  parish.  This  church  is  an 
out-mission  of  Auburn  and  is  attend- 
ed by  Father  Quinn  three  Sundays  of 
the  month. 

Five  young  men  of  the  parish  en- 
listed in  the  late  war. 


PARISHES  ESTABLISHED  BY  BISHOP  GRIFFIN 
Church  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  Springfield,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1924. 
Present  Pastor :    Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Michael  Tarrent. 


The  Blessed  Sacrament  Parish  of 
Springfield,  Illinois,  was  established 
by  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
Bishop  of  Springfield,  in  August, 
1924.  Reverend  M.  A.  Tarrent,  Chan- 
cellor of  the  Diocese,  was  appointed 
pastor  to  assume  active  charge  on  the 
following  September  1st.  Mr.  Charles 
Wetterer  and  Mr.  West  Rourke  were 
appointed  the  first  trustees  of  the 
parish. 

Previous  to  the  announcement  of 
the  new  parish,  a  square  block  of 
ground  had  been  purchased  for  the 
location  of  its  buildings  on  Laurel 
Street  between  Walnut  and  Glen- 
wood.  The  parish  district,  a  large 
part  of  which  previously  belonged  to 
St.  Agnes  Parish,  was  laid  out  in  con- 
sultation with  Reverend  James  How- 
ard, D.D.,  pastor  of  St.  Agnes  Church, 
comprising  mainly  the  southwest  cor- 
ner of  the  city.  The  boundaries  of 
the  new  parish  as  set  by  the  Bishop  in 
agreement  with  the  pastor  of  St.  Ag- 
nes were  as  follows:  On  the  east,  to 
and  including  both  sides  of  Sixth 
Street  and  in  the  country,  south,  the 
Sixth  Street  Road  through  Cotton 
Hill,  half-way  to  Divernon  and  Chat- 
ham; to  the  west,  to  and  including 
Curran;  to  the  north,  South  Grand 
Avenue  to  Third  Street,  then  Vine 
Street  to  Pasfield ;  then  Allen  Street 
to  Henrietta;  then  Williams  Boule- 
vard to  Walnut;  then  Canedy  Street 
to  State ;  then  Lawrence  Avenue  west 
to  Curran. 


The  people  of  the  neighborhood,  be- 
cause of  the  distance,  had  frequently 
expressed  a  desire  for  a  parish.  Their 
earnestness  and  enthusiasm  was  sub- 
stantially manifested  upon  the  an- 
nouncement that  they  had  been  given 
a  parish  of  their  own.  A  number  of 
men  of  the  district  immediately 
formed  themselves  into  a  Club  called 
the  F.  0.  F.  T.  (Friends  of  Father 
Tarrent),  and  within  a  few  days  had 
obtained  sufficient  money  to  purchase 
a  residence  for  the  pastor.  The  new 
purchase  was  located  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  Laurel  and  Holmes 
Avenue.  When  the  action  of  the  men 
became  known,  the  women  of  the  par- 
ish who  had  not  been  consulted  in  the 
purchase,  responded  by  taking  upon 
themselves  the  furnishing  of  the  new 
home.  It  was  then  presented  to  the 
pastor  that  he  might  take  up  his  resi- 
dence in  their  midst.  The  temporary 
church  located  on  Holmes  near  Laurel 
Street  was  purchased  in  sectional 
form  and  erected  within  two  weeks, 
and  was  likewise  the  gift  of  a  friend 
who  requested  that  the  name  be  not 
made  known.  The  site  previously  pur- 
chased for  the  parish  buildings,  like- 
wise became  the  gift  of  a  family 
known  for  their  large  generosity  to 
charities  in  general,  and  Catholic 
causes  in  particular.  (See  Article  on 
Camp  Colgan). 

No  sooner  had  the  pastor  taken  up 
his  residence  in  the  new'v  presented 
home,  than  Mr.  Eugene  nolsran  and 


507 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 


his  wife,  -Mrs.  Kathryn  Foley  Colgan, 
called  at  the  residence  and  spontane- 
ously informed  the  pastor  that  they 
would  donate  the  entire  cost  of  the 
new  site  in  their  name  and  in  the 
names  of  their  children,  Eugene 
Howard  Colgan  and  Mrs.  Mary  Col- 
gan Ford.  In  appreciation  of  their 
generous  gift,  they  were  named  the 
founders  of  the  parish,  and  their  fam- 
ily were  guaranteed  a  perpetual 
memory  in  the  prayers  of  the  pastor 
and  people  and  the  school  children. 

The  parish  was  formally  opened  on 
September  14th,  1924,  with  Pontifical 
Field  Mass  by  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  with  over  six  thousand 
persons  in  attendance.  The  officers 
of  the  Mass  were :  Assistant  Priest, 
Very  Reverend  Edward  L.  Spalding 
of  Alton,  Vicar  General  of  the  Dio- 
cese; Deacons  of  Honor,  Reverend 
James  Howard,  D.D.,  pastor  of  St. 
Agnes  Church,  Springfield,  and  Rev- 
erend Thomas  Fennessy,  pastor  of  St. 
Patrick  Church,  Springfield ;  Deacon 
of  Mass,  Reverend  Louis  Hufker,  of 
S.S.  Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Spring- 
field; Sub-deacon  of  Mass,  Reverend 
George  Faller  of  St.  John 's  Hospital, 
Springfield,  and  Master  of  Cere- 
monies, Reverend  George  J.  Kenney, 
Assistant  at  the  Cathedral,  Spring- 
field. The  sermon  was  delivered  by 
Reverend  Michael  A.  Tarrent  and  the 
official  conferring  of  the  pastorate  by 
Bishop  Griffin.  A  choir  of  seventy 
voices  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Ray 
Fogarty  and  Miss  Bessie  Hanratty 
sang  Mozart's  Twelfth  Mass  (Re- 
vised), with  John  Taylor's  Orchestra. 
The  Knights  of  Columbus  were  in  full 
charge  of  the  arrangements.  Among 
the  visiting  priests  were  Reverend 
Dennis  J.  Ryan,  of  Granite  City; 
Reverend  Francis  Kehoe,  Alton ;  Rev- 
erend James  J.  O'Donaghue,  Mt. 
Sterling;  Reverend  George  Hobbs, 
Jacksonville;  Reverend  Michael 
O'Mullane,  Winchester;  Reverend 
Michael  Costello,  Granite  City,  and 
Reverend  Walter  H.  Speeman,  Jack- 
sonville. 

A  census  of  the  parish  taken  at  this 
time  showed  approximately  two  hun- 


dred fifty  families  resident  in  the 
district.  The  first  pressing  need  was 
for  a  school  for  some  three  hundred 
children.  That  work  might  be  imme- 
diately undertaken,  an  Advisory  Com- 
mittee of  the  following  twenty  men 
was  appointed  to  confer  with  the 
pastor :  West  Rourke,  Charles  Wet- 
terer,  Joseph  Bernard,  J.  J.  Graham, 
J.  T.  Monahan,  Fred  Rauth,  John 
Kohlbecker,  Louis  Reisch,  William  J. 
Hembreiker,  George  Westenberger, 
William  Walsh,  J.  Shaughnessy,  J. 
Mueth,  James  Sheehan,  M.  J.  Murphy, 
Erhardt  Mueller,  Dr.  E.  A.  Walsh, 
Jerome  O'Connell,  B.  J.  Kern,  Dr.  J. 
J.  McShane  and  Frank  Reisch.  It 
was  their  unanimous  opinion  that 
with  the  good-will  already  manifested 
by  the  people,  a  permanent  school 
building  could  be  gotten  under  way 
at  once,  so  that  it  might  be  ready  for 
occupancy  at  the  opening  of  the  fol- 
lowing school  term.  That  their  judg- 
ment was  not  in  error  was  strongly 
evidenced  as  soon  as  the  pastor  began 
his  rounds  for  subscriptions.  Be- 
sides the  gifts  already  mentioned  he 
was  given  eight  subscriptions  of 
$5,000  each,  and  from  that  on  down. 
Subscriptions  came  from  all  until 
practically  every  parishioner  was  rep- 
resented on  the  subscription  list,  and 
the  total  cost  of  the  school,  $100,000, 
was  entirely  covered.  A  contract  for 
the  school  building  was  let  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1925,  and  the  building  com- 
pleted and  ready  for  occupancy  the 
following  September.  On  the  open- 
ing day  of  school  two  hundred  sixty- 
two  children  were  enrolled  and  with- 
in a  few  weeks  the  number  reached 
approximately  three  hundred. 

The  formal  dedication  of  the  new 
building  was  held  on  October  11th, 
1925,  with  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
pontificating  at  the  Field  Mass.  The 
officers  of  the  Mass  were  as  follows : 
Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Edward 
L.  Spalding,  Vicar  General  of  the 
Diocese  served  as  assistant  priest; 
Reverend  Doctor  James  Howard,  pas- 
tor of  St.  Agnes  Church,  whose  parish 
formerly  included  most  of  the  terri- 
tory now  included  in  the  Blessed  Sac- 


508 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


rament  Parish,  and  Reverend  Patrick 
Joseph  O'Reilly,  pastor  of  St.  Joseph 
Church,  were  the  deacons  of  honor ; 
Very  Reverend  Dean  Ryan,  of  Gran- 
ite City,  deacon  of  the  Mass;  Rever- 
end Thomas  E.  Cusack,  of  Carrollton, 
sub-deacon ;  Reverend  George  Faller, 
Chaplain  of  St.  John's  Hospital  and 
Reverend  Charles  Sandon,  assistant 
at  the  Cathedral,  were  Masters  of 
Ceremonies.  The  sermon  was  deliv- 
ered by  Reverend  Morton  O'Malley, 
CM.,  professor  of  theology  at  Ken- 
rick  Seminary,  Webster  Groves, 
Missouri.  The  visiting  priests  were 
entertained  at  noon  at  the  Bishop's 
residence,  owing  to  the  illness  of 
Father  Tarrent,  who  was  at  this  time 
in  the  hospital  following  a  surgical 
operation. 

Columbus  Day,  October  12th,  anni- 
versary of  the  landing  of  Christopher 
Columbus  on  American  soil  is  an- 
nually observed  by  the  Knights  of 
Columbus.  In  connection  with  the 
dedication  of  the  new  Blessed  Sacra- 
ment School,  the  members  of  the  local 
Council  decided  to  hold  their  services 
one  day  in  advance.  A  flag-raising 
program  was  given,  therefore,  in  the 
afternoon  at  the  school  with  the 
Knights  of  Columbus  in  full  charge. 
Several  hundred  school  children  sang 
the  National  Anthem  with  great  pre- 
cision and  enthusiasm.  Mr.  James  J. 
Graham,  Jr.,  was  in  charge  of  the  pro- 
gram and  introduced  the  speakers. 
The  city  of  Springfield  was  repre- 
sented by  J.  Emil  Smith,  Commission- 
er of  Accounts  and  Finances.  A 
greeting  from  the  State  of  Illinois 
was  given  by  Francis  G.  Blair,  Super- 
intendent of  Public  Instruction. 
Deputy  Supreme  Knight  Martin  H. 
Carmody,  Grand  Rapids,  Michigan, 
represented  Supreme  Knight  James 
A.  Flaherty  and  the  Supreme  Board 
of  Directors  of  the  Knights  of  Col- 
umbus at  the  exercises.  The  Bishop 
concluded  the  speaking  of  the  after- 
noon with  a  very  eloquent  patriotic 


address.  Throughout  the  day  regret 
prevailed  that  Very  Reverend  Michael 
A.  Tarrent,  pastor  of  the  Church  of 
the  Blessed  Sacrament,  was  unable  to 
be  present.  It  was  Father  Tarrent 's 
request  that  the  dedication  of  the 
school  plans  be  carried  out  as  original- 
ly planned  by  him.  Dinner  was 
served  to  the  visiting  clergy  in  the 
evening  at  the  Knights  of  Columbus 
Building. 

The  auspicious  beginning  of  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  Parish  and  the  en- 
thusiasm and  co-operation  of  its  good 
people,  give  promise  today  of  an 
early  erection  of  a  parish  church  that 
will  be  a  fitting  expression  of  so  gen- 
erous a  people,  and  a  fitting  counter- 
part of  their  beautiful  new  school. 

Complying  with  the  request  of 
Bishop  Griffin,  word  was  received 
from  Rome  on  July  7,  1927,  that  the 
Holy  Father  had  named  Father  Tar- 
rent a  Domestic  Prelate.  The  In- 
vestiture took  place  in  the  Cathedral 
on  September  8th,  Bishop  Griffin  pre- 
siding. Right  Reverend  Monsignor 
E.  L.  Spalding,  Vicar  General  of  the 
Diocese,  sang  the  Mass  in  the  presence 
of  one  hundred  and  eight  of  the 
clergy.  Reverend  Edward  J.  Doug- 
las was  deacon  and  Reverend  M. 
Costello,  subdeacon ;  Reverend  Joseph 
Enright,  Master  of  Ceremonies.  Right 
Reverend  Monsignor  J.  Schlarman, 
Chancellor  of  the  Diocese  of  Belle- 
ville, preached  the  sermon,  which  was 
followed  by  a  few  remarks  by  the 
Bishop.  At  the  banquet  at  the  St. 
Nicholas  Hotel,  Very  Reverend  D.  J. 
Ryan,  R.D.,  was  toastmaster.  Mon- 
signor Spalding,  V.G.,  responded  to 
the  Toast,  "Our  Holy  Father";  Rev- 
erend James  Howard,  D.D.,  "Our 
Bishop";  Reverend  T.  E.  Cusack, 
"Our  Clergy";  Reverend  T.  Fen- 
nessy,  "Our  Host."  After  a  brief 
address  by  the  Bishop,  the  festivities 
of  the  day  closed  with  a  few  remarks 
by  Monsignor  Tarrent. 


509 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart.  Granite  City,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1924. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Michael  Costello. 


On  June  15,  1924,  on  the  occasion 
of  his  first  pastoral  visit  to  Granite 
City,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Grif- 
fin, D.D.,  ordered  that  another  parish 
be  established,  as  the  city  had  become 
too  large  and  the  number  of  Catholics 
too  many  and  scattered  to  be  taken 
care  of  in  one  parish.  During  the 
summer  of  that  year  a  site  was  pur- 
chased in  the  northeast  section  of  the 
city  at  Washington  Avenue  and 
Twenty-Sixth  street.  Reverend  Mich- 
ael Costello  was  appointed  pastor  to 
take  charge  September  1,  1924.  The 
new  parish  was  placed  under  the  title 
and  patronage  of  the  Sacred  Heart. 
Messrs.  Harry  Evans  and  J.  J.  Mur- 
ray were  its  first  trustees. 

The  new  parish  was  formally  open- 
ed and  the  pastor  installed  on  Sep- 
tember 21,  1924,  at  a  Solemn  Pontifi- 
cal Field  Mass,  of  which  the  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  was 
celebrant.  This  Mass  was  attended 
by  a  splendid  gathering  of  more  than 
4,000  people. 

The  first  work  of  the  new  parish 
was  to  acquire  a  portable  building  to 
be  used  as  a  temporary  church.  This 
done,  very  soon  the  parish  began  to 
take  on  regular  organization  lines.  An 
Altar  Society,  which  has  been  doing 
splendid  work  ever  since,  was  formed 
early  in  October.  The  officers  of  the 
first  Altar  Society  were:  President, 
Mrs.  J.  J.  Kind ;  Vice-President,  Mrs. 
J.  J.  Murray;  Secretary,  Mrs.  F.  P. 
Schmidt,  and  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Wil- 
liam Early. 

On  December  8,  1924,  the  Sodality 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  was  or- 
ganized and  officers  elected.  Twenty- 
three  young  ladies  constituted  its 
first  membership.  The  officers  were 
as  follows:  Prefect,  Miss  Marie 
Perry ;  Vice-Prefect,  Miss  Marie  Zim- 
mer;  Secretary,  Miss  Alice  Owens; 
Treasurer,  Miss  Theresa  Schmersahl. 

On  January  2,  1925  the  Feast  of 
the  Holy  Name,  the  Holy  Name   So- 


ciety was  formally  organized  and 
members  received.  Reverend  John 
B.  Franz  preached  the  sermon  on  the 
occasion.  Forty-nine  members  were 
received.  The  officers  of  the  Society 
were  :  President,  Harry  Evans ;  Sec- 
retary, Paul  Gaughan,  and  Treasurer, 
Nicholas  Zimmer. 

Early  in  1925,  with  the  advice  of 
the  Bishop,  it  was  decided  to  erect  a 
combination  building  to  answer  the 
needs  of  the  parish  for  a  church  and 
school.  The  building  designed  con- 
sists of  an  auditorium  (at  present 
used  for  a  church)  with  a  seating  ca- 
pacity of  over  five  hundred,  four 
school  rooms  capable  of  accommodat- 
ing two  hundred  children,  and  a  base- 
ment sufficiently  large  and  equipped  to 
meet  the  needs  of  all  parish  activities. 
The  school  rooms  are  on  each  side  of 
the  building  with  the  auditorium  in 
the  center,  which  gives  a  clere-story 
effect.  The  style  of  architecture 
might  be  termed  American  Renais- 
sance. 

The  building  is  constructed  of 
brick,  very  effectively  decorated  with 
white  glazed  terra  cotta,  wood  floors 
supported  on  steel  beams,  and  the 
roof  is  similarly  designed.  On  Feb- 
ruary 9,  1925,  a  contract  was  entered 
into  with  Mr.  A.  H.  Eilerman  of 
Granite  City  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  and  Mr.  A.  H.  Newport 
Jones  appointed  as  the  architect's 
superintendent  of  construction.  The 
heating  contract  was  awarded  to 
Messrs.  Neenan  and  Laughlin,  and 
the  plumbing  to  Mr.  William  Early. 
The  construction  of  the  building  was 
begun  on  March  1,  1925,  and  the  cor- 
ner-stone was  laid  bv  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Griffin,  on  April  19,  1925.  The 
occasion  of  the  corner-stone  saw  an- 
other splendid  gathering  of  Catholic 
people.  Very  Reverend  Dennis  J. 
Ryan,  D.D.,  and  the  Tri-City  Council 
Knights  of  Columbus  took  a  very  ac- 
tive part    in    all    the    arrangements. 


510 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Four  bands  were  present  to  enliven 
the  parade,  of  which  Mr.  J.  B.  Harris 
was  Grand  Marshall.  The  boys' 
drum  corps  of  the  East  St.  Louis 
Council  K.  of  C,  the  girls'  drill  team 
of  the  East  St.  Louis  Council  of 
Daughters  of  Isabella,  and  Knights 
of  Columbus  Zouaves  of  St.  Louis, 
added  much  color  to  the  gala  event. 
More  than  seven  thousand  people 
were  present.  They  were  addressed 
by  Dr.  John  L.  Tierney  of  St.  Louis, 
and  by  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop. 

The  new  building  was  ready  for 
occupancy  August  25,  1925.  The 
first  child  baptized  in  the  new  church 
was  singularly    enough    William    J. 


Vorwald,  whose  ancestors  were  the 
original  owners  of  the  ground  on 
which  the  building  is  located.  School 
was  opened  September  1,  1925,  with 
four  Ursuline  Sisters  of  Springfield, 
Illinois,  as  teachers,  and  an  enroll- 
ment of  one  hundred  seventy-six  chil- 
dren. Sister  M.  Alphonsus  was  the 
first  principal. 

The  total  cost  of  the  site,  the  tem- 
porary buildings,  the  new  building, 
the  residence  for  the  pastor,  with  fur- 
nishings for  school,  church  and  resi- 
dence was  about  $125,000.00.  The 
present  indebtedness  is  about  $100,- 
000.00,  a  big  debt  indeed,  but  both 
pastor  and  people  are  hopeful  of  pay- 
ing it  off  in  the  near  future. 


Church  op  the  Sacred  Heart,  Hartford,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1924. 
Present  Pastor:   Reverend  Timothy  McKeogh. 


On  March  17th,  1924,  Reverend 
Michael  Costello,  pastor  of  St.  Eliza- 
beth's Church,  Mitchell,  Illinois,  open- 
ed a  Mission  Church  at  Hartford, 
Illinois,  now  known  as  Sacred  Heart 
Church.  A  hall  was  rented  from 
Charles  Guth,  a  parishioner,  and  re- 
conditioned, where  the  Holy  Sacrifice 
of  the  Mass  was  offered  up.  This  same 
Hall  now  called  the  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  is  still  being  used  for  Divine 
Services,  as  the  parish  is  too  small 
(numbering  about  twelve  families) 
and  too  poor  to  build  a  church. 


On  September  1st,  1924,  Reverend 
Timothy  McKeogh  was  appointed 
pastor  of  Mitchell  and  Hartford  by 
the  Right  Reverend  Jam*  s  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.  At  the  suggestion  of  the  Bishop, 
ground  was  purchased  with  the  view 
of  future  needs  as  Hartford  is  situ- 
ated on  the  highway  of  development 
between  Woodriver  and  Granite  City. 
The  present  trustees  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  Church  are  Charles  Guth  and 
Harry  Doenges. 


Church  of  St.  Thomas,  Decatur,  Macon  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1925. 
Present  Pastor:   Reverend  Andrew  Smith. 


St.  Thomas  parish  which  is  located 
in  the  northwestern  part  of  Decatur, 
Illinois,  was  established  by  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  in 
February,  1925.  For  a  time  services 
were  held  in  St.  Patrick's  Church 
until  the  portable  church  was  erected. 
Easter  Sunday  morning,  April  12, 
Mass  was  offered  for  the  first  time  in 
the  temporary  church.  In  the  aft- 
ernoon of  the  same  day  the  formal 
opening  took  place.  The  ceremonies 
consisted  of  the  Rosary,  a    beautiful 


sermon  by  Reverend  Peter  J.  Curran 
of  Dalton  City,  and  Benediction  of 
the  Blessed  Sacrament,  at  which  about 
twenty  priests  were  present.  Rever- 
end Thomas  Muleady,  son  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  T.  F.  Muleady,  of  Decatur,  was 
celebrant. 

It  was  not  long  until  plans  were 
made  for  a  new  building.  The  work 
was  soon  begun  and  on  August  31st, 
1925,  the  corner-stone  was  laid  by 
Very  Reverend  Dean  Murphy  of  De- 
catur.    On  this  occasion  an  eloquent 


511 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


sermon  was  delivered  by  Right  Rever- 
end Michael  A.  Tarrant. 

The  exterior  of  the  building  is  an 
adaptation  of  the  Italian  and  is  built 
of  cream  colored  brick,  stone  trimmed 
and  red  tile  roofs.  The  church  occu- 
pies the  central  portion  of  the  build- 
ing and  is  flanked  on  all  sides  with 
large  corridors.  The  ceilings  are  high 
and  of  grained  plaster  arches.  The 
woodwork  is  of  white  enamel  with 
glazed  effect  and  serves  as  a  back- 
ground and  setting  for  the  superb  in- 
terior fixtures  and  furniture.  The  al- 
tars and  fixtures  are  outstanding  ex- 
amples of  master  craftsmanship.  The 
main  altar  was  given  by  Miss  Mar- 
garet Allman,  in  memory  of  her 
uncle,  Edmund  Allman,  while  the 
side  altars  were  given  by  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Edward  Dunn  and  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
William  Donovan.  Mrs.  Margaret 
Wagle  gave  the  sanctuary  lamp  and 
the  altar  rail  was  donated  by  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Mont  Swisher  and  Mrs.  Ellen 
Griffin.  The  fourteen  stations  were 
gifts  from  fourteen  individuals.  An 
effect  of  harmony  and  unity  prevails 
throughout.  The  pews  are  of  antique 
oak  and  of  special  design  and  unsur- 
passed in  quality  and  workmanship. 
The  entrance  vestibule  to  the  church 
is  an  interesting  feature,  with  its 
arched  ceiling,  terrazzo  floors,  leaded 
glass  windows,  ornamental  grills  to 
the  Baptistry  and  at  the  opposite  side, 
the  stairway  to  the  choir  gallery. 

The  seating  capacity  of  the  church 
is  about  six  hundred  on  the  main  floor 
and  one  hundred  twenty  in  the  gal- 
lery. 

The  school,  conducted  by  the  Ursu- 
line  Sisters  of  Decatur,  has  an  enroll- 
ment of  one  hundred  fifty  pupils.  It 
contains  four  class  rooms  of  standard 
size,  is  complete  with  wardrobes  for 
each  room  and  represents  the  latest 
and  best  in  modern  school  buildings. 
The  class  rooms  adjoin  the  large,  wide 
corridors  which  have  terrazzo  floors 
and  base.  In  each  of  the  corridors, 
there  is  a  drinking  fountain. 

The  Dedicatory  services  in  the  St. 
Thomas  Church,  held  on  September 
5th,  1926,  were    the    most    beautiful 


services  of  the  kind  ever  held  in  the 
city.  Members  of  the  various  Catho- 
lic churches  assembled  in  the  center 
of  the  city  at  9  :30  o'clock  and  headed 
by  Goodman's  Band  and  about  fifty 
men  in  military  uniform,  marched  to 
the  new  church.  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  together  with 
Monsignor  Edward  L.  Spalding, 
were  met  at  some  distance  from  the 
church  by  a  large  group  of  singing 
children  who  escorted  the  Bishop  to 
the  parish  house  where  the  Bishop 
spoke  briefly  and  informally  as  did 
the  Grand  Knight  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus,  Daniel  Dineen.  The  Ameri- 
can flag  was  borne  at  the  head  of  the 
column  while  Fourth  Decree  Knights 
of  Columbus  in  the  full  regalia  of 
black  and  white  had  a  prominent 
place  in  the  procession  and  filed  into 
the  sanctuary  just  before  the  eleva- 
tion and  remained  there  until  after 
the  communion.  There,  with  swords 
upraised,  they  added  materially  to  the 
picture.  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield, 
celebrated  Pontifical  High  Mass  and 
the  following  dignitaries  of  the  church 
took  part : 

Celebrant,  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Griffin,  D.D. ;  Archpriest,  Right  Rev- 
erend Monsignor  Edward  L.  Spald- 
ing ;  Deacons  of  Honor,  Very  Rever- 
end Dean  Jeremiah  Murphy,  Rever- 
end Thomas  J.  McGrath ;  Deacon  of 
the  Mass,  Reverend  Francis  J.  Osten- 
dorf ;  Sub-deacon  of  the  Mass,  Rever- 
end Francis  J.  Curran ;  First  Master 
of  Ceremonies,  Very  Reverend  Mon- 
signor Amos  E.  Giusti,  D.C.L. ;  Sec- 
ond Master  of  Ceremonies,  Reverend 
Charles  Sandon ;  Mitre  bearer,  Rev- 
erend Thomas  Cusack;  Bugia-bearer, 
Reverend  Peter  P.  McGuiness;  Book 
bearer,  Reverend  Charles  Meagher; 
Cross  bearer,  Reverend  Thomas  F. 
Muleady;  Censer  bearer,  Reverend 
Charles  Fanning ;  Gremaile  bearer, 
Reverend  Daniel  Higgins;  Acolytes, 
Reverend  Morgan  Ryan,  Reverend 
Daniel  J.  O'Hanlon;  Chanters,  Rev- 
erend Frederick  W.  Klasner,  Rever- 
end Thomas  J.  McGrath. 

Music  for  the  dedication  was  pro 


512 


Springfield — Blessed  sunn  incut.  Temporary  Church,  Charles  J.  Wetterer  and  West 
Rourke,  First  Trustees,  Rectory,  School,  Mr.  and  Mis.  Colgan,  Benefactors  .  .  .  Hartford 
—Sacred  Heart  Church,  located  in  Store  Building  .  .  .  Glen  Carbon  St.  Cecelia  chunk, 
also  showing  Dedication. 


Tft  UBRM 

OF  THE 

WMVMt?  0F  IhklNOIS 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OP  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


vided  by  a  special  choir  of  forty 
voices  and  a  nine  piece  orchestra.  The 
music  was  under  the  direction  of  Mrs. 
John  Howley.  Following  the  Mass, 
an  inspiring  sermon  was  delivered  by 
Bishop  Griffin.  He  stressed  the  fact 
that  the  teaching  of  the  church  is  the 
safeguard  of  the  home,  the  greatest 
bulwark  of  the  nation,  and  points  the 
way  to  all  that  is  noble  and  grand. 
The  immense  crowd,  Catholic  and 
non-Catholic,  was  deeply  impressed 
by  the  logic  and  force  of  the  dis- 
course. 


The  parish  books  show  the  follow- 
ing interesting  records  :  Baptisms,  43 
for  1925,  44  for  1926 ;  marriages  dur- 
ing 1925  and  1926,  12  each  year.  The 
first  baptism  in  the  new  church  was 
that  of  Richard  A.  Smith.  Valuation 
of  property,  $140,000.  Number  of 
souls  in  parish  about  seven  hundred. 

St.  Thomas  parish,  though  but  two 
years  old,  functions  like  a  parish  of 
many  years'  standing,  and  gives 
promise  of  a  splendid  future. 


Church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  Wilsonville,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1925. 
Present  Pastor :   Reverend  Clement  T.  Stolze. 


At  the  request  of  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Griffin,  D.D.,  Reverend  Clem- 
ent T.  Stolze,  J.C.D.,  pastor  of  Bunk- 
er Hill,  in  the  early  part  of  Novem- 
ber, 1925,  started  a  mission  church  at 
Wilsonville.  The  town,  although  num- 
bering fifteen  hundred  people,  had  no 
church  whatsoever  up  to  this  time. 
Within  two  weeks  a  local  theatre, 
steam-heated,  with  a  seating  capacity 
of  three  hundred  was  purchased  for 
the  sum  of  |5,250.  On  November  29, 
of  the  same  year,  the  Holy  Sacrifice 
of  the  Mass  was  offered  up  in  the 
church  of  the  Holy  Cross  before  some 
hundred    faithful,    thus    giving    evi- 


dence that  the  newest  church  in  the 
diocese  would  be  appreciated  by  the 
people  of  this  community.  Ever  since, 
Mass  has  been  said  regularly  on  all 
Sundays  and  Holydays  of  obligation 
without  interruption,  and  the  attend- 
ance has  increased  until  at  this  writ- 
ing less  than  two  months  after  open- 
ing the  church  doors,  one  hundred 
families  have  been  enrolled  on  the 
parish  records,  and  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  children  are  now  prepar- 
ing to  make  their  First  Holy  Com- 
munion. The  spiritual  harvest  in  this 
new  field  promises  to  yield  a  bounti- 
ful crop  in  the  near  future. 


Church  of  St.  Cecilia,  Glen  Carbon,  Madison  County,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1926. 
Present  Pastor :    Reverend  Charles  Meagher. 


The  picturesque  village  of  Glen 
Carbon,  Madison  County,  Illinois,  is 
the  location  of  St.  Cecelia  Church. 
The  village  having  a  population  of 
about  eighteen  hundred,  is  situated 
on  the  bluffs  and  along  the  sides  of 
the  valley  which  opens  on  the  Ameri- 
can bottoms.  The  establishment  and 
organization  of  the  village,  about  thir- 
ty-five years  ago,  was  the  natural  out- 
come of  the  opening  of  mines  there 
and  the  subsequent  developments  ac- 
companying the  working  of  a  rich 
vein  of  bituminous  coal.  A  large  mine 
operated  by  the  Madison    Coal    Cor- 


poration still  forms  the  basic  industry 
of  the  village,  although  the  surround- 
ing country  is,  for  the  most  part,  a 
well  developed  farming  community. 
Here  and  there  may  be  seen  patches 
of  heavy  timber — the  remnants  of  a 
heavy  forest  which  once  covered  the 
entire  territory. 

Previous  to  the  establishment  of  St. 
Cecilia  Parish,  the  Catholics  of  the 
community  attended  St.  Mary's 
Church,  Edwardsville.  For  several 
years,  however,  Mass  on  Sundays  was 
offered  in  the  village  school  by  Rever- 
end Charles  A.   O'Reilly,  pastor  of 


513 


DIOCESE    OK    SPKINGEIELD    J\     ILLINOIS 


St.  Mary's  Church,  Edwardsville— 
for  the  convenience  of  the  people,  but 
several  years  ago  this  practice  was 
discontinued  due  to  the  growth  and 
development  of  St.  Mary. 

The  Parish  of  St.  Cecilia,  Glen  Car- 
bon, Illinois,  was  organized  in  Janu- 
ary, 1926,  at  the  suggestion  of  Bishop 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  after  a  census  had  been  taken 
of  the  Catholics  living  in  the  com- 
munity. Pleased  with  the  opportunity 
thus  afforded  them  of  having  a  church 
of  their  own,  the  members  of  the  new 
parish  worked  willingly  and  enthusi- 
astically towards  this  laudable  end.  A 
plot  of  ground  was  secured,  150x125 
feet,  pledges  were  made,  and  in  May 
the  erection  of  the  church  was  started 
according  to  plans  and  specifications 
drawn  up  by  M.  B.  Kane,  Edwards- 
ville. 

While  the  church  was  in  the  course 
of  construction,  Mass  on  Sundays  was 
offered  in  the  public  school  building, 
the  use  of  which  was  kindly  permitted 
by  the  local  school  board.  On  the 
4th  of  September  the  corner-stone  of 
the  new  church  was  privately  laid  by 
Very  Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan,  pas- 
tor of  St.  Joseph  Church,  Granite 
City.  Work  progressed  rapidly  on 
the  new  structure  which  was  ready 
for  use  in  November,  1926. 

The  building  is  a  mission  type 
style,  34x60  feet,  having  a  seating 
capacity  of  two  hundred.  A  full  gal- 
lery makes  it  possible  to  accommodate 
an  additional  fifty.  Perched  airily 
on  the  apex  of  a  rising  eminence,  the 
dainty  little  church  commands  a 
splendid  view  watching  sentinel-like 
over  the  peaceful  village  that  spreads 
out  in  leisurely  fashion  over  the  undu- 
lating valley  beneath.  The  location, 
beautiful  in  itself,  is  made  still  more 
so  by  the  art  of  a  landscape  gardener. 
Trees,  shrubberies,  and  flower  beds 
have  been  planted  and  cement  walks 
laid  encircling  the  church, — all  in 
such  artistic  arrangement  that  the 
whole  gives  the  impression  of  a  beau- 
tiful picture  in  a  beautiful  frame. 

The  building  is  complete  in  all  ap- 
pointments  inside   and   outside,   and 


not  the  least  consoling  fact  about  it, 
is  that  it  is  practically  free  from  debt. 
What  little  remains  to  be  paid  the 
pastor  and  people  hope  to  pay  off  this 
fall  with  the  opening  of  the  local  coal 
mines  on  which  the  members  of  the 
congregation  largely  depend  for  their 
existence.  As  it  stands  today,  St. 
Cecilia's  Church  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  and  up-to-date  out-missions 
in  the  State  of  Illinois.  The  young 
and  energetic  Father  Charles  Meagher, 
nephew  of  and  assistant  to  the  vener- 
able Father  Charles  O'Reilly,  Pastor 
of  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville,  deserves 
the  greatest  credit  for  accomplishing 
so  much  in  such  a  brief  period  of  time. 
But  let  it  be  here  set  down  also  that 
in  his  every  undertaking,  Father 
Meagher  had  the  generous  and  en- 
thusiastic co-operation  of  the  sixty- 
eight  families  of  the  parish.  The  suc- 
cess of  the  parish  thus  far  is  a  living 
example  of  the  truth  of  the  proverb 
that  in  unity  lies  strength. 

On  the  26th  of  June,  1927,  the 
church  was  dedicated  in  the  presence 
of  a  large  and  rejoicing  congregation 
that  had  ardently  hoped  for  that  great 
day.  Monsignor  Spalding  of  Alton 
read  the  dedicatory  prayers,  and 
preached  an  inspiring  sermon  for  the 
occasion.  The  Solemn  High  Mass  was 
sung  by  Father  D.  F.  Lydon,  with 
Reverend  E.  Eckhard  as  Deacon,  and 
Reverend  William  Whalen  as  Sub- 
deacon.  After  the  ceremonies  of  the 
morning  a  dinner  was  served  by  the 
ladies  of  the  parish  to  the  visiting 
clergy,  friends  and  well-wishers  of 
the  new  church. 

The  members  of  the  new  parish  are 
for  the  most  part  native  born  Ameri- 
cans ;  the  largest  proportion  being  the 
descendants  of  early  Bohemian  and 
Italian  settlers,  while  the  next  largest 
group  is  composed  of  those  of  Polish 
ancestry. 

The  new  congregation  boasts  of  two 
strong  societies,  a  Holy  Name  Society 
for  the  men,  and  Altar  Society  for 
women.  A  choir  was  organized  which, 
with  Miss  Grace  Pizzini  as  organist, 
and  Miss  Jennie  Raffaelle  as  leader, 
capably  cares  for  the  church  music. 


il4 


THE  EPISCOPACY  OF  RIGHT  REVEREND  JAMES  RYAN,  D.D. 


Those  who  heard  the  choir  render  the 
Mass  of  St.  Cecilia  on  dedication  day 
were  very  much  pleased  with  it  and 
not  a  little  surprised. 

During  a  number  of  years  prior  to 
1926  the  Catholics  of  Glen  Carbon 
used  to  attend  Mass  at  St.  Mary,  Ed- 
wardsville,  which  is  about  five  miles 
distant.  The  new  parish  is  still  at- 
tached to  St.  Mary,  and  is  diligently 
administered  to  by  Father  O'Reilly 
through      his      assistant,      Reverend 


Charles  Meagher.  The  first  and  pres- 
ent trustees  of  the  new  parish  are 
Frank  Rasplica  and  Frank  Svoboda. 
Under  the  patronage  of  St.  Cecilia 
it  is  hoped  that  the  new  congregation 
may  prosper,  and  that  tha  church  may 
long  serve  as  a  channel  of  grace  and 
blessings  to  the  members  of  the  com- 
munity and  to  those  who  sacrificed 
and  labored  so  unselfishly  for  its  pro- 
motion. 


515 


CHAPTER  XI 

Diocesan  Schools,  Institutions  and  Associations. 

No  more  interesting  information  will  be  found  in  this  volume  than  that 
contained  in  this  chapter.  To  well  informed  residents  of  the  Diocese  all  of  it 
will  not  be  new,  but  to  many  it  will  be  the  occasion  of  very  agreeable  surprise. 

Indeed,  it  is  hard  to  realize  that  the  comparatively  small  territory  em- 
braced within  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois  contains  the  number  of 
large  and  important  colleges  and  academies,  hospitals,  homes  and  orphanages 
and  Catholic  organizations  herein  described. 

Most  readers  will  be  greatly  surprised  to  learn  of  the  hundreds  of  priests 
and  religious  that  have  come  out  of  the  educational  institutions  of  the  Diocese, 
of  the  stupendous  work  of  the  hospitals  and  homes,  and  the  valuable  activities 
of  the  Catholic  societies. 

It  is  to  be  kept  in  mind  also  that  here  only  the  institutions  of  higher  educa- 
tion are  considered.  In  addition,  it  must  be  remembered  that  practically  every 
Parish  in  the  Diocese  has  its  parochial  school  in  which  the  youth  of  the  parish 
are  trained  and  educated. 

For  the  conception  and  consummation  of  these  splendid  Diocesan  institu- 
tions each  bishop  is  entitled  to  a  measure  of  credit  in  proportion  to  the  great- 
ness of  the  projects  developed  by  him.  Bishops  Juncker  and  Baltes  naturally 
were  parish  builders,  but  each  did  his  very  best  in  the  promotion  of  Catholic 
institutions.  In  the  long  regime  of  Bishop  Ryan  some  of  the  greatest  works 
were  accomplished,  and  the  crowning  glory  of  this  great  Bishop  was  the 
Diocesan  Orphanage.  Under  the  new  Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Grif- 
fin, a  number  of  very  important  projects  have  been  launched,  the  greatest  of 
which  is  the  Cathedral  group,  which  is  a  stupendous  undertaking  triumphant- 
ly accomplished. 

THE  WESTERN  CATHOLIC 

Official  Diocesan  Paper — Published  in  Quincy,  Illinois 

Established  in  1897 

From  the  standpoint  of  merit  and  the  consideration  of  past  and  potential 
results,  it  is  believed  to  be  clearly  justifiable  to  place  the  Diocesan  publicity 
agency,  namely,  The  Western  Catholic,  first  in  this  catalogue  of  Diocesan  in- 
stitutions. 

It  is  the  concensus  of  Catholic  opinion,  we  think,  that  an  able  Catholic  press 
is  of  the  highest  importance  now  and  for  the  future.  The  newspaper  is  the  uni- 
versal informant,  and  as  a  chronicle  of  current  events,  has  become  indispensable 
in  our  lives.  For  the  Catholics  to  lag  in  the  path  of  progress  with  respect  to 
publicity,  is  to  surrender  a  standing  and  character  that  rightly  belongs  to  them. 

517 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

Despite  the  numerous  news  publications  of  a  general  character,  there  is 
a  distinct  place  for  the  Catholic  newspaper.  It  is  needed  not  only  for  the  pur- 
pose of  informing  its  readers  of  general  current  events  of  importance,  but  as 
well  for  informing  and  directing  Catholics  with  respect  to  Catholic  interests 
and  movements. 

The  Catholic  newspaper  printed  in  any  language  can  be  and  generally  is 
the  best  exponent  of  rectitude  and  righteousness,  the  best  conservator  of  law 
and  order,  and  the  most  effective  agency  for  the  promotion  of  love  of  country 
and  respect  for  constituted  authority  available  to  our  citizens. 

The  appeal  of  bishops  and  priests  for  a  more  earnest  and  universal  sup- 
port of  the  Catholic  press  is  becoming  daily  better  understood  by  the  laity.  In- 
formed men  are  beginning  to  realize  how  essential  is  straight  thinking,  right- 
eous conduct  and  the  proper  discharge  of  public  duties.  In  no  way  may  these 
considerations  be  so  well  impressed  as  in  the  Catholic  newspaper. 

In  justice  to  its  editors  and  publishers,  it  must  be  said  that  The  Western 
Catholic  is  a  worthy  representative  of  the  American  Catholic  Press,  and  the 
paper  and  the  editor  thereof  deserve  all  that  is  written  of  them  in  this  sketch. 

The  first  issue  of  The  Western  Catholic  came  from  the  press  on  October 
16,  1897.  Its  founder,  publisher  and  editor  was  John  F.  Bidder,  whose  lament- 
ed death  occurred  February  15,  1908. 

Mr.  Ridder  was  a  remarkable  man  in  many  ways,  but  his  keen  intellect 
and  indomitable  will-power  blazed  out  like  stars  on  the  brow  of  night.  In  his 
day  there  was  no  such  thing  as  Catholic  Press  Month  and  no  such  article  as  a 
Catholic  paper  in  Quincy  ob  anywhere  else  in  the  Diocese.  John  Ridder 'b 
keen  mind  and  practical  judgment  saw  need  for  such  a  paper,  and  his  iron 
will,  in  harmony  with  his  judgment,  created  such  a  paper  under  the  name  of 
"The  Western  Catholic."  His  ambition  and  his  dream  were  to  make  The  West- 
ern Catholic  the  strong  right  arm  of  the  Catholic  pulpit  for  the  advancement 
of  Christ's  Kingdom  and  the  salvation  of  souls,  not  only  in  his  own  Diocese, 
but  all  over  the  United  States.  He  succeeded  in  having  The  Western  Catholic 
declared  the  Official  Organ  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union,  a  Fraternal  organi- 
zation with  headquarters  in  Quincy  but  a  few  years  before  his  death  the  paper 
ceased  to  be  the  organ  of  the  above  mentioned  organization.  In  spite  of  op- 
position and  lack  of  co-operation  Mr.  Ridder  fought  the  good  fight,  prepared 
the  way,  planted  the  good  seed  and  made  possible  what  we  today  enjoy  in  the 
fertile,  blooming,  smiling  meadows  of  Catholic  Journalism. 

Mr.  Ridder 's  Western  Catholic  was  published  in  Milwaukee  and  came  to 
Quincy  as  a  duplicate  of  the  preceding  week's  copy  of  the  Catholic  Citizen, 
excepting  the  last  page  which  was  printed  here  in  Quincy. 

After  Mr.  Ridder 's  death  in  1908,  his  energetic  widow,  Mrs.  M.  G.  Ridder, 
continued  to  publish  The  Western  Catholic  until  May  28,  1909,  when  Reverend 
J.  P.  Kerr,  pastor  of  St.  Peter  Church,  Quincy ;  Reverend  Martin  J.  Foley, 
assistant  pastor  of  St.  Peter,  and  Theodore  Hellhake  of  the  Miller  Shoe  Com- 
pany, Quincy,  purchased  it  from  her  at  her  own  price,  and  the  first  issue  of  the 
paper  under  the  new  management  appeared  May  28,  1909. 

518 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

The  life  and  times  of  The  Western  Catholic  from  May  28,  1909,  to  the 
present  writing  reads  like  a  novel.  Years  came  and  went  and  found  new  names 
attached  to  The  Western  Catholic.  As  we  sit  here,  ponder  and  write,  one  after 
another  rises  up  before  our  reminiscent  gaze — but  through  it  all  and  with  it 
all  was  the  writer  of  these  lines.  To  paraphrase  the  poet :  Men  may  come  and 
men  may  go  but  Father  Foley  goes  on  forever.  He  could  not  and  did  not  do 
it  alone.  Thank  God  a  few  loyal  brother  priests,  aided  by  a  faithful  represen- 
tation of  the  laity,  stuck  to  and  by  the  editor,  and  accordingly  he  carried  on. 

The  editor  is  a  thorough  believer  in  the  doctrine  that  credit  and  honor 
should  be  given  where  credit  and  honor  are  due,  hence  he  sincerely  thanks 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Spricgfield  in 
Illinois,  for  his  friendly,  kindly,  fatherly  support,  in  spoken  and  written  word ; 
yes  and  by  his  substantial  acts  in  favor  of  The  Western  Catholic.  Inspired  by 
his  example  both  clergy  and  laity  have  rallied  around  The  Western  Catholic 
in  such  splendid  fashion  that  today  it  enters  practically  every  rectory  and  cir- 
culates in  every  parish  within  the  Diocese. 

Over  a  year  ago  the  Bishop  commissioned  the  editor  to  tour  the  Diocese, 
preach  Western  Catholic  and  tell  the  people  it  is  the  Bishop's  wish  to  see 
The  Western  Catholic  in  every  home  in  the  Diocese,  and  that  all  the  official 
news  will  be  published  in  it,  thus  making  the  paper  a  living  link  between  the 
Chancery  Office  and  our  Catholic  homes  throughout  the  Diocese. 

The  Western  Catholic  owns  its  own  home  and  boasts  of  having  the  best 
equipped  printing  plant  and  office  of  their  size  in  the  Middle  West. 

One  of  the  big  favors  conferred  upon  The  Western  Catholic  by  the  Bishop 
was  his  appointment  of  Reverend  Edward  J.  Scanlan  as  Associate  Editor  to 
Reverend  Martin  J.  Foley ;  the  editor 's  reply  is  a  prayer  that  while  men  may 
come  and  men  may  go  Father  Scanlan  may  remain  forever. 

The  editor  is  surrounded  by  an  office  and  mechanical  force  that  can  no- 
where be  duplicated  for  loyalty  and  efficiency  and  he  proudly  proclaims  this 
fact  to  the  whole  Diocese.  Here  is  the  personnel  of  The  Western  Catholic  at 
present :  President  and  Editor,  Very  Reverend  Monsignor  Martin  J.  Foley ;  As- 
sociate Editor,  Reverend  Edmund  J.  Scanlan;  Business  Manager,  Tony 
Kreins;  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Miss  Mayme  Coyle;  Stenographer  and  Proof- 
reader, Miss  Nettie  Finigan ;  Assistant  Business  Manager,  L.  L.  Simpson;  Lino- 
type Operators,  Herman  Bonne  and  Louis  Hummert;  Foreman  Composing 
Room,  Cyril  Bohne ;  Assistant  Foreman,  Louis  Hummert ;  Foreman  Press  Room, 
Louis  Hoelscher;  Pressman,  Frank  Darnell;  Mailing  Department,  Mitchell  New- 
kirk  ;  Bindery  Department,  Miss  Olive  McSpadden  and  Miss  Rene  Ledig. 

The  Western  Catholic  is  in  no  sense  a  local  paper  and  its  field  is  by  no 
means  circumscribed  by  the  limits  of  the  Diocese.  It  circulates  in  every  Postal 
Zone  in  the  United  States;  goes  to  Canada,  Australia,  England,  Scotland,  Ire- 
land, the  Continent  of  Europe,  British  India  and  even  to  China  and  Japan, 
thus  proving  its  right  to  its  title  of  Catholic  not  only  in  doctrine  but  also  in 
circulation. 

As  a  mark  of  appreciation,  not  alone   of   distinguished    services   as   priest 

519 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

and  pastor  but  as  a  most  effective  editor  and  publicist,  Pope  Pius  XI,  at  the 
suggestion  of  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  raised  Father  Foley  to  the 
dignity  of  Monsignor,  with  which  he  was  invested  by  Bishop  Griffin  on  August 
3rd,  1927. 

It  should  also  be  here  acknowledged  that  Monsignor  Foley  played  a  large 
and  important  part  in  the  preparation  of  this  history  of  the  Diocese  of  Spring- 
field. Not  only  is  he  the  author  of  the  extremely  interesting  and  valuable  second 
chapter,  "Pen  Pictures  of  Bishop  Griffin,"  but  of  many  valuable  notes  and 
sketches.  He  did  yeoman  service  also  in  examining  manuscripts  and  proofs  and 
thereby  added  materially  to  the  value  of  the  work. 

QUINCY  COLLEGE. 

Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois 

Established  in  1860. 

When  in  1859  the  Franciscans  were  invited  by  the  Right  Reverend  Henry 
Damian  Juncker,  Bishop  of  Alton,  to  establish  a  foundation  at  Quincy,  Illinois, 
it  was  stipulated  that,  besides  engaging  in  parish  work,  they  should  open  a 
high  school  for  boys  and  young  men.  This  was  a  difficult  undertaking  at  the 
time,  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  men  and  the  lack  of  funds ;  but  trusting  in  Divine 
Providence  and  the  assistance  of  the  people,  the  Franciscans  determined  to  ac- 
cept the  invitation  held  out  to  them. 

The  first  friars,  Reverend  Servatius  Altmicks  and  Brother  Honorius  Dopp 
arrived  in  Quincy  on  December  2,  1859.  A  short  time  after  they  were  joined 
by  Reverend  Herbert  Hoffmann  and  the  clerics  Bernardine  Hermann,  Maurice 
Klostermann  and  Raynerius  Diekneite ;  the  latter  were  ordained  priests  on  July 
2,  1860.  These  religious  took  up  their  abode  in  a  three  story  brick  house  belong- 
ing to  Mr.  Joseph  Mast,  situated  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Eighth  Streets,  and 
arranged  the  first  floor  of  the  building  for  school  purposes.  A  preparatory 
class  was  organized  early  in  1860,  probably  in  March. 

The  new  convent  built  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city  known  as  the  "prairie" 
was  ready  for  occupancy  during  the  summer  of  1860.  Two  apartments  were  set 
aside  to  serve  as  class  rooms.  The  first  school  year,  1860-1861,  was  opened  in 
September  with  three  classes  and  three  teachers :  Fathers  Servatius  Altmicks, 
Raynerius  Diekneite  and  Maurice  Klostermann.  The  number  of  students  was 
about  eighty. 

The  following  years  were  critical  ones  for  the  school.  Difficulties  seemingly 
insurmountable  multiplied,  and  at  length  caused  the  founders  seriously  to  con- 
sider the  advisability  of  closing  the  school.  This  course  would  undoubtedly  have 
been  adopted,  but  for  the  active  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  school  shown  by 
Reverend  H.  Schaefermeyer,  pastor  of  St.  Boniface  Church,  the  protest  of  many 
Catholics  of  Quincy,  and  the  cool  determination  of  the  Reverend  Ferdinand 
Bergmeyer,  at  that  time  local  superior  of  the  Franciscans.  After  mature  delib- 
eration it  was  decided  to  maintain  the  school,  in  the  hope  that  conditions  would 
improve. 

520 


Quinvy— Office  Western  Catholic  Printing  Co.,  Publishers  "Western  Catholic"   Weekly 


-  ik 


Quincy  ('<>lli  ge,  Rev.  Ferdinand  Oruen,  O.F.M. 

i:>  i     i. tin  rutur  Presser,  O.F.M. 


.  St.  Joseph's  Seminary,  '/'<  uiopolis. 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

In  the  summer  of  1863  Reverend  Anselm  Mueller,  O.F.M.,  was  appointed 
Rector.  Under  his  energetic  management  difficulties  were  gradually  overcome 
and  a  growing  efficiency  in  all  departments  was  soon  evident.  An  increase  in 
the  number  of  students  was  recorded  from  year  to  year,  and  in  1869  St.  Fran- 
cis Solanus  College,  as  it  was  then  called,  was  established  on  a  firm  basis. 

In  1861  separation  of  the  school  and  convent  was  deemed  advisable  and  ac- 
commodations were  obtained  for  the  former  in  St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Asylum 
which  was  vacant  at  the  time.  Classes  were  taught  here  until  February,  1865, 
when  the  High  School  found  its  fourth  temporary  home  in  the  parish  school 
building.  Under  these  circumstances,  only  day  scholars  could  be  admitted. 
This  restricted  the  admission  of  students  to  residents  of  Quincy  and  to  such  as 
could  find  convenient  lodging  in  the  city.  Thus  matters  stood  until  the  year 
1869  when  the  Very  Reverend  Provincial  Gregory  Janknecht,  on  the  occasion  of 
the  canonical  visitation,  gave  orders  to  erect  a  building  adapted  to  the  accom- 
modation of  boarders.  Plans  were  accordingly  drawn  for  a  building  of  brick 
70x90  feet,  four  stories  high,  with  basement,  to  be  erected  on  a  plot  adjoining 
the  convent  to  the  east.  The  cornerstone  was  laid  on  September  4,  1870,  and  on 
September  10,  1871,  the  completed  structure  was  dedicated  by  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  Bishop  of  Alton. 

St.  Francis  Solanus  College  was  now  able  to  admit  boarders  as  well  as  day 
scholars,  and  events  soon  proved  the  wisdom  of  this  change  in  the  status  of  the 
institution.  The  number  of  boarders  increased  to  such  an  extent  that  the  avail- 
able accommodations  were  taxed  to  the  limit.  These  cramped  conditions  con- 
tinued until  1886,  when  the  College  acquired  possession  of  the  convent  building 
which,  after  being  remodeled  and  furnished,  afforded  room  for  several  apart- 
ments. Improvements  continued  to  be  made  in  the  equipment,  as  well  as  in  the 
curriculum  of  the  College.  Among  the  former  improvements,  we  may  note  es- 
pecially the  installation  of  a  modern  lighting  and  heating  system,  and  the  build- 
ing of  a  steam  laundry.  Through  the  untiring  efforts  of  Father  Anselm  and  the 
faculty,  the  curriculum  was  enlarged  and  perfected,  so  that  it  eventually  em- 
braced the  Classical  Courses,  divided  into  the  Academic  and  Collegiate  Depart- 
ments, of  four  and  three  years  respectively,  and  the  Commercial  Course  ar- 
ranged for  a  period  of  three  years.  A  course  of  philosophy,  embracing  the  sec- 
ond and  third  year  of  the  Collegiate  Course,  was  introduced  in  1879 ;  it  was  dis- 
continued about  the  year  1894,  but  again  introduced  in  1897.  On  May  19,  1873, 
the  College  was  incorporated  according  to  the  then  existing  laws  of  Illinois,  and 
empowered  to  confer  the  degree  of  A.B.  and  A.M. 

In  January,  1893,  Father  Anselm  Mueller,  after  being  at  the  head  of  the 
institution  for  almost  thirty  years,  was  succeeded  by  Father  Nicholas  Leonard, 
O.F.M.  Soon  after  his  appointment,  the  new  President,  to  provide  for  the  needs 
of  the  growing  institution,  undertook  to  carry  out  the  plan  which  had  been  un- 
der consideration  for  some  time :  to  replace  the  western  wing,  consisting  of  the 
old  convent  building,  with  more  commodious  and  up-to-date  structures.  The 
southwestern  corner  of  the  block,  formerly  occupied  by  the  parish  church  and  the 
parochial  school,  was  added  to  the  College  property ;  and  a  strip  of  land  on  the 

521 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

east  side  was  purchased  from  the  St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Society.  On  the  latter 
piece  of  land,  a  new  study  hall  and  auditorium  were  built.  Its  cornerstone  was 
laid  on  September  20,  1893.  Simultaneously  work  was  progressing  on  the  west- 
ern wing,  occupying  the  site  of  the  old  church  and  school.  The  cornerstone 
of  this  wing  was  laid  on  March  13,  1894.  It  was  finished  and  ready  for  occu- 
pancy during  the  summer  of  1895.  In  1898  the  old  convent  building  was  torn 
down  and  on  its  site  the  present  central  structure  was  erected. 

"Only  one  inexperienced  in  such  matters,"  says  the  Jubilee  Souvenir  of  St. 
Francis  Solanus  College,  1912,  "can  appreciate  what  all  this  building  and  ex- 
pense meant  for  Father  Nicholas,  who,  at  the  same  time  was  active  in  the  educa- 
tional work  of  the  institution ;  in  fact,  his  claim  to  merit  and  fame  rests  chiefly 
upon  his  labors  in  the  latter  field.  Everything,  however,  was  prospering  and 
he  was  looking  forward  with  confidence  in  his  ability  to  pay  debts  incurred  and 
to  finish  the  proposed  buildings,  when  a  most  unfortunate  accident  in  alighting 
from  a  street  car  in  Omaha,  Nebraska,  August  25,  1900,  rendered  necessary  the 
amputation  of  his  left  leg  and  brought  him  to  death's  door.  He  returned  to  the 
College  after  a  few  months,  but  he  was  a  broken  man.  Resigning  his  office  in 
December,  1901,  he  retired  to  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  where  after  suffering  an  at- 
tack of  apoplexy,  he  died,  March  17,  1903." 

After  the  death  of  Father  Nicholas,  Father  Anselm  Mueller  was  again  ap- 
pointed President  of  the  College,  and  despite  his  advanced  years,  guided  its 
destinies  with  almost  undiminished  vigor  from  January,  1902,  until  the  summer 
of  1909.  Under  his  successors,  Father  Samuel  Macke,  1909 — 1910  and  Father 
Fortunatus  Hausser,  1910 — 1916,  the  Commercial  Course  was  reorganized,  and 
at  the  same  time  many  improvements  were  made  in  the  equipment  and  buildings. 
The  beautiful  chapel  in  the  Romanesque  style,  begun  in  September,  1910,  was 
solemnly  dedicated  on  April  28,  1912.  On  this  occasion  the  golden  jubilee  of 
the  College  and  the  silver  sacredotal  jubilee  of  Father  Fortunatus  were  joyfully 
celebrated  by  the  faculty  and  students,  and  a  large  concourse  of  alumni  and 
friends  of  the  institution. 

During  the  administration  of  the  next  President,  Father  Gabriel  Lucan, 
from  1916  to  1921,  the  College  acquired  possession  of  the  extensive  property  of 
the  St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Asylum,  thus  affording  the  students  an  excellent  cam- 
pus for  all  athletic  sports.  In  1917,  the  official  name  of  the  College,  St.  Francis 
Solanus  College,  was  changed  to  Quincy  College  and  Seminary.  In  1918  the 
Academic  Department  of  the  institution  was  recognized  by  the  Department  of 
Public  Instruction  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  in  the  following  year  this  course 
was  duly  accredited  to  the  University  of  Illinois.  In  1921  Father  Gabriel  was 
succeeded  by  Father  Ferdinand  Gruen,  under  whose  efficient  administration 
the  activities  of  the  college  were  greatly  extended.  He  was  succeeded  in  1927  by 
Father  Aloisius  Fromm,  who  is  still  governing  the  institution  with  great  success. 

"Very  gratifying,  indeed,  are  the  results  achieved  in  the  field  of  education 
by  Quincy  College.  Through  the  efforts  of  excellent  professors,  it  has  justly  ac- 
quired the  reputation  of  imparting  a  solid  secondary  education.  It  numbers 
among  its  alumni  over  three  hundred  priests,  secular  and  regular,  and  a  large 

522 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

number  of  teachers,  lawyers,  physicians  and  successful  business  men ;  and  there 
is  every  reason  to  hope  that  it  will  continue  to  contribute  its  share  in  the  edu- 
cation of  Catholic  youth."  (Illinois  Catholic  Historical  Review,  vol  III,  p.  175.) 

ST.  JOSEPH  COLLEGE 

Teutopolis,  Effingham  County,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1862. 

In  1856  at  the  request  of  Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  D.D., 
first  Bishop  of  Alton,  several  Franciscan  Fathers  of  the  Province  of  the  Holy 
Cross  in  Germany,  sent  by  their  Provincial  the  Very  Reverend  Gregory  Jan- 
knecht,  arrived  in  this  country  and  took  charge  of  St.  Francis  parish  at  Teu- 
topolis, Effingham  County,  Illinois.  Prompted  by  their  zeal  and  taught  by  ex- 
perience that  the  education  and  religious  training  of  youth  demanded  particular 
attention,  the  Fathers  soon  took  steps  to  found  an  institution  of  higher  education. 

Accordingly,  a  committee  of  prominent  citizens  of  Teutopolis  was  formed 
under  the  presidency  of  Reverend  Damian  Hennewig  in  charge  of  the  parish,  to 
procure  a  suitable  site  and  the  necessary  funds  for  the  erection  of  a  high  school. 
Messrs.  John  F.  Waschefort,  Clement  Uptmor,  John  Wernsing  and  Dieterich 
Eggermann  who  composed  the  committee,  are  held  in  grateful  remembrance  for 
the  great  interest  they  manifested  in  this  praiseworthy  undertaking  and  for  the 
efficient  services  rendered. 

An  area  of  eighteen  lots  in  the  southern  part  of  the  town  was  selected  as 
the  site  of  the  institution,  and  funds  were  liberally  subscribed  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  parish  then  comprising  the  greater  part  of  Effingham  County.  The 
corner  stone  of  the  building  was  laid  on  July  1,  1861.  The  two  story  structure  of 
brick  80x40  feet  with  basement  and  attic  was  completed  during  the  summer  of 
1862  and  blessed  with  appropriate  ceremonies  by  Bishop  Juncker  on  September 
15th.  On  September  16th  the  institution,  placed  under  the  protection  of  St. 
Joseph,  was  formally  opened  with  Reverend  Herbert  Hoffmann,  O.F.M.,  as 
President  and  five  other  Franciscans  as  teachers.  The  Bishop  of  Alton,  to  whom 
the  College  was  subsequently  deeded  for  the  benefit  of  the  diocese,  raised  the  in- 
stitution also  to  an  Ecclesiastical  Seminary  and  sent  to  it  his  candidates  for  the 
holy  ministry  to  pursue  the  courses  of  philosophy  and  theology. 

The  number  of  Fathers  was  small,  and  the  few  were,  besides,  engaged  in 
giving  missions  and  in  other  pastoral  duties.  In  consequence  of  these  many 
and  exacting  labors,  they  could  not  give  the  necessary  attention  to  the  Seminary. 
They,  therefore,  in  1865  deemed  it  proper  to  discontinue  philosophy  and  theology 
and  to  devote  their  entire  energy  to  the  imparting  of  a  thorough  classical  educa- 
tion, combined  with  a  good  moral  training. 

Meanwhile,  Father  Hoffmann  had  resigned  his  office  and  was  appointed  to 
teach  theology  to  the  clerics  of  the  Order.  His  death,  which  occurred  at  the  con- 
vent at  Teutopolis  on  October  16,  1868,  was  deplored  by  the  many  witnesses  of 
his  indefatigable  zeal  for  the  honor  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls.  He  was 
succeeded  in  the  Presidency  of  the  College  by  Very  Reverend  Maurice  Kloster- 
mann,  O.F.M.,  who  held  the  office  from  1864  until  1882. 

523 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

At  the  close  of  the  first  year  of  Father  Maurice's  administration,  the  Sem- 
inary Department  was  discontinued  and  the  course  of  studies  was  arranged  60 
as  to  comprise  an  Academic  and  a  Junior  College  Department,  embracing  a 
period  of  six  years.    Later  a  Commercial  Course  was  added. 

The  aim  of  the  Institution,  however,  was  not  only  to  develop  the  mental 
powers,  but  also  to  cultivate  a  relish  for  virtue  and  religion.  Although,  for  a 
time,  members  of  different  denominations  had  been  received,  yet  to  insure  suc- 
cess, it  was  finally  decided  that  only  Catholics  should  be  admitted,  and  their 
spiritual  wants  were  always  carefully  provided  for.  At  first,  a  room  in  the  main 
building  served  as  chapel,  but  soon  a  frame  building  was  erected  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  when  the  chapel  in  the  course  of  time  proved  too  small,  it  was  re- 
placed by  a  more  commodious  structure. 

In  order  to  accommodate  the  large  number  of  students  who  wished  to  avail 
themselves  of  the  advantages  of  a  higher  education,  an  addition  was  made  to  the 
east  side  of  the  College  building  in  1877,  thus  securing  almost  twice  as  much 
room  as  the  old  building  had  afforded.  The  entire  first  story  of  the  new  wing 
served  as  a  study  hall. 

In  1881  the  College  was  chartered  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Illinois  and 
empowered  to  confer  the  academic  degrees  in  accordance  with  the  custom  pre- 
vailing in  the  colleges  of  the  United  States.  Henceforth,  the  official  title  of  the 
Institution  was  "St.  Joseph's  Diocesan  College";  up  to  this  time  it  had  been 
known  as  "St.  Joseph's  Ecclesiastical  College." 

The  following  year  Reverend  Maurice  Klostermann  was  compelled  by  fail- 
ing sight  to  resign  the  presidency  of  the  College,  after  having,  for  a  period  of 
eighteen  years,  greatly  contributed  by  his  faithful  and  able  administration  to 
the  development  and  prosperity  of  the  Institution. 

The  vacancy  in  the  presidency  was  filled  by  the  appointment  of  Reverend 
Michael  Richardt,  O.F.M.,  who  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office  in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  scholastic  year,  1882 — 1883. 

One  of  the  first  duties  of  the  new  President  was  to  provide  accommodations 
for  the  growing  number  of  students.  Accordingly,  in  1884,  a  wing,  correspond- 
ing to  the  eastern  but  considerably  larger,  was  erected  on  the  west  side  of  the 
original  structure.  On  this  occasion  all  the  modern  improvements  such  as  steam 
heating,  flowing  water  and  gas  light  were  introduced.  Thus  enlarged  and 
equipped,  the  College  was  able  to  accommodate  one  hundred  and  eighty  boarders. 
At  the  same  time  the  chapel  was  greatly  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  a  new  sanc- 
tuary and  sacristy — joined  to  the  west  wing  of  the  building.  The  dedication  of 
the  new  wing  and  chapel  was  performed  in  the  fall  of  1884  by  the  Provincial, 
Very  Reverend  Vincent  Halbfas,  O.F.M.,  assisted  by  a  large  number  of  priests 
of  the  diocese. 

The  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  opening  of  the  Institution  was  cele- 
brated amid  great  festivities  on  June  21,  22  and  23,  1887.  The  presence  of  a 
large  number  of  former  students  and  friends  manifested  the  interest  entertained 
for  the  Institution  and  had  a  cheering  influence  on  the  faculty  and  students. 
The  College  could,  indeed,  look  back  with  joy  and  pride  upon  the  first  twenty  - 

524 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

five  years  of  its  endeavors  in  the  field  of  education ;  for  it  counted  among  its 
alumni  138  priests  (89  secular  and  50  regular),  23  seminarians,  46  Franciscan 
clerics  devoting  themselves  to  the  study  of  philosophy  and  theology,  77  lay 
teachers  and  a  large  number  of  men  successful  in  the  various  walks  of  life. 

Despite  the  erection  of  the  large  western  wing  in  1883 — 1884  it  was  again 
found  necessary  to  enlarge  the  building.  In  the  spring  of  1889,  accordingly,  the 
foundation  of  two  additions  were  laid.  These  structures  were  completed  in  the 
fall  and  blessed  by  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton,  on  Thanks- 
giving Day,  November  28.  One  building,  110x40  feet  contains  the  study  hall 
and  the  auditorium;  the  other,  125x40  feet  serves  as  the  play  hall  and  gym- 
nasium. 

In  July  1891  the  Reverend  Michael  Richardt,  President  of  the  College,  was 
elected  Provincial  of  the  Province  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  and  Reverend  Nicholas 
Leonard,  Vice-President  of  St.  Francis  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  was  chosen  to 
succeed  him.  After  a  short  but  successful  term  in  office, — until  January,  1893, — 
Father  Nicholas  was  recalled  by  his  superiors  to  Quincy  and  placed  at  the  head 
of  the  college  in  that  city.  His  successor  at  Teutopolis  was  Reverend  Hugoline 
Storff,  who  held  the  office  of  President  of  the  College  from  1893  until  1900,  and 
again  from  1906  to  1912. 

During  his  administration  the  Institution  continued  to  prosper  in  every 
way.  The  number  of  students  increased  from  year  to  year,  so  that  the  buildings 
again  proved  inadequate  to  accommodate  them.  Plans  were  accordingly  drawn 
for  an  addition  90x60  feet,  to  contain  several  class  rooms,  a  library  and  rooms 
for  the  members  of  the  faculty ;  and  also  for  a  Chapel,  in  the  Romanesque  style, 
measuring  118x50  feet.  Building  operations  were  begun  in  the  early  part  of 
1895  and  completed  in  the  spring  of  the  following  year.  The  new  chapel  was 
solemnly  blessed  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan  on  April  22,  1896.  The  Pon- 
tifical High  Mass  on  this  occasion  was  celebrated  by  Right  Reverend  John 
Janssen,  Bishop  of  Belleville,  a  lifelong  friend  of  the  Institution. 

The  year  1898  brought  an  important  change  in  the  status  of  the  College.  The 
number  of  young  men  who  wished  to  prepare  themselves  for  the  priesthood  in 
the  Franciscan  Order  grew  from  year  to  year,  and  the  time  was  thought  op- 
portune to  obtain  control  of  the  Institution,  in  order  to  make  it  a  school  for  as- 
pirants of  the  Order.  An  agreement  was  reached  with  the  Bishop  of  the  dio- 
cese by  which  the  Institution  ceased  to  be  a  Diocesan  College  and  passed  under 
the  entire  control  of  the  Franciscan  Fathers  of  the  Province  of  the  Sacred 
Heart.  The  transfer  of  the  College  to  the  Franciscans  took  place  on  February 
15,  1898.  Since  then  it  is  devoted  exclusively  to  the  education  of  boys  and  young 
men  who  wish  to  become  priests  of  the  Order  of  St.  Francis.  Its  official  title  was 
changed  from  "St.  Joseph's  Diocesan  College"  to  "St.  Joseph's  Seraphic 
College." 

Under  the  wise  administration  of  Reverend  Hugoline  Storff  and  his  suc- 
cessors, whose  names  will  be  found  in  the  list  of  the  Reverend  Presidents  of  the 
College  printed  at  the  close  of  this  sketch,  St.  Joseph's  Seraphic  College  nobly 
lived  up  to  its  purpose  and  fulfilled  the  expectations  of  those  who  planned  and 

525 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

founded  it,  as  the  goodly  number  of  priests  that  look  to  it  as  their  Alma  Mater 
amply  testifies.  The  Institution  numbers  among  its  alumni  525  priests  (1  bishop, 
217  secular  priests  and  307  regulars). 

The  course  of  studies  adopted  during  the  first  years  of  the  Institution  and 
comprising  an  Academic  and  a  Junior  College  Department,  was  followed  with  a 
few  modifications  throughout  all  the  years ;  and  every  effort  was  made  to  per- 
fect it  in  accordance  with  the  scope  of  the  Institution  and  the  demands  of  the 
times.  An  important  move  in  this  regard  was  made  on  March  the  first,  1922; 
the  Senior  College  Department  at  West  Park,  Ohio,  comprising  the  Junior  and 
Senior  Classes  and  a  Post-Graduate  Course,  was  formally  added  to  the  In- 
stitution, thus  securing  a  complete  and  standard  College  Course. 

REGISTER  OF  REVEREND  PRESIDENTS   (1862—1927) 

Reverend  Hoffmann,  Herbert (Died)     Oct.    16,  1868  1862 — 1864 

Reverend    Klostermann,    Maurice....  Apr.    20,  1892  1864 — 1882 

Reverend  Puers,  Eugene  Aug.     8,  1891  1875— Feb. — 1876 

Reverend  Richardt,  Michael  June     8,  1916  1882—1891 

Reverend  Leonard,  Nicholas  Mar.   17,  1903  1891 — Jan. — 1893 

Reverend   Storff,   Hugolinus   Jan.  1893 — 1900 

Reverend  Macke,  Samuel  Aug.   19,  1925  1900— Jan. — 1905 

Reverend  Guithues,  Christopher  ....  "          June  26,  1922  Jan.  1905 — 1906 

Reverend   Storff,   Hugolinus   1906—1912 

Reverend    Middendorf.   Roger   1912 — 1918 

Reverend    Marke,    Philip "         Jan.    22,  1925  1918—1924 

Reverend  Nolan,  Peter  N 1924 — 1927 

Routt  College 
Jacksonville,  Illinois.     Established  in  1895. 

The  fall  of  1902  marked  the  completion  of  the  parochial  school  system  of 
Jacksonville  by  the  addition  of  a  Catholic  High  School.  Such  an  undertaking 
had  long  been  contemplated  and  when,  with  the  establishment  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus,  the  local  community  center  was  abandoned,  Father  Crowe  established 
in  its  stead  what  was  known  as  the  Public  High  School  for  Catholics.  Utilizing 
the  parochial  building  in  which  the  community  center  had  been  housed — the  same 
building  now  occupied  by  the  Routt  College  Dormitory — the  High  School  began 
with  twelve  pupils,  D.  Scott  Sweeney,  Edward  Fleming,  Leona  Howe,  John  D. 
Cain,  Barbara  Schirz,  Mary  Sweeney,  Loretto  Kiley,  Anna  Buhre,  Anne  C. 
Harmon,  Ross  Magner  and  Fred  May.  To  all  intents  and  purposes  the  project 
seemed  foredoomed  to  failure.  There  were  no  funds  on  hand  or  in  prospect, 
there  was  no  equipment.  The  first  teachers  who  gave  their  services  gratuitously 
were  the  Reverend  F.  F.  Formaz  and  Sister  Regina  Colgan,  O.S.D.  Later  Ber- 
nard Wortmann  was  added.  The  school  functioned  for  three  years  in  the  manner 
without  enlisting  the  financial  help  of  anyone. 

When  the  first  plans  for  necessary  equipment  and  enlargement  were 
broached,  the  general  opinion  was  that  a  room  or  two  built  into  the  quarters  then 
in  use,  at  a  cost  of  five  thousand  dollars  would  more  than  suffice  for  all  needs. 
However,  Father  Crowe  called  in  the  services  of  Henry  J.  Schlacks,  Architect, 
and  commissioned  him  to  draw  plans  for  an  entirely  new  building.  He  then 
launched  a  campaign  to  secure  funds.  Ground  was  purchased  by  the  Church  of 
Our  Saviour  immediately  west  of  the  original  site,  still  owned  by  the  church,  and 

526 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

here  the  new  High  School  was  erected.  In  the  course  of  campaign  non-Catho- 
lics as  well  as  Catholics  became  interested  in  the  project  and  placed  their  names 
on  the  subscription  list  for  considerable  sums. 

The  building  was  completed  in  1905  and  the  double  ceremony  of  dedicating 
it  and  graduating  the  first  class,  was  held  in  September  of  that  year. 

A  feature  of  the  first  graduation  was  a  Salutatory  in  Latin  by  Anne  C.  Har- 
mon and  a  speech  in  German  on  the  career  of  the  German  publicist,  Ludwig 
Windthorst,  by  Anne  Buhre.  Classes  were  now  transferred  to  the  new  quarters, 
and  the  old  building  was  used  as  the  residence  of  the  Dominican  Sisters. 

On  the  evening  of  the  dedication,  Mr.  William  R.  Routt  made  a  gift  of  fifty 
thousand  dollars  towards  an  endowment  fund. 

In  the  opinion  of  Father  Crowe,  it  seemed  desirable  to  give  an  opportunity 
for  further  advancement,  and  the  beginnings  of  a  college  course  were  according- 
ly made.  Anne  C.  Harmon  and  Ethel  Rayborn  were  the  first  two  students.  The 
first  principal  was  James  C.  Maddigan,  followed  two  years  later  by  the  Rever- 
end F.  F.  Formaz,  who  for  twenty  years  continued  as  the  head  of  the  institution. 
Year  by  year  the  course  was  enlarged  from  four  years  of  High  School  and  two 
years  of  college,  as  originally  projected,  to  three  and  finally  four  years  of  college 
work. 

In  1912,  ten  years  after  the  first  High  School  was  begun,  it  seemed  advisable 
to  give  a  few  young  men  from  the  outlying  districts  the  advantage  of  the  school. 
Accordingly,  the  church  property  which  had  been  a  community  center  for  the 
church  and  later  the  first  High  School  and  still  later  the  residence  of  the 
Dominican  Sisters,  became  a  dormitory  to  accommodate  a  few  outsiders,  the  Sis- 
ters taking  up  their  quarters  next  door  at  463  East  State  Street.  The  first 
boarder  to  enroll  was  Isidore  Froehlich.  In  charge  of  this  dormitory  was,  first 
Mr.  Hickson,  who  later  was  followed  by  Messrs.  Sobisch,  Thompson,  Conlin, 
Father  Edward  J.  Cahill,  and  Father  E.  A.  Burtle,  and  Mr.  McDonald. 

In  1915,  Mr.  Harvey  J.  Routt,  who  was  the  soul  of  the  Routt  family,  died, 
leaving  his  estate  approximating  some  $95,000.00  to  the  institution  in  order  that, 
as  he  had  frequently  expressed  himself,  "poor,  deserving  boys  and  girls  might 
not  be  denied  the  advantage  of  an  education."  Within  only  a  few  months  of  his 
son's  death,  Mr.  William  R.  Routt  died,  leaving  by  the  terms  of  his  will  the  sum 
of  $60,000.00  to  be  added  to  its  endowment  fund.  And  in  1916  on  the  eighth  of 
March,  not  quite  a  year  later,  Father  Crowe  died.  He  was  succeeded  by  the 
present  pastor  of  the  Churcli  of  Our  Saviour,  Reverend  Francis  F.  Formaz,  S. 
T.  L.,  who  had  been  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  church  and  school  for  fifteen 
years  previous  to  the  death  of  Father  Crowe. 

Father  Formaz,  as  president  of  Routt  College,  continued  to  add  little  by 
little  to  the  endowment  fund.  Under  his  administration  the  High  School  was 
fully  accredited  to  the  University  of  Illinois  and  the  North  Central  Association 
of  High  Schools.  By  the  addition  of  professors  and  major  equipment,  the  High 
School  and  College  continued  to  advance  in  enrollment  and  scholarship.  Ath- 
letics were  always  appreciated  at  their  true  worth  by  the  students  of  Routt 
College. 

527 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

Among  the  priests  and  Sisters  who  were  educated  at  Routt  College  are  the 
following :  Reverend  Luke  L.  Mandeville,  A.M.,  Superintendent  of  Schools,  Lin- 
coln, Nebraska;  Reverend  Edward  J.  Weisenberg,  S.J.,  St.  Louis  University; 
Reverend  James  Braddock,  C.S.V.,  St.  Viator's  College;  Reverend  George 
Hobbes,  assistant  pastor  Church  of  Our  Saviour;  Sister  Mary  Robert,  Superin- 
tendent of  Nurses,  Mercy  Hospital,  Chicago,  Illinois;  Sister  Mary  Ida,  A.M., 
Hercy  High  School,  Chicago,  Illinois;  Sister  Catherine  de  Ricci.  O.S.D.,  Sacred 
Heart  Academy,  Springfield,  Illinois. 

The  following  are  the  priests  of  the  Springfield  Diocese  who  have  taught  at 
Routt  College  :  Very  Reverend  Francis  F.  Formaz,  S.T.L. ;  Reverend  William  M. 
Costello,  Reverend  Edward  J.  Cahill,  A.M. ;  Reverend  George  Hobbes,  A.B. ; 
Reverend  D.  L.  Lydon,  A.M.;  Reverend  E.  A.  Burtle,  A.B.,  and  Reverend 
Charles  C.  Sandon,  A.B. 

In  1924,  the  present  incumbent,  Reverend  William  M.  Costello,  succeeded 
Father  Formaz  as  President  of  Routt  College. 

URSULINE  ACADEMY 
Springfield,  Illinois.    Established  in  1857. 

The  Diamond  Jubilee  Celebration  of  the  Catholic  diocese  of  Springfield  in 
Illinois,  so  happily  inaugurated  by  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D., 
presents  an  opportunity  for  a  brief  sketch  of  the  work  and  accomplishments  of 
the  Ursulines,  founded  nearly  four  hundred  years  ago,  for  the  education  of 
young  girls. 

The  Bishop  of  Charleston,  having,  during  many  years  been  well  acquainted 
with  the  Ursuline  monastery  in  Cork,  Ireland,  and  finding  in  his  diocese  no  in- 
stitution for  female  education  which  combined  so  many  advantages  as  he  knew 
could  be  united  in  an  institution  of  this  Order,  had  for  some  years  desired  that 
affiliation  shoidd  be  sent  to  this  city  of  Charleston,  South  Caroline.  His  request 
was  finally  acceded  to,  and  on  the  tenth  day  of  December,  1834,  he  arrived  from 
Europe,  accompanied  by  three  professed  nuns :  Mother  Mary  Charles,  Sister 
Mary  F.  Borgia,  Sister  Mary  Antonio,  and  a  young  lady,  Miss  Harriet  Woulfe, 
who  had  requested  permission  to  join  their  community.  On  the  19th  of  May, 
1835,  he  performed  the  prescribed  ceremony  on  the  occasion  of  giving  the  habit 
of  religion  to  this  young  lady,  upon  her  being  admitted  to  her  probation  as  a 
novice  in  the  Order,  by  the  name  of  Sister  Mary  Joseph  Woulfe. 

Il  was  in  1857  at  the  invitation  of  Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian  Juncker, 
Bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Alton,  that  five  Ursulines  from  the  community  of 
Charleston,  South  Carolina,  with  Mother  Mary  Joseph  Woulfe  as  superior,  ar- 
rived in  Springfield. 

These  were  the  first  Ursulines  in  Illinois.  They  opened  an  academy  and  for 
the  first  ten  years,  though  handicapped  in  many  ways  owing  to  their  extreme  pov- 
erty, successfully  conducted  their  school.  In  1866  the  main  building  of  the  pres- 
ent convent  was  started  and  in  September,  1867  it  was  ready  for  occupancy.  In 
1894  the  building  of  the  beautiful  new  chapel  was  begun,  and  it  was  dedicated  to 

528 


3 


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Springfield     Ursulim     Icademy,  Rev.  E.  •/.  Cahill,  Chaplain  .  .  .  Springfield     Sacred 

llitiri  Academy  and  Dominican  Convent,    Mothci   Joscphim    Meagher,  deceased,   Mothei 

nt.  Superior,  and    Mothei    Simpson,  deceased  Decatur    St.   Theresa  Academy. 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

the  Sacred  Heart  in  June,  1895.  As  the  community  grew  in  numbers  it  became 
necessary  to  build  an  addition  for  the  use  of  the  Sisters.  Accordingly  the  pres- 
ent monastery  was  added  in  1901,  the  former  building  being  used  only  for  con- 
servatory and  academy  purposes.  In  1908  the  new  auditorium  known  as  St. 
Ursula  Hall,  or  the  Conservatory  of  Music,  was  erected. 

As  it  stands  today  the  Ursuline  Academy  of  St.  Joseph  is  one  of  the  most  im- 
posing and  beautiful  buildings  in  Springfield  and  enjoys  the  distinction  of  be- 
ing one  of  the  oldest  educational  institutions  in  the  State. 

It  is  to  the  kindness  and  generosity  of  their  many  friends  of  the  past  and 
present  that  the  Ursulines  owe  the  success  that  has  marked  their  every  endeavor. 
They  list  among  their  benefactors  all  of  the  oldest  and  first  families  of  the  city, 
both  Catholic  and  non-Catholic.  We  note  that  on  the  program  of  the  first  com- 
mencement held  in  July,  1858,  the  Salutatorian  of  the  class  was  Miss  Rhoda 
Bissel,  daughter  of  His  Excellency,  Governor  William  H.  Bissel,  and  the  valedic- 
torian, Miss  Mary  Kavanaugh,  known  to  the  older  Springfield  residents  as  Mrs. 
Daniel  0  'Crowley,  of  happy  memory. 

The  Ursulines  have  ever  been  especially  blessed  in  the  devoted  chaplains  and 
the  Reverend  Assistants  of  St.  Joseph 's  Church  who  have  since  the  days  of  their 
first  and  highly  venerated  chaplain,  Reverend  Terence  Cowley,  ever  served  the 
nuns  with  earnest  devotion  and  kindly  solicitude. 

From  the  first  the  Ursulines  were  untiring  and  capable  teachers.  Besides 
the  ordinary  branches  of  school  curriculum,  special  courses  were  given  in  Ger- 
man and  French.  Among  the  students  who  were  graduated  from  the  French 
Course  in  the  early  sixties  was  a  niece  of  Abraham  Lincoln.  With  untiring  zeal 
the  nuns  opened  classes  in  music,  art  and  needlework.  Several  of  the  Ursulines 
were  expert  artists  with  the  needle  and  the  magnificnt  and  priceless  tapestry  pic- 
tures which  still  adorn  the  convent  walls  are  the  work  of  the  first  Illinois 
Ursulines. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  records  of  boarders  from  1868  to  1878  con- 
tain the  names  of  pupils  from  Louisiana,  Alabama,  Georgia,  South  Carolina  and 
Kentucky.  This  fact  is  significant  as  it  shows  that  the  people  of  the  South, 
though  stripped  of  their  possessions  by  the  war,  still  held  education  above  most 
natural  benefits  and  were  willing  to  make  any  sacrifice  to  procure  its  advantages 
for  their  children. 

Little  by  little  the  convent  grew  to  its  present  educational  status;  new 
courses  of  study  were  added;  a  commercial  department  was  opened;  the  Art 
studio  was  placed  in  better  quarters  and  the  trend  has  been  ever  upward  and 
onward  in  all  that  makes  for  improvement  in  the  schools  until  today  the  old  con- 
vent stands  equal  in  similar  scope  to  any  in  the  land,  and  is  accredited  by  the 
University  of  Illinois. 

The  Springfield  Ursulines  at  present  writing  number  a  large  community  of 
active  members,  who  besides  conducting  the  grammar  grades,  high  school,  com- 
mercial, and  domestic  art  departments  in  the  academy,  have  also  for  those  not 
wishing  to  take  full  acedemic,  scientific  or  commercial  courses  an  elective  course 
which  permits  students  to  take  advantage  of  the  special  classes  in  language,  art 

529 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

and  music.  The  academy  is  fully  equipped  with  chemical  and  physiological  lab- 
oratories, music  and  art  studios,  a  modern  commercial  department  and  domestic 
art  rooms.  The  Ursulines  are  also  in  charge  of  St.  Joseph's  and  the  Blessed  Sac- 
rament parochial  schools  of  this  city,  and  of  mission-branch  houses  in  Chicago, 
Downers  Grove  and  Granite  City.  The  number  of  children  in  their  charge  is 
nearly  two  thousand  five  hundred. 

The  Ursuline  Alumnae  association  was  started  in  the  spring  of  1907  and  has 
ever  been  a  source  of  much  pleasure,  affording  the  members  happy  reunions  and 
many  opportunities  of  helping  their  Alma  Mater,  and  sharing  in  the  noble  work 
of  Catholic  education  by  providing  an  Educational  fund  for  University  Courses 
for  the  Nuns  and  scholarships  for  worthy  ambitious  young  girl  students  at  the 
convent. 

URSULINE  CONVENT  OF  THE  HOLY  FAMILY 

Alton,  Illinois.    Established  in  1859. 

During  the  year  1858,  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Juncker  applied  at  the  Ursu- 
line  Convent  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  for  Sisters  of  the  Order  to  take  charge  of  the 
schools  in  Alton,  his  Episcopal  city.  In  response  to  this  invitation,  Mother 
Josephine  Bruiding,  accompanied  by  Sister  Seraphine  Pauer,  Sister  Ursula 
Gruenwald,  Sister  Mary  Weiman,  Sister  Martha  Dauane,  Sister  Antonia  Stahl 
and  Sister  Crescentia  Jobst,  arrived  in  Alton,  March  19,  1859. 

A  house  on  State  Street,  nearly  opposite  the  present  site  of  the  Hayner 
Library  had  been  rented  for  their  use.  Upon  their  arrival  generous  friends  fur- 
nished all  necessaries.  On  the  Feast  of  the  Annunciation,  the  Holy  Sacrifice  of 
the  Mass  was  offered  in  a  small  room  which  had  been  set  apart  for  &  chapel.  By 
the  marvelous  activity  of  those  energetic  pioneers,  the  schools  were  opened  on 
the  first  of  April.  A  class  of  thirty-six  was  prepared  for  First  Holy  Communion, 
and  several  converts  were  instructed  in  the  mysteries  of  our  holy  religion. 

Accustomed  as  we  are  at  the  present  day  to  all  modern  conveniences,  it  is 
difficult  to  realize  the  heroic  sacrifices  made  in  those  early  days;  yet  a  tender 
haze  softens  the  sharp  details  of  memory  and  we  would  not  wish  a  single  outline 
omitted  from  the  narrative  of  those  crude  beginnings. 

The  site  of  the  present  convent  on  Fourth  Street  was  purchased  in  1860, 
and  a  new  building  was  commenced  during  the  year.  Mother  Josephine  and 
Mother  Mary  visited  Europe  in  order  to  solicit  the  necessary  funds  for  carrying 
on  the  work.  They  were  cordially  received  and  generously  aided  by  the  clergy 
and  by  the  religious  of  the  firmly  established  ancient  monasteries  of  Europe. 
King  Louis  of  Bavaria,  Francis  Joseph  of  Austria,  and  other  members  of  the 
royal  house  of  Hapsburg  were  liberal  in  their  donations.  The  Royal  Art  and 
Altar  Societies  of  Munich  donated  an  altar  and  several  valuable  paintings.  Aid- 
ed by  the  liberality  of  these  foreign  friends,  as  well  as  by  the  generosity  of  the 
citizens  of  Alton,  work  on  the  new  building  progressed  rapidly,  so  that  on  Decem- 
ber 28,  1863,  it  was  solemnly  blessed  by  Bishop  Juncker  and  dedicated  to  the 
Holy  Family. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  adequately  describe  the  kindness  with  which  the 

530 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Sisters  were  received  both  by  the  Catholics  and  non-Catholics  of  the  Bluff  City. 
During  the  past  half  century  the  Community  has  always  had  the  support  of  the 
citizens  in  their  undertakings;  by  their  aid  the  Sisters  have  been  able  to  carry 
out  effectually  the  spirit  of  their  institute,  the  work  of  religious  education. 

The  debt  of  gratitude  due  to  the  Bishops,  Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  Right  Reverend  John  Janssen, 
and  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  all  of  happy  memory,  and  to  many  of  the  de- 
ceased clergy  of  the  Diocese,  can  be  discharged  only  by  the  Giver  of  every  best 
and  perfect  gift  to  whom  grateful  prayers  are  daily  offered.  The  reverend  clergy 
of  the  Diocese,  and  especially  of  the  city  have  ever  by  their  co-operation  and 
support  proved  themselves  true  and  generous  friends  of  the  institution.  To  men- 
tion individually  the  names  of  the  benefactors  would  be  a  pleasurable  task  though 
well-nigh  impossible ;  but  each  one  is  inscribed  in  the  Annals  of  the  Order  and 
still  more  deeply  engraven  on  the  hearts  of  the  religious  who  daily  pray  that 
God  may  vouchsafe  to  bless  all  those  who  in  His  name,  have  done  them  good. 

In  1867  the  Institute  was  chartered  by  the  State  of  Illinois  under  the  title 
of  "The  Roman  Catholic  Ursuline  Convent  of  the  Holy  Family,"  and  empower- 
ed to  grant  diplomas  and  to  exercise  all  rights  appertaining  to  higher  institutions 
of  learning.  Miss  Mary  Darneils  and  Miss  Minnie  Dunlap,  now  Mrs.  Weaver  and 
Mrs.  Steidley,  respectively,  were  the  first  to  receive  graduating  honors.  Since  that 
time  young  ladies  have  gone  forth  from  the  sheltering  roof  of  their  Alma  Mater, 
crowned  with  the  highest  honors  in  her  power  to  bestow. 

At  the  commencement  of  1905  the  former  graduates  met  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  an  Alumnae  Association.  A  temporary  organization  was  effected.  A 
second  meeting  was  held  October  10th  of  the  same  year  for  the  purpose  of  adopt- 
ing by-laws  and  constitution  and  electing  permanent  officers. 

The  purpose  of  the  Association  was  to  perpetuate  school-girl  friendship ;  to 
cherish  and  advance  the  interests  of  their  Alma  Mater,  and  to  strengthen  and 
preserve  the  filial  relations  of  pupil  and  teacher. 

An  Annual  banquet  and  reception  of  new  members  is  held  on  Commence- 
ment Day  each  year,  when  all  the  "Old  Girls"  return  to  their  Alma  Mater  to 
manifest  their  affectionate  remembrance  of  her  maternal  care. 

The  Ursuline  Order,  founded  by  Saint  Angela  of  Merici  for  the  sole  pur- 
pose of  educating  young  girls,  has  for  nearly  four  hundred  years  devoted  itself 
exclusively  to  this  noble  work.  Spread  throughout  Christendom  as  we  find  it  to- 
day, it  everywhere  adapts  itself  to  the  needs  of  the  people.  The  Ursulines,  al- 
though not  the  "heirs  of  all  past  ages"  possess  the  rich  yield  of  a  heritage  of 
more  than  three  centuries  of  experience  in  the  educational  field. 

The  missionary  zeal  of  their  sainted  foundress  is  their  most  precious  inheri- 
tance, and  thus  no  sooner  did  the  Alton  Community  number  sufficient  members 
to  enable  it  to  extend  its  field  of  labor,  than  in  response  to  urgent  appeals,  new 
foundations  were  made. 

In  1871  a  prosperous  school  was  opened  in  Litchfield,  Illinois.  A  few  years 
later,  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Right  Reverend  Thomas  L.  Grace,  Bishop  of 
St.  Paul,  a  convent  of   the   order   was   established    in    Lake    City,  Minnesota. 

531 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

Foundations  in  Illinois  at  Decatur,  Mattoon,  Springfield,  Collinsville,  Sainte 
Marie,  Morrisonville,  Venice,  Kainpsville  and  Jerseyville  followed  in  rapid  suc- 
cession. 

These  Missions,  together  with  the  Cathedral  and  Saint  Patrick's  Schools  of 
Alton  placed  the  Sisters  in  charge  of  more  than  two  thousand  children.  Com- 
modious and  well-equipped  buildings,  but  above  all  the  encouragement  and 
active  support  of  the  Reverend  Rectors  of  these  respective  schools  enabled  the 
Sisters  to  impart  to  their  pupils  a  solid  secular  education  and  to  implant  in  their 
young  hearts  a  true  knowledge  and  love  of  that  most  priceless  treasure,  their 
holy  faith. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  century,  the  Sovereign  Pontiff,  Leo  XIII,  realizing 
that  in  "union  there  is  strength,"  expressed  a  desire  for  unification  of  the  Ur- 
sulines  throughout  the  world.  In  obedience  to  his  wish,  delegates  from  various 
Ursuline  Convents  of  almost  every  country  assembled  at  Rome,  and  on  Novem- 
ber 21,  1900,  subscribed  to  the  articles  forming  the  Canonical  Union  of  Ursulines. 
Signal  blessings  have  followed  the  prompt  compliance  of  the  Alton  Ursulines 
with  the  expressed  wish  of  the  Holy  Father  not  the  least  of  these  is  the  oppor- 
tunity of  affording  a  refuge  to  the  religious  who  were  driven  from  France  by 
the  so-called  authorization  act.  Eight  of  these  exiled  Sisters  found  a  home  in 
the  Ursuline  Convent  here,  where  they  enjoy  the  privilege  of  serving  God  accord- 
ing to  their  desires,  as  daughters  of  Saint  Angela. 

While  the  dominant  spirit  among  the  Sisters  of  Alton  is  a  joyous  tribute  of 
gratitude  for  the  countless  blessings  of  the  past  years,  yet  memories,  fraught  with 
sadness,  find  an  echo  in  the  heart.  How  many  of  those  who  gave  willing  hearts 
and  ready  hands  to  the  upbuilding  of  the  edifice  have  passed  away.  Mother 
Josephine  Bruiding  whose  unflagging  courage  upheld  the  little  band  amidst  the 
difficulties  inseparable  from  all  beginnings,  whose  great  heart  went  out  in  sym- 
pathy to  every  cause  where  God's  honor  might  be  promoted,  was  called  to  her 
reward  October  18,  1901.  Well  did  she  live  out  the  motto  of  the  great  Saint 
Ignatius  of  Loyola,  a  motto  which  she  had  made  her  own,  Ad  majorem  Dei 
gloriam.  With  her  memory  is  associated  that  of  Mother  Mary  Weiman  who  for  a 
number  of  years  filled  so  well  and  nobly  the  office  of  Mother  Superior.  To- 
gether they  twice  visited  Europe  in  behalf  of  their  loved  Convent  home ;  with 
devoted  affection  they  sustained  and  encouraged  each  other  in  those  first  years 
of  privation. 

Within  the  last  few  years  the  death  of  Mother  Theresa  Gillespie  brought 
sorrow,  not  only  to  the  Sisters  who  knew  and  loved  her  as  a  mother,  but  to  a 
host  of  others  who  mourned  the  loss  of  a  noble  and  generous  friend.  Her  noble, 
unselfish  character  won  the  love  and  esteem  of  all  who  had  the  happiness  of  meet- 
ing her,  and  when  her  great  heart  was  stilled  in  death — that  heart  which  beat 
only  with  love  of  God  and  charity  for  her  neighbor — all  felt  that  they  had  lost 
a  friend  whose  place  could  never  be  filled. 

Another  religious  whose  death  was  deeply  mourned  was  Mother  Angela 
Lings.  In  her  office  of  Directress  and  Teacher  of  the  Academic  classes  she  was 
widely  known  and  universally  esteemed.    Her  "girls"  are  true  to  the  memory  of 

532 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

this  loved  and  revered  teacher.  Nor  is  the  saintly  Sister  Benedicta  forgotten. 
The  sweet  odor  of  her  virtues  still  permeates  the  cloister  which  for  nearly  fifty 
years  she  blessed  with  her  presence. 

These,  with  many  others,  some  worn  out  with  long  years  of  toil  in  the 
Master's  service,  others  fresh  bright  flowers  culled  in  the  spring-time  of  their 
lives — all  lovingly  remembered  in  the  daily  prayers  of  their  Sisters  who  still 
remain  to  carry  on  the  work  for  which  the  dear  departed  willingly  offered  their 
lives. 

At  the  request  of  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  Bishop  of  Springfield, 
the  Sisters  have  opened  schools  at  Livingston,  Mt.  Olive  and  Woodriver.  "With 
his  advice  and  encouragement  they  are  erecting  a  convent  and  academy  of  Music 
and  Art  on  Danforth  Street,  Alton.  Later  they  will  build  in  Alton  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Academy  a  college  for  their  students  who  wish  to  pursue  the  higher 
branches  of  learning.  As  soon  as  the  Sisters  are  able  to  move  into  their  new 
home  they  will  raze  the  old  building  and  will  proceed  under  the  direction  of  the 
Bishop  to  erect  a  Central  Catholic  High  School  on  its  site. 

NOTRE  DAME  OF  QUINCY 
Quincy,  Illinois.    Established  in  1867. 

Among  the  educational  institutions  of  the  Gem  City,  Notre  Dame  of  Quincy 
holds  a  prominent  position.  During  the  past  sixty  years  it  has  acquired  the 
reputation  of  being  one  of  the  best  and  most  up-to-date  schools  in  the  State  of 
Illinois.  It  is  conducted  by  Religious,  the  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  who 
have  achieved  great  success  in  the  education  of  our  American  youth.  The  name 
of  the  sainted  Mother  Caroline  Friess,  the  first  Comissary  General  of  the  School 
Sisters  in  America,  is  familiar  to  thousands  of  men  and  women  who  have  been 
trained  in  the  Catholic  principles  of  virtue  and  science  in  the  many  schools  that 
she  established  in  the  United  States  and  Canada.  One  of  the  first  fruits  of  her 
untiring  zeal  in  behalf  of  education  of  young  girls  was  the  founding  of  St. 
Mary's  Institute,  now  Notre  Dame  of  Quincy,  in  1867. 

About  eight  years  before  this  institute  was  founded,  Mother  Caroline  hap- 
pened to  be  visiting  in  St.  Louis,  where  she  met  the  Right  Reverend  Henry 
Damian  Juncker,  the  first  Bishop  of  Alton,  Illinois.  His  Lordship  strongly 
urged  Mother  Caroline  to  assume  charge  of  St.  Boniface  school  in  Quincy, 
which  was  then  taught  by  secular  teachers.  Mother  Caroline  was  always  ready 
to  respond  whenever  it  was  in  her  power  to  further  the  education  of  children,  so 
she  decided  that  on  her  way  back  to  Milwaukee,  she  would  stop  at  Quincy  in 
order  to  learn  the  status  of  the  school  and  to  see  what  arrangements  could  be 
made  for  the  Sisters'  dwelling.  She  arrived  on  the  feast  of  All-Saints,  and  the 
next  morning  wishing  to  avoid  the  crowd  that  thronged  St.  Boniface  church  re- 
mained at  prayer  for  sometime  after  the  Requiem.  But  when  she  arose  to  leave, 
she  noticed  that  almost  the  entire  congregation  was  waiting  to  meet  her.  Rev- 
erend H.  J.  Shaefermeyer  then  introduced  his  parishioners  and  trustees,  and  at 
a  meeting  that  afternoon,  it  was  planned  that  all  would  be  in  readiness  for  the 
Sisters  to  begin  their  work  before  January  1,  1860. 

533 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

On  December  27,  1859  Mother  Seraphine,  the  Superior,  accompanied  by  Sis- 
ter Chrysologa  and  a  Candidate,  Clara  Pinger,  arrived  in  Quincy,  and  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  the  feast  of  the  Holy  Innocents,  they  took  charge  of  the  girls  of  St. 
Boniface  school.  In  1861,  by  request  of  Bishop  Juncker,  another  band  of  Sis- 
ters opened  St.  Lawrence  0  'Toole 's  now  St.  Peter 's  school.  Parents  were  anxious 
to  have  their  children  educated  by  Religious  who  would  labor  unceasingly  for 
both  their  spiritual  and  material  welfare,  and  who  would  instruct  them  accord- 
ing to  the  teachings  and  principles  of  Catholicity. 

Within  this  same  year,  the  people  of  Quincy  repeatedly  expressed  their  de- 
sire to  His  Lordship,  that  the  Sisters  might  open  a  private  school  for  their  daugh- 
ters who  had  completed  the  elementary  branches,  where  they  could  continue 
their  studies  and  give  special  attention  to  music,  drawing  and  needlework. 
Mother  Caroline  was,  therefore,  requested  to  arrange  that  these  advantages  might 
be  offered  to  the  older  pupils.  For  this  purpose  Sister  Gisela,  a  sister  of  Mother 
Boniface,  arrived  late  in  September  to  teach  the  advanced  class  and  also  to  give 
lessons  in  French  and  Drawing,  while  Sister  Camilla  took  charge  of  the  needle- 
work. These  branches  were  taught  in  some  of  the  spare  rooms  of  St.  Boniface 
school. 

On  Septemberr  2,  1863,  Mother  Boniface  was  sent  to  Quincy  and  was  ap- 
pointed superior,  which  position  she  held  for  forty-five  years,  until  her  death 
in  1908.  She  immediately  began  to  teach  music.  Her  first  pupil  was  Mrs.  A. 
Lubbe  (Miss  Kate  Werner)  who  up  to  her  death  (1923)  loved  to  tell  of  the  happy 
days  when  Mother  Boniface  taught  her  the  elements  of  music.  At  the  close  of 
the  year  sixteen  pupils  were  numbered  in  the  music  class,  and  the  advanced 
pupils  in  the  regular  course  numbered  twenty-five.  It  was  an  excellent  begin- 
ning and  the  outlook  for  the  future  seemed  promising.  If  the  blessing  of  God 
would  continue,  it  would  be  quite  necessary  to  provide  other  facilities  to  ac- 
commodate them. 

About  this  time  there  was  some  thought  of  transferring  the  Alton  Episco- 
pal See  to  Quincy,  so  Bishop  Juncker  purchased  a  beautiful  residence  on  Eighth 
and  Vermont  streets,  which  had  been  built  for  Judge  C.  B.  Lawrence,  who  had 
left  nothing  undone  to  make  it  one  of  the  most  imposing  and  comfortable  houses 
in  the  city  at  that  time.  The  entrance  was  particularly  attractive  and  the  large 
windows  and  white  enameled  wood  work  in  the  rooms  lent  a  brightness  that 
cheered  all  who  entered.  The  house  contained  three  rooms  on  the  first  floor  and 
two  on  the  second.  A  well-kept  orchard  extended  half  a  block  north  on  Eighth 
street  and  the  grounds  back  of  the  building  were  laid  out  in  picturesque  gardens 
and  lawns. 

It  was,  however,  soon  decided  that  the  Episcopal  See  would  remain  in  Alton, 
so  in  1866  the  Bishop  permitted  his  Quincy  residence  to  be  used  as  a  hospital  by 
the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis.  His  Lordship  desired  to  dispose  of  this  recently  ac- 
quired property. 

He  then  requested  Mother  Boniface  to  suggest  to  Reverend  Mother  Caro- 
line that  she  should  buy  the  property  and  open  an  institute  for  the  higher  educa- 
tion of  girls.    The  plan  was  seriously  considered  by  Mother    Caroline,    but   for 

534 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

various  reasons  she  could  not  be  persuaded  to  act.  The  zealous  and  ever  kind 
Father  Shaefermeyer  then  wrote  urging  her  to  consider  the  matter  again  and  to 
give  a  favorable  decision.  He  waited  several  weeks,  but  no  word  of  encourage- 
ment was  received. 

Meanwhile  Bishop  Juncker  was  finishing  his  diocesan  visitation  and  hoped 
to  meet  Mother  Caroline  in  Quincy.  Three  telegrams  were  received  by  her  in 
one  day,  so  there  was  nothing  for  her  to  do  but  to  meet  His  Lordship  and  state 
the  reasons  for  not  acquiescing  in  the  proposition.  She  said  that  the  Order  was 
very  poor  and  could  not  carry  a  debt  of  $25,000.00,  and  furthermore  there  were 
not  enough  Sisters  to  supply  the  needs  of  the  already  existing  schools,  much  less 
to  open  a  new  institute. 

The  Bishop  realized  Mother  Caroline's  position  but  was  very  anxious  to  have 
the  Sisters  open  an  Academy  in  his  diocese.  He  requested  the  Reverend  Mother 
to  inspect  a  location  at  Mt.  Sterling,  another  at  Springfield,  and  then  to  compare 
the  three.  After  doing  so,  Mother  Caroline,  relying  entirely  upon  Divine  Provi- 
dence, finally  yielded,  giving  the  preference  to  Quincy  and  consenting  to  the  pur- 
chase of  the  Bishop's  residence.  The  documents  were  signed  in  Springfield,  and 
the  building  on  Eighth  and  Vermont  streets  became  the  property  of  the  School 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame. 

The  following  May  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis  vacated  the  house,  and  on  June 
7,  1867,  Mother  Boniface  with  her  small  community  of  ten  Sisters  entered  the 
building,  henceforth  to  be  known  as  St.  Mary's  Institute. 

Now  began  the  period  of  hardship  and  struggle.  The  people  of  Quincy 
were  very  kind  and  eagerly  offered  every  assistance.  Yet  most  of  them  were 
pioneers  who  with  limited  means  were  laboring  to  better  their  condition.  The 
Sisters,  therefore,  who  had  incurred  this  heavy  debt  were  compelled  to  suffer 
many  privations  and  were  often  in  want  of  even  the  necessaries  of  life.  Twenty- 
five  thousand  dollars  was  no  small  sum,  especially  in  those  days,  and  when  the 
Sisters  moved  into  their  new  home  they  possessed  but  twenty-five  dollars.  Money 
could  be  borrowed  only  at  ten  per  cent,  and  the  Sisters  could  not  afford  to  pay  so 
high  an  interest. 

But  as  the  darkest  hour  is  just  before  the  dawn,  so  this  period  of  trial  pre- 
ceded the  realization  of  God's  manifest  benediction.  God  sent  them  a  faithful 
friend  who  proved  their  strong  support  for  many  years  and  who  never  ceased 
to  labor  for  the  welfare  of  St.  Mary 's.  It  was  Father  Peter  McGirr,  the  zealous 
young  pastor  of  St.  Peter's.  When  he  learned  of  the  difficulties  that  the  insti- 
tute was  facing,  he  determined  to  go  among  his  friends  and  parishiners  and  in- 
duce them  to  lend  money  to  the  Sisters  at  a  low  rate  of  interest,  or  if  possible, 
without  interest.  Within  a  short  time  he  secured  the  required  amount,  for  those 
who  were  made  acquainted  with  the  work  and  plans  of  the  institute  generously 
responded  to  the  request  of  Father  McGirr,  even  at  the  expense  of  personal  sac- 
rifice. To  them,  and  likewise  to  all  the  old  friends  of  St.  Boniface  is  due  the 
success  of  the  Institute,  for  without  their  support  and  co-operation  it  would 
have  been  impossible  to  secure  a  financial  footing  and  to  maintain  a  private 
school.    Without  doubt  God  has  rewarded  them  by  inscribing  their  names  in  the 

535 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

Book  of  Life,  for  He  never  fails  to  grant  very  special  blessings  to  those  who  assist 
His  consecrated  Spouses  in  furthering  the  education  of  the  young. 

From  this  tiny  seed  sown  sixty  years  ago  Notre  Dame  of  Quincy  has  grown 
into  a  flourishing  Academy.  Ever  since  it  was  chartered  by  the  Illinois  Legisla- 
ture in  1873,  it  has  steadily  progressed  in  every  possible  way,  until  today  it 
stands  a  noble  edifice  and  the  pride  of  all  who  claim  it  as  their  Alma  Mater. 

In  1911  it  was  accredited  by  the  University  of  Illinois  and  eight  years  ago  it 
was  affiliated  with  the  Catholic  University  of  America  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Its  location  is  ideal  in  our  Gem  City,  easily  reached  from  the  Chicago,  Bur- 
lington &  Quincy,  as  well  as  from  the  Wabash  railroad,  about  100  miles'  from 
Galesburg,  20  miles  from  Hannibal  and  140  miles  from  St.  Louis.  Notre  Dame 
combines  all  the  conveniences  and  advantages  of  the  city  with  the  pleasures  and 
benefits  of  extended,  secluded  grounds. 

Notre  Dame 's  aim  is  thoroughness  in  education — to  fit  its  daughters  to  meet 
their  duties,  both  religious  and  secular,  prepared  and  unafraid. 

Methods  are  adapted  to  the  individual  to  realize  the  best  possible  results  in 
cultivating  the  heart,  developing  the  mind,  training  the  hand  and  up-building 
the  character. 

The  course  of  study  embraces  every  branch  of  a  complete  academic  educa- 
tion, and  like  a  golden  hue  permeating  and  coloring  every  department,  Christian 
Doctrine  has  a  prominence  due  it  as  the  only,  the  absolutely  necessary  founda- 
tion of  a  truly  Christian  education. 

The  Academic  or  High  School  course  furnishes  not  only  a  thorough  prepara- 
tion for  college  and  professional  life  but  also  a  broadening  and  stimulating  sur- 
vey of  life  and  literature  for  those  who  may  not  be  able  to  pursue  their  studies 
beyond  the  academic  limits. 

The  course  in  Household  Economics  includes  Domestic  Science  and  Domes- 
tic Art  in  theory  and  in  practice. 

The  Commercial  Course  offers  advantages  of  an  up-to-date  business  college. 

The  School  of  Music  offers  superior  advantages  to  students  in  voice,  piano, 
organ,  harp,  violin  and  cello. 

The  School  of  Art  offers  a  full  course  in  drawing  and  painting.  The  former 
includes  freehand  drawing  with  charcoal  and  pencil,  and  figure  drawing  from 
posed  models ;  the  latter  comprises  painting  still-life  and  flowers  in  water-color 
and  figure  and  portrait  painting  in  oil.  Decorative  illustrations  and  China 
painting  also  form  part  of  this  course. 

The  Department  of  Expression  offers  courses  in  repertoire,  voice  culture,  lit- 
erary interpretation,  drama  and  story-telling. 

A  well-equipped  gymnasium  affords  ample  opportunity  for  indoor  athletics, 
while  outdoor  sports  are  well  provided  for  in  tennis,  basket  ball,  volley  ball,  etc., 
courts. 

In  addition  to  these  advantages  offered  the  students  of  Quincy  proper,  the 
Academy  is  also  equipped  as  a  boarding  school  for  primary  and  grammar  grade 
pupils  who  are  not  affiliated  with  any  city  parish. 

The  buildings  are  well  ventilated,  lighted  and  heated— each  department  spe- 

536 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

eially  fitted  for  its  work.  Great  stress  is  laid  upon  the  observance  of  the  laws  of 
courteous  behavior  and  a  regular  course  is  given  in  the  manner  and  usages  of 
good  society. 

Notre  Dame  has  completed  sixty  years  of  service,  has  always  been  a  pro- 
gressive school  and  ranks  with  the  best  educational  institutions  in  the  country. 

ACADEMY  OF  ST.  THERESA 

Decatur,  Illinois.    Established  in  1868. 

Few  persons  in  Decatur  distinctly  remember  the  coming  here  of  members  of 
the  Ursuline  Order  to  take  up  educational  work  in  this  community,  and  even  a 
lesser  number  remember  that  five  years  prior  to  that  period  Sisters  of  the  Holy 
Name  Order  came  from  Montreal,  Canada  to  establish  a  school  here,  but  because 
of  the  hardships  incident  to  lack  of  funds,  distance  from  the  motherhouse,  and 
the  lack  of  support,  they  were  forced  to  abandon  the  effort  and  returned  to 
Canada. 

Then  the  Ursulines  from  New  York  sought  Decatur  as  the  site  of  a  school, 
but  ill  health,  hardships  due  to  the  pioneer  work  of  the  field  forced  them  to  aban- 
don the  effort.  Sister  Baptist,  one  of  their  number,  succumbed  to  ill  health  and 
the  privations  of  the  effort  and  was  buried  in  Calvary. 

Six  religious  workers  were  sent  to  Decatur  from  the  motherhouse  at  Alton  in 
1873  to  take  charge  of  St.  Theresa 's  Academy  in  East  Eldorado  Street.  Without 
interruption  they  have  since  been  engaged  in  educational  work.  The  six  mem- 
bers of  the  pioneer  corps  of  the  sisterhood  were  Reverend  Mother  Theresa  Gilles- 
pie, Mother  Xavier,  Mother  Henrietta,  Sister  Agnes,  Sister  Mechtilde  and  Sister 
Elizabeth.  The  outside  world  knew  nothing  of  the  difficulties  they  encountered, 
of  the  privations  they  endured.  The  old  academy  was  a  twelve  room  house.  It 
was  made  of  such  bricks  as  were  available  in  those  days,  bricks  handmade  and 
soft  so  that  they  absorbed  the  moisture  from  the  air  and  from  the  earth.  The 
old  house  was  damp  and  there  were  only  two  stoves  to  partially  heat  the  twelve 
rooms. 

The  Ursuline  Sisters  came  to  Decatur  to  establish  a  school  exclusively  for 
girls,  but  the  scarcity  of  men  teachers  in  the  religious  orders,  forced  them  to  take 
up  the  work  of  teaching  the  pupils  of  the  parochial  school  as  well  as  girls  who 
came  to  the  academy.  The  first  parochial  school  was  a  two-room  building  in 
North  Street  and  prior  to  its  service  as  a  school  it  had  served  as  a  church.  In 
1882  a  new  brick  building  was  erected  in  Eldorado  Street  just  east  of  the 
academy,  and  at  the  same  time  there  was  an  addition  built  in  the  rear  of  the  old 
academy  building. 

In  1912  the  Sisters  began  to  see  the  development  of  the  dream  they  had 
cherished — an  academy  in  more  than  name,  and  there  was  much  juy  when  the 
approval  of  their  plans  had  been  given  by  the  Mother  Provincial  and  a  beautiful 
site  at  the  extreme  North  Water  Street  was  purchased.  In  January,  1914  the 
new  building  was  ready  for  the  reception  of  non-resident  pupils  and  fully 
equipped  for  their  proper  housing  and  education.  The  venerable  Mother  Celes- 
tine  was  appointed  the  first  Superior  of  the  new  Academy,  and  un-Jer  her  com- 

537 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

petent  and  able  direction  the  school  grew  and  many  new  members  were  admitted 
into  the  community.  She  governed  the  Community  for  six  years,  and  at  the  ex- 
piration of  this  term  Mother  St.  Bernard  of  Alton,  Illinois,  succeeded  her.  In 
the  summer  of  1924  Mother  Charles  of  Tontitown,  Arkansas,  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  Decatur  Community,  but  owing  to  ill  health  was  forced  to  give 
up  the  charge  after  one  year.  Reverend  Mother  Celestine,  the  pioneer  Superior 
of  the  new  Academy  again  resumed  charge  and  was  received  as  Superior  with 
much  joy  by  all  her  Sisters. 

The  community  now  numbers  forty  members  and  in  addition  to  conduct- 
ing the  Academy  for  girls  they  are  in  charge  of  St.  Patrick's  School  and  St. 
Thomas'  School,  both  in  Decatur  and  of  the  Sacred  Heart  School  in  Oconee, 
Illinois. 

SACRED  HEART  ACADEMY 
Lincoln  Avenue  and  Washington  Street,  Springfield,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1893. 

Among  the  religious  congregations  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  the 
one  that  may  be  cited  as  one  thoroughly  American  in  its  origin  and  native  of 
Illinois  is  that  of  the  Dominican  Sisters  of  the  "Congregation  of  Our  Lady  of  the 
Sacred  Heart. ' '  Five  of  the  founders  of  this  community  were  native  born  Amer- 
icans and  the  first  prioress,  Reverend  Mother  M.  Josephine  Meagher  though  an 
American  citizen  by  adoption  was  a  woman  who  possessed  a  genuine  inherent 
love  of  liberty  and  democracy,  and  a  woman  who  ardently  espoused  the  purpose 
and  cause  of  American  institutions  and  principles. 

The  Dominican  Sisters  forming  this  "Congregation  of  Our  Lady  of  the 
Sacred  Heart"  whose  motherhouse  and  novitiate  are  located  in  the  extreme  west 
end  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  were  first  established  in  1873  at  Jacksonville,  Illi- 
nois. At  the  invitation  of  the  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  six  Domini- 
can Sisters  were  sent  by  Reverend  Mother  Regina  from  St.  Catherine's  Convent 
near  Springfield,  Kentucky,  to  found  a  motherhouse  of  the  III  Order  of  Saint 
Dominic  in  the  Diocese  of  Alton,  Illinois. 

On  the  nineteenth  of  August  in  1873  these  six  Sisters  were  welcomed  to 
Jacksonville  by  the  Very  Reverend  Patrick  J.  Macken.  These  six  nuns  to  whom 
had  been  intrusted  the  work  of  establishing  the  II  Order  of  St.  Dominic  in  Illi- 
nois were :  Reverend  Mother  M.  Josephine  Meagher,  Sister  M.  Agnes  Maguire, 
Sister  Rachel  Conway,  Sister  Alberta  Rumphff,  Sister  Osanna  Rowell  and  Sister 
Cecilia  Carey.  On  that  day  in  a  very  humble  cottage  and  with  but  meager  as- 
sets these  six  nuns  began  the  organization  of  the  community  that  now  numbers 
some  three  hundred  souls.  The  following  September  their  work  as  teachers  be- 
gan in  the  parochial  school  in  Our  Saviour's  parish.  The  enrollment  of  the 
first  day  of  school  showed  over  four  hundred  names  and  through  the  years  that 
have  followed  the  school  register  shows  that  the  school  has  maintained  its 
record. 

Two  years  later  Reverend  Father  Xeihaus  of  Ruma,  Illinois,  engaged  the 
Sisters  to  go  to  Ruma  to  teach  English  to  a  resident  community  of  "Sisters  of 

538 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

the  Precious  Blood."  Three  Sisters  were  appointed  to  this  mission.  During  the 
five  years  that  the  Dominican  Sisters  were  in  Ruma  they  also  taught  the  parish 
school.  At  the  end  of  five  years  the  "Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood"  had  be- 
come so  conversant  in  English  that  they  were  capable  of  taking  charge  of  the 
school  and  the  Dominican  Sisters  withdrew. 

Reverend  A.  J.  Saurer  invited  the  Sisters  to  take  charge  of  the  school  in 
Carrollton,  Illinois.    In  1881  three  Sisters  were  assigned  to  this  work. 

Reverend  M.  Clifford  of  St.  Mary's  Church  in  Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois,  en- 
gaged the  Sisters  for  his  school,  and  in  September  of  1882,  three  Sisters  opened 
this  school. 

Although  the  little  community  of  Jacksonville  Dominicans  who  had  entered 
upon  the  work  of  establishing  the  Dominican  Order  in  Illinois  had  been  beset 
with  and  tried  by  all  the  adversities  that  usually  accompany  such  undertakings, 
they  had  prospered.  In  May,  1884  a  corporate  charter  was  issued  by  the  State 
of  Illinois  to  this  congregation  under  the  title  of  ' '  Convent  of  Saint  Rose  of 
Lima."  The  community  now  numbered  twenty-six  professed  Sisters  and  seven 
novices.  Every  department  of  the  school  and  arts  in  which  the  Sisters  were  en- 
gaged had  grown  so  that  each  department  demanded  larger  laboratories  and  the 
immediate  necessity  of  larger  and  appropriate  building  was  evident. 

The  generosity  of  the  people  of  Jacksonville  was  shown  by  their  spontaneous 
response  when  they  heard  of  the  Sisters'  new  project.  A  bazaar  was  held  in  St, 
Patrick's  Hall  in  that  city  in  July  for  the  benefit  of  the  Sisters'  new  building. 
The  $1,526.00  netted  from  this  bazaar  was  cheerfully  given  to  the  Sisters  as  a 
nucleus  for  a  building  fund. 

The  Sisters  now  began  to  consider  the  purchase  of  a  new  site  suitable  for 
convent,  novitiate  and  Academy.  To  locate  far  from  the  city  as  they  desired 
to  do  would  entail  expenses  that  this  young  struggling  community  would  not  be 
able  to  meet,  consequently  a  location  nearer  the  church  of  Our  Saviour  and  the 
parochial  school  was  considered.  Through  the  kind  assistance  of  a  Mr.  Mehan 
of  New  York  who  loaned  the  Sisters  $5,000,  and  the  generous  gift  of  $3,000 
from  the  Sisters'  great  benefactor,  Mr.  Charles  Routt,  they  were  enabled  to  pro- 
cure the  Richard  Yates  residence  and  property  on  East  State  Street  in  Jackson- 
ville. Ground  was  broken  and  the  work  on  the  new  building  was  begun  on  Saint 
Dominic's  Day,  August  4,  1886.  On  July  5,  the  following  year,  1887,  the  new 
home  was  in  readiness  and  the  Sisters  took  possession.  The  buildings  then  erect- 
ed sufficed  to  accommodate  the  needs  of  an  academy  and  convent  until  1892, 
when  the  increasing  community  and  flourishing  academy  conducted  by  the 
Sisters  required  larger  housings.  Jacksonville  now  seemed  unable  to  furnish  a 
desirable  site  for  the  location  of  the  Sisters'  greater  plan. 

Reverend  Mother  M.  Josephine  Meagher  visited  Springfield,  Illinois,  and 
selected  the  Jesse  K.  Dubois  property  at  the  extreme  west  end  of  the  city  as  the 
site  for  the  new  convent  and  academy.  This  proprty  is  ideal  in  every  respect  for 
such  a  purpose.  When  Reverend  Mother  M.  Josephine  Meagher  acquainted  the 
late  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan  with  her  plans  he  heartily  approved  them  and 

539 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

favored  her  with  all  permissions  necessary  to  advance  the  work.    Again,  through 
the  generosity  of  Mr.  Charles  Routt  the  Sisters  procured  the  new  estate. 

In  1893  the  new  mother-house  at  Springfield  was  completed  and  the  com- 
munity moved  from  Jacksonville  to  their  new  home.  On  the  29th  of  June  the 
building  was  blessed  and  dedicated.  At  this  date  the  community  numbered 
forty-four  professed  Sisters,  five  novices  and  seven  postulants. 

In  September,  1895  the  academy  in  connection  with  the  convent  was  opened. 
The  needs  of  the  community  did  not  permit  of  an  adequate  portion  of  the  build- 
ings being  allotted  to  the  use  of  the  academy.  As  the  years  passed  on  the 
classes  so  increased  that  the  question  of  more  buildings  again  confronted  the 
Sisters. 

In  1896  the  office  of  incorporation  was  transferred  to  Springfield  and  the 
official  title  of  the  convent  was  changed  to  that  of  the  "Academy  of  Our  Lady 
of  the  Sacred  Heart." 

By  the  year  1900  the  Sisters  were  compelled  because  of  the  increasing  num- 
ber of  Religious  and  because  of  the  increasing  number  of  students  in  the  academy 
to  determine  upon  plans  for  a  new  building.  At  this  venture  the  Sisters  de- 
cided to  realize  their  most  fervent  and  noble  ambition,  the  erection  of  a  con- 
ventual chapel.  Through  the  generosity  of  friends  and  relatives  of  the  Sisters 
this  was  made  possible.  On  the  30th  of  June,  1901,  the  corner  stone  of  the  new 
chapel  building  was  laid.  The  program  of  that  day  was  under  the  auspices  of 
the  Knights  of  Columbus.  Two  years  later  on  the  7th  of  July  the  entire  new 
building  was  dedicated  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan.  The  chapel  building 
includes  the  chapel,  auditorium  and  infirmary  for  the  Sisters.  All  of  the  pioneer 
members  lived  to  see  the  erection  of  the  chapel  building. 

Though  the  progress  of  the  first  thirty  years  of  the  Sisters  foundation  had 
been  rapid  and  blessed  and  their  ambitions  attained,  it  was  soon  recognized  that 
for  the  proper  discipline  of  the  academy  and  for  the  necessary  order  requisite 
in  the  religious  life  of  the  Sisters  more  buildings  and  larger  class  rooms  were 
required.  Accordingly  in  1908  the  permission  to  erect  a  building  entirely  de- 
voted to  school  purposes  was  obtained  from  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan.  This 
building,  "The  Sacred  Heart  Academy"  is  a  splendid  five-story  structure,  fire- 
proof and  equipped  with  every  convenience  and  accommodation.  The  labora- 
tories and  studios  are  furnished  with  every  accessory  that  is  necessary  for  the 
perfect  study  of  any  science  or  art  taught  in  the  academy. 

On  January  1,  1910,  this  building  was  informally  opened  and  classes  were 
held  in  the  new  building  at  the  opening  of  the  second  semester,  February  1, 
1910.  The  formal  opening  and  dedication  took  place  on  the  feast  of  Saint  Dom- 
inic, August  4,  1910. 

The  usual  success  that  had  attended  every  effort  of  this  congregation  in  its 
career  in  the  diocese  seemed  to  accompany  the  progress  of  the  academy.  Pupils 
in  the  regular  and  special  classes  increased  and  by  their  brilliant  work  in  the 
various  professions  and  vocations  which  they  embraced  after  their  graduation 
brought  distinction,  honor  and  merit  upon  their  Alma  Mater. 

In  the  spring  of  1917  Mr.  Hollister,  High  School  Visitor  of  the  University  of 

540 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Illinois,  visited  and  examined  the  academy  faculty,  buildings  and  equipment. 
Upon  his  recommendation  the  academy  was  affiliated  to  the  University  of  Illi- 
nois. The  following  September  Mr.  Harry  Thraser  of  the  State  Bureau  of  Edu- 
cation visited  and  made  his  inspection  of  the  academy  and  upon  his  recommenda- 
tion the  school  was  placed  upon  the  list  of  Recognized  High  Schools  in  the  state 
of  Illinois. 

From  its  small  beginning  in  1884  when  the  academy  was  first  granted  a 
charter  by  the  State  of  Illinois  endowing  it  with  all  first-class  rights  and  em- 
powering it  to  confer  honors  upon  its  graduates  the  institution  has  grown  stead- 
ily and  successfully  until  today  it  enjoys  the  prestige  of  being  one  of  the  best 
private  academies  in  the  state. 

Under  the  supervision  of  the  sisters  of  the  "Congregation  of  Our  Lady  of 
the  Sacred  Heart ' '  are  thirty-three  parochial  schools  and  eleven  high  schools.  All 
of  the  high  schools  under  the  direction  of  the  Dominican  Sisters  are  enrolled  on 
the  list  of  Recognized  High  Schools  in  Illinois.  The  schools  outside  the  diocese  of 
Springfield,  Illinois,  under  the  care  of  these  Sisters  are  in  the  archdiocese  of  Chi- 
cago; Diocese  of  Peoria,  Belleville,  Rockford,  Duluth,  Minnesota,  Boise,  Idaho 
and  Detroit,  Michigan. 

The  following  list  is  the  schools  that  are  and  have  been  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Dominican  Sisters  during  their  years  of  service  in  the  diocese  of 
Springfield,  Illinois: 

MISSION  SCHOOLS  TAUGHT  BY  DOMINICAN  SISTERS 

1878,  Ruma,  Reverend  Father  Neihaus;  1881,  Carrollton,  Reverend  A.  J. 
Sauer;  1882,  Mt.  Sterling,  Reverend  M.  Clifford;  1883,  Jerseyville,  Reverend 
J.  J.  Harty;  1884,  Beardstown,  Reverend  Wm.  Weigand;  1886,  Prairie  du 
Rocher,  Reverend  Chas.  Krewet;  1888,  Paris,  Reverend  J.  A.  Postner;  1889, 
Pana,  Reverend  F.  Stick;  1889,  New  Berlin,  Reverend  J.  Mohr;  1889,  Carlinville, 
Reverend  Father  Kerr;  1890,  St.  Mary's,  Springfield,  Reverend  T.  Hickey ;  1892, 
Litchfield,  Reverend  P.  Carroll;  1893,  E.  St.  Louis,  J.  Harkins;  1893,  Jackson- 
ville, became  a  mission,  Reverend  J.  W.  Crowe ;  1897,  Ivesdale,  Reverend  Chas. 
0  'Brien ;  1897,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield,  Reverend  J.  Howard ;  1900,  Assumption, 
Reverend  J.  Dechene ;  1902,  Jacksonville,  Routt  College,  Reverend  J.  W.  Crowe ; 
1903,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  St.  Columbkille,  Reverend  F.  J.  Jones ;  1905,  Morrisonville, 
Reverend  J.  Hoven ;  1905,  Philo,  Reverend  J.  P.  Barry ;  1908,  Eagle,  Reverend 
M.  Eagan ;  1910,  Our  Lady  of  Grace,  Chicago,  Reverend  J.  J.  Mullally ;  1910,  St. 
Edward's  College,  Reverend  J.  J.  Creagan;  1910,  St.  Patrick's  Springfield,  Rev- 
erend Thos.  Fennessy ;  1911,  Aurora,  Reverend  J.  A.  Quinn ;  1914,  Rantoul,  Rev- 
erend W.  J.  Drummy;  1914,  Mendota,  Reverend  Father  Jacobs;  1915,  Odell,  J. 
P.  Barry ;  1917,  Penfield,  Reverend  Wm.  O  'Brien ;  1920,  East  Moline,  Reverend 
S.  Van  der  Gulick;  1920,  Mt.  Clemens,  Michigan,  Reverend  J.  D.  O'Shea; 
1921,  Farmersville,  Reverend  L.  C.  Ryan ;  1922,  Nampa,  Idaho,  Reverend  T.  S. 
Canning,  S.  M.;  1923,  Dupo,  Reverend  J.  F.  Wuemar;  1923,  Duluth,  (Our  Lady 
of  the  Rosary),  Reverend  W.  J.  Powers;  1923,  Duluth,  (St.  Michaels),  Reverend 

541 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

J.  Moloney ;  1924,  Bradley,  Reverend  II.  A.  Darche ;  1924,  Kincaid,  Reverend  B. 
Wubbe;  1925,  St.  Barbara's,  Springfield,  Reverend  F.  S.  Mazir. 

The  life  story  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Academy  would  not  be  complete  with- 
out a  brief  mention  of  the  work  of  its  alumnae.  The  loyal  and  efficient  co-opera- 
tion of  the  alumnae  of  this  academy  is  a  work  staunch  and  devoutly  filial  in 
character.  One  splendid  testimony  of  it  is  the  gift  to  the  Sisters  at  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  golden  jubilee  in  1923.  This  gift  is  the  pipe  organ  in  the  convent 
chapel,  built  and  installed  at  a  cost  of  $4,500.00. 

Several  incidents  that  illustrate  the  association  of  the  Dominican  Sisters 
with  the  history  of  the  nation  and  state  are:  the  Dedication  of  Lincoln's  Monu- 
ment in  Oak  Rridge  Cemetery  in  Springfield,  Illinois,  October  15,  1874.  Upon 
the  request  of  President  Ulysses  Grant  two  members  of  the  Congregation  of  Our 
Lady  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Sister  M.  Josephine  Meagher  and  Sister  Rachel  Con- 
way unveiled  the  monument ;  the  second  event  was  the  Catholic  Day  celebration 
of  the  Illinois  Centennial  held  in  October,  1918.  The  principal  exercises  of  this 
day's  celebration  was  the  Field  Mass  held  upon  the  campus  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  Academy. 

Again  upon  the  unveiling  of  the  bronze  statues  of  War  Governors,  the  Hon- 
orable John  M.  Palmer  and  the  Honorable  Richard  Yates.  Sister  M.  Josephine 
Meagher  was  present  as  the  honored  guest  of  both  the  Palmer  and  Yates  families. 
In  the  eulogy  upon  the  Honorable  Richard  Yates  read  by  his  son,  the  Honorable 
Richard  Yates,  Congressman  at  Large,  a  reference  was  made  to  the  friendship 
that  existed  in  bygone  days  between  Mrs.  Catherine  Yates  and  Sister  M. 
Josephine  in  Jacksonville,  Illinois. 

The  following  Sisters  have  held  the  office  of  Mother  Superior  in  the  Congre- 
gation of  Our  Lady  of  the  Sacred  Heart : 

Reverend  Mother  M.  Josephine  Meagher,  Reverend  Mother  Cecilia  Carey, 
Reverend  Mother  M.  Thomasina  Simpson,  Reverend  Mother  M.  Regina  Colgan, 
Reverend  Mother  M.  Catherine  Young,  Reverend  Mother  M.  Ceslaus  Connor, 
Reverend  Mother  M.  Vincent  Boland. 

MARQUETTE  HIGH  SCHOOL 
Alton,  Illinois.    Established  in  1926. 

The  biggest  undertaking  in  education  work  so  far  sponsored  by  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  in  his  diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois,  is  the  Mar- 
quette High  school  in  Alton,  Illinois. 

The  new  school  is  under  the  control  of  the  Ursuline  nuns,  so  highly  success- 
ful everywhere,  and  was  begun  in  1926. 

It  was  intended  as  a  great  institution  and  it  was  fully  realized  that  extensive 
means  would  be  required. 

In  order  to  aid  the  Sisters,  Bishop  Griffin  sponsored  a  "Drive"  for  funds 
with  the  following  Committees  in  charge : 

Honorary  Chairman — Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D. 

Executive  Committee — Chairman,  L.  A.  Schlaffly  Vice  Chairman,  Hon. 
George  T.  Davis;  Chairman,  Women's  Committee — Mrs.  B.  J.  Derwin. 

542 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

These  were  assisted  by  committees  from  each  of  the  three  Catholic  Churches 
of  the  city,  as  follows : 

Old  Cathedral,  M.  G.  Ryan  and  E.  J.  Morrissey ;  St.  Mary,  E.  W.  Brown  and 
W.  C.  Gschwend;St.  Patrick,  James  Gilmartin  and  Frank  Lavick;  Preferred  List 
Committee,  George  B.  Springman,  Walter  Brown;  Publicity,  Joseph  Drumgoole; 
Treasurer,  W.  C.  Gschwend ;  Secretary,  H.  0.  Williams. 

The  Drive  was  endorsed  by  the  Alton  Chamber  of  Commerce,  which  also 
voted  the  use  of  its  rooms  as  Central  Offices  for  the  Committee. 

An  intense  campaign  began  July  6th  and  continued  through  the  following 
ten  days;  the  workers  labored  most  generously  in  spite  of  the  excessive  heat  and 
the  sacrifice  of  their  own  business  interests  to  make  the  campaign  a  success.  As  a 
result  the  amount  pledged  reached  almost  the  $75,000  mark.  Of  this  amount 
$53,764.00  has  been  received  to  date. 

According  to  the  wish  of  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  the  parishes  should  con- 
tribute one-third  the  cost  of  the  school  building.  $51,000.00  was  received  from 
this  source. 

The  bids  for  the  Marquette  High  School  were  let  in  July,  1925.  In  each  de- 
partment the  lowest  bidders  were  as  follows : 

The  Wimmer  Construction  Company  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri ;  Alton  Plumbing 
and  Heating  Company  of  Alton,  Illinois;  The  Peerless  Electric  Company  of 
Granite  City,  Illinois. 

Much  and  well-deserved  praise  has  been  bestowed  upon  the  Architects,  L. 
Pf eiffenberger  's  Sons  of  Alton,  Illinois. 

Description  of  Building 

The  dimensions  are :  Two  hundred  feet  in  length,  one  hundred  thirty-three 
feet  six  inches  in  depth.    Height  two  and  three  stories  and  basement. 

The  site  is  the  former  Ursuline  Convent  site,  located  on  Fourth  Street,  be- 
tween Alton  and  Easton  Streets.  Topography  of  site  is  one  of  severe  grades, 
which  in  planning  of  schools  have  been  utilized  to  great  advantage  in  the  base- 
ment space.  The  environment  is  ideal.  It  has  the  best  of  transportation  facili- 
ties, perfect  drainage  and  sanitation,  is  centrally  located,  on  paved  streets,  and 
adjoining  parks  insure  perpetual  natural  light  and  healthful  ventilation. 

The  building  is  modern  American  in  design.  It  contains  fourteen  class 
rooms,  two  laboratories,  lecture  room,  library,  two  reading  rooms,  music  rooms, 
cafeteria  and  kitchen,  two  rest  rooms,  toilets  for  men  and  women  and  toilets  for 
teachers,  and  offices  for  superintendent  and  for  principal.  Commodious  corri- 
dors make  all  rooms  accessible.  Boys'  and  girls'  locker  and  shower  rooms  are 
included. 

The  foundations  for  buildings  are  of  native  white  limestone,  superstructure 
walls  of  variegated  red  matt  brick  laid  with  Flemish  bond  and  in  natural  color 
cement  joints,  using  Bedford  stone  and  terra  cotta  for  trim,  cornice  and  copings. 

The  floor  and  roof  construction  is  fireproof,  supported  on  trussed  steel 
joist  with  concrete  top  slab  and  underside  covered  with  metal  lath  and  plaster. 

543 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

The  floors  in  corridors,  toilet  rooms,  stair  treads  and  platforms  all  of  terrazzo 
in  geometric  design  blocks  locked  with  brass  metal  strips. 

The  main  entrance  is  centrally  located,  and  the  safe  exit  in  case  of  panic  is 
ideally  augmented  by  secondary  exits  in  addition  to  the  main  centrally  located 
one,  by  two  exits  at  extreme  east  and  west  ends  of  building  and  two  in  rear. 
The  stairs,  three  in  main  building  and  one  in  rear  annex  lead  directly  to  the  exits, 
all  of  which  are  equipped  with  self  releasing  panic  bolts. 

All  exterior  door  and  window  openings  are  equipped  with  metal  weather 
strips,  and  the  proportions  of  light  and  ventilation  to  floor  area  and  cubic  con- 
tents of  rooms  is  in  accord  with  the  standards  set  out  by  the  Illinois  Statute. 

Corridor  walls  and  stair  halls  are  of  glazed  brick  of  blended  buff  to  height  of 
seven  feet,  while  walls  and  fixture  stalls  of  toilet  rooms  are  of  nickel  trimmed 
highly  polished  Carthage  marble ;  all  other  walls  and  ceilings  of  building  are  of 
sand  finish  plaster  and  all  painted  with  semi-gloss  washable  oil  paint,  tan  shade 
on  walls  and  ivory  on  ceilings. 

Artificial  light  is  amply  provided  with  electrical  semi-indirect  units  of  care- 
fully designed  distribution  and  the  conduit  system  of  wiring  and  materials  used 
are  those  approved  by  the  National  Board  of  Electrical  Underwriters. 

The  heating  plant  is  located  under  the  rear  annex  unit,  a  battery  of  two  steel 
boilers,  cross  connected,  supply  the  steam  required  for  direct  radiation,  and  the 
automatic  operated  vacuum  pump  insures  easy  and  uniform  circulation. 

The  future  expansion  of  the  building  has  been  provided  for  in  a  manner 
that  an  auditorium,  gymnasium  and  additional  class  rooms  can  be  had  without 
disturbing  the  present  building. 

The  school  is  furnished  throughout  with  the  most  modern  design  of  desk 
and  chair  seats.  The  laboratories — both  physical  and  chemical — are  arranged  for 
classes  of  twenty-four  each.  Sectional  steel  shelving  in  the  library  allows  for 
additional  book  space  as  needed.  The  reading  rooms  are  equipped  with  comfort- 
able chairs  and  tables. 

The  entire  cost  of  erecting  and  furnishing  the  building  exclusive  of  the 
ground  plot  is  approximately  $165,000.00. 

The  dedication  with  Pontifical  Field  Mass  took  place  August  31,  1927.  The 
Officers  of  the  Mass  were  as  follows : 

Celebrant  of  the  Mass,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin ;  Arch  Priest,  Right 
Reverend  Monsignor  Edward  L.  Spalding;  Deacon  of  Honor,  Reverend  F.  B. 
Kehoe ;  Sub-Deacon  of  Honor,  Reverend  J.  J.  Brune ;  Deacon  of  the  Mass,  Rev- 
erend William  B.  Whalen ;  Sub-Deacon  of  the  Mass,  Reverend  J.  R.  Molony ;  Mas- 
ter of  Ceremonies,  Reverend  P.  J.  Smythe. 

Many  of  the  neighboring  priests  were  present  in  the  sanctuary. 

An  eloquent  discourse  on  the  need  of  higher  education  was  given  by  Bishop 
Griffin. 

Following  the  services  a  banquet  for  the  Bishop  and  the  attending  clergy 
was  served  at  the  new  convent  on  Danforth  street. 

School  opened  on  September  7th  with  an  enrollment  of  two  hundred  forty- 
six  pupils.    Classes  were  immediately  organized  and  showed  seventy-four  for  the 

544 


Alton — St.   Joseph's    Hospital     .    .    .     Granite    City     st.    Kliznlx  th's   Hospital 
Springfield — «S7.  ■Joseph's  Home  for  the  Aged. 


TKE  LIBRARY 

BFTHt 

UKIVEBSiTX  Bf  H.UWIIS 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

first  year,  seventy-four  Sophomores,  sixty-seven  Juniors,  twenty-one  in  the  fourth 
year  continued  in  the  classical  course,  while  ten  of  the  same  year  elected  the 
commercial  course. 

The  teaching  staff  consists  of  a  Superintendent,  Reverend  P.  J.  Smythe,  and 
ten  Ursuline  Nuns,  a  librarian  giving  full  time  service,  and  a  music  teacher  part 
time  service. 

Music  is  taught  in  the  building  and  already  orchestra  and  glee  clubs  have 
been  organized.  Athletics  is  not  neglected — the  Marquette  foot  ball  team  earned 
in  a  short  time  an  enviable  record.  Basket  ball  teams  are  organized  and  gym- 
nasium classes  formed. 

The  school  has  been  recognized  by  the  State  Superintendent  of  Instruction 
and  application  has  been  made  for  accrediting  by  the  University  of  Illinois. 

Under  these  favorable  circumstances  has  been  launched  the  pioneer  central 
Catholic  high  school  of  the  diocese — the  outstanding  educational  work  of  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin  during  the  short  period  he  has  presided  over  the 
diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illinois. 

ST.  JOSEPH  HOSPITAL,  ALTON,  ILLINOIS 
In  Charge  of  Sisters  of  Charity  of  St.  Vincent  De  Paul. 
Established  in  1865. 

January  23,  1856,  three  Sisters  of  Charity  left  St.  Joseph's,  Emmittsburg, 
Maryland,  to  take  charge  of  the  School  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  in  Alton. 
Illinois.  This  school  was  opened  February  4,  1856,  in  the  old  Mansion  House 
on  State  Street.  Sister  Rose  Genevieve  Everett,  sister  of  Edward  Everett, 
eminent  jurist  of  world-wide  repute  was  in  charge.  These  Sisters  remained  only 
two  and  a  half  years.  The  school  did  not  meet  the  expectations  and  at  the  close 
of  the  school  in  the  second  week  of  July,  1856,  the  Sisters  withdrew. 

In  the  spring  of  1864  the  Government  called  four  Sisters  to  take  charge  of 
the  Military  prison  hospital  in  Alton.  Three  Sisters  were  sent  for  this  work, 
and  arrived  in  Alton  March  16,  1864.  Colonel  Ware  who  was  in  command  of 
the  Military  Prison  accompanied  them.  The  prisoners  numbered  four  thousand 
Confederates  and  one  thousand  Federals.  The  poor  sick  were  so  delighted  to  see 
the  Sisters  that  they  could  scarcely  contain  themselves.  The  atmosphere  of  the 
prison  was  very  foul,  the  prisoners  dying  at  the  rate  of  from  six  to  ten  per  day 
from  wounds,  typhoid  fever  and  smallpox. 

The  Sisters  took  possession  of  the  house  previously  occupied  as  a  school  and 
which  was  still  the  property  of  St.  Joseph's,  Emmittsburg.  An  ambulance  was 
sent  daily  to  take  them  to  and  fro.  Two  weeks  had  scarcely  elapsed  before  the 
sick  began  to  improve  and  despondency  had  nearly  disappeared.  Many  touching 
and  amusing  anecdotes  are  treasured  by  the  Sisters  relative  to  this  period. 

At  the  termination  of  the  war  in  1865  the  prisoners  received  their  discharge. 
It  was  sad  to  see  the  streets  of  the  city  lined  with  ragged,  distressed  looking  men. 
The  Sisters  were  asked  by  the  citizens  to  remain  and  open  a  hospital  in  Alton. 
The  Government  released  the  Sisters  and  the  venerated  Mother  Ann  Simeon  of 

545 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

St.  Joseph's,  Emmittsburg,  granted  permission  to  open  a  civil  hospital  for  the 
citizens  of  Alton,  in  1865. 

The  first  hospital  was  located  on  Broadway  and  Central  Avenue  (then  Wal- 
nut and  Second  Streets).  The  Sisters  ministered  to  the  sick  and  dying  of  Alton 
under  adverse  circumstances  poor  conveniences  and  small  funds  for  years  until 
the  hospital  was  built  on  the  present  site,  the  corner  stone  of  which  was  laid  on 
April  24th,  1887,  with  Very  Reverend  Vicar  General  John  Janssen  officiating. 
The  following  is  taken  from  the  Alton  Telegraph  of  April  25th,  1887 : 

"In  spite  of  threatening  appearance  of  the  weatiier  and  occasional  showers 
of  rain,  there  was  an  immense  assemblage  yesterday  afternoon  to  witness  the 
ceremonies  attending  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  of  the  new  St.  Joseph's  Hos- 
pital. About  3  :30  o'clock  Mayor  M'Pike,  and  most  of  the  city  council  arrived  on 
the  grounds  which  are  located  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Fourth  and  Walnut 
Streets,  just  south  of  St.  Patrick's  Church.  The  members  of  the  Western  Cath- 
olice  Union,  preceded  by  a  standard  bearer  carrying  their  elegant  blue  satin 
banner,  reached  the  place  at  4  o'clock.  In  a  short  time  afterwards  the  Catholic 
Clergy  reached  the  platform  on  which  were  seated  the  Mayor,  City  Council,  Vicar 
General  Jannsen,  Fathers  Peters,  Zweiseler,  Howard  and  Father  Neuthart  of  St. 
Louis,  speaker  of  the  occasion.  The  orator  of  the  day  announced  that  the  cere- 
monies would  consist  of  three  short  acts ;  the  sermon,  collection,  laying  of  the  cor- 
ner stone,  with  the  blessing  and  consecration  of  the  edifice  and  grounds.  The 
Reverend  Gentleman  commenced  by  quoting  Matthew  25;  40.  'Inas- 
much as  ye  have  done  it  unto  the  least  of  these  my  brethren  ye  have  done  it  unto 
me.'  He  remarked  that  hospitals  are  types  of  a  high  order  of  civilzation  founded 
on  the  teachings  of  Christ  and  are  not  known  among  heathen  nations.  The  first 
movement  of  the  kind  is  spoken  of  in  the  sixth  chapter  of  the  Acts.  The  speaker 
paid  an  eloquent  tribute  to  Alton  and  said  that  this  beautiful  city  always  re- 
minded him  of  Rome  and  Bethlehem.  He  spoke  of  the  religious  advancement  in 
this  diocese  since  the  consecration  of  Bishop  Juncker  thirty  years  ago  tomorrow, 
April  26th.  The  speaker  in  concluding  paid  a  well  deserved  tribute  to  the  Sis- 
ters of  Charity  for  their  self-sacrificing  devotion  to  their  Christian  work. 

"At  the  termination  of  the  address  which  was  well  conceived  and  well  de- 
livered, couched  in  fine  language  and  very  interesting,  the  ceremony  of  laying  the 
corner  stone  took  place.  The  stone  basement  and  brick  of  the  first  story  were 
almost  completed  but  a  space  had  been  left  above  the  stone  at  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  the  edifice  where  a  metallic  box  was  placed  by  Vicar  General  Jannsen  and 
sealed  by  Mr.  J.  B.  Kirwin.  The  ceremonies  were  concluded  with  chanting,  a 
processional  march  around  the  building  and  the  consecration  of  the  place. 

"The  hospital  when  complete  will  consist  of  a  stone  basement  and  two  and 
a  half,  practically  three  stories  of  brick.  The  dimensions  are  110  feet  10  inches 
long,  48  feet  wide.  The  edifice  will  cost  from  $15,000  to  $20,000  and  will  contain 
500,000  brick  which  are  being  manufactured  near  the  spot.  The  site  is  a  com- 
manding one,  embracing  a  magnificent  view  of  the  Mississippi  River,  and  the 
plains,  hills  and  forests  lying  eastward  and  south  of  the  city." 

The  first  director  of  the  hospital  was  Sister  Ignatius,  succeeded  by  Sister 

546 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Mary  Joseph  Barrett  of  blessed  memory,  who  continued  in  charge  for  thirty- 
four  years.  Sister  Mary  Joseph  is  still  remembered  as  a  pioneer  in  the  work. 
Sister  Elizabeth  (Sister  Lizzie)  is  the  only  member  of  the  first  band  of  Sis- 
ters who  is  still  living. 

On  December  12,  1922,  the  first  unit  of  the  proposed  new  hospital  was  dedi- 
cated. The  Right  Reverend  Edmund  L.  Spalding  officiated.  Proceedings  to  com- 
plete the  entire  plan  of  the  new  building  are  delaj'ed  until  financial  assistance  is 
forth-coming. 

The  present  building  has  a  capacity  of  seventy-five  beds,  equipped  with 
modern  conveniences  for  the  well  being  of  the  sick  ;Clinical,  Pathological  and 
X-Ray  Laboratories ;  a  weekly  free  clinic  and  a  free  clinic  for  crippled  children 
under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Ralph  East. 

At  present  there  are  ten  Sisters  of  Charity  conducting  the  hospital ;  con- 
nected with  which  is  a  School  for  Nurses,  which  was  opened  in  1900.  The  school 
has  a  special  teaching  staff  and  is  affiliated  with  St.  Ann's  Maternity  Hospital, 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and  the  School  of  Physiatric  Nursing,  Chicago,  Illinois. 
"While  the  Hospital  is  under  Catholic  auspices  the  School  for  Nurses  is  non-sec- 
tarian as  regards  the  admission  and  development  of  applicants.  The  school  is 
accredited  in  the  State  of  Illinois  and  a  diploma  from  the  school  entitles  the 
graduate  to  become  a  candidate  for  State  Registration  in  Illinois  and  reciprocal 
States. 

ST.  MARY  HOSPITAL 
Quincy,  Illinois.     Established  in  1868. 

To  the  zeal  of  the  pious  Reverend  Herman  Conrad  Schaefermeyer  (later 
Reverend  Father  Liborius,  O.F.M.)  of  holy  memory,  St.  Mary  Hospital  owes  its 
existence.  Feeling  that  the  wants  of  the  poor  were  insufficiently  served,  Father 
Schaefermeyer  conceived  the  idea  of  founding  an  institution  in  charge  of  Sisters. 

Very  Reverend  P.  Gregory  Janknecht,  O.F.M.,  who  in  1860  visited  the 
American  House  of  his  Province  at  Quincy,  recommended  the  Sisters  of  the  Poor 
of  St.  Francis,  which  had  been  founded  by  the  Venerable  Mother  Frances 
Schervier  of  Aix-la-Chapelle,  October  3,  1844,  and  had  been  transplanted  to  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  in  1858,  at  the  instance  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Peters  a  convert  and  a 
daughter  of  Ex-Governor  Thomas  Worthington  of  Ohio.  Owing  to  the  small 
number  of  Sisters,  Father  Schaefermeyer 's  request  was  not  granted.  In  1865 
when  Reverend  P.  Ferdinand  Bergmeyer,  O.F.M.  made  a  trip  to  Cincinnati  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  Sisters,  Sister  Felicitas  in  charge  during  the  Provincial's 
absence  in  Germany,  came  with  Sister  Antonia  to  Quincy  to  look  over  the  field. 

In  January,  1866,  Sister  Dominic  returned  from  Germany  with  permis- 
sion to  found  a  house  in  Quincy  and  in  February  arrangements  were  made  with 
Father  Schaefermeyer,  Vicar  General,  and  Reverend  P.  Ferdinand,  O.F.M., 
about  sending  Sisters  to  Quincy.  May  19,  1866,  Sister  Eusebia,  who  was  ap- 
pointed Superioress,  arrived  in  Quincy  with  Sisters  Elizabeth  and  Anna.  Father 
Schaefermeyer  and  the  Franciscan  Fathers  received  them  hospitably.  A  little 
cottage  situated  on  Twentieth  and  Vine  Streets,  opposite  St.  Aloysius  Orphanage, 

547 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

was  rented  for  a  nominal  sum  from  the  Orphan  Society  and  became  the  firsl  tem- 
porary home  of  the  Sisters.  The  four  rooms  served  as  parlor,  oratory,  refectory 
and  dormitory,  and  the  furniture  consisted  of  four  beds,  four  chairs  and  one 
table.  Food  and  cooking  utensils,  etc.,  were  obtained  through  soliciting.  For 
about  a  week  the  Franciscan  Fathers  provided  them  with  breakfast  and  the  Notre 
Dame  Sisters  in  the  Orphanage  supplied  them  with  dinner  and  supper. 

The  site  south  of  the  Orphanage  offered  for  Hospital  purposes  proved  un- 
satisfactory and  was  rejected,  and  the  purchase  of  the  former  Methodist  Univer- 
sity near  the  Bishop's  House  at  Eighth  and  Vermont  Streets  for  $28,000.00 
would  have  proved  too  expensive.  A  committee  finally  selected  the  present  site, 
180x180  feet,  near  the  corner  of  14th  Street  and  Broadway.  It  was  purchased  in 
December,  1866  at  $17.00  a  foot.  A  committee  composed  of  Mr.  H.  F.  J.  Richer, 
Dr.  I.  T.  Wilson,  Mr.  II.  V.  Sullivan  and  Mr.  E.  R.  Morphy  appointed  by  Father 
Schaefermeyer,  accompanied  the  Sisters  during  six  weeks  to  solicit  subscriptions. 
As  the  hospital  was  intended  mainly  for  poor  patients  irrespective  of  race  or 
creed,  the  City  Council  headed  by  the  Mayor,  the  Honorable  Thomas  Redmond, 
at  once  contributed  $1,000.00. 

Venerable  Brother  Adrian  Wewer,  O.F.M.,  designed  the  general  plans  for 
the  Hospital.  This  plan  was  then  turned  over  to  Mr.  Howard  who  worked  out 
the  details  and  specifications.  The  death  of  the  Provincial,  Venerable  Sister 
Dominica  delayed  the  return  of  the  designs,  and  the  Hospital  was  built  on  a 
smaller  scale  than  was  originally  intended.  Excavations  began  in  March,  1867, 
the  corner  stone  was  laid  on  Sunday,  May  5th,  1867  in  honor  of  Mary  Help  of 
Christians,  by  Father  Schaefermeyer,  assisted  by  Reverend  P.  Anselm  Mueller, 
O.F.M.  The  seven  Catholic  Societies  of  Quincy,  the  citizens  of  all  creeds,  the 
City  Council  and  the  Judge  participated.  About  5,000  marched  in  the  parade 
and  Reverend  P.  Ferdinand,  O.F.M.,  and  Reverend  P.  McGirr  delivered  the  Ger- 
man and  English  sermons  respectively. 

On  August  13th,  1866  a  temporary  hospital  containing  twelve  beds  was  open- 
ed in  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Juncker's  house,  the  present  Notre  Dame  Convent 
at  Eighth  and  Vermont  Streets,  by  the  Sisters.  The  first  patient  was  received 
on  the  17th  of  August,  1866,  Mrs.  Mitchell,  a  French  Canadian  lady  suffering 
from  tuberculosis,  and  left  the  Hospital  on  October  18,  1866.  The  Sisters  also 
nursed  the  sick  at  their  homes.  A  few  months  later,  in  March,  1867,  the  Hos- 
pital moved  to  the  third  story  of  the  old  St.  Boniface  School,  owing  to  the  sale 
of  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Juncker's  house  to  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  the 
Episcopal  See  having  been  changed  from  Quincy  to  Alton.  When  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Juncker  became  ill,  Sisters  Scholastica  and  Ephram  were  sent 
from  the  hospital  to  Alton,  and  nursed  him  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on 
October  2,  1868. 

On  October  25,  1867,  the  Sisters  moved  to  their  present  home  on  Broadway. 
Seven  patients  accompanied  the  Sisters  to  the  new  Hospital  and  Joseph  Leopold 
was  the  first  patient  received  there ;  also  the  first  one  to  die  in  the  present  hos- 
pital. 

The  first  attending  physician  was  Dr.  Gloss,  from  August,  1866,  to  July, 

548 


Quincy     St.    Mary's  Hospital   Vurscs'  and  Colvmb    i    Valentin. 

O.F.M.,  Chaplain  ...  ■  '•  •     Ow    Sai  or'    Hospital  ...  Ste.   Waru      tfothei    House, 

Society  <>t  thi   Priests  oj  tht   Sacred  tl><irt. 


m  UBRMY 

fiF  Tht 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILUW» 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

1867.  He  was  of  the  homeopathic  school  of  medicine  and  was  succeeded  by  Dr. 
Talcotte.  The  first  attending  surgeon  was  Dr.  Charles  Curtis.  In  September, 
1871,  Dr.  Michael  Rooney  took  charge  and  later  was  assisted  by  his  wife,  Dr. 
Abby  Fox  Rooney.  Doctors  H.  W.  Kendall,  W.  A.  Byrd  and  R.  Woods  were  also 
connected  with  the  hospital  about  this  time. 

On  March  4,  1869  the  hospital  was  incorporated  in  the  State  of  Illinois. 
In  1875  gas  light  was  installed. 

In  March,  1875  a  number  of  charitable  ladies  organized  the  St.  Mary  Hos- 
pital Society  which  is  still  in  existence.  The  first  President  was  Mrs.  Lammers, 
with  Mrs.  Weltin,  Mrs.  Catherine  Kathe  and  Mrs.  Catherine  Lubbe  on  the 
Committee. 

In  1876  the  Franciscan  Fathers  assumed  charge  of  the  devotions  at  the 
hospital. 

With  ever  increasing  work  passing  through  its  doors  the  accommodations  for 
patients  gradually  proved  insufficient,  and  therefore  in  1877  work  was  com- 
menced on  the  western  wing,  having  a  frontage  of  46  feet  and  a  depth  of  56 
feet,  which  was  completed  and  ready  for  patients  the  same  year. 

In  1882  the  Hospital  was  connected  with  the  City  Water  Works,  and  the 
arduous  work  of  pumping  water  by  hand  discontinued.  In  1885  a  steam  heating 
plant  superceded  the  furnace.  In  1892  an  adjacent  frame  house  was  purchased 
for  $3,000,  and  since  1893  it  has  been  utilized  for  the  children  under  the  charge 
of  the  Sisters. 

September  10,  1897  brought  a  great  sorrow  to  the  hearts  of  all  connected 
with  the  hospital,  as  well  as  to  the  people  of  Quincy  generally,  Dr.  Michael 
Rooney,  who  for  more  than  twenty-six  years  was  the  attending  physician  at  the 
hospital,  was  claimed  by  the  Angel  of  Death.  To  the  poor  many  have  given 
fortunes;  Dr.  Rooney  gave  himself  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  to  the 
relief  and  ministry  of  the  sick  and  suffering.  An  eminent  physician  of  rare 
modesty  and  of  a  retiring  disposition,  Dr.  Rooney  endeared  himself  to  rich  and 
poor  alike,  and  the  benefits  he  conferred  upon  the  Sisters  in  their  early  struggles 
deserves  for  him  a  perpetual  remembrance  in  our  prayers.  Without  doubt  God 
has  abundantly  rewarded  this  great  benefactor  of  the  poor  and  of  the  religious 
and  charitable  institutions  of  Quincy,  since  even  a  cup  of  cold  water  given  for 
His  sake  receives  its  reward. 

On  December  8th,  1898,  the  St.  Mary  Ambulance  Society  donated  to  the 
hospital  an  ambulance  which  cost  $475.  The  annual  expenses  of  the  ambulance 
are  defrayed  by  the  members  of  the  Society  who  are  assessed  a  nominal  sum  each 
month.  The  first  officers  of  this  society  were  Prof.  Oscar  P.  Huck,  President; 
Mr.  Christian  Freiburg,  Secretary,  and  Mr.  Frederick  Wolf,  Sr.,  Treasurer,  with 
Committee  of  Mr.  August  Dorkenwald,  Dr.  Otis  Johnston,  Mrs.  Margaret  Dick 
and  Mrs.  John  O'Hare.  Unsolicited  by  the  Sisters  in  accordance  with  the  pro- 
gressiveness  of  the  times,  the  zealous  members  of  this  Society  had  the  horse- 
drawn  ambulance  converted  into  a  thoroughly  equipped  automobile  ambulance 
and  presented  the  same  to  the  hospital  in  1915. 

In  1900,  unable  to  take  care    of   the    many    patients,    an    addition    60x80 

549 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

feet  on  the  east  side  of  the  hospital  was  built.  A  new  Chapel  was  also  erected. 
The  expense  of  this  extension  amounted  to  $45,000.00.  Architect  Tubesing  drew 
the  plans  for  this  addition,  and  the  building  committee  consisted  of  Mr.  Fred 
Wolf,  Sr.,  and  Mr.  Henry  Blomer.  Through  the  influence  of  Rpverend  Joseph 
Foerster  (now  Father  Paschalis,  O.F.M.)  in  his  charity  and  zeal  for  the  welfare 
of  the  poor  and  sick,  a  number  of  prominent  people  of  Quincy  were  interested, 
who  donated  a  considerable  sum  to  help  defray  the  cost  of  this  building.  In 
1903  the  house  and  lot  at  the  corner  of  Fourteenth  Street  and  Broadway  were 
purchased  and  in  1906  the  Children's  Home,  including  a  sewing  room  and 
laundry  was  erected  at  an  expense  of  $30,000.00.  Mr.  E.  R.  Wood  was  selected 
as  architect  to  furnish  plans  and  specifications,  and  was  ably  assisted  by  Mr. 
Fred  Wolf,  Sr.  A  covered  hallway  connects  this  building  with  the  hospital.  By 
two  kind  benefactors  a  large  cooling  room  was  donated  and  installed  in  the 
year  1908. 

In  1913  a  Victor  X-Ray  Machine,  with  all  the  newest  and  best  accessories, 
was  installed,  also  a  well  equipped  developing  room.  In  1921  this  machine  was 
replaced  by  a  Kelly-Koett  X-Ray  Machine  and  more  accessories  installed.  In 
1920  a  modern  clinical  laboratory  was  opened  in  the  hospital. 

To  aid  the  hospital  which  has  no  endowment  fund,  and  which  depends  for 
its  sustenance  on  the  charity  of  the  public,  bazaars  or  festivals  were  held  an- 
nually. The  proceeds  of  the  first  bazaar  held  in  1875  amounted  to  over  $3,500.00. 
At  the  instigation  of  Mr.  Fred  Wolf,  Sr.,  our  kind  benefactor,  with  zeal  born  of 
love  for  the  institution  conveived  the  plan  of  holding  an  annual  "Tag  Day," 
which  was  inaugurated  in  1910.  Committees  were  formed,  and  the  gentlemen 
selected  to  take  up  the  collections  from  the  various  business  places  are  from  the 
ranks  of  the  most  prominent  business  and  professional  men  of  this  city,  and  they 
give  as  much  of  their  time  as  possible  to  assure  the  success  of  this  charitable  un- 
dertaking ;  while  the  ladies  with  an  enthusiasm  which  age  did  not  diminish,  were 
at  their  stand  from  early  in  the  morning,  at  the  stations  assigned  to  them  in  the 
various  parts  of  the  city,  zealous  and  untiring,  continuing  their  collections  until 
late  in  the  evening.  The  amount  netted  each  year  was  about  $5,000  00.  In  1918 
the  "Tag  Day"  was  discontinued  and  was  superceded  by  "The  Hospital  Week 
Collection."  During  this  week  the  ladies  take  up  a  "House  to  House  Collection" 
instead  of  selling  "Tags"  on  the  street.  The  net  proceeds  from  these  collections 
amount  to  approximately  $7,000.00  each  year.  Mr.  Fred  Wolf,  Sr.,  is  President 
of  this  collecting  committee. 

In  1914  a  Convent  or  Sisters'  home  was  added  to  the  Hospital.  Up  to  this 
time  the  Sisters  had  no  regular  quarters,  but  lived  and  slept  in  various  parts  of 
the  hospital  wherever  room  could  be  found.  In  the  same  year  property  east  of 
the  hospital  was  purchased  and  the  houses  removed  and  a  beautiful  space  created 
for  the  convalescent  patients. 

In  1918  an  addition  was  made  to  the  kitchen  and  in  1922  the  heating  sys- 
tem was  remodeled  and  a  new  boiler-house  erected  on  the  southwest  side  of  the 
hospital. 

This  is  the  Hospital  today,  in  which,  thanks  to  the  generosity  and  sacrifice 

550 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

of  the  good  people,  and  the  unremitting  and  zealous  assistance  of  physicians  and 
surgeons,  the  hospital  has  been  able  to  render  many  acts  of  mercy  to  poor,  suf- 
fering humanity.  Much  could  be  written  of  the  generous  benefactors,  but  as  all 
works  which  man  has  accomplished,  inspired  by  the  grace  of  God,  are  written 
in  the  Book  of  Life,  very  little  need  be  said.  Many  of  whom  are  reaping  the  re- 
ward of  their  charity  in  Eternity.  Both  living  and  dead  have  the  constant  pray- 
ers of  the  faithful  for  their  spiritual  and  temporal  welfare. 

A  number  of  Catholic  ladies  of  Quincy  expressed  a  desire  to  the  Mother 
Provincial  to  see  attached  to  St.  Mary  a  Maternity  Department.  After  several 
conferences  the  Mother  Provincial  granted  their  request,  on  the  condition  that 
the  building  and  equipment  would  be  paid  for  in  full  by  the  people  of  Quincy. 
Shortly  afterwards  the  ladies  assured  the  Mother  Provincial  they  were  willing 
to  undertake  the  operation  of  the  Maternity  Hospital  and  to  equip  the  same, 
and  started  a  campaign  for  funds  for  this  purpose.  The  Mother  Provincial 
appointed  as  a  Building  Committee,  the  Reverend  Father  Ferdinand,  O.F.M., 
Mr.  John  J.  Fisher,  Mr.  Lawrence  J.  Jochem,  Mr.  Carl  Berter  and  Doctor  Wells. 
This  Committee  employed  the  services  of  Behrensmeyer  &  Hafner,  Architects, 
to  draw  and  submit  plans,  the  general  contract  was  let  to  Buerkin  &  Buerkin 
of  Quincy.  Excavation  was  begun  on  November  21,  1927,  and  the  work  on  the 
building  was  continued  all  winter. 

The  cornerstone  was  laid  on  Sunday,  May  20,  1928,  by  the  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  in  Illinois.  Extensive  prepara- 
tions were  made  for  this  ceremony.  The  large  platform  erected  for  the  oc- 
casion in  front  of  the  new  structure  was  decorated  with  the  Papal  colors,  yellow 
and  white,  and  the  national  emblems,  and  all  was  surmounted  by  a  huge 
American  flag.  At  3:15  o'clock,  three  hundred  members  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus  appeared  in  a  body,  having  marched  from  the  Knights  of  Columbus 
hall,  and  formed  an  honor  guard  through  which  the  Episcopal  procession 
passed  from  the  hospital  to  the  platform.  The  torch  bearers  accompanying  the 
Cross  bearer  in  the  procession,  were  two  Chinese  boys,  Paul  Lee  and  John  Chee, 
students  at  Quincy  College. 

A  box  containing  new  coins,  religious  articles,  pictures  of  the  Medical  Staff, 
sisters  and  nurses  and  signatures  of  each,  letters  of  blessings,  various  other  docu- 
ments and  messages  of  congratulations  from  the  Mother  General  in  Aix-la- 
Chapelle,  the  Provincial  Superioress  in  Hartwell,  Ohio,  and  letters  from  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Building  Committee  and  from  patients  were  placed  in  the  cornerstone. 
The  Bishop  wielded  the  trowel  and  cement  and  the  stone  was  lowered  into  place. 
On  the  stone  appears  the  inscription  "To  the  Mother  of  God  and  to  the  Mothers 
of  Men,  1928."  In  the  center  is  the  Franciscan  Emblem. 

Following  the  cornerstone  laying  the  "Star  Spangled  Banner"  was  sung 
by  the  audience,  the  music  was  furnished  by  the  Quincy  College  Band.  Mr. 
Lawrence  J.  Jochem,  Chairman  of  the  afternoon,  introduced  the  speakers.  John 
J.  Fisher  traced  the  history  of  the  Sisterhood,  the  Sisters  of  the  Poor  of  St. 
Francis,  of  which  those  in  the  hospital  are  a  part,  and  of  the  beginning  of  the 
addition  to  the  hospital. 

551 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

"No  more  beautiful  inscription  could  be  placed  upon  the  Stone,  no 
thoughts  so  expressive  could  grace  it.  This  new  building  will  not  only  be  a 
monument  to  the  city,  but  a  place  of  highest  service.  On  or  about  December  1st, 
the  hospital  will  be  open  for  inspection  and  then  the  people  can  *>ee  for  them- 
selves what  has  been  done." 

Mayor  Charles  Lee  Weems  said  the  hospital  is  an  asset  to  the  city.  "It  is 
more  than  a  hospital,  it  is  typical  of  the  outstanding  spirit  of  the  Quincy  of 
today.  Today  we  have  men  to  take  the  lead,  who  are  backed  by  men  who  will 
work  for  the  progress  of  Quincy. ' ' 

Charles  F.  Eichenauer,  editor  of  the  Herald-Whig,  said : 

"The  name  of  St.  Mary  means  three  things,  charity,  mercy  and  sincerity, 
and  I  ask  you  to  try  and  make  the  experiment  yourself  and  see  if  every  time  you 
mention  the  name,  St.  Mary's,  one  of  these  three  qualities  does  not  suggest  itself 
readily  to  your  mind." 

Very  Reverend  Monsignor  Martin  J.  Foley,  editor  of  the  Western  Catholic, 
paid  a  tribute  to  Catholic  institutions  throughout  the  world.  In  honoring  mother, 
he  said,  "There  are  no  bands  to  meet  her  as  she  emerges  from  the  shadow  of 
death,  God  cheers  her  and  blasses  her  and  imprints  upon  her  brow  the  im- 
perishable crown  of  Christian  Motherhood." 

Reverend  Harry  L.  Meyer,  pastor  of  the  Congregational  church  and  presi- 
dent of  the  Ministerial  association,  paid  a  tribute  to  the  work  done  in  the  hos- 
pital and  said  that  the  public  was  looking  forward  to  the  use  for  which  the 
building  is  being  erected. 

Dr.  Harold  Swanberg,  President  of  the  Hospital  Medical  Staff,  said:  "It 
means  much  study  and  careful  consideration  of  all  details  to  erect  an  addition 
such  as  this.  We,  of  the  medical  profession  fully  realize  what  an  undertaking 
such  as  this  means,  and  on  behalf  of  my  colleagues,  I  thank  all  who  have  assisted 
with  this  great  work. " 

Judge  Fred  G.  Wolfe,  judge  of  the  circuit  court,  said:  "We  fully  appreci- 
ate the  work  St.  Mary  Hospital  has  been  doing  for  the  City  and  territory  of 
Quincy,  in  nursing  our  poor  and  sick.  I  have  had  better  opportunity,  perhaps, 
to  observe  this  than  most  people.  We  know  that  no  one  has  ever  been  refused 
admission  to  St.  Mary  Hospital,  no  matter  how  poor  or  in  what  condition.  We 
know  that  this  new  addition  is  being  built  to  render  greater  service  to  the  sick 
and  especially  to  the  poor.  But  we  of  the  City  of  Quincy  should  not  let  others 
come  in  and  do  our  charity  work  for  us,  but  we  should  help  them  by  our  gener- 
ous contributions  and  I  hape  that  some  way  will  be  provided  to  help  the  good 
Sisters  take  care  of  their  charitable  work." 

Reverend  Father  Optatus,  O.F.M.,  pastor  of  St.  Francis  Church,  said:  "I 
am  not  going  to  make  a  speech,  in  fact  I  have  not  been  asked  to  make  one,"  he 
said  facetiously.  "I  do  not  know  why  they  picked  on  me,  because  I  have  not  a 
cent  to  my  name,  and  perhaps  they  thought  I  could  talk  better  about  it  as  I 
have  not  anything  to  give,  and  then  I  am  a  Pastor  and  am  used  to  taking  orders 
from  above  and  below  about  collections.  I  have  been  asked  to  tell  you  about  a 
collection.    It  is  customary  on  an  occasion  like  this  to  take  up  a  collection,  so  in 

552 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

a  few  minutes  the  young  ladies  appointed  to  take  up  the  collection  will  pass 
among  you,  and  we  want  not  only  the  half  dozen  eggs,  but  we  also  want  the 
half  dozen  chickens." 

While  the  collection  was  being  made  the  Quincy  College  Band  played  sev- 
eral selections. 

The  address  by  the  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  is  attached  in 
the  form  of  a  clipping  from  the  Western  Catholic. 

Prefacing  his  address  with  a  few  humorous  anecdotes  the  Bishop  spoke  in 
part  as  follows : 

' '  The  rites  performed  here  this  afternoon  are  centuries  old.  They  were  per- 
formed centuries  ago,  and  will  continue  to  be  performed  down  through  the 
years  to  come.  They  express  the  purposes  to  which  this  building  is  consecrated 
— charity. 

"The  business  houses,  the  factories,  and  the  river  that  flows  past  your 
doors  are  assets  to  a  city.  The  greatest,  however,  are  its  schools  and  churches, 
those  things  that  guard  the  health  of  men,  both  the  material  and  spiritual  things 
in  life. 

"No  government  has  long  endured  that  was  without  religion.  You  cannot 
compel  the  people  to  obey  laws  unless  there  is  a  moral  fibre,  and  unless  there  is 
a  moral  fibre,  a  government  cannot  long  endure. 

"No  country  has  such  material  advantages  as  those  of  the  United  States. 
They  are  even  now  beginning  to  talk  of  a  five  day  week.  If  we  can  bring  about 
conditions  that  will  help  in  developing  the  five  days  a  week  for  labor,  I  say  God 
speed  the  day.    If  that  can  be  done  why  make  men  work  longer  ? 

' '  In  pre-christian  days  sickly  and  feeble-minded  persons  were  put  to  death. 
The  teaching  of  Christianity  spread  by  the  Church  soon  changed  that  however. 
The  institutions  of  the  Church  scattered  over  the  earth  prove  her  part  in  man's 
welfare. 

"The  oldest  hospital  in  the  world  is  near  the  Vatican  in  Rome.  It  is  still 
functioning  and  represents  the  spirit  of  the  Church  in  dealing  with  the  sick.  The 
influence  of  religion  is  best  understood  when  we  look  at  the  results  attained 
where  it  has  been  neglected.  It  is  deplorable  the  number  of  young  people  that 
are  confined  in  our  penal  institutions.  If  you  take  away  those  things  that  con- 
trol the  passion  of  manhood  and  maidenhood,  the  result  is  appalling. 

"The  Catholic  Church  is  in  the  forefront  in  hospitals.  This  structure  is  not 
a  mere  building,  with  a  capable  staff  of  doctors  and  cleverly  trained  nurses,  but 
is  a  place  for  doing  good.  That  is  why  this  addition  was  built— to  give  better 
service." 

The  function  closed  with  Pontifical  Benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament 
in  which  the  Bishop  was  assisted  by  Reverend  J.  J.  Driseoll  as  deacon,  Rev- 
erend F.  Niebling  as  subdeacon.  Very  Reverend  Monsignor  Giusti  acted  as  mas- 
ter of  ceremonies. 

553 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

At  the  conclusion,  a  specially  selected  chorus  of  twenty  voices  and  the 
audience  sang  "Holy  God,  We  Praise  Thy  Name."  The  music  of  the  entire 
program  was  rendered  by  the  Quincy  College  Band,  under  the  direction  of 
A.  B.  Musholt,  dean  of  music  at  Quincy  College. 

The  new  building  faces  on  Broadway,  extending  105  feet  east  of  the  pres- 
ent hospital.  The  old  building  has  a  frontage  of  198  feet,  making  a  total  front- 
age of  303  feet.  The  new  building  consists  of  four  floors  and  a  basement. 
The  main  entrance  to  the  entire  hospital  is  in  the  new  addition.  In  the  base- 
ment is  a  large  hall  for  the  Doctors  where  they  may  hold  their  clinical  confer- 
ences and  lectures.  On  the  first  floor  are  located  the  administration  offices,  re- 
ception room  and  information  booth.  To  the  west  the  main  corridor  leads  to  the 
old  hospital.  At  the  extreme  east  of  the  corridor  is  a  glass  partition  shutting 
off  the  maternity  hospital  from  the  remainder  of  the  building.  The  remainder 
of  the  first  floor  and  the  entire  second  and  third  floors  are  equipped  for  maternity 
patients.  The  nursery  is  located  on  the  second  floor,  there  is  also  a  small 
nursery  for  five  cribs,  beds  for  special  cases.  On  each  floor  on  the  south  side 
of  the  building  is  a  large  solarium.  The  fourth  floor  is  not  a  part  of  the 
maternity  hospital  but  is  the  surgical  pavilion  for  the  general  hospital.  There 
is  a  waiting  room  for  relatives  of  the  patient  who  is  taken  to  the  operating  room ; 
dental  surgery  room;  eye,  ear,  nose  and  throat  operating  room;  dressing  room; 
doctors'  and  nurses'  scrub-up  rooms;  instrument  and  ether  rooms  and  two  large 
operating  rooms  with  sterilizing  rooms  between  ;  also  a  special  operating  room 
for  septic  cases.  There  are  places  for  illuminated  plates  in  the  operating  rooms, 
and  audible  clock  ticking  off  the  second  for  anaesthetics.  The  pathological  and 
neo-chemical  laboratories  are  located  on  this  floor,  also  the  X-Ray  Laboratories, 
cysloscopic  machine,  with  a  viewing  and  consultation  room.  Special  attention  is 
given  throughout  to  ventilation  and  sterilization.  The  windows  have  the  double 
vertical  plan  making  them  dust  proof,  as  well  as  shielding  against  inclement 
weather.  The  air  is  changed  regularly  five  times  every  hour  and  in  an  emergency 
can  be  changed  in  the  operating  rooms  in  five  minutes.  On  the  fourth  floor  is 
an  open  solarium  for  the  Doctors. 

The  building  is  fire  proof.  For  incipient  fires  there  is  a  fire  cabinet  with 
seventy-five  feet  of  hose  on  each  floor. 

On  the  roof  is  the  elevator  vestibule  and  elevator  operating  rooms.  There 
is  also  a  large  solarium  for  convalescents  with  a  protection  on  one  section  of  the 
roof  in  case  of  rain. 

NURSES'  HOME 

The  construction  of  a  nurses'  home  was  begun  on  May  21st,  1928.  The  hos- 
pital owns  the  three  brick  dwellings  on  Vermont  Street  south  of  the  present  hos- 
pital. Two  of  these  buildings  on  the  east  which  are  seventy-five  feet  apart,  will 
be  connected  by  a  building  two  stories  high,  with  basement.  The  main  entrance 
will  be  in  the  new  section  and  on  its  main  floor  will  be  a  reception  room,  library 
and  community  center.    Corridors  will  connect  it  with  the  building  on  the  west. 

554 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

A  gymnasium  will  be  located  in  the  basement,  with  dressing  rooms,  and 
showers;  a  service  kitchen,  where  banquets  can  be  prepared  and  served  by  the 
nurses,  also  a  large  hall  where  dances  may  be  held.  On  the  second  floor  sleeping 
rooms  will  be  built,  with  a  large  sleeping  porch  which  the  nurses  may  occupy 
at  will,  and  the  building  will  be  modern  in  every  respect.  It  will  be  separate  from 
the  hospital  and  a  concrete  walk  will  be  laid  between  the  home  and  the  hospital. 

There  are  at  the  present  writing  160  beds  in  the  hospital.  The  total  num- 
ber of  patients  treated  from  1866  to  1927  is  54,688. 

ST.  JOHN  HOSPITAL 
Springfield,  111.     Established  in  1875. 

It  was  on  a  cold  November  day  in  1875  that  twenty  Hospital  Sisters  of  St. 
Francis  arrived  in  Alton  and  placed  themselves  at  the  disposal  of  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  then  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Alton.  The  function  of  the 
order  was  to  nurse  the  sick,  especially  the  poor  and  pestilent  sick,  either  in  their 
homes  or  in  hospitals. 

Two  of  these  Sisters,  Sister  Angelica  and  Sister  Cassiana  were  sent  to 
Springfield,  where  they  immediately  went  to  nurse  in  private  homes.  On  De- 
cember 9,  four  other  sisters  joined  them.  Sister  Cyrilla,  Sister  Crispina,  Sister 
Basilia  and  Sister  Macaria.  For  several  months  the  sisters  made  their  home  with 
the  good  Ursuline  Nuns  on  North  Fifth  Street.  In  the  winter  of  1875,  they  were 
fortunate  in  securing  the  old  brick  house,  then  known  as  the  Jacob  Loose  resi- 
dence, which  stood  on  the  east  side  of  Seventh  Street,  near  Lawrence  avenue. 
Then  after  three  years  they  decided  to  build,  and  in  this  they  were  helped  par- 
ticularly by  four  Springfield  physicians,  all  deceased,  Doctor  Ryan,  Doctor  Wohl- 
gemuth, Doctor  Matthews  and  Doctor  Townsend.  The  names  of  these  men  and 
their  successors  in  St.  John's  and  the  other  physicians  of  Springfield,  will  always 
occupy  a  high  place  among  the  benefactors  of  the  hospital  and  in  the  thanksgiv- 
ing of  the  Nuns.  The  sisters  had  a  very  small  hospital  and  could  receive  but 
few  patients,  and  what  was  worse  they  had  no  means  to  build  one  which  might 
be  suitable  and  accommodate  a  great  number  of  patients.  Like  many  other  re- 
ligious orders  the  American  foundation  of  the  Hospital  Sisters  of  St.  Francis 
was  not  lacking  in  poverty,  trials  and  disappointments.  They  believed  they  were 
doing  their  Divine  Master's  work  here  in  Springfield,  no  matter  how  small  and 
humble  the  beginning  and  that  He  would  provide  for  them.  It  never  entered 
their  minds  to  build  castles  in  the  air  or  a  hospital  without  money  and  to  incur 
debts  was  forbidden  by  their  rule.  After  three  years  of  faithful  work  they 
gained  many  friends  in  Springfield  and  adjacent  towns,  which  included 
Protestants  as  well  as  Catholics,  clergymen,  lawyers  and  physicians,  the  wealthy 
and  especially  the  poor.  With  confidence  in  God  and  with  the  encouragement 
and  assured  help  of  the  people  and  especially  the  doctors,  the  sisters  resolved  to 
build. 

First  Wing  Built. 

In  the  early  part  of  1878  they  built  that  part  of  the  hospital  now  known  as 
"Old  Entrance  Wing."    It  was  considered  a  very  modern  hospital  in  those  days. 

555 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

This  part  contained  sixteen  private  rooms,  four  wards,  and  a  small  chapel  on  the 
main  floor,  and  in  the  basement,  the  kitchen,  laundry  and  dining  room.  In  1887 
the  east  wing  was  built.  In  1891  a  further  extension  was  built  on  the  west  side, 
and  in  1902  another  addition  was  built  adjoining  the  west  wing.  The  bed 
capacity  at  this  time  was  150  beds.  In  1907  a  new  fire  proof  addition  that  con- 
tains the  suite  of  operating  rooms  and  more  rooms  for  private  patients  was  com- 
pleted. Soon  afterwards  the  entire  third  floor  of  the  hospital  which  had  been 
occupied  by  the  sisters,  was  remodeled  and  fitted  up  for  the  use  of  patients.  This 
increased  the  capacity  from  150  to  250  beds.  For  the  sisters  the  new  fire-proof 
building,  facing  Reynolds  street  was  completed  in  1910.  The  increased  size  of 
the  buildings  necessitated  a  new  boiler  house,  laundry  and  kitchen  space.  The 
Chapel  was  also  enlarged  in  1911. 

Open  New  Department 

In  1915  the  hospital  opened  a  temporary  department  for  children  and 
maternity  work.  In  the  same  year  the  free  dispensary  was  opened.  The  ex- 
penses of  this  department  were  shared  between  the  county,  the  hospital  and  at- 
tending physicians,  in  such  a  way  that  the  county  pays  the  actual  cost  of  material 
used,  the  physicians  donate  their  time  and  services  and  the  hospital  furnishes  the 
rooms,  equipment  and  necessary  registered  and  student  nurses. 

It  was  in  1915  that  the  large  and  beautiful  fire-proof  addition  of  private 
rooms  was  completed.  Into  this  new  building  the  X-ray  and  Laboi-atory  depart- 
ment moved,  where  they  occupy  sixteen  rooms. 

About  the  same  time  the  third  annex  was  added  to  the  nurses'  home,  pro- 
viding accommodations  for  about  one  hundred  and  ten  nurses. 

In  1923  the  new  Maternity  and  Children's  Hospital  was  completed.  They 
are  considered  the  most  modern  and  best  equipped  hospitals  in  the  country.  The 
maternity  hospital  can  accommodate  fifty  mothers  and  babies.  The  first  floor  is 
for  semi-private  rooms ;  it  has  also  a  large  reception  room  and  beautiful  nursery. 

The  se»ond  floor  is  the  private  room  floor.  Here  also  are  found  a  large 
spacious  nursery  and  reception  room. 

On  the  third  floor  are  found  eleven  beds  for  mothers  in  labor,  three  very 
large  delivery  rooms,  sterilizing  and  supply  rooms.  Over  600  babies  were  born 
in  St.  John's  during  1925.  The  maternity  hospital  is  in  charge  of  Miss  Mary 
C.  Straub,  R.N. 

Stress  Children's  Care 

In  the  Children's  Hospital  only  sick  children  six  years  old  and  under  are  ad- 
mitted. Eighty  children's  beds  are  found  in  it.  There  is  a  special  department 
where  the  child  is  admitted  before  it  is  transferred  to  the  hospital  proper.  The 
sick  children  are  carefully  classified  and  are  assigned  to  their  proper  rooms,  such 
as  feeding  ward,  surgical  ward,  medical  ward,  pneumonia  ward  and  infectious 
ward.  The  bathing  room  is  so  equipped  that  sponge,  shower  or  tub  baths  may 
be  given.  The  treatment  room  is  also  ready  to  handle  any  emergency.  A  large 
sunny  kindergarten  is  enjoyed  daily  by  the  convalescent  children.    The  visitors' 

556 


Springfield— St.  John's   Hospital,    Rev.   J.    C.    Straub,    Director,    Rev.    1     I.     Gatlon, 
Assistant,  8t.  John's  Sanitarium,  near  Springfield,  Chapel  Decatui     St.  Mary's  Hos- 

pital, Rev.  J.  I .  Dmnihi  i  /  a.  Chaplain. 


owvmitt  of  nuw»* 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

room  adjoins  it  and  the  children  may  be  seen  by  visitors  through  the  large  glass 
partition,  without  entering  the  room.  Last  year  one  thousand  fifty  children 
received  nursing  care  in  the  hospital.  Connected  with  this  department 
is  the  formulae  laboratory,  in  charge  of  Miss  Leone  Pazorek,  registered  dietitian, 
and  Sister  Christine.  Here  the  various  feeding  formulaes  are  prepared.  From 
50  to  60  different  feedings  are  prepared  each  day. 

The  Children's  Hospital  is  in  charge  of  Sister  Leocadia,  R.N.,  who  has  spe- 
cialized in  children's  nursing  for  many  years. 

Modern  Contagious  Hospital 

Building  of  the  Contagious  Hospital  on  Reynolds  street  was  begun  in 
October,  1925,  and  completed  in  April,  1926.  Here  patients  suffering  from  any 
contagious  disease  are  taken  care  of  regardless  of  creed  or  color.  The  building 
is  so  arranged  that  each  room  or  ward  is  a  separate  unit,  thus  guarding  against 
any  danger  of  spreading  disease.     It  is  in  charge  of  Sr.  Meinulfa,  R.N. 

New  Boiler  House 

Another  new  building  to  open  its  doors  to  active  service  was  the  so-called 
' '  boiler  house ' '  erected  on  Ninth  street  between  Reynolds  and  Mason  streets.  It 
is  not  only  a  ' '  boiler  house ' '  but  also  contains  the  following  departments :  The 
working  men's  home,  carpenter  shop,  electric  shop,  and  printing  shop.  An  un- 
derground passage  was  built  which  connects  the  building  on  Ninth  street  to  the 
patients'  entrance  on  Seventh  street,  making  it  possible  for  employees  to  go 
from  one  end  of  the  building  to  the  other,  Seventh  Street  to  Ninth  Street,  with- 
out having  to  venture  outside  during  inclement  weather. 

Model  Kitchen  and  Laundry 

The  kitchen  and  laundry  were  also  remodeled.  They  are  modern  in  every 
respect  especially  in  regard  to  structure  and  equipment. 

A  new  cafeteria  occupies  the  second  floor  and  is  arranged  in  separate  rooms 
for  all  employees  of  the  hospital. 

MOTHERHOUSE 

St.  John's  Hospital  is  the  motherhouse  of  the  order.  Here  all  candidates 
wishing  to  join  the  order  are  received.  Since  1875 — fifty-one  years  ago — seven- 
hundred  thirty  Sisters  have  joined  the  order.  One  hundred  and  seventy  of 
these  have  gone  to  their  eternal  reward.  Many  sacrificed  their  lives  in  behalf  of 
their  patients  suffering  with  contagious  diseases.  The  year  1898  will  always  be 
a  notable  one  for  the  sisters,  because  of  the  number  of  soldiers  afflicted  with 
typhoid  fever  and  meningitis,  nursed  by  them  in  the  hospital  wards.  The  same 
might  be  said  of  1918,  when  the  influenza  epidemic  raged  in  all  parts  of  the 
United  States  and  tolled  a  heavy  death  rate  of  patients  and  sisters  alike. 

Boast  Many  Branch  Hospitals 
In  Wisconsin  there  are  hospitals  of  the  order  in  Sheboygan,    Green    Bay, 

557 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

Chippewa  Falls  and  Eau  Claire.  In  Illinois  there  are  hospitals  in  Streator,  Lin- 
coln, Litchfield,  Decatur,  Belleville,  Effingham  and  Highland.  In  Missouri  there 
is  one  hospital  at  Washington. 

In  far  away  China,  in  the  city  of  Tsinanfu,  St.  John's  is  also  conducting  a 
fifty  bed  hospital  and  dispensary. 

Directors  of  the  Order 

The  following  priests  have  served  as  directors  of  the  Hospital  Sisters  of  St. 
Francis:  Reverend  Leve,  1875—1882;  Reverend  Moore,  1882—1883;  Rev- 
erend Mauritins,  O.F.M.,  1883—1886;  Reverend  Louis  Hinsen,  1886—1905; 
Reverend  Joseph  C.  Straub,  the  present  director  since  1905.  In  1926  Reverend 
J.  L.  Gatton  was  also  appointed  assistant  director.  Reverend  Anthony  Gerken 
is  the  present  chaplain. 

Mother  Provincials  op  the  Order 

Mother  Angelica  was  Provincial  from  1875  to  1880;  Mother  Ulrika,  1880— 
1887;  Mother  Macaria,  1887—1896;  Mother  Paula,  1896—1905;  Mother  Mar- 
ciana,  1905—1924 ;  Mother  Af ra,  since  1924. 

St.  John's  School  of  Nursing  in  1896. 

A  training  school  for  sisters  was  established  in  1896,  following  carefully  the 
curriculum  and  methods  of  some  of  the  best  training  schools,  which  had  been  es- 
tablished shortly  before,  in  the  country.  It  comprised  a  two  years'  course  of 
theoretical  and  practical  instruction  of  eight  hours  a  week  the  first  year  and 
fourteen  hours  a  week  the  second  year.  The  practical  instruction  was  given  by 
the  supervising  sister  of  the  various  departments  and  the  theoretical  by  the 
Mother  Superior  and  Mistress  of  Novices.  Examinations  both  theoretical  and 
practical  were  held  at  the  end  of  every  six  months  and  records  were  carefully 
made  and  kept  of  same.  A  diploma  was  given  to  the  sisters  who  passed  the  ex- 
aminations satisfactorily. 

Secular  Nurses  Admitted  in  1912. 

Owing  to  the  rapid  growth  of  St.  John's  Hospital  and  its  thirteen  branch 
houses  located  in  the  state  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  it  was  necessary  to  open  the 
school  to  young  women  who  were  desirous  of  becoming  professional  nurses  and 
possessed  the  necessary  qualifications  for  so  noble  a  calling.  In  1912  the  school 
received  due  credit  from  the  state  and  was  registered  by  that  department.  All 
sisters  and  nurses  who  are  graduates  from  the  school  take  the  state  board  exam- 
ination which  qualifies  them  to  be  registered  nurses.  After  the  school  was  reor- 
ganized the  sisters  who  had  previously  graduated  returned  to  St.  John's  and  took 
a  post  graduate  course,  becoming  eligible  for  registration.  At  present  there  are 
seventy  student  sisters  in  training  and  160  secular  nurses. 

The  sisters  fully  realized  that  "all  work  and  no  play  makes  Mary  a  dull 
girl"  and  have  provided    ample    opportunity    for    wholesome    pleasures    and 

558 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

amusements.  They  built  a  home  for  nurses  in  1928  and  since  then  have  added  to 
it  two  additions.  It  is  valued  at  1360,000.  It  contains  the  modern  con- 
veniences and  comforts  of  a  good  home.  The  recreation  room  with  its  piano, 
phonograph,  rockers  and  smooth  floors  is  the  scene  of  many  a  merry  gathering. 
The  library,  kitchenette  and  sewing  corner  are  favorite  retreats  where  many 
leisure  hours  are  spent.  The  roof  garden  aids  in  getting  a  complete  bird's-eye 
view  of  the  city  and  is  an  excellent  place  to  sleep  when  on  night  duty  or  on 
hot  summer  nights.    Each  nurse  has  her  own  room  with  running  water. 

In  1924  a  new  school  building  separate  from  the  hospital  and  the  home  was 
erected.  It  numbers  five  class  rooms  all  equipped  to  do  most  efficient  teaching. 
The  diet  laboratory  is  located  in  the  basement  of  the  hospital. 

Accredited  With  New  York 

In  1924  the  school  was  also  accredited  by  the  board  of  regents  of  the  state 
of  New  York  giving  St.  John 's  graduates  the  privilege  to  practice  in  New  York 
and  to  receive  credit  at  Columbia  university  for  work  done  at  St.  John's. 

Affiliations  have  been  opened  with  a  number  of  Illinois  schools,  in  the  chil- 
dren 's  and  maternity  hospital. 

The  school  faculty  is  composed  of  physicians,  sisters  and  nurses,  each  special- 
izing in  their  own  branches.  The  practical  work  in  the  hospital  is  also  supervised 
by  registered  sisters  and  nurses  at  all  times,  thus  assuring  the  patient  of  proper 
care  and  the  student  of  careful  supervision  until  they  are  capable  of  doing  per- 
fect work.     Sister  Magdalen,  R.N.  Ph.B.,  is  Director  of  the  School. 

The  discipline  is  kind,  firm  and  homelike,  as  is  consistent  with  the  formation 
of  an  ideal  character.  The  regulations  of  the  school  are  established  to  promote 
progress  and  the  well  being  of  the  students.  No  effort  is  spared  to  impart  a  good 
practical  Christian  education  and  to  fit  the  student  nurse  to  meet  the  exigencies 
of  life  in  the  professional,  social  and  domestic  sphere. 

School  Has  Grown 

The  school  for  lay  nurses  is  comparatively  young.  Its  first  years  numbered 
about  sixteen  students.  Today  it  numbers  two  hundred  ten.  The  first  class  of 
six  nurses  received  their  diplomas  in  the  hall  of  the  Nurses'  Home  in  1916.  The 
second  class  numbered  four,  the  third  class  exactly  one  dozen.  The  year  1920 
had  a  roll  call  of  eleven  graduates  with  a  representation  of  six  states,  while  the 
class  of  1921  numbered  fifteen.  The  class  of  1922  and  1923  both  numbered  six- 
teen. The  class  of  1924  had  the  honor  of  being  the  largest  class  of  graduates  in 
the  history  of  the  school,  numbering  twenty-seven.  The  roll  call  for  the  class  of 
1925  numbered  twenty-five  graduates,  and  the  class  of  1926  totaled  thirty-five. 

There  are  over  one  hundred  sixty  secular  student  nurses  in  training  today. 
They  are  on  duty  eight  hours  a  day,  and  are  exempt  from  duty  one  afternoon 
each  week.  A  three  weeks'  vacation  is  allowed  yearly.  They  receive  board, 
room  and  education  free  of  charge,  also  for  incidental  expenses  each  nurse  re- 
ceives $8.00  monthly  during  the  three  years. 

559 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

ST.  MARY  HOSPITAL,  DECATUR,  ILLINOIS 
Branch  of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois. 
Established  in  1878. 

This  hospital  was  started  in  November,  1878,  with  three  Sisters,  Sister  Rose 
being  appointed  Superioress.  This  Sister  was  of  an  unusually  active  disposition 
and  possessed  of  superior  administrative  and  executive  ability.  Under  her  prac- 
tical management  the  original  St.  Mary  Hospital,  a  frame  building  with  rather 
limited  accommodations,  was  erected,  after  which  she  secured  by  purchase  al- 
most the  entire  block  sun-ounding  it.  Moreover  as  a  wise  precautionary  meas- 
ure she  caused  the  Hospital  to  be  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of 
Illinois,  for  by  so  doing  the  Sisters  evaded  a  multitude  of  unpleasant  experiences 
which  had  occurred  by  such  lack  of  foresight  in  other  places.  In  1885  Sister 
Rose  was  transferred  to  Chippewa  Falls,  Wisconsin,  where  she  worked  with  un- 
diminished energy  and  great  success  until  her  exhausted  body  with  its  spent  vi- 
tality refused  to  longer  obey  her  will  power,  and  she  died  in  1893. 

At  present  there  is  a  force  of  twenty-six  Sisters  at  St.  Mary  Hospital.  In 
1891  a  new  hospital  building  was  erected,  a  two-story  brick  30x45x35  feet,  while 
Sister  Cassian  acted  as  superioress,  who,  be  it  stated  to  her  credit,  liquidated  al- 
most every  dollar  of  indebtedness  that  still  rested  on  the  old  property.  In  later 
years  a  strip  of  land  along  Clay  Street  on  which  the  fine  St.  James  Church  was 
built,  was  purchased  for  the  purpose  by  Reverend  A.  Teppe  then  parish  priest 
of  St.  James  congregation,  from  the  Reverend  Louis  Hinnsen,  Director  of  the 
Community,  at  $20.00  per  front  foot. 

The  Chaplain's  residence  was  erected  in  1909 ;  a  cozy  home  for  the  loyal  and 
faithful  friend  of  the  Sisters,  Reverend  A.  Teppe,  the  Hospital's  first  resident 
chaplain.  This  office  he  resumed  when  discontinuing  parochial  duties  in  1911. 
Suffering  from  diabetes,  he  was  forced,  however,  to  quit  even  that  office  in 
1924,  being  succeeded  thereto  by  Reverend  James  J.  Dougherty,  a  former  pastor 
of  Raymond,  Illinois. 

While  the  Hospital  sisters  for  many  years  worshipped  in  the  adjoining 
parish  church,  they  now  congregate  daily  in  their  own  pretty  chapel  which  be- 
came a  reality  in  1909.  Its  handsome  interior  is  inviting  and  inspiring,  with 
altars,  statues,  stations  and  stained  windows  calculated  to  foster  devotion 
and  pious  mediation.  The  Sisters'  choir  composed  of  well  trained  voices  adds 
considerably  to  the  solemnity  of  the  services. 

A  power  for  the  good  of  the  hospital  is  the  fact  that  at  all  times  it  has  had 
very  efficient  members  of  the  medical  staff  as  physicians,  of  whom  the  services 
of  Doctors  Barnes,  Chenewith  and  Wood,  together  with  others  deserve  special 
mention.  Their  unquestioned  ability  together  with  the  Sisters'  qualified  training 
and  care  of  the  sick,  have  given  St.  Mary's  Hospital  an  enviable  prestige  and 
flattering  reputation.  It  must  likewise  be  mentioned  that  the  management  of 
the  Institution  has  always  reposed  in  capable  hands,  so  that  today  it  ranks  among 
the  best  of  the  Franciscan  Sisters'  Hospitals. 

The  Superioress  who  thus  far  presided  over  the  destinies  of  St.  Mary  with 

560 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

such  marked  ability  are :  Venerable  Sisters  Rose,  Cassiana,  Hilaria,  Clementina, 
Nazaria,  Wilhelmina  and  Calista. 

St.  Mary's  contains  one  hundred  beds,  and  treated  one  thousand  nine  hun- 
dred thirty-six  patients  in  the  year  1924,  and  two  thousand  seven  hundred  sixty- 
five  in  1925. 

An  automatic  elevator  was  installed  as  a  gift  by  the  Millikin  Estate  in  1918, 
which  was  most  gratefully  acknowledged. 

ST.  JOSEPH  HOSPITAL,  HIGHLAND,  ILLINOIS 
Branch  Hospital  of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois. 

It  was  in  January,  1878,  that  two  Sisters  from  the  Motherhouse,  Sisters 
Severa  and  Silvana,  arrived  at  Highland.  The  ever  hospitable  doors  of  the  Notre 
Dame  Convent  opened  to  receive  them.  There  they  stayed  until  the  sheltering 
quarters  in  a  small  rented  home,  owned  by  the  Litz  family,  were  procured.  The 
Sisters'  services  as  nurses  in  private  families  were  in  constant  demand  so  that  in 
May  of  that  year  the  tiny  Community  had  to  be  increased  to  four  members.  An 
urgent  need  of  a  Hospital  building  soon  became  apparent.  The  St.  Paul  Congre- 
gation came  to  their  aid  by  offering  the  building  site  for  it  gratis.  On  August 
21,  1879,  St.  Joseph's  was  ready  to  receive  the  sick. 

In  1891,  an  addition  to  the  Hospital  was  planned  and  completed. 

In  1896,  the  third  addition  was  made  to  St.  Joseph's  Hospital. 

About  this  time  the  St.  Paul  Parish  deeded  the  land  on  which  the  Hospital 
stood,  to  the  Sisters. 

In  1926  a  very  modern  addition  was  made  to  the  Hospital,  including  new 
entrance,  private  rooms  with  bath  for  patients,  elevator,  kitchen,  laundry  and 
boiler  room.    The  old  building  was  also  remodeled. 

OUR  SAVIOR  HOSPITAL,  JACKSONVILLE,  ILLINOIS 
Established  in  1896. 

Our  Savior's  Hospital  was  opened  to  the  public  October,  1896,  through  the 
generosity  of  Mr.  Charles  Routt,  who  left  a  bequest  for  that  purpose.  Bishop 
Spalding  recommended  the  Sisters  of  Holy  Cross,  Notre  Dame,  South  Bend,  In- 
diana. In  August,  1896,  six  Sisters  arrived  to  take  charge.  The  Governor 
Yates  property  was  purchased  from  the  Dominican  Sisters  who  had  conducted 
an  Academy  there  (St.  Rose  of  Lima).  Improvements  were  made  and  Hospital 
equipment  installed.  In  a  short  time  it  was  running  to  its  fullest  capacity.  Mr. 
William  Routt  donated  funds  for  a  new  addition  in  1897.  This  was  gratefully  re- 
ceived by  the  Sisters  and  the  public.  The  Hospital  was  well  patronized  by  those 
needing  care.  A  staff  of  twenty  of  the  best  physicians  were  working  for  its 
success.  As  the  years  went  on  another  addition  had  to  be  added.  In  1921  a  five 
story  fire  proof  building  was  erected,  with  all  modern  equipment— X-Ray,  Sur- 
gical, Medical,  and  Maternity  department.  This  new  addition  is  one  of  the  best 
in  the  State.  There  is  also  a  Training  School  for  Nurses  with  thirty  students  in 
training.  The  first  year  we  cared  for  one  hundred  thirty-eight  patients,  the  past 
year,  1926,  two  thousand  patients. 

561 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

ST.  VINCENT  HOSPITAL,  TAYLORVILLE,  ILLINOIS 
Established  in  1905. 

St.  Vincent  Hospital,  Taylorville,  Illinois,  was  erected  in  1905 — 1906,  by 
the  Sisters  of  the  Most  Precious  Blood,  Ruma,  Illinois.  The  site  on  which  the 
hospital  is  located  was  donated  by  Mr.  \V.  T.  Vandeveer.  The  people  of  Tay- 
lorville and  Christian  County,  regardless  of  Creed,  contributed  very  generously 
to  the  erection  of  the  institution,  as  it  had  been  a  long-felt  need  in  this  com- 
munity. The  original  building  was  a  three-story  structure  and  basement,  pro- 
viding room  for  twenty  patients.  On  account  of  the  rapid  growth  of  the  City 
of  Taylorville  it  was  found  necessary  to  enlarge  the  building.  Work  was  begun 
in  the  year  1910.  This  addition  provided  room  for  thirty  more  beds,  and  afford- 
ed space  for  a  larger  operating  room  and  X-Ray  department.  Even  this  ad- 
dition did  not  furnish  sufficient  accommodations  for  the  ever  increasing  number 
of  patients.  The  hospital  has  been  crowded  for  a  number  of  years,  therefore, 
plans  for  another  addition,  containing  forty  beds  and  a  number  of  modern  im- 
provements, have  just  been  completed. 

At  the  time  of  the  opening  of  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  the  Sisters  were  obliged 
to  attend  Divine  Services  at  the  parish  church,  of  which  Reverend  J.  W.  Merscher 
was  pastor.  Holy  Mass  was  celebrated  in  the  hospital  chapel  but  once  a  week. 
Upon  the  direct  advice  of  Father  Merscher,  and  to  facilitate  the  burden  of  the 
Sisters,  the  Superiors  requested  of  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
a  chaplain  for  the  hospital.  His  Lordship  appointed  Reverend  H.  Eggenstein  of 
Marine,  who  on  account  of  advanced  age,  had  resigned  from  parish  work.  Father 
Eggenstein  arrived  on  October  10,  1913,  and  proved  a  great  friend  and  bene- 
factor. His  stay  was  of  short  duration.  In  January  of  1916  he  contracted  pneu- 
monia and  died  on  the  21st  of  that  month.  Reverend  B.  Montruccio  served  as 
chaplain  for  the  following  six  months.  He  was  succeeded  by  Reverend  C.  A. 
Snyder.  Father  Snyder  arrived  on  February  2,  1917,  and  faithfully  discharged 
his  duties  until  January  the  26th,  1926,  when  the  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  appointed  Reverend  M.  Ryan  to  attend  the  spir- 
itual needs  of  the  hospital. 

Mother  Pauline  was  the  first  superior  of  St.  Vincent  Hospital.  She  was  in 
charge  from  August  16,  1906,  until  June  24,  1907.  She  was  succeeded  by  Mother 
Angela,  whose  life  of  self-sacrifice  and  charity  will  never  be  forgotten  by  the 
people  of  Taylorville.  She  labored  indefatigably  for  the  suffering  and  dying 
until  May  19,  1918,  when  she  was  called  to  her  eternal  reward.  After  Mother 
Angela's  death  Mother  M.  Aegidia  was  appointed  to  assume  the  responsibilities. 
During  Mother  M.  Aegidia 's  administration  a  Training  School  was  opened,  af- 
fording young  ladies  an  opportunity  to  qualify  as  registered  nurses.  On  August 
9,  1924,  Mother  M.  Emelia  was  appointed  successor  to  Mother  M.  Aegidia.  At 
present  there  are  twenty-two  Sisters  engaged  in  nursing  and  attending  to  the 
various  other  duties  of  the  institution. 

562 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

ST.  ELIZABETH  HOSPITAL 

GRANITE  CITY,  MADISON  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS 

Established  in  1910. 

St.  Elizabeth  Hospital,  located  at  Granite  City,  Illinois,  serving  the  Tri-Cities, 
Venice,  Madison  and  Granite  City  and  vicinity,  was  originally  built  by  the  Luth- 
eran Hospital  Association,  and  was  conducted  by  that  organization  up  to  the  time 
it  was  purchased  by  Father  Peter  Kaenders,  Pastor  of  St.  Mark's  Church  at 
Venice. 

During  the  year  1910  Father  Kaenders,  after  much  negotiation  acquired  the 
hospital  and  the  property  on  which  the  hospital  was  built ;  later  he  purchased  the 
entire  block  containing  more  than  two  acres  of  land.  With  the  assistance  of  the 
people  of  the  Tri-Cities  and  his  friend  Mr.  Gummersbach  of  St.  Louis,  he  was 
able  to  buy  the  property  and  all  the  out-standing  bonds.  The  banks  of  the  Tri- 
Cities  also  assisted  him  to  a  considerable  extent  to  finance  the  proposition. 

It  was  always  Father  Kaender's  ambition  and  wish  that  he  would  at  some 
time  be  able  to  interest  the  Hospital  Sisters  in  the  hospital  and  transfer  the 
property  to  them,  which  was  eventually  realized,  when  the  Sisters  of  Divine 
Providence  took  over  the  property  in  January,  1921.  During  the  time  Father 
Kaenders  held  the  property  it  was  conducted  at  times  by  the  Hospital  Sisters 
and  at  other  times  by  lay  nurses.  During  the  World  War  he  had  considerable 
trouble  to  get  nurses. 

At  all  times  the  hospital  was  open  to  all,  no  questions  were  asked  as  to  race 
or  creed;  rich  or  poor,  all  were  received  and  given  the  attention  necessary  for 
their  care,  and  many  charity  patients  were  treated  and  ministred  to,  and  many 
a  poor  soul  was  consoled  during  his  last  hours. 

The  people  of  the  Tri-Cities,  especially  of  Venice  and  Madison  who  were 
Father  Kaender's  people  responded  to  all  calls  for  assistance  during  his  man- 
agement. 

At  last  the  time  came  when  his  desires  and  hopes  were  to  be  realized.  In 
January,  1921,  the  Sisters  of  Divine  Providence,  after  carefully  considering  the 
situation,  bought  the  property  and  relieved  Father  Kaenders  of  the  responsibil- 
ity. From  this  time  until  his  death  in  September,  1921,  he  was  a  patient  at  the 
hospital. 

As  soon  as  the  sisters  took  charge  they  completely  remodeled  the  building, 
by  many  changes  and  by  adding  one  story  to  the  wings,  making  it  full  three 
stories  high.  As  soon  as  practicable  they  added  new  equipment,  new  operating 
tables,  X-Ray  machine  and  general  supplies.  During  the  year  1922  it  became 
necessary  on  account  of  more  patients  and  opening  a  Nurses'  Training  School  in 
connection  to  erect  new  buildings.  As  a  consequence  a  new  stone  and  brick  build- 
ing was  built  for  the  accommodation  of  the  nurses,  costing  about  $25,000.00. 
These  improvements  have  added  greatly  to  the  service  of  the  institution.  How- 
ever, it  will  soon  be  necessary  to  add  other  buildings  to  accommodate  the  in- 
creasing need  on  account  of  the  rapid  growth  of  Granite  City  and  the  Tri-Cities 
and  the  establishment  of  new  industries. 

The  ground  owned  by  the  Sisters  is  in  the  heart  of  Granite  City,  and  has  a 

563 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

frontage  of  360  feet  on  Niedringhause  Avenue,  275  feet  on  Madison  Avenue,  533 
feet  on  I  Street,  and  255  feet  on  21st  Street,  and  is  ideally  located  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  it  is  near  the  industries  of  Granite  City  and  the  Tri-Cities,  with  paved 
streets  on  all  sides. 

The  Sisters  have  the  hearty  co-operation  and  good  will  of  all  the  people  of  all 
denominations  and  all  classes  of  the  Tri-Cities  and  vicinity  and  are  doing  much 
good.  Since  they  have  taken  charge  the  citizens  of  Granite  City  are  lending  their 
utmost  help  and  assistance  in  the  hospital  and  to  the  Sisters,  and  so  all  possible 
for  the  support  of  this  worthy  institution.  Drives  for  funds  to  assist  in  the 
charity  cases  have  been  instituted  by  Fraternal  organizations,  and  have  had  good 
success  in  realizing  large  sums  for  the  support  of  the  hospital. 

Each  year  various  benefits  are  given  for  the  hospital  in  the  care  of  their 
charity  patients,  among  them  the  annual  ball  game  at  Venice,  linen  showers  by 
the  ladies,  and  a  benefit  drive  among  the  merchants  and  industries  of  Granite 
City  and  the  Tri-Cities.  These  are  always  well  patronized  and  donations  are 
liberal. 

The  rooms  and  wards  are  usually  occupied,  generally  with  a  waiting  list, 
and  the  Sisters  contemplate  further  improvements  on  the  ground  which  is  still 
vacant. 

The  Sisters  who  have  charge  are  able  and  efficient  nurses,  and  the  trained 
nurses  and  the  students  in  training  are  all  making  every  effort  for  the  benefit 
of  the  patients  and  are  in  every  way  giving  satisfaction  to  the  public. 

The  members  of  the  medical  staff  at  this  institution  are  among  the  best 
in  Illinois,  and  are  always  willing  to  do  their  part  to  promote  the  general  good  of 
those  who  are  in  need  of  their  service. 

The  hospital  is  a  lasting  monument  to  all  those  who  assisted  in  any  manner 
to  make  this  institution  a  success. 

THE  HUBER  MEMORIAL  HOSPITAL,  PANA,  ILLINOIS 
Established  in  1913. 

Pana  is  rapidly  becoming  famous  throughout  the  Commonwealth  of  Illinois 
as  the  "Home  of  Good  Roses."  The  city  is  well  equipped  with  schools,  churches 
and  other  buildings  that  contribute  to  the  cultural  life  of  the  community.  The 
Huber  Memorial  Hospital  is  Pana 's  most  beneficient  institution  and  in  the  hour 
of  sickness  at  least,  it's  most  valued.  Those  who  have  received  from  its  Fountain 
of  Youth  the  desired  health  restoration  as  well  as  uplift  of  spirit  have  raised 
their  hearts  in  earnest  prayer  that  this  institution  may  endure  and  like  Tenny- 
son's "Brook,"  "Go  on  and  on  forever." 

In  other  days  it  was  only  the  larger  cities  that  enjoyed  the  benefits  of  hos- 
pitalization. Many  of  central  Illinois'  smaller  cities  enjoyed  this  blessing  when 
the  Huber  Memorial  Hospital,  launched  in  the  year  1913,  came  into  being.  The 
key  man  of  this  venture  was  the  late  Dr.  J.  Huber,  a  pioneer  physician  of  Cen- 
tral Illinois.  As  a  result  of  his  varied  and  long  professional  career  he  came  into 
intimate  contact  with  the  suffering  caused  by  physical  ailments  in  this  and 
neighboring  communities.  He  conceived  the  idea  of  continuing  his  beneficient 
work  after  death  and  in  his  last  testament  assigned  an  endowment  of  $20,000.00 

564 


Effingham — St.  Anthony's  Hospital,  Rev.  James  Q.  Heslin,  Chaplain  .  .  .  Litchfield 
St.  Francis  Hospital  .  .  .  Taylorville — St.   Vincent's   Hospital,    Rev.   M.    Ryan,   Chaplain 
.  .  .  Alton — St.   Anthony's   Infirmary  .  .  .  Highland — St.   Joseph's   Hospital  .  .  .  Pana — 
Huber  Memorial  Hospital. 


UBRW 
UNiVEBilTY  OF  ILLINOIS 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

to  his  widow,  Mrs.  Amanda  Huber,  to  be  expended  under  her  direction  for  the 
erection,  equipment  and  support  of  a  hospital.  Dr.  Huber  was  not  a  Catholic 
in  Faith  but  he  was  very  Catholic  in  his  charity  which  like  the  Church  was  uni- 
versal and  knew  no  distinction  of  race,  creed  or  social  standing. 

Shortly  after  Dr.  Huber 's  death,  Mrs.  Huber  called  into  conference  the 
pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  Church,  the  Reverend  P.  J.  Maroney  as  the  one  best  fitted 
by  reason  of  his  talents  and  high  standing  in  this  community  to  assist  in  bringing 
about  the  realization  of  her  late  husband's  program.  Father  Moroney,  with  his 
usual  zeal  and  power  for  organization,  succeeded  in  developing  a  program  that 
would  test  the  feelings  of  the  community  and  make  possible  their  financial  sup- 
port of  the  prospective  hospital.  The  people  residing  in  this  and  the  neighboring 
communities  responded  generously  and  the  non-sectarian  Committee  of  Pana's 
Business  Men  and  humanity  loving  women  was  most  zealous  and  generous  in  its 
co-operation.  The  campaign  was  a  success,  in  fact  it  was  a  labor  of  love  on  the 
part  of  all  and  it  is  fitting  to  express  gratitude  to  all  who  participated  in  this 
venture  in  how  so  ever  small  a  capacity. 

On  May  12,  1913,  the  first  spade  of  earth  was  turned  and  the  ground  break- 
ing ceremonies  gave  proof  to  all  that  their  long  cherished  hope  for  a  hospital  was 
about  to  materialize.  The  site  chosen  was  at  the  extreme  southern  sections  of 
Locust  and  Ninth  Streets. 

On  May  12,  1914,  exactly  one  year  after  the  ground  breaking  ceremonies,  the 
Sisters  of  Misericorde  arrived  in  Pana  and  assumed  charge  of  the  new  hospital. 
Under  their  supervision  and  as  a  result  of  their  Christian  management,  all  de- 
partments of  the  Hospital  have  gone  forward  with  great  strides.  The  Sisters  are 
very  happy  to  acknowledge  the  many  lovely  contacts  and  the  many  evidences  of 
real  friendship  and  appreciation  on  the  part  of  their  patrons. 

On  August  31,  1914,  the  doors  were  formally  opened  for  the  public  to  in- 
spect Pana's  new  modern  Hospital.  Two  thousand  people  passed  through  the 
portals  of  this  institution  on  that  day  and  the  Sisters  and  their  friends  were 
very  happy  to  explain  in  detail  the  various  departments.  According  to  the 
books,  however,  patients  were  actually  received  on  May  14,  and  a  goodly  number 
had  been  treated  prior  to  the  formal  opening. 

This  manuscript  is  a  record  of  the  past  fourteen  years.  It  records  the 
progress  of  the  Hospital  and  the  efforts  of  the  good  Sisters  to  help  suffering 
humanity  even  though  it  required  great  sacrifices.  The  only  compensation  that 
the  Sisters  ask  is  a  field  to  spend  themselves  for  those  in  need.  As  a  result  of  th.3 
Sisters'  leadership,  this  Hospital  was  the  first  in  Illinois  to  be  accredited  by  the 
State  and  National  Hospital  Association.  In  1925,  the  Hospital  was  placed  on 
the  accredited  list  of  American  College  of  Surgeons.  This  means  that  the  hos- 
pital has  met  all  the  requirements  of  these  standardizing  agencies.  It  is  a  recog- 
nition of  the  fact  that  the  staff  of  physicians  and  surgeons  are  doing  high  grade 
work.  Without  their  vision,  professional  training,  and  interest  the  hospital 
would  not  enjoy  this  fine  rating.  A  debt  of  gratitude  is  acknowledged  to  the 
medical  staff. 

The  Huber  Memorial  Hospital  is  fire  proof  in  construction  and  modern   in 

565 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

details.  In  1922,  an  addition  was  added,  known  as  St.  John's  Villa.  This  is  the 
Nurses'  Home.  The  steam  heating  plant  housing  also  the  laundry,  is  the  third 
unit  in  tli is  plant.  The  Hospital  maintains  the  Huber  Memorial  School  for 
Nurses.  On  November  26,  1919,  this  department  received  official  recognition 
from  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State  at  Springfield  and  is  now  a  State  recognized 
School  for  Nurses. 

The  average  hospital  finds  itself  in  an  unusual  situation  during  1927.  The 
high  cost  of  maintenance  which  has  bankrupted  many  countries  and  cities,  im- 
poverished the  average  School  Board  and  compelled  many  industries  to  cut,  ex- 
penses to  the  bone,  has  also  made  itself  felt  in  Hospital  work.  In  the  family 
budget  the  cost  of  medical  and  hospital  care  is  a  very  big  item,  in  fact  it  is  the 
privilege  of  the  well-to-do  only  to  afford  a  serious  sickness  without  great  financial 
worry.  A  survey  of  the  cost  of  sickness  made  by  Dr.  Louis  I.  Dublin  contributed 
to  Harper's  Monthly  states:  "The  best  estimate  of  the  aggregate  cost  of  sickness 
in  the  United  States  is  over  Two  Billion  Dollars  a  year;  the  same  total  as  for 
public  education.    This  is  three  and  one-half  per  cent  of  the  Country's  income." 

Were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  the  Sisters  labor  without  compensation  and  in 
order  to  take  care  of  their  poor  even  at  times  mortgage  the  future,  many  cases 
would  have  been  neglected.  In  looking  over  the  past  fourteen  years  it  is  evident 
that  God  has  blessed  the  work  here.  Looking  into  the  future  the  good  Sisters 
pray  that  God  will  give  them  the  courage  to  be  ever  faithful  and  uphold  the  high 
ideals  of  the  Church  in  the  care  of  those  in  physical  distress. 

The  Hospital  is  now  a  success  and  the  experimental  stage  is  passed.  It  is  the 
earnest  prayer  that  the  future  will  make  possible  the  means  to  do  the  work  on 
even  a  larger  scale  and  that  the  lovely  relationship  between  the  Sisters  and  pub- 
lic will  be  maintained  and  strengthened. 

ST.  ANTHONY  INFIRMARY,  ALTON,  ILLINOIS 

Formerly  the  Nazareth  Home. 

Established  in  1906. 

The  doctors  of  the  city  of  Alton  long  desired  a  building  in  which  to  house 
contagiously  diseased  patients.  At  last  their  desires  have  been  realized,  for  the 
St.  Anthony's  Infirmary,  the  former  Nazareth  Home  has  recently  been  remodeled 
to  meet  this  need. 

The  former  Nazareth  Home  was  in  charge  of  the  Venerable  Sisters,  Adorers 
of  the  Precious  Blood,  immigrant  nuns  from  Bosnia,  Europe.  On  July  23rd  of 
the  year  1906  fifteen  Sisters  under  the  superiorship  of  Mother  Paulina,  Vicaress- 
general  of  the  Mother-house  in  Banjaluka,  Bosnia,  set  sail  for  America.  They 
had  left  their  old  home  to  take  up  a  new  duty  in  a  new  world.  On  August  7,  they 
landed  in  New  York,  poor,  friendless  and  homeless,  but  God,  the  Father  of  the 
Poor  was  with  them  and  provided  for  them. 

Thanks  to  the  kind  hospitality  of  Venerable  Mother  Teresa,  Vicaress  of  the 
Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  of  the  Mother-house  in  Ruma,  Illinois,  the  immi- 
grants were  temporarily  housed  and  employed  in  their  newly-erected  hospital  in 
Taylorville,  Illinois.     In  July,  1907,  they  took  charge  of  the  parish  school  in 

566 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Grant  Fork,  Illinois.     On  the  following  April  they  also  took  over  the  Croation 
school.    Croation  schools  were  henceforward  to  be  their  particular  care. 

In  March  of  this  same  year  they  were  asked  to  take  care  of  a  prospective 
home  for  the  aped  in  Alton.  The  Sisters  readily  acquiesced  and  on  the  23rd  of 
June  they  came  to  Alton.  As  there  was  as  yet  no  house  in  readiness  for  the  Sis- 
ters, the  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  generously  offered  them  the  apartments 
in  their  home  usually  occupied  by  the  boarders.  These  latter  had  returned  to 
their  homes  as  it  was  vacation  time.  We  cannot  but  admire  the  all-wise  and  all- 
seeing  Providence  of  God.  No  sooner  had  difficulties  presented  themselves  than 
ways  and  means  were  at  hand  to  overcome  them. 

All  the  while  search  was  made  for  a  house  for  the  poor  Sisters.  As  there 
was  no  where  to  be  found  a  house  for  rent,  one  was  bought.  It  was  located  on 
Fourth  Street.  In  September,  1907,  the  Sisters  moved  in.  Eleven  applications 
for  the  admission  of  old  people  were  made.  By  stinting  themselves  the  good 
Sisters  managed  to  arrange  comfortably  for  these  old  people.  The  Nazareth 
Home  was  born.  The  heroic,  self-forgetfulness  and  cheerful  acceptance  of  all 
that  poverty  and  privation  demanded  of  the  good  Sisters  was  a  source  of  never- 
ending  marvel  to  the  old  people. 

After  some  weeks  more  Sisters  and  candidates  arrived  from  Europe,  thir- 
teen in  number.  Some  of  these  were  dispatched  to  the  schools  recently  taken 
over;  others  were  sent  to  Johnstown,  Pennsylvania,  to  open  new  Croatian 
schools.  Some  candidates  remained  at  the  home  of  the  Sisters  in  Alton  where 
they  entered  the  novitiate  to  be  instructed  in  their  future  state  and  work. 

In  the  meantime  a  substantial  brick  building  had  been  erected  near  St. 
Joseph  cemetery  for  a  permanent  Old  Folks'  Home.  In  December  of  the  same 
year  the  new  house  was  ready  and  the  Sisters  and  old  folks  moved  in.  Hence- 
forward Alton  boasted  of  a  home  for  the  aged  under  the  name  of  Nazareth  Home. 
After  a  year  or  two  it  was  found  necessary  to  build  an  annex  to  the  Home.  De- 
spite the  already  heavy  debt  resting  on  the  building  Mother  Paulina  urged  the 
building  of  the  annex.  With  boundless  confidence  in  Divine  Providence  and 
the  unfailing  assistance  of  St.  Joseph  the  work  was  undertaken  and  completed. 
All  marvelled  at  the  courage  and  resolution  and  dauntlessness  of  the  Venerable 
Mother. 

Evidently  she  was  a  woman  born  to  rule.  She  never  grew  faint-hearted. 
When  others  counselled,  "Wait,"  she  commanded,  "Go."  No  hardships  or  dif- 
ficulties seemed  insurmountable  to  her.  "St.  Joseph  will  help  us,"  was  her  smil- 
ing rejoinder  to  all  attempts  at  deterring  her.  Events  have  proven  that  her 
hopes  had  not  been  misplaced.  Supervising  the  construction  of  a  home  of  this 
nature  is  in  itself  a  tremendous  task,  however,  it  must  be  remembered  that  in 
addition  to  this,  the  Reverend  Mother  at  the  same  time  held  the  responsible  pos- 
ition of  Superioress  of  the  house  and  Mother  of  the  Community.  This  triple  duty 
though  it  occasionally  threatened  to  break  the  tree  which  bore  its  weight  never- 
theless succeeded  only  in  bending  it  low.  Mother  Paulina  was,  indeed,  a  wonder- 
ful woman,  in  the  full  sense  of  the  word,  as  all  who  have  ever  had  to  deal  with 
her  will  testify. 

567 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

It  is  only  to  be  expected  that  these  early  years  of  the  Home's  existence  were 
years  of  tremendous  sacrifice  for  all  the  good  nuns.  There  was  much-too-much 
work  and  much-too-hard  work  to  be  done.  Gladly  would  the  Reverend  Mother 
have  lessened  the  portion  of  the  work  allotted  to  each  Sister,  however,  she  was 
helpless.  The  work  was  there.  The  Sisters  were  few  in  number.  Even  the  work 
in  the  fields  was  done  by  the  Sisters.  Hired  labor  was  beyond  the  poor  Sisters' 
means.  Fortunately  Mother  Paulina  struck  upon  the  lucky  idea  of  sending  a 
trusted  Sister,  Sister  Mary  Sophia,  to  Europe  with  the  commission  to  bring  back 
to  America  on  her  return  strong  young  girls  who  were  desirous  of  entering  a  re- 
ligious order,  but  were  not  able  to  pay  the  expense  of  young  girls  so  inclined  in 
the  Mother  Country.  Incidentally,  she  was  instructed  to  do  her  best  to  secure 
the  free  services  of  one  or  two  strong,  healthy  men,  who  should  be  willing  to  ac- 
company her  to  America  and  make  their  home  at  the  Nazareth  Home  free  of 
charge  giving  their  services  in  remuneration.  Strange  to  say,  Mother  Sophia,  re- 
turned after  a  few  months'  absence,  both  commissions  a  success.  Such  is  the  re- 
ward of  obedience  to  superiors  and  confidence  in  good  St.  Joseph. 

Reverend  Father  Meckel  proved  himself  a  staunch  and  loyal  friend  to  the 
Community  and  the  Institution  in  general.  The  Home  was  his  especial  care. 
The  spiritual  needs  of  the  institution  were  attended  to  by  the  reverend  assistants 
of  St.  Mary  Church  until  the  year  1924,  when  Reverend  Heinzman  became  resi- 
dent chaplain. 

The  Nazareth  Home  has  proven  a  source  of  blessing  and  a  benefit  to  the  city, 
the  inmates  and  all  who  come  in  contact  with  it.  The  genuinely  pious,  self-sac- 
rificing Sisters  have  made  of  the  Home,  a  Nazareth  in  truth.  It  was,  indeed, 
a  most  edifying  spectacle  and  a  spiritual  treat  to  see  these  holy  nuns  at  prayers. 
Frequently  during  the  year  an  all  day  exposition  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  was 
held.  At  such  times  devout  visitors  were  invited  to  attend.  All  who  ever  availed 
themselves  of  the  invitation  will  testify  they  left  the  Home  stronger  in  faith, 
holier  in  mood  and  richer  by  a  double  blessing,  namely,  that  of  Our^  Blessed 
Saviour  in  the  Eucharest,  Dispenser  of  all  Divine  Graces  and  the  blessing  of  edi- 
fication by  the  saintly  nuns  and  the  dear,  pious  old  people  of  the  Home.  The 
very  atmosphere  of  ' '  The  Nazareth  Home ' '  was  peace  and  love  and  prayer !  No 
wonder  the  Nazareth  Home  prospered ! 

Annually  the  city  of  Alton  permitted  a  tag-day  for  the  benefit  of  the  Home. 
The  amounts  realized  were  gratifying  and  gave  substantial  proof  of  the  general 
good  will  and  appreciation  of  the  work  of  the  Venerable  Sisters. 

War  time  proved  a  well-nigh  crushing  period.  But  Mother  Paulina  steered 
prudently  and  well  and  St.  Joseph  did  his  best. 

During  the  second  attack  of  the  Flu  epidemic  the  Nazareth  Home  was 
sorely  stricken.  Scarcely  any  of  the  Old  Folks  of  the  Home  escaped  the 
clutches  of  the  monster  disease.  The  Sisters  labored  untiringly  and  heroically 
day  and  night  ministering  to  their  needs.  Nearly  all  survived.  Unfortunately, 
however,  the  treacherous  fiend  resolved  upon  a  tribute,  attacked  the  good  Sisters. 
Worn  out  and  wearied  beyond  human  endurance  by  over-exertion  in  caring  for 
the  needs  of  their  stricken  charges,  they  were  unable  to  resist  the  disease  and 

568 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

amid  excruciating  pains  and  lamentable  lack  of  care  seven  of  these  noble  Sisters 
succumbed  in  less  than  a  week's  time.  Those  who  survived  resembled  specters 
rather  than  human  beings.  Help  was  solicited  everywhere ;  however,  people  were 
too  afflicted  in  their  own  homes  to  be  able  to  leave  to  attend  to  their  cares.  Two 
or  three  good  ladies,  heroic-self-sacrificing,  managed  to  go  to  the  home  to  help 
care  for  the  sick  Sisters.  Father  Meckel  proved  himself  a  veritable  angel  of 
charity  to  the  sorely  tried  Sisters  day  and  night.  Father  Faller,  too,  rendered 
incalculable  services.  The  death-bed  scenes  during  these  dreadful  times  were 
indescribable.  The  hand  of  God  was  hard  upon  the  good  Sisters.  Blessed  be 
His  Holy  Name !  Some  weeks  later  two  more  Sisters  were  called  to  the  other 
world.  Noble,  courageous  Mother  Paulina  seemed  crushed  with  the  heavy  blow 
that  had  fallen  upon  her,  but  devoutly  and  humbly  she  kissed  the  hand  of 
Divine  Providence  and  spoke  her  noble  Fiat!  The  storm  passed  and  trium- 
phantly the  Ark  of  the  Nazareth  Home  rose  above  the  waters  of  tribulation  and 
rode  on  safely  as  before.  The  number  of  inmates  had  risen  to  forty-five  in  the 
year  1925. 

As  years  went  on  more  candidates  were  brought  over  from  Europe.  New 
schools  were  opened.  Most  of  these  were  located  in  Pennsylvania  among  the 
Croatian-speaking  children. 

In  later  years  Mother  Paulina  even  took  in  some  few  orphan  children  at  the 
request  of  Father  Meckel.  To  these  she  proved  a  real  mother.  The  children's 
deep  love  for  her  is  proof  thereof. 

Sister  Fridoline,  one  of  the  good  nuns  of  the  home  was  given  charge-in-chief 
of  these  children.  No  mother  ever  loved  her  little  ones  nor  cared  for  them  more 
conscientiously  than  did  good  Sister  Fridoline  the  poor  little  waifs  entrusted 
to  her  care. 

Inmates  of  the  home  and  a  host  of  friends  of  the  home  will  long  remember 
Mother  Josepha,  whom  many  have  termed  "The  soul  of  the  Home."  Mother 
Josepha  was  first  assistant  to  Mother  Paulina.  She  was  tall  and  strong  and  com- 
manding in  appearance.  Her  spirited  black  eyes  beamed  a  merry,  hearty  wel- 
come upon  both  high  and  low.  Her  presence  was  death  to  gloom  and  discour- 
agement. Her  heart  was  big  and  all-embracing.  Her  all-too-early  demise  was 
a  sore  loss  to  the  over-burdened  Mother  General.  The  Sisters  grieved  for  their 
loved  companion.  The  old  folks  missed  her  cheery  words  and  smile.  The  field 
hands  and  workmen  lamented  her  going  with  many  tears.  Mother  Josepha  had 
left  a  void  in  many  hearts  which  time  alone  may  fill. 

Another  cross  was  laid  upon  the  shoulders  of  the  Venerable  Mother  in 
charge.  Owing  to  regulations  from  Rome,  Mother  Paulina  was  obliged  in  the 
year  1925  to  locate  her  vicariate  further  away  from  the  already  existing  vicariate 
of  Precious  Blood  Sisters  of  Ruma,  hence,  she  decided  to  remove  to  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  her  co-operation  in  conducting  a  negro  institution  had  been  solic- 
ited. It  was  evident  Mother  Paulina  was  bringing  a  sacrifice  in  leaving  hei 
loved  charge  in  Alton;  however,  true  religious  that  she  was,  she  bowed  humblj 
subservient  to  the  ecclesiastical  summons. 

The  Nazareth  Home  was  next  taken  over  by  immigrant  nuns  of  the  Order 

569 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

of  St.  Francis  of  the  Martyrs  of  St.  George.  Prior  to  their  coming  to  Alton 
they  had  charge  of  Father  Dunne's  Newsboys'  Home,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 
Venerable  Mother  Columba,  a  woman  endowed  with  remarkable  ability,  is  in 
charge  of  the  institution. 

Urged  by  local  doctors  the  Sisters  have  had  the  old  building  remodeled 
extensively  to  enable  them  to  take  in  contagiously  diseased  patients.  Beds  to 
accommodate  fifty  patients  have  been  prepared.  The  new  arrangements  will 
not  debar  the  aged.  Provisions  for  their  comfort  have  likewise  been  made. 
Henceforward  the  Nazareth  Home  will  be  known  as  the  St.  Anthony  Infirmary. 

At  present  thirteen  Sisters  are  employed  in  the  infirmary.  For  spiritual 
attention  the  institution  is  dependent  upon  St.  Mary.  Reverend  Heinzman  at 
present  residing  at  St.  Mary  parsonage  daily  wends  his  way  to  the  infirmary  to 
administer  spiritual  aid.  Reverend  J.  J.  Brune,  pastor  at  St.  Mary,  too,  aids 
the  Sisters  in  every  possible  way. 

As  the  Nazareth  Home  in  its  infancy  struggled  with  poverty,  so  too,  the  St. 
Anthony  Infirmary.  May  God  bless  with  fruition  the  noble  work  of  the  good 
Sisters  and  prosper  the  Institution!  May  St.  Anthony  prove  himself  in  truth 
"The  Great  Wonderworker." 

ST.  ANTHONY'S  HOSPITAL,  EFFINGHAM,  ILLINOIS 
Branch  Hospital  of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois. 

St.  Anthony's  Hospital  was  opened  November  15,  1875,  with  three  Sisters. 
Sister  Euphemia  was  Superior.  Soon  after  their  arrival  there,  lots  for  a  new 
hospital  were  donated  by  Michael  Moenning,  and  the  contract  for  the  building 
let.  The  first  building  having  become  too  crowded  with  patients,  an  addition 
was  made  in  the  year  1891,  which  gave  the  hospital  a  frontage  of  120  feet  and 
all  necessary  accommodations  for  Sisters  and  patients. 

The  title  was  originally  made  out  to  the  Diocese  of  Alton  in  order  to  secure 
the  property  for  the  Sisters.  In  1893  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan  deeded  the 
property  to  the  Sisters. 

A  small  addition  was  added  to  the  hospital  in  1912.  Another  hospital  ad- 
dition together  with  the  Convent  were  built  in  1917.  In  1924  the  operating 
rooms  were  remodeled  and  enlarged. 

ST.  FRANCIS  HOSPITAL,  LITCHFIELD,  ILLINOIS 
Branch  Hospital  of  St.  John's  Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois. 

St.  Francis  Hospital  was  opened  on  the  13th  of  November,  1875,  with  three 
Sisters.  Sister  Fridolina  was  the  first  Superior.  There,  as  in  all  other  places 
where  the  Sisters  began,  no  provision  whatsoever  was  made  for  a  Hospital.  All 
they  could  do  was  to  rent  a  small  frame  house  to  live  in,  which  after  some  time 
was  bought  by  them,  and  enlarged  so  as  to  have  room  for  a  few  patients. 

In  1891,  a  new  Hospital  of  brick,  60x45x30  feet  was  erected. 

The  deed  of  the  old  St.  Francis  Hospital  had  been  made  to  the  diocese  of 
Alton,  because  the  Community  then  was  not  yet  incorporated.  It  was  done  to 
secure  the  property  for  the  Sisters.  Bishop  Ryan,  soon  after  his  consecration, 
transferred  the  same  to  the  Community. 

In  1906  a  suite  of  operating  rooms  was  added  and  a  new  elevator  installed. 

570 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

A  little  later  a  third  story  was  added  to  the  Hospital,  and  additional  rooms  for 
the  patients  were  built  to  the  south. 

In  1925  the  present  chapel,  Convent,  girls'  home,  central  heating  plant  were 
begun  and  completed  the  following  year.  At  the  same  time  the  entire  basement 
of  the  old  building  was  remodeled. 

ST.  JOHN  SANITARIUM,  SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 
Established  in  1919. 

Under  date  of  January  17th,  1917,  the  Springfield  papers  announced  to 
their  reading  public,  the  surprising  news  that  arrangements  had  been  perfected 
whereby  a  million  dollar  institution  was  soon  to  be  erected  within  hailing  dis- 
tance of  the  city.  This  building  project  had  been  contemplated  for  some  time, 
in  fact,  it  had  been  a  subject  uppermost  in  the  minds  of  its  projectors  for  several 
years  but  awaited  only  a  favorable  and  auspicious  time  for  its  execution  and 
realization.  The  Venerable  Mother  Narciana  together  with  the  Reverend  Direc- 
tor Father  Joseph  Straub,  had  conceived  and  evolved  this  stupendous  under- 
taking. Having  for  years  been  witnesses  of  the  alarming  inroads  which  the 
dread  White  Plague,  Tuberculosis,  had  made  and  continued  increasingly  to  make 
upon  the  health  and  life  of  the  human  family  in  Central  Illinois  as  well  as  in 
every  other  section  of  the  United  States,  they  decided  to  widen  the  scope  and 
sphere  of  St.  John's  Hospital  so  that  it  could  embrace  tubercular  patients,  who 
in  many  cases  up  to  that  time  had  been  rigorously  excluded  from  ordinary  hos- 
pital treatment.  The  reason  for  this  was  the  supposed  infectious  character  of 
the  dread  disease.  It  was  sought  to  allay  all  fear  of  any  such  possible  contam- 
ination.   The  hospital  was  to  be  absolutely  immune  from  this  infectious  disease. 

Statistics  of  recent  years  have  demonstrated  the  enormous  mortality  due 
to  this  ever  spreading  disease,  hence  national,  state  and  county  sanitaria  are 
given  generous  allowances  and  liberal  appropriations  for  the  care  and  treatment 
of  tubercular  patients.  Not  so  here ;  St.  John 's  noble  venture  is  a  private  under- 
taking, born  of  charity,  inspired  by  sympathy  for  the  afflicted  and  dependent 
for  subsistence  upon  its  own  resources.  It  is  organized  for  the  love  of  God  and 
the  help  of  suffering  mankind.  The  good  Sisters  are  exerting  their  very  best 
efforts  to  help  stamp  out  this  terrible  infliction.  They  cheerfully  sacrifice,  if 
need  be,  their  own  lives  to  save  the  lives  of  others. 

In  the  eighth  revised  edition  of  a  circular  on  consumption,  issued  by  the 
Illinois  Board  of  Health,  we  read : 

"Of  all  diseases  common  to  man,  it  is  the  most  widespread  and  the  most 
deadly.  Other  diseases  have  caused  more  dismay,  more  panic  and  occasionally, 
for  shorter  periods,  even  wider  destruction,  but  consumption  has  been  the  most 
constant  and  pestilential  of  all  the  worst  scourge  of  mankind. 

"Consumption  was  the  cause  of  7,000  deaths  in  Illinois  in  1908, — nearly 
twice  as  many  deaths  as  were  caused  by  typhoid  fever,  diphtheria,  scarlet  fever, 
influenza,  whooping  cough  and  measles  combined.  The  death  rate  from  con- 
sumption was  more  than  six  times  greater  than  from  any  other  communicable 
(contagions  or  infections)  disease.  Fully  one-seventh  of  all  mankind  die  of  this 
disease.     It  is  estimated  that  one  million  lives  are  lost  by  it  throughout  Europe 

:,71 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

and  that  200,000  persons  die  each  year  in  the  United  States  of  some  form  of 
consumption." 

St.  John's  Sanitarium  as  proposed  became  a  reality  in  1919.  It  was  to  be 
a  boon  for  the  tubercular  poor  whose  means  were  limited,  for  the  average  work- 
man and  his  family  whose  pocketbook  would  not  permit  expensive  trips  to  the 
Rockies,  Arizona,  California  or  New  Mexico.  For  these  and  many  others  St. 
John's  was  to  be  a  much  desired  haven  of  rest  and  repose  where  pure  and  in- 
vigorating air,  abundant  wholesome  food,  scrupulous  cleanliness  and  loving  care 
would  be  conducive  to  the  return  of  new  life  into  disease-stricken,  worn-out 
bodies  and  to  strengthen  enfeebled  constitutions. 

The  site  of  this  institution  is  ideal.  Surrounded  by  well  cultivated  farm 
land,  timber  and  water,  with  the  buildings  perched  upon  the  highest  point  of 
Sangamon  County. 

July  18,  1919,  will  always  remain  a  red  letter  day  in  the  annals  of  St.  John's 
Sanitarium.  The  work  in  the  interior  of  the  new  building  had  proceeded  rather 
slowly,  but  gradually  after  much  patience  and  many  disappointments  of  various 
kinds,  it  neared  completion.  That  day  when  it  would  be  permitted  the  Good 
Sisters  to  take  formal  possession  of  the  new  home,  had  been  looked  forward  to, 
with  a  sense  of  keen  expectancy  by  the  whole  community.  During  the  recreation 
hours  the  foremost  topic  of  conversation  among  all  the  Sisters,  and  the  one  upper- 
most in  their  minds  was,  "Will  I  be  among  the  fortunate  ones  to  be  sent  to  the 
new  institution?"  At  length  when  the  long-looked-for  day  had  arrived  the 
Venerable  Mother  Narciana  made  the  following  appointments  known :  Sister 
Anastasia  as  Superioress  of  the  Sanitarium,  to  be  assisted  by  the  Sisters  Eliz- 
abeth, Cornelia,  Stefan,  Bernarda  and  Plautilla  to  whom  was  added  the  next 
day  Sister  Leontia.  This  band  of  six  was  given  orders  to  set  out  for  their 
assigned  destination  that  very  day.  Happy  at  their  appointment,  they  gathered 
their  few  belongings  and  accompanied  by  the  prayers,  felicitations  and  good 
wishes  of  the  community,  the  brave  Sisters  landed  at  their  new  place  of  Labor 
in  September,  1919. 

Ever  since  the  opening  day  the  institution  has  prospered  and  flourished, 
the  number  of  patients  increased  from  day  to  day,  so  that  at  the  present  time  it 
is  filled  to  capacity.  Two  hundred  poor  Tuberculars,  anxiously  await  the  verdict 
of  the  Medical  Director,  C.  W.  East,  that  they  may  safely  venture  to  return  to 
their  homes,  cured. 

In  connection  with  the  Tubercular  Institution  there  is  a  Crippled  Children's 
Department,  opened  in  the  fall  of  1920.  Seventy-five  unfortunate  youngsters 
receive  the  most  loving  care  of  Sisters  and  the  ablest  scientific  treatment  of  the 
eminent  surgeon,  that  can  possibly  be  lavished  upon  them.  The  results  in  most 
cases  have  been  highly  gratifying. 

Venerable  Sister  Verina  is  the  efficient  teacher  who  presides  over  the  chil- 
dren's education.  The  daily  enrollment  of  the  school  children  is  about  fifty. 
Eight  grades  are  taught.  In  1926,  there  were  seven  graduates  who  received  their 
well-merited  Diplomas  from  the  hands  of  the  Bishop,  a  warm  hearted  friend  of 
the  "kiddies". 

572 


Catholic  Children's  Home,  Alton — Chapel,  Main  Entrance    Corridor,  High  ^<hool  Class 


diocesan  schools,  institutions  and  associations 

An  Outgrowth  of  St.  John's  Hospital. 

The  ' '  Catholic  Mission ' '  of  November  1927  tells  an  interesting  story  of  the 
first  American-built  hospital  in  China.  This  account  is  concerned  chiefly  with 
five  Franciscan  Sisters,  from  St.  John's  Hospital,  who  went  to  Tsinanfu,  Shan- 
tung, China,  two  years  ago  and  now  are  in  charge  of  St.  Joseph 's  the  first  Amer- 
ican-built hospital  in  China. 

Sister  Wilhelma,  who  as  a  result  of  her  work  at  St.  John's  is  well  known  to 
Central  Illinois  people,  is  Superior  of  the  Tsinanfu  hospital.  The  other  Sisters 
are  Sisters  Engelberta,  Sister  Euphrosyna  and  Sister  Octavia.  Sister  Evan- 
gelista,  the  fifth  of  the  original  group  to  leave  Springfield,  died  several  months 
ago. 

Tsinanfu,  China,  it  must  be  remembered,  is  a  city  with  a  million  population. 
As  the  residence  of  the  civil  governor  of  Shantung,  it  has  been,  during  the  last 
year,  the  center  of  intensive  military  action. 

From  May  19,  1926,  to  May  19,  1927,  the  dispensary  was  visited  by  17,860 
persons,  a  large  percentage  of  whom  were  soldiers. 

Then,  too,  the  Shantung  floods  last  year  caused  untold  misery  among  the 
poor  of  the  district.  Naturally  St.  Joseph's  Hospital  could  not  care  for  more 
than  the  merest  handful  of  these  unfortunates  who  fled  to  Tsinanfu.  The 
Sisters,  however,  obtained  permission  to  visit  the  sick  at  the  government-con- 
ducted cantonments,  and  thus  were  enabled  to  make  a  contact  that  since  has 
stood  them  in  good  stead. 

On  Pentecost  afternoon,  the  Sisters  were  presented  with  an  immense  wooden 
diploma,  handsomely  engraved,  by  the  governor  of  the  province.  This  tablet 
expressed  the  thanks  of  the  province  for  the  charitable  and  invaluable  work  of 
the  Sisters.  A  representative  of  the  governor,  in  his  presentation  speech,  praised 
the  Sisters  for  their  generous  work  and  expressed  the  hope  that  in  future  they 
would  continue  to  befriend  the  poor  and  needy  sick. 

It  goes  without  saying  that  the  Sisters,  as  a  result  of  their  activity,  have 
been  instrumental  in  making  many  converts.  They  have  had  the  consolation 
of  baptizing  a  large  number  of  soldiers.  And  they  have  been  especially  active 
in  bringing  into  the  fold  many  poor  women  and  children  of  the  district. 

The  needs  of  St.  Joseph's  Hospital  at  Tsinanfu  are  numerous.  When  one 
considers  that  in  the  course  of  one  month  as  many  as  6,000  patients  are  treated 
at  the  hospital  and  dispensary,  and  that  the  offerings  from  patients  barely 
totalled  the  staggering  sum  of  eleven  dollars,  he  will  appreciate  the  hardships 
against  which  the  Sisters  are  struggling. 

THE  DIOCESAN  ORPHANAGE,  ALTON,  ILLINOIS 
Established  in  1860. 

When  the  Diocese  of  Quincy  was  established  in  1853  there  was  not  an  or- 
phanage within  its  limits.  This  should  not  appear  strange.  The  pioneer  priest 
builds  churches  and  schools.     Charitable  institutions  of  all  kinds  follow  in  their 

573 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

wake.  In  1851  at  the  suggestion  of  Father  Weninger,  who  had  given  a  mission 
in  St.  Boniface  Church  in  Quincy,  St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Society  was  organized 
for  the  purpose  of  placing  orphans  in  the  homes  of  good  families.  It  was  in 
Quincy  also,  in  the  year  1860,  that  the  first  orphan  asylum  was  built.  It  was 
given  the  name  it  bears  today,  "The  St.  Aloysius  Orphan  Asylum,"  and  was 
placed  in  care  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.  In  September  1879  "The  Pio  Nono 
Orphan  Asylum"  was  established  at  Piopolis  under  the  care  of  the  Sisters  of 
the  Precious  Blood;  and  about  the  same  time,  "St.  Agnes  Orphan  Asylum"  was 
founded  at  Belleville  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis. 

Soon  after  his  consecration,  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes  realized  the 
need  of  an  orphanage  of  more  pretentious  proportions  than  the  small  institutions 
that  housed  his  scattered  orphan  children.  Accordingly  he  selected  a  site,  a  block 
of  ground  on  Prospect  Street,  opposite  the  Cathedral  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  in 
the  Episcopal  city  of  Alton.  Title  to  this  property  was  acquired  by  a  deed  of 
transfer  dated  April  11,  1883,  issued  by  James  H.  Lea,  to  the  Roman  Catholic 
Orphan  Asylum  of  Alton,  Illinois.  The  old  residence  on  this  ground,  occupied 
as  a  home  by  the  family  of  James  II.  Lea  for  many  years,  was  transformed  into 
an  orphanage  almost  without  alteration,  and  on  June  9,  that  same  year  eighteen 
orphan  children  were  received  from  Piopolis  and  Quincy,  the  first  inmates  of  the 
institution.  At  the  request  of  the  Bishop,  the  Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  of 
Ruma,  Illinois,  had  assumed  charge  of  the  new  orphanage  with  its  meager 
accommodations.  The  building  was  a  two-story  structure  with  a  basement.  On 
the  main  floor  were  the  parlor,  school  room,  sewing  room,  kitchen,  and  two  small 
closets.  The  second  floor  consisted  of  four  rooms,  which  were  used  as  dormitories, 
and  they  were  so  crowded  that  they  were  uncomfortable  and  almost  unsanitary. 
The  basement  served  as  a  dining  room,  coal  bin  and  storage  rooms.  Reverend 
James  J.  Howard  had  charge  of  the  religious  instruction  of  the  children,  and 
Very  Reverend  John  Janssen,  Vicar  General  and  afterwards  Bishop  of  Belle- 
ville, attended  their  temporal  welfare.  Mother  Cecilia  was  the  first  Superioress, 
and  she  was  assisted  by  Sister  Bridget  and  Sister  Mary  Ann.  A  little  later, 
Sister  Pauline  and  Sister  Mary  Agnes  were  added  to  their  number.  Mother 
Cecilia  remained  at  the  orphanage  twenty-seven  years  and  directed  its  local 
affairs  until  her  death  in  1910.  Mother  Emilia  succeeded  her  and  was  Supe- 
rioress until  1921,  when  she  was  relieved  on  account  of  ill  health.  Mother 
Augusta  was  her  successor,  and  at  this  time  (1927)  is  still  the  local  Superioress. 

It  had  been  the  intention  of  Bishop  Baltes  to  proceed  with  the  erection  of 
a  new  orphanage  on  this  site  as  soon  as  possible.  Death,  however,  overtook  him 
before  he  could  accomplish  his  pxirpose.  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  his  suc- 
cessor, manifested  a  deep  interest  in  the  orphans  from  the  very  beginning;  and 
his  special  regard  and  affection  for  the  fatherless  little  ones  of  his  Diocese  was 
evidenced  all  through  his  long  Episcopal  career.  In  the  early  nineties  he  received 
a  bequest  of  $10,000  from  Charles  L.  Routt  of  Jacksonville;  and  with  it  and 
some  other  funds  he  had  been  gathering  for  the  purpose,  he  erected  in  the  year 
1896,  the  first  unit  of  a  new  orphanage,  on  the  northeast  side  of  the  old  Lea 
residence.     Reverend  Thomas  B.  Cusack  was  at  the  time  Chaplain  of  the  or- 

574 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

phanage  and  Superintendent  of  the  new  building,  and  the  architects  were  Mat- 
thews and  Clark  of  St.  Louis.  The  Contractor  was  Charles  F.  Degenhardt  of 
Alton,  Illinois. 

Ten  years  later  in  1906,  whilst  Reverend  Thomas  Fennessy  was  Chaplain 
and  Superintendent,  Bishop  Ryan  erected  a  second  unit  of  the  orphanage,  a 
more  spacious  addition  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  Lea  residence.  Wessbecker 
and  Hillebrant  of  St.  Louis  were  the  architects  and  Henry  Wardein  of  Alton  the 
contractor.  The  following  year,  1907,  the  Bishop  dismantled  the  old  residence 
between  the  two  new  additions,  and  commenced  a  third  unit,  with  plans  and 
specifications  drawn  by  J.  L.  D.  McCarthy  of  St.  Louis.  Henry  Wardein  was 
the  contractor.  This  addition,  together  with  a  boiler  room,  laundry  and  men's 
quarters,  was  completed  early  in  1908,  and  the  new  orphanage,  with  its  greater 
conveniences,  was  ready  for  the  accommodation  of  two  hundred  children.  An 
attractive  stone  wall,  six  feet  in  height  of  Alton  limestone,  with  embattlements, 
was  built  by  the  Bishop  along  the  four  sides  of  the  property,  completely  inclosing 
the  grounds,  and  affording  the  Sisters  and  children  the  convenience  and  enjoy- 
ment of  undisturbed  privacy. 

Soon  the  new  orphanage  was  filled  and  crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity  with 
almost  two  hundred  and  fifty  orphans,  sent  from  all  parts  of  the  Diocese.  In 
the  year  1914,  Bishop  Ryan  was  contemplating  the  erection  of  a  fourth  unit,  this 
time  fireproof  throughout,  designed  especially  for  the  kindergarten  and  the 
younger  children.  Drawings  and  designs  were  being  prepared,  but  work  on 
this  building  was  never  begun.  The  world  war  and  war  time  prices  forced  the 
Bishop  to  wait. 

In  December  1918,  an  epidemic  of  influenza  broke  out  at  the  orphanage.  It 
was  brought  there  by  two  children  whose  mother  had  just  died.  As  soon  as  the 
symptoms  of  influenza  appeared  in  the  children,  they  were  immediately  trans- 
ferred elsewhere,  but  the  germs  of  disease  had  been  scattered,  and  soon  one  of 
the  older  girls  and  five  boys  were  stricken,  and  three  days  later  eighty  children 
were  victims  of  the  dread  disease.  This  number  was  soon  increased  to  one 
hundred  and  eight,  who  were  prostrated  at  one  time,  causing  the  greatest  anxiety 
and  even  consternation.  Reverend  Michael  A.  Tarrent  was  Chaplain  of  the 
institution,  and  under  the  direction  of  Bishop  Ryan,  he  left  nothing  undone  to 
stem  the  tide  of  the  terrible  disease,  devoting  almost  his  entire  time,  day  and 
night  to  the  care  of  the  children.  As  soon  as  they  manifested  any  symptoms  of 
influenza  he  would  frequently  carry  them  himself  to  the  upper  floor  of  the 
asylum,  where  they  would  be  isolated  as  best  they  could  from  the  other  inmates 
of  the  building.  Two  or  three  times  he  was  suspected  of  having  contracted  the 
disease  himself ;  but  it  was  at  most  in  a  very  mild  form,  and  so  God  spared  him 
for  many  more  years  of  useful  service.  Dr.  G.  Taphorn,  who  had  looked  after 
the  welfare  of  the  orphans  during  some  thirty  years  and  more,  visited  the  asylum 
three  and  four  times  daily,  and  brought  with  him  not  only  his  skill  and  ripened 
experience,  but  his  unpretentious  kindness  and  devotion.  The  memory  of  his 
untiring  solicitude  is  still  treasured  at  the  orphanage ;  and  the  recording  angel 
of  the  better  world  has  surely  kept  a  record  for  a  fit  reward  hereafter.     The 

575 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

services  of  several  trained  nurses  were  secured.  Amongst  them  were  Miss  Koel- 
ler,  Miss  Berghoff,  Miss  Candy,  Miss  Zimmor  and  Mrs.  Manns,  and  others. 
Sister  Victorine,  the  Superioress  of  St.  Joseph's  Hospital,  came  twice  a  day  in 
the  beginning  to  direct  the  nurses  and  to  establish  a  system  for  attending  the 
children. 

It  was  almost  impossible  to  isolate  the  children  properly,  owing  to  their 
large  number  and  the  cramped  quarters  of  the  institution.  Not  only  the  dor- 
mitories, but  the  halls  and  corridors  were  filled  with  the  cots  of  the  fevered 
little  ones.  The  good  Sisters  were  untiring  in  their  labors  and  their  prayers. 
The  epidemic  raged  violently  for  about  three  weeks,  but  some  of  the  children 
were  bedfast  and  helpless  until  the  early  spring  of  1919.  The  disease  was  very 
treacherous,  and  elsewhere  it  claimed  its  victims  by  the  score,  but  here  at  the 
orphanage,  under  such  excellent  care,  only  two  cases  proved  fatal. 

As  soon  as  the  anxiety  and  excitement  caused  by  the  epidemic  had  subsided, 
Bishop  Ryan  began  again  his  plans  for  a  new  building.  On  January  10,  1919, 
he  wrote  a  letter  to  his  priests,  in  which  he  declared  that :  ' '  The  influenza  has 
so  crowded  the  orphanage  as  to  render  imperative  no  further  delay  in  the  new 
building  for  the  little  ones  and  for  infirmary  purposes,  to  be  fireproof  and  com- 
plete in  itself,  and  to  cost  some  seventy  or  eighty  thousand  dollars. "  "To  secure 
this  sum  it  is  proposed,"  he  said,  "to  use  in  each  parish  the  same  organization 
as  in  the  United  War  Work  Campaign,  and  to  proceed  to  a  thorough  canvass  at 
once  throughout  each  parish  for  subscriptions,  which,  if  necessary,  can  be  paid 
in  two  or  three  installments.  Cash,  however,  advanced  at  once  will  be  of  greatest 
advantage  in  saving  borrowing  and  interest.  Prompt  publication  will  be  made, 
beginning  with  advanced  receipts  from  each  parish,  with  special  mention  of  sub- 
scriptions from  $100  to  $1,000  or  over." 

On  January  28,  1919,  he  wrote  again,  declaring  that  it  was  found  necessary 
to  enlarge  the  main  structure  and  that  it  would  entail  a  cost  of  $150,000.  He 
also  at  this  time  gave  a  list  of  subscriptions,  adding  that  "The  Cathedral  in 
Alton,  though  by  no  means  the  largest  or  wealthiest,  leads  the  congregations." 
Another  letter  was  sent  by  him  to  his  priests  and  people  on  March  20,  1919.  In 
the  meantime  plans  were  changed  completely.  The  Bishop  was  contemplating 
the  purchase  of  a  new  and  more  dsirable  site  for  a  new  orphanage.  The  priests 
in  Alton,  especially  the  Chaplain  of  the  Asylum,  urged  him  not  to  hesitate,  assur- 
ing him  that  the  whole  Diocese  would  be  with  him,  and  that  funds  in  large  sums 
would  be  forthcoming.  A  new  and  choice  tract  of  land,  containing  about  thirteen 
acres,  fronting  on  State  Street  in  the  1400  block,  was  purchased  by  the  Bishop 
as  a  site  for  an  entirely  new  orphan  asylum.  Title  to  this  property  was  acquired 
late  in  March,  1919,  and  work  was  started  at  once.  The  Architects,  Wessbecker 
&  Hillebrant,  were  directed  to  draw  plans  and  specifications  for  a  modern  and 
up-to-date  building,  large  enough  to  house  four  or  five  hundred  children.  In  his 
letter  of  March  20,  1919,  the  Bishop  stated  that  three  hundred  thousand  dollars, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  architects,  would  hardly  be  sufficient  to  meet  the  require- 
ments for  the  immediate  future,  adding:  "The  Alton  Diocese,  I  now  know, 
both  can  and  will  supply  this  sum  with  ease.     There  can  be  nothing  better  for 

576 


Catholic  Children's  Honu  ,    i  Hon     Clan  •  G 


Catholic  Children's  Home.   Alton.   111.     Dormitory,   Infirmary,   Class   Room,   Kinder- 
garten, Dining  l!o<  Room,  Kitchen,  Laundry. 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

the  soul  than  at  least  once  in  life  to  go  outside  of  self  and  the  range  of  self, 
family  and  parish — since  parish  work  is  serving  oneself — in  order  to 
make  a  great  thankoffering  to  Almighty  God,  a  big  substantial  portion 
of  the  means  wherewith  in  His  Providence,  He  has  endowed  one  in  Stew- 
ardship. And  there  can  be  no  better  occasion  for  such  offering  than  the 
crisis  at  the  orphanage.  A  gift  to  the  orphan  is  a  pure  gift  to  God.  It  clears 
away  the  mists  from  mind  and  heart  and  shows  life  to  be  meant  not  merely  to 
add  money  to  money  or  acre  to  acre.  In  the  soul  especially,  where  the  good  seed 
of  early  days  has  been  allowed  to  languish  amidst,  the  worldly  cares  and  busi- 
ness, a  big  whole-souled  gift  to  the  orphans  produces  often  a  wonderful  effect. 
The  hand  of  the  Christ,  which  has  reached  down  through  the  centuries,  and  in 
the  person  of  the  priest  touched  that  soul  with  the  waters  of  Baptism  and  the 
chrism,  seems  again  to  quicken  it  and  renew  the  vision  of  youth,  and  brings  God, 
His  angels,  His  Saints  and  His  heaven  around  his  pathway  through  life.  'What- 
ever you  do  to  the  least  of  these  little  ones,  you  have  done  unto  me,'  says  the 
Savior.  The  campaign  is  doing  well.  As  usual,  the  main  body  of  the  people 
show  a  splendid  generosity.  The  only  lack  still  is  that  those  with  largest  means 
have  not  yet  come  forward  with  correspondingly  large  gifts.  This  is  no  doubt 
partially  due  to  the  gradual  development  of  the  full  situation.  Now  that  the 
whole  of  it  is  clearly  before  them  the  more  generous  spirits  will  come  forth  as 
many  have  already  done.  There  will  surely  be  a  grand  array  of  noble  gifts  at 
the  next  announcement.  The  pastor  will  always  be  ready  to  welcome  such  gifts 
and  all  increases ;  it  is  even  his  duty  to  prompt  them  as  occasion  or  opportunity 
offers  or  can  be  made.  The  principle  always  is  a  worthy  substantial  gift  accord- 
ing to  means  in  view  of  the  purpose  and  occasion. ' '  In  this  letter  Bishop  Kyan 
stated  that  "William  Bose  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Parish,  Springfield,  leads 
the  subscription  to  date  with  $5,000  and  is  known  for  his  liberality  in  parish  and 
neighborhood." 

On  May  31,  1919,  the  Bishop  wrote:  "By  the  next  announcement,  July  15, 
the  contract  shall,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  have  been  let  .  .  .  as  heretofore  the 
great  body  of  the  people  are  doing  their  part  nobly.  But  the  real  wealth  of  the 
Diocese  has  not  yet  spoken  adequately.  '  Suffer  the  little  ones  to  come  unto  me ' 
says  the  Savior.  Who  shall  do  this  for  God 's  orphans  more  than  those  whom  He 
has  endowed  with  abounding  means?  Yet  there  are  scores  upon  scores  of  rich 
farmers  and  business  men  throughout  the  Diocese,  who  have  as  yet  contributed 
nothing  or  only  the  veriest  trifle  for  their  wealthy  stewardship.  That  they  will 
yet  respond  worthily  to  the  pressing  occasion  is  confidently  expected,  as  the 
matter  unfolds  before  them.  The  need  to  their  own  souls  of  this  Thank  offering 
to  God  is  greater  even  than  the  material  needs  of  the  orphans;  and  this  should 
be  an  incentive  to  the  Pastor.  Much  time,  patience  and  kindly  discussion  are 
requisite  on  the  part  of  the  priest  to  open  out  the  mind  and  heart  to  the  nature 
of  such  offering  .  .  .  for  education  in  the  cause  besides  the  main  reason." 

In  a  letter  dated  October  21,  1919,  the  Bishop  wrote:  "The  bids  are  in, 
and  it  is  evident  that  the  contract  for  the  building  alone  will  call  for  $400,000 ; 
and  the  equipment,  including  chapel   fitting,   elevator,   heating,   lighting,   fur- 

577 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

nishing,  fencing,  drainage,  etc.,  will  require  a  further  larger  sum.  Clearly, 
therefore  both  parishes  and  individuals  must  exert  themselves  to  the  full 
and  the  priest  and  assistants,  spare  no  effort  in  reaching  everyone  doing 
for  self.  The  call  now  is  still  especially  to  the  well-to-do — who  have 
practically  done  nothing  proportionate  to  their  means — which  is  really  astound- 
ing. They  should  treble  or  quadruple  their  gifts  at  once,  and  then  think  over  an 
offering  for  the  coming  year,  worthy  of  the  cause  and  of  the  abundance  where- 
with God  has  endowed  them.  The  soul  that  is  dead  to  the  cry  of  the  orphan  needs 
look  to  itself;  it  should  rouse,  shatter  the  crust  of  worldliness  that  lias  encom- 
passed and  straightened  it,  and  clear  the  mists  from  the  eyes.  Let  the  Holy 
Spirit  touch  the  soul  and  lift  it  for  once  in  life  to  a  genuinely  great  large  hearted 
Thank  offering  to  God  in  His  orphans,  and  it  will  find  therein  cause  for  joy  and 
gratitude  in  all  its  after  days." 

These  paragraphs  are  specimens  of  the  appeals  made  by  Bishop  Ryan  in 
his  letters  at  frequent  intervals  during  the  year  1919.  He  directed  that  his 
letters  should  be  "Read  carefully  and  distinctly  at  each  of  the  Masses  on  Sun- 
day, and  then  printed  abundantly  and  distributed,  first  through  the  school 
children,  later  at  church,  so  that  every  member  might  have  a  copy  in  hand  for 
information  and  thought." 

The  Diocese  made  a  noble  response  to  the  Bishop's  appeal.  Only  a  few 
parishes  were  lagging.  The  sum  of  1355,448.73  was  received  at  the  Chancery 
office  during  the  campaign  year  1919.  This  money  was  invested  at  once  in 
Liberty  Bonds  and  Treasury  Notes,  and  a  goodly  amount  of  interest  was  re- 
ceived before  payments  on  the  new  building  fell  due.  Another  sum  of  nearly 
$150,000  was  paid  as  the  work  proceeded.  The  limestone  foundation,  comprising 
the  basement  and  ground-floor  was  built  during  the  year  1920,  by  the  Duffner 
and  Stecker  Construction  Company  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  at  a  cost,  including 
the  site,  of  about  $117,000.  Owing  to  the  excessive  price  of  materials  and  labor 
the  contract  for  the  superstructure  was  not  let  until  the  Spring  of  1922.  The 
Wimmer  Contracting  Company  of  St.  Louis  was  the  successful  bidder.  The 
total  cost  of  this  new  Diocesan  institution  was  a  little  more  than  half  a  million 
dollars.  It  is  fireproof  throughout,  and  is  supplied  with  an  elaborate  and  most 
modern  equipment.  It  is  ample  enough  to  house  five  hundred  children,  and  is 
still  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood,  whose  number  has  increased 
to  twenty-four.  It  was  completed  in  the  early  fall  of  1923,  entirely  free  from 
incumbrance.  The  orphans  moved  into  it  in  September  of  that  year,  three 
months  after  the  death  of  Bishop  Ryan,  their  friend  and  benefactor. 

The  orphanage  is  a  magnificent  structure  and  is  very  imposing.  Strangers 
passing  by  stop  to  admire  it.  It  is  built  on  an  eminence  quite  a  distance  from 
the  street,  in  the  midst  of  a  grove  of  oak  trees,  centuries  old.  The  foundations 
and  walls  of  the  first  story  are  of  Alton  limestone,  and  the  superstructure  is  of 
a  mellow  buff  tinted  impervious  brick.  The  architecture  is  a  modified  type  of 
Gothic.  The  Gothic  entrance  is  high  and  massive,  and  is  constructed  of  cut 
Bedford  stone  and  granite.  The  building  is  five  stories  high,  has  a  frontage  of 
three  hundred  feet,  and  the  wings  on  either  side  have  a  depth  of  one  hundred 

578 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

feet.  The  chapel,  of  which  only  the  basement  has  been  completed  adjoins  the 
center  of  the  building  in  the  rear,  108  feet  long  and  60  feet  wide.  The  distance 
from  the  door  of  the  front  entrance  of  the  orphanage  to  the  far  end  of  the 
Chapel  is  two  hundred  and  nine  feet.  The  basement  of  the  Chapel  is  used  at 
present  for  church  services.  Later  on  it  will  be  an  auditorium  for  entertain- 
ments, commencements  and  kindred  purposes.  The  second  floor  of  the  or- 
phanage is  the  main  floor  into  which  the  front  entrance  opens.  It  contains  the 
offices,  archives,  parlors,  library  and  museum,  the  chaplain's  quarters,  nurses' 
station,  class  rooms,  ladies'  sewing  room,  a  detention  ward  for  new  arrivals,  and 
the  principal  part  of  the  kindergarten  accommodations. 

On  the  first  or  ground  floor,  under  a  part  of  which  is  a  basement,  are  the 
kitchen,  equipped  with  the  most  modern  electric  machinery  and  mechanical 
devices  for  cooking  and  preparing  food,  dining  rooms  for  Sisters  and  children, 
bakery,  cold  storage  rooms,  a  canning  kitchen,  shoe  shop,  lavatories,  play  rooms, 
and  visitors'  rooms  where  friends  and  relatives  can  meet  the  children. 

The  third  and  fourth  floors  are  used  principally  for  dormitories.  The 
Sisters'  apartments  with  a  Sisters'  Community  hall  and  a  number  of  individual 
rooms,  are  in  the  center  of  the  building  on  the  third  floor.  The  nursery  for 
infants  and  children  under  three  years  of  age,  is  on  the  fourth  floor,  as  is  also 
a  sewing  room,  a  recreation  room,  and  sleeping  apartments  for  the  older  girls. 

The  fifth  story  extends  over  the  center  of  the  building  only,  and  is  used 
exclusively  for  an  infirmary.  It  is  well  supplied  with  conveniences  for  the  sick, 
including  a  well  lighted  table  and  instruments  for  minor  operations.  It  is  com- 
pletely isolated,  and  if  needs  be,  can  be  reached  from  the  outside.  It  has  sun 
porches  for  the  convalescent,  who  can  enjoy  the  sunshine  and  the  pure  fresh  air, 
and  gaze  complacently  upon  a  beautiful  panorama  of  the  hill  city  of  Alton,  the 
winding  Mississippi,  and  the  green  grain  laden  table  lands  beyond  as  far  as  the 
eye  can  reach,  to  the  distant  waters  of  the  Missouri.  The  laundry,  quarters  for 
the  hired  men,  boiler  and  machine  rooms  and  coal  bins  are  in  a  separate  building 
at  the  rear  of  the  chapel. 

The  orphanage  is  an  enduring  monument  to  Bishop  Ryan,  whose  heart  and 
soul  were  in  it,  and  whose  solicitude  for  the  orphan  children  endured  to  the  last. 
It  is  also  a  most  expressive  testimonial  to  its  Chaplain  at  the  time,  Reverend 
Michael  A.  Tarrent,  who  had  pleaded  for  a  new  building  on  a  new  site,  who 
selected  the  grounds  and  effected  their  purchase,  who  directed  the  architects  in 
preparing  the  plans  and  specifications  and  who  watched,  day  by  day,  the  stone 
and  brick,  the  concrete  and  steel,  as  the  building  grew  up  to  its  present  artistic 
proportions,  "A  thing  of  beauty  and  a  joy  forever." 

ST.  VINCENT  HOME,  QUINCY,  ILLINOIS 

Established  in  1884. 

St.  Vincent's  Home  and  Infirmary  is  one  of  the  numerous  charitable  insti- 
tutions in  the  city  of  Quincy  of  which  her  citizens  are  justly  proud.  This 
institution  offers  a  home  and  a  refuge  to  such  of  human  mankind  who  either 
through  misfortune  or  other  adversities  of  life  are  thrown  upon  the  merciful 

579 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

charity  of  their  fellowmen.  To  alleviate  the  miseries  and  adversities  of  such 
unfortunate  ones  and  to  offer  them  as  much  as  possible  the  benefits  of  their  own 
former  home,  St.  Vincent's  Home  was  established  in  Quincy.  God  only  knows 
how  many  poor  and  shipwrecked  wanderers  have  found  a  place  of  rest  and  con- 
tentment inside  its  walls  through  the  kind  and  merciful  administration  of  the 
good  Sisters  who  conduct  this  Home. 

It  was  in  the  year  1884  that  Reverend  Joseph  Still  at  that  time  Pastor  of 
St.  John  Church,  conceived  the  idea  to  establish  a  Home  for  old  and  infirm 
people  in  his  parish  for  the  benefit  of  homeless  people  not  only  for  members  of 
his  own  parish  but  for  the  people  of  Quincy  and  surrounding  places  as  well.  The 
Sisters,  called  the  Poor  Handmaids  of  Jesus  Christ,  whose  Mother-house  was  in 
Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  followed  his  invitation,  since  the  object  of  their  work  is 
principally  the  care  of  the  orphans,  the  sick  and  infirm  and  the  homeless.  On 
the  4th  day  of  April,  1885,  a  small  band  of  three  Sisters,  under  the  leadership 
of  Sister  Eulogia,  arrived  in  Quincy  and  acquired  the  old  Cox  homestead  on 
Tenth  and  Sycamore  Streets  for  $7,000,  and  in  addition  to  the  old  homestead  a 
three-storied  brick  mansion,  a  new  wing  was  built  42x60  feet,  containing  a  num- 
ber of  rooms  for  the  housing  of  the  inmates,  costing  $10,000. 

This  was  the  beginning  of  St.  Vincent's  Home,  an  institution  which  from 
the  very  first  up  to  the  present  day  has  ever  increased  in  popularity,  and  ranks 
among  the  foremost  of  the  charitable  and  benevolent  institutions  of  Quincy.  In 
1890  the  small  colony  of  inmates  which  had  started  with  three  old  persons  in 
1885  had  increased  to  the  number  of  forty-four,  and  consequently  more  rooms 
had  to  be  provided  for  the  ever  increasing  number  of  inmates  and  Sisters,  and 
in  1897  when  more  than  seventy-five  people  had  to  be  accommodated,  a  new 
wing  was  added  at  a  cost  of  $35,000.  This  new  addition  also  contained  the  new 
chapel  which  had  become  necessary  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  con- 
stantly growing  number  of  inmates,  and  also  for  the  needs  of  a  larger  number 
of  Sisters.  The  new  chapel  was  enriched  by  many  beautiful  donations  and 
presents  by  friends  and  benefactors  of  the  Home,  such  as  altars,  statues,  win- 
dows, vestments,  etc.  On  account  of  the  continually  growing  popularity  of  the 
Home  it  again  became  necessary  to  increase  its  capacity,  and  in  1912  another 
new  addition  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $25,000,  containing  rooms  for  a  resident 
chaplain,  dormitories  for  the  Sisters,  dining  rooms  for  the  inmates,  a  large 
kitchen  and  pantries,  also  a  bakery  and  storerooms  in  the  basement  and  a  large 
boiler  room  with  two  boilers.  In  1907  a  new  laundry  with  modern  machinery 
was  built  at  a  cost  of  $9,200. 

In  1915  a  new  elevator  was  installed  at  a  cost  of  $1,000  and  in  1916  a  num- 
ber of  lots  in  Calvary  Cemetery  were  purchased  for  a  burial  place  for  the  de- 
ceased Sisters  and  inmates  of  the  Home,  and  an  appropriate  monument  repre- 
senting St.  Vincent  de  Paul  was  erected  on  same.  In  1917  a  set  of  new  Stations 
of  the  Cross,  costing  $750  and  in  1921  a  new  organ  costing  $800  were  presented 
to  the  Chapel  by  some  friends  and  benefactors  of  the  Home. 

The  first  Mass  in  the  old  Chapel  on  the  occasion  of  the  opening  of  the  Home 
in  1884  was  celebrated  by  Reverend  P.  Andrew  Butzkueben,  O.F.M.,  Pastor  of 

580 


L_e£i"Ili_U 


fll'll 

w^...i.gi.a,fOi«i  as    ±j  g 


■■■■Mis,., 

■  ■- 


Alton— New  Ursuline  Convent  and  Mother  linns,.  Rev.  •/.  /.'.  Molony,  Chaplain,  No 
vitiate,  Old  Ursuline  Convent  .  .  .  Quincy—St.  Aloysius  Orphanage  .  .  .  Quincy—St. 
Joseph's  Home  for  Girls,  Dining  Room. 


Itt  LIBfiABY 

6f  Tht 

HKWWIin  Of  ILLINOIS 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

St.  Francis  Church,  and  Reverend  Theodor  Bruener,  Pastor  of  St.  Boniface 
Church,  preached  the  sermon  at  the  dedication  and  blessing  of  the  Home  and 
chapel.  On  the  occasion  of  the  blessing  of  the  new  chapel,  November  14,  1897, 
Very  Reverend  M.  Weiss,  Pastor  of  St.  Boniface  Church  performed  the  blessing, 
Reverend  Joseph  Still,  Pastor  of  St.  John  Church  preached  an  appropriate 
sermon  in  German  and  Reverend  P.  Nicholas  Leonard,  O.F.M.,  Rector  of  St. 
Francis  College  preached  in  English. 

Reverend  H.  Frohboese,  an  old  retired  priest,  living  near  the  Home,  acted 
as  Chaplain  for  five  years  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  Afterwards  Reverend 
Joseph  Still,  Pastor  of  St.  John  Church  and  his  Assistants  provided  the  Sisters 
and  inmates  of  the  Home  with  religious  services.  Reverend  Joseph  Locher,  Rev- 
erend F.  X.  Sturm,  Reverend  Aug.  Gorris,  Reverend  A.  J.  Stengel,  and  Rev- 
erend Jos.  Postner,  the  successor  of  Reverend  Joseph  Still  as  Pastor  of  St.  John 
Church  and  his  Assistants,  Reverend  August  Hohl,  Reverend  Joseph  Reis  and 
Reverend  P.  Bernard  Zehnle,  O.F.M.,  of  St.  Francis  Monastery  succeeded  one 
another,  until  on  July  1,  1920,  Reverend  C.  Krekenberg,  who  on  account  of  his 
health  had  just  before  resigned  as  Pastor  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Congregation  of 
Springfield,  Illinois,  where  he  had  worked  for  thirty-six  years,  was  upon  his 
own  request  appointed  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Ryan  of  Alton  as  resident 
Chaplain  of  St.  Vincent's  Home,  which  position  he  still  occupies. 

The  first  Superior  was  Sister  Eulogia,  who  took  charge  of  the  newly  acquired 
property  and  Home  April  5,  1885;  she  was  succeeded  by  Sister  Eudoxia,  Sister 
Ansberta;  Sister  Facunda,  Sister  Romana,  Sister  Elizabeth,  Sifter  Anastasia 
and  the  present  Superior,  Sister  Placidia.  The  number  of  Sisters  ministering 
to  the  needs  of  the  inmates  is  nineteen,  and  the  number  of  inmates  at  the  pres- 
ent time  is  one  hundred  and  sixty,  of  whom  twenty-two  are  non-Catholics.  God 
bless  all  the  benefactors  of  the  Home. 

ST.  LAWRENCE  SOLDIERS'  HOME  CHAPEL,  QUINCY,  ILLINOIS 

Established  in  1895. 

Reverend  Joseph  Locker  acted  as  Chaplain  of  the  Soldiers'  Home  from  1890 
to  1895.  He  officiated  there  every  second  Sunday — one  Sunday  at  St.  Vincent's 
Home,  the  next  at  the  Soldiers'  Home  and  so  on.  Reverend  J.  P.  Kerr,  Pastor  of 
St.  Peter  Church,  Quincy,  succeeded  Father  Locker  in  1895  and  continued  to 
minister  to  the  Old  Soldiers  until  1907.  Reverend  John  Brennan,  Pastor  of  St. 
Rose  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  succeeded  Father  Kerr  as  Chaplain  in  1907  and 
continued  to  take  care  of  the  Old  Boys  in  Blue  until  1917. 

On  April  1,  1917,  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  on  request  from 
the  State  Officials  at  Springfield  on  representation  from  Captain  John  Andrew, 
Superintendent  of  the  Soldiers'  Home  appointed  Father  Montruchio  as 
resident  (the  first  resident  Catholic  Chaplain)  Chaplain  of  the  Soldiers'  Home. 
Father  Montruchio  served  until  July  24,  1916,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Tay- 
lorville,  Illinois.  The  Bishop  then  appointed  Reverend  Bernard  Lee  as  Chaplain 
and  he  served  until  March,  1917,  when  he  was  transferred. 

The  Bishop  next  appointed  Reverend  Martin  J.  Foley,  then  Pastor  of  St. 

581 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

Mary  Church,  Pittsfield,  Illinois,  also  Editor  of  the  Western  Catholic,  as  suc- 
cessor of  Father  Lee.    Father  Foley  still  ministers  to  the  Old  Boys  in  Blue. 

During  the  present  incumbent's  term,  the  chapel  has  been  beautifully 
decorated,  new  vestments  secured,  valuable  statuary  installed,  an  artistic  tab- 
ernacle safe  purchased — in  a  word  the  Old  Boys  in  Blue  have  a  real  Chapel 
where  they  may  visit  their  Eucharistic  King  and  with  Him  talk  over  their  busi- 
ness covering  interests  that  extend  into  eternity. 

During  Father  Foley's  Chaplaincy  at  the  Home,  some  twenty  converts  have 
been  received  into  the  Fold.  Some  of  these  converts  have  been  called  Home  by 
the  Master;  but  few  remain  and  none  is  more  happy  than  they  when  the  Old 
Boys  in  Blue  gather  round  the  Chapel  Tabernacle  to  think  and  dream  and  talk 
of  the  eternal  years. 

ST.  JOSEPH  HOME 

1315  N.  8th  Street,  Quincy,  Illinois. 

Established  in  1920. 

St.  Joseph  Home  for  girls  owes  its  existence  to  the  generosity  of  the  Ricker 
family  and  the  zeal  of  Reverend  Father  Aurelius,  O.F.M.  After  the  death  of 
their  mother,  the  late  Mrs.  H.  Frank  J.  Ricker,  Sr.,  her  daughters,  Mrs. 
Josephine  Doerr,  Mrs.  Euphemia  Fischer,  and  Mrs.  Herman  Heintz,  desired  to 
donate  their  old  homestead  for  charitable  purposes,  on  the  condition  however, 
that  the  property  itself  should  be  used,  but  should  not  be  sold  under  any  circum- 
stances. In  1920  when  the  opportunity  presented  itself  Father  Aurelius,  O.F.M., 
Guardian  of  St.  Francis  Monastery,  Quincy,  Illinois,  took  it  in  charge,  to  be  used 
for  a  working  girls'  home.  Father  Aurelius  had  previously  consulted  several 
business  men  in  Quincy  about  erecting  such  an  institution  and  as  these  gentle- 
men believed  it  would  prove  a  great  asset  to  the  city,  Father  Aurelius  built  an 
addition  on  the  south  side,  three  stories  high  and  containing  35  rooms,  at  a  cost 
of  approximately  $52,000.00.  Large  donations  had  been  promised  for  this  build- 
ing, but  the  sum  collected  did  not  cover  one-third  of  the  expense.  In  the  course 
of  a  year  Father  Aurelius'  health  failed  and  he  was  obliged  to  abandon  the  work. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  later  asked  the  Sisters  of  the  Poor  of  St.  Francis, 
of  Hartwell,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  to  take  charge  of  the  home.  The  property  was 
transferred  to  them  by  deed  by  Mrs.  Josephine  Doerr,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman 
Heintz,  Mrs.  Euphemia  Fischer  having  died  before  the  deed  was  executed,  her 
heirs,  complying  with  their  mother's  wish  gladly  donated  their  share  of  this 
property.  On  November  28,  1922,  at  9  o'clock  the  home  was  blessed  by  the 
Reverend  Martin  Strub,  O.F.M.,  Provincial  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Province. 
After  the  blessing  of  the  home,  Solemn  High  Mass  was  celebrated  by  Reverend 
Father  Optatus,  O.F.M.,  assisted  by  Reverend  Peter  Crumbley,  O.F.M.  Deacon; 
Reverend  Samuel  Macke,  O.F.M.,  Sub-Deacon  and  Reverend  Albert  Bruesser- 
man,  O.F.M.,  Master  of  Ceremonies,  several  of  the  local  clergy  were  present  in 
the  Sanctuary.  Reverend  Peter  Crumbley,  O.F.M.,  delivered  the  sermon.  The 
ceremonies  closed  with  Benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  and  the  Te  Deum. 

582 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

A  very  large  number  attended  the  services  and  the  home  was  open  for  inspection 
for  the  three  following  days. 

This  property  occupies  the  entire  city  block,  between  Spruce  and  Sycamore 
and  Seventh  and  Eighth  Streets  and  was  bought  in  the  spring  of  1863  by  the 
Hon.  Orville  H.  Browning  for  $30,000.00.  Orville  H.  Browning  was  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  Quincy,  coming  here  in  1835.  He  built  one  of  the  early 
log  cabins,  a  two  story  one,  with  outside  stairs  to  the  second  floor,  situated  north 
and  west  of  the  Female  Seminary.  This  was  not  taken  down  until  early  in  the 
70  's.  In  1854  he  put  up  what  was  at  that  time  a  palatial  house  with  large  out- 
side pillars,  much  used  at  that  time.  It  faced  on  Hampshire  Street  and  the 
sidewalk  leading  to  it  may  yet  be  seen  in  the  St.  Boniface  School  yard.  This  is 
where  President  Lincoln  and  Douglas  and  other  celebrities  were  entertained. 
In  1861  Mr.  Browning  was  appointed  as  United  States  Senator  from  Illinois  to 
fill  the  unexpired  term  of  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  taking  up  his  residence  then  in 
Washington.  Later  he  sold  the  place  which  was  afterwards  used  as  a  conserv- 
atory of  music  and  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1906.  During  his  senatorship  he 
returned  here  once  for  a  visit  and  at  that  time,  he  with  Judge  Sibley  thinking 
they  saw  a  future  for  the  North  End  bought  adjoining  blocks  on  Eighth  Street. 
After  the  assassination  of  Mr.  Lincoln  and  when  Andrew  Johnson  occupied  the 
presidential  chair,  the  new  President  put  Senator  Browning  in  his  Cabinet  as 
Secretary  of  the  Interior.  His  term  expired  in  1868  and  he  came  back  here  to 
live  in  the  new  house,  between  Spruce  and  Sycamore  Streets  and  Seventh  and 
Eighth  Streets.  He  died  there  on  August  11,  1881.  After  his  death  it  was  found 
that  through  the  investments  of  his  son-in-law,  Orrin  Skinner,  the  estate  was 
insolvent  and  his  widow  was  homeless.  Brokenhearted  and  helpless  in  her  old 
age,  she  undertook  to  keep  boarders  in  the  row  on  Jersey  Street,  just  east  of  the 
Wabash  freight  yards,  but  survived  only  a  few  years. 

The  property  under  sheriff's  sale  was  bought  by  H.  P.  J.  Flicker,  Sr.,  for 
$11,000.00.  Mr.  Ricker  went  there  with  his  family  to  live  in  1888.  He  died  in 
1904  and  his  wife  died  in  1907.  The  original  residence  contained  nearly  twenty 
rooms.  The  two  large  parlors  have  been  converted  into  one  spacious  assembly 
room  for  the  girls  and  the  three  bed  rooms  on  the  second  floor  have  been  con- 
verted into  an  attractive  chapel,  able  to  accommodate  one  hundred  persons.  The 
remainder  of  the  original  building  is  used  exclusively  by  the  Sisters.  The  home 
accommodates  about  sixty  girls.  The  Franciscan  Fathers  from  Quincy  College 
have  charge  of  the  Devotions  at  the  home. 

Miss  Julia  Sibley,  whose  father,  the  late  Judge  Joseph  Sibley,  owned  the 
adjoining  block,  and  whose  old  family  home,  an  imposing  brick  residence  still 
stands  there,  wrote  the  traditions  which  refer  to  Senator  Browning  and  the 
Browning  Home. 

ST.  JOSEPH  HOME  FOR  THE  AGED,  SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 
Established  in  1903,  Rebuilt  in  1925. 

The  Catholic  Church,  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  her  Divine  Founder, 
is  ever  solicitous  for  the  neglected  ones  of  her  flock.    No  class  is  without  the  pale 

583 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

of  her  tender  care;  just  as  she  receives  into  her  arms  the  motherless  babe  first 
opening  its  eyes  upon  the  world  so  too  she  soothes  the  sorrows  of  the  aged  and 
tenderly  closes  the  eyes  of  those  about  to  return  to  their  Maker. 

She  accomplishes  this  mission  of  charity  through  the  benevolent  institutions 
of  all  kinds  which  she  has  established  within  her  fold.  One  such  institution  is 
St.  Joseph  Home  for  the  Aged. 

The  late  Thomas  Brady  inspired  by  the  charity  of  his  Master  provided  in  his 
last  will  that  seventeen  thousand  dollars  should  be  used  for  the  endowment  of 
an  institution  for  the  care  of  the  aged  to  be  erected  in  Springfield,  Illinois. 

The  late  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton,  eager  to 
accord  with  the  benevolent  wishes  of  the  donor  immediately  authorized  the  Very 
Reverend  Monsignor  Timothy  Hickey,  V.G.,  to  take  steps  toward  accomplishing 
this  task.  Monsignor  Hickey,  with  his  usual  good  judgment  and  keen  appreci- 
ation noted  the  good  results  of  the  work  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis  in  charge 
of  the  St.  Joseph  Home  for  the  Aged  in  Peoria,  Illinois.  Upon  invitation  of 
Most  Reverend  John  Lancaster  Spalding,  D.D.,  he  visited  that  institution  and 
was  so  pleased  with  his  investigation  that  he  invited  the  Sisters  to  open  a  similar 
institution  in  Springfield,  Illinois.  The  wisdom  of  his  choice  is  evident  in  the 
results  of  their  twenty-five  years  of  labor  which  have  passed  since  the  opening 
of  the  home. 

The  Sisters  attribute  their  phenominal  success — next  to  Providence — in  no 
small  measure  to  the  substantial  support,  financial  and  moral,  accorded  them  by 
the  late  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton,  Monsignor  Hickey, 
his  devoted  assistant  and  Father  Louis  Hennsen,  who  gave  his  all  that  the  home 
might  prosper. 

Acting  on  the  advice  of  Monsignor  Hickey  and  with  the  approval  of  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  the  Wabash  Hospital  was  purchased  in  May,  1903.  The 
building  was  formally  opened  in  October,  1903,  and  served  as  the  first  St.  Joseph 
Home.  It  was  not  long  however  until  the  building  proved  too  small  to  accom- 
modate the  increasing  number  of  applicants,  and  in  May,  1915,  the  adjoining 
residence  was  purchased  thus  temporarily  satisfying  the  need.  The  relief  was 
but  temporary.  Sixty-two  residents  necessitated  crowding,  but  the  diocese  could 
not  be  asked  to  assume  the  burden  as  it  was  then  occupied  with  the  erection  of  a 
home  for  the  orphan.  Scarcely  was  the  work  completed  when  our  Beloved 
Bishop  was  summoned  to  his  eternal  reward,  and  so  the  aged  people  must  again 
wait  for  better  accommodations. 

The  consecration  of  our  present  zealous  Bishop,  The  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  dispelled  the  gloom  occasioned  by  the  death  of  the  lamented  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan.  Shortly  after  his  installation  as  Bishop  of  Springfield 
the  needs  of  the  St.  Joseph  Home  was  placed  before  him.  For  his  Lordship  to 
know  was  to  act.  Immediately  he  took  steps  for  providing  the  funds  necessary 
to  erect  the  present  magnificent  two  hundred  fifty  thousand  dollar  structure. 
The  success  of  the  undertaking  was  due  in  great  measure  to  the  personal  interest 
of  his  Lordship,  for  everything  concerning  it  was  done  under  his  direct  super- 
vision.   To  this  must  be  added  the  sacrifices  of  the  clergy  and  the  generosity  of 

584 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

the  laity.  Among  the  latter  special  credit  must  be  given  to  the  Knights  of 
Columbus,  the  Catholic  Women's  Coterie  and  Miss  Maude  Burke. 

About  three  miles  south  of  the  original  St.  Joseph  Home  an  ideal  site  for  a 
new  building  was  chosen.  Ground  for  the  erection  of  the  present  home  was 
broken  July  1,  1925;  the  corner  stone  laid  October  7,  1925;  and  the  dedication 
ceremonies  took  place  on  September  12,  1926. 

Since  the  opening  of  the  home  in  1903  over  four  hundred  aged  people  have 
been  cared  for.    At  present  there  are  eighty-seven  inmates. 

Until  1924  the  home  was  attended  from  the  Immaculate  Conception  church 
and  since  then  has  had  a  resident  chaplain.  The  present  chaplain  is  Reverend 
A.  M.  Jascke. 

And  now  while  the  Springfield  Diocese,  on  its  seventy-fifth  anniversary,  is 
in  jubilation  over  the  dedication  of  the  stately  cathedral  which  now  adorns  the 
site  of  the  old  St.  Joseph  Home,  the  home  not  only  shares  the  joy  of  this  event 
but  has  the  additional  joy  of  celebrating  the  twenty-fifth  year  of  its  own 
existence. 

ST.  JOHN  GIRLS'  HOME 

Springfield,  Illinois.     Established  in  1928 

After  the  Right  Reverend  Bishop,  James  A.  Griffin,  had  a  chance  to  make 
a  survey  of  conditions  in  Springfield,  he  saw  the  need  of  a  home  for  working 
girls.  On  account  of  the  many  calls  which  were  made  upon  him  and  demanded 
immediate  attention,  the  idea  of  such  a  home  was  not  worked  out  at  once.  He 
never  gave  up  the  idea  however  but  only  waited  for  a  suitable  opportunity. 

When  the  new  Cathedral  was  begun,  a  large  residence  was  removed  from 
the  premises  to  a  lot  one  block  East — the  corner  of  Seventh  and  Cass  Streets. 
Into  this  residence  the  Bishop  himself  moved,  together  with  the  Chancery  Office 
and  his  clerical  force. 

It  was  while  living  here  and  watching  his  new  residence  grow  up  at  the 
side  of  the  new  Cathedral  that  he  saw  definitely  how  he  could  begin  this  work 
of  giving  a  home  for  protection  to  the  working  girls  of  the  city.  He  would  give 
his  old  residence  for  the  purpose.  With  this  in  mind  he  spoke  to  the  authorities 
of  the  hospital  and  asked  the  Sisters  to  take  over  this  work.  The  Bishop  offered 
them  his  home  and  every  other  aid  in  his  power  to  make  it  a  success. 

The  Sisters  seeing  the  wonderful  opportunity  of  doing  good  consented  to 
start  the  home.  The  Bishop  was  eager  to  get  the  work  started,  so  he  vacated 
his  old  home  at  once  and  moved  into  his  new  residence  before  it  was  even 
completed. 

The  residence  on  Seventh  and  Cass  Streets,  therefore,  will  hereafter  be 
known  as  St.  John  Home  for  Girls.  It  is  one  of  the  old  large  residences  of 
Civil  War  days;  the  spacious  rooms  have  been  remodeled,  new  partitions  have 
been  put  in,  together  with  shower  baths,  laundry,  and  all  the  other  conveniences, 
necessities  and  comforts  of  a  thoroughly  modern  home.  When  finished  it  will 
accommodate  about  eighteen  or  twenty  girls,  besides  the  personnel  of  the  home. 

It  is  the  purpose  of  such  a  place  to  care  for  girls  whose  home  is  outside  of 

585 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

the  city  and  have  come  to  Springfield  to  work  and  live.  All  classes  of  girls  will 
be  cared  for — the  teacher,  stenographer,  clerical  worker,  graduate  nurse,  factory 
worker,  etc. 

It  is  hoped  to  take  care  of  these  girls  in  the  Home  as  they  would  be  taken 
care  of  in  their  own  homes.  They  will  be  surrounded  by  the  influences  of  a  good 
home,  good  company,  and  protected  as  far  as  possible  from  the  many  dangers 
and  pitfalls  that  tend  to  lead  our  young  women  astray.  The  Sisters  hope  to 
take  the  place  of  a  mother  to  the  girls. 

In  all  the  larger  cities  of  the  country,  these  homes  have  been  opened  for 
the  working  girls,  and  the  Sisters  in  charge  of  the  various  homes  have  assured 
us  that  the  results  are  gratifying.  We  feel  very  much  encouraged  and  hope  to 
obtain  like  results.    The  Home  was  opened  June  13,  1928. 

Sister  Anastasia,  R.N.,  was  appointed  the  first  Superior  of  the  Home,  to 
whom  all  communications  concerning  the  Home  should  be  addressed. 

THE  SPRINGFIELD  APOSTOLATE 

(Originally  the  Alton  Apostolate) 
Established  in  1908. 

The  Catholic  University  at  Washington,  D.  C,  in  all  its  departments  held  a 
high  place  in  the  estimation  of  Bishop  Ryan.  He  rendered  support  to  the  Uni- 
versity in  a  practical  way  by  sending  students  there  nearly  every  year.  The 
Apostolic  Mission  House  also  attracted  his  attention.  In  all  probability  it  was  the 
Bishop's  interest  in  this  great  institution,  coupled  with  his  zeal  for  the  non- 
Catholic  people  of  his  diocese  that  aroused  in  his  mind  the  idea  of  establishing  a 
mission  band  in  his  diocese. 

Reverend  J.  J.  Driscoll  was  the  first  one  to  whom  the  Bishop  spoke  about  be- 
ginning a  mission  band.  Father  Driscoll  in  turn  called  into  consultation  Rev- 
erend Daniel  J.  Ryan.  In  view  of  many  things,  the  advisability  of  a  Mission 
Band  in  the  Alton  diocese  might  have  been  a  matter  of  conjecture,  but  in  the 
hearts  of  these  two  young  pastors,  "there  were  no  misgivings."  "With  the  en- 
thusiastic encouragement  and  blessing  of  Bishop  Ryan,"  Father  J.  J.  Driscoll, 
then  pastor  at  Jersey ville,  now  pastor  of  St.  Peter 's  Church,  Quincy,  and  Father 
D.  J.  Ryan,  then  pastor  at  Auburn,  now  superior  of  the  Mission  Band  and  pas- 
tor of  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Granite  City,  went  to  the  Mission  House  at  Wash- 
ington, D.  C,  in  October,  1907.  Here  they  prepared  themselves  for  every  sort 
of  missionary  activity  by  a  thorough  course  under  the  great  and  holy  Father 
Walter  Elliott,  a  pioneer  Paulist  priest  in  the  field  of  non-Catholic  mission  work. 

After  leaving  the  Mission  House  in  the  spring  of  1908,  Fathers  Driscoll  and 
Ryan,  well  equipped  with  learning  and  zeal,  took  up  the  actual  mission  work.  In 
the  spring  and  fall  they  gave  their  time  and  talent  to  this  great  labor,  at  the 
same  time  continuing  as  pastors  in  Jerseyville  and  Auburn.  While  they  were 
away  for  missions,  their  assistants  took  care  of  their  parishes. 

As  need  for  reinforcements  was  being  felt  to  meet  the  increasing  demand  for 
their  services,  Father  George  Hensey,  pastor  at  Beardstown  (now  pastor  of  St. 

586 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Mary's  Church  in  Carlinville),  who  shared  their  interest  in  the  work  and  en- 
thusiasm for  it,  joined  forces  with  Fathers  Driscoll  and  Ryan,  after  a  term  of 
preparation  at  the  Mission  House. 

This  band  of  three  young,  able  and  energetic  missionaries  pursued  the  work 
of  the  Apostolate  with  untiring  zeal  for  several  years.  While  their  work  for  the 
most  part  was  restricted  to  the  Diocese  of  Alton,  they  were  not  infrequently 
called  into  neighboring  dioceses  and  neighboring  States. 

They  conducted  in  all  about  sixty  missions,  many  of  them  entirely  for  non- 
Catholics.  The  records  of  these  Missions  show  that  many  fallen-away  Catholics 
were  restored  to  the  practice  of  their  religion,  children  and  adults  prepared  for 
First  Communion,  and  more  than  one  hundred  non-Catholics  left  with  the  pas- 
tors for  the  completion  of  their  religious  instructions.  They  left  a  high  standard 
and  a  splendid  record  in  all  their  work. 

When  Father  Driscoll  was  made  pastor  of  St.  Peter's  in  Quincy,  his  time  was 
required  for  his  own  parish.  But  Fathers  Ryan  and  Hensey  carried  on,  with 
occasional  help  from  Father  Driscoll.  Father  Ryan  was  appointed  to  Granite 
City  in  1913,  and  he  found  that  all  his  time  was  required  for  his  parish.  The  mis- 
sion work,  therefore,  was  practically  at  a  standstill  for  a  few  years. 

A  revival  of  the  old  mission  spirit  took  place  in  1920.  Bishop  Ryan  sent 
for  Father  Ryan  to  make  him  head  of  the  mission  band  with  headquarters  in 
Granite  City.  The  plan  of  having  the  members  of  the  mission  band  stay  in  their 
respective  parishes  had  not  been  entirely  successful.  The  new  plan  of  having  all 
the  members  of  the  band  live  in  the  same  house  has  proved  most  successful. 

October  1,  1920,  at  the  request  of  Father  Ryan,  the  Bishop  appointed  three 
new  missionaries,  Fathers  William  T.  Sloan,  David  L.  Scully  and  John  B.  Franz. 
They  immediately  went  to  the  Apostolic  Mission  House,  Catholic  University, 
Washington,  D.  C,  for  training  under  the  same  Father  Elliott  who  had  trained 
the  original  members  of  the  Alton  Apostolate. 

The  following  is  a  brief  summary  of  their  activities  since  their  return  from 
Washington  to  Granite  City  in  May,  1921.  The  first  year  they  conducted  fifteen 
missions,  seven  retreats,  ten  Devotions  of  Forty  Hours,  and  they  preached  at 
many  special  occasions.  The  next  year  they  conducted  nineteen  missions, 
twenty-one  Devotions  of  Forty  Hours,  three  retreats  and  they  preached  at  many 
special  occasions.  The  next  year  they  conducted  seventeen  missions  and  ten  De- 
votions of  Forty  Hours  and  many  special  occasions. 

October  1,  1923,  Father  George  H.  Powell  was  sent  to  Washington  to  the 
Mission  House.  July  1,  1924,  Father  Powell  succeeded  Father  Sloan,  who  was 
transferred  to  the  pastorate  of  Virden.  November  1,  1924,  Father  Scully  was 
transferred  to  the  pastorate  at  Madison.  The  present  personnel  of  the  Mission 
Band,  therefore,  is  made  up  of  Father  Ryan,  superior  and  Fathers  Franz  and 
Powell. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  engagements  of  the  Mission  Band  since 
it  was  re-organized  in  October,  1920 : 

Missions,  57;  Forty  Hour  Devotions,  58;  Thirteen  Hour  Devotions,  17;  Re- 
treats, 19,  and  numerous  special  occasions. 

587 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

SOCIETY  FOR  THE  PROPAGATION  OP  THE  FAITH 

AND  THE  ASSOCIATION  OF  THE  HOLY  CHILDHOOD 

FOR  THE  DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 

Established  in  1925 

The  Motu  Proprio  ' '  Romanorum  Pontificum"  of  His  Holiness,  Pope  Pius 
XL  says:  "...  We,  following  the  example  of  Our  predecessors,  wish  that  all  the 
Catholic  missions  be  assisted  by  a  contribution  of  the  Catholic  universe  and  that 
all  the  alms,  no  matter  how  small,  given  by  each  of  the  sons  of  the  Church,  be 
gathered  together  into  one  fund  placed  at  Our  disposal  and  that  the  Sacred 
Congregation  of  Propaganda,  to  be  distributed,  in  proportion  to  the  needs,  by  a 
committee  appointed  by  Us.  .  . " 

"In  order  to  carry  out  Our  design  We  prefer,  instead  of  founding  a  new  or- 
ganization, to  bring  more  into  conformity  with  the  present  times  and  circum- 
stances the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  and  to  transfer  the  seat  of 
its  administration  to  Rome,  the  capital  of  the  Church.  Endowed  thus  with  the 
prestige  of  Our  own  authority,  it  will  become  the  pontifical  instrument  to  cen- 
tralize the  alms  of  the  faithful  intended  for  the  missions.  ..." 

"We  feel  confident  that  Bishops  and  Prelates  will  assist  Us  in  this  task  with 
all  their  zeal ;  if  this  association,  of  such  auspicious  timeliness  and  which  is  as 
dear  to  Us  as  to  Our  predecessor,  does  not  yet  exist  in  their  dioceses,  let  them 
hasten  to  establish  it.  .  .  . " 

At  the  convention  of  the  Hierarchy  of  the  United  States  at  Washington  in 
September,  1924,  His  Excellency,  the  Apostolic  Delegate,  in  response  to  the  re- 
quest of  the  Holy  See,  asked  that  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  be 
established  in  every  diocese  with  a  Diocesan  Director,  and  in  every  parish  in  the 
diocese  with  the  Reverend  Pastor  or  his  Assistant  as  parochial  director. 

Complying  with  the  earnest  desire  of  the  Holy  Father  and  the  request  of  the 
Apostolic  Delegate,  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Griffin  opened  a  Diocesan  Office  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  and  the  Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood  at  1301 
W.  Monroe  Street,  Springfield,  Illinois,  March  1st,  1925,  with  Reverend  William 
T.  Sloan  as  Diocesan  Director. 

In  presenting  the  work  of  the  Society  to  the  Pastors  of  the  diocese,  the  Direc- 
tor urged  that  every  parish  in  the  diocese  be  formally  organized  on  the  first  Sun- 
day of  Lent  of  that  year  and  that  to  be  designated  as  "Mission  Sunday."  He 
planned  to  follow  up  this  work  with  visits  to  as  many  parishes  as  possible  to  urge 
interest  and  activity  in  the  mission  cause.  The  response  was  not  what  had  been 
hoped  for  nor  the  early  results  as  gratifying  as  might  have  been  expected.  As  the 
work  progressed  the  outlook  became  brighter  and  the  success  of  the  organization 
in  the  diocese  assured.  After  seven  and  a  half  months  of  organization  work  the 
records  show  that  sixty-one  parishes  have  been  visited  by  the  Director  and  the 
purpose  of  the  Society,  with  the  advantage  of  membership  in  it  presented  to  the 
people.  Eighty-six  parish  branches  have  been  established.  Eighteen  thousand 
two  hundred  and  eighty-four  dollars  have  been  sent  through  the  diocesan  office 
and  unpaid  pledges  total  five  thousand  dollars.  This  sum  does  not  include  sev- 
eral thousand  dollars  which  have  been  collected  in  the  diocese  during  this  time 

588 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

for  the  missions,  either  by  missionaries  themselves  or  the  pastors  who  have  sent 
their  contributions  directly. 

The  organization  of  the  Holy  Childhood  Association  has  been  carried  on 
jointly  with  that  of  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith.  It  might  be  termed  the  Junior 
Branch  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith.  It  has  been  established 
in  sixty-for  parishes  of  the  diocese  and  has  contributed  twelve  hundred  dollars 
through  the  diocesan  office. 

THE  SACRED  HEART  MISSION  HOUSE  AT  SAINTE  MARIE,  ILLINOIS 

(Sacerdotes  Cordis  JESUS,  S.C.J.) 
Established  in  1925 

The  international  character  and  fame  of  the  Society  of  the  Priests  of  the 
Sacred  Heart,  as  Educators  and  Missionaries  have  long  been  well  known  through- 
out the  old  world.  Having  completed  a  half  century  of  missionary  work  in 
Africa  and  in  the  Orient  besides  establishing  missions  in  Europe  as  well  as  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  Western  Hemisphere  they  have  now  extended  their  la- 
bors to  the  United  States. 

When  Right  Reverend  J.  J.  Lawler,  Bishop  of  Lead,  in  South  Dakota,  asked 
the  German  Province  of  the  Priests  of  the  Sacred  Heart  to  take  over  missionary 
work  among  the  poor  and  much  neglected  Indians  of  the  Lower  Brule  and  Chey- 
enne River  Reservations,  they  could  not  resist  the  urgent  call  for  help  and  as- 
sistance. 

The  Superior  heartily  and  readily  accepted,  sending  three  priests  of  the 
Society,  who  made  their  home  among  the  Sioux  Indians  of  South  Dakota  in 
March,  1925. 

Mission  Stations  were  established  at  La  Plant,  Cheyenne  Agency  and  Lower 
Brule.  An  immense  territory  of  over  4000  miles  was  confided  to  their  care.  Other 
fathers  came  to  their  assistance,  and  a  boarding  school  for  Indian  children  was 
established  at  Chamberlain. 

Soon  after,  other  bishops  feeling  the  need  of  priests  in  their  own  dioceses 
asked  for  assistance,  while  the  Holy  Father,  confiding  to  their  care  two  new  mis- 
sion fields  in  Africa  and  Australia,  expressed  the  desire  to  have  their  missionary 
activities  extended  to  the  Philippine  Islands  and  China. 

To  comply  with  the  various  demands  and  needs  a  new  preparatory  semin- 
ary was  an  urgent  necessity.  It  would  be  more  efficient  and  convenient  to  edu- 
cate the  necessary  vocations  in  the  United  States,  a  country  of  unlimited  possi- 
bilities, than  the  importing  of  other  fathers  and  missionaries  from  Europe. 
Thanks  to  Divine  Providence,  this  plan  has  quickly  produced  results.  A  beauti- 
ful location  for  the  new  preparatory  Seminary  was  found  at  Sainte  Marie,  Jas- 
per County,  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield,  Illinois. 

When  in  March,  1925,  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Joseph,  the  newly  appointed 
Superior,  Reverend  F.  Charles  Keilman,  S.C.J.,  arrived  at  Ste.  Marie,  he  was 
favorably  and  greatly  surprised.  He  found  for  himself  and  the  community  a 
ready  made  home,  with  almost  twenty  well  preserved  and  apparently  new  rooms 
that  had  served  as  a  hospital  for  Sainte  Marie  and  Jasper  County. 

589 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

The  greater  part  of  the  adjoining  building,  the  former  home  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Piequet,  given  to  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  had  to  be  replaced  by  a  new  brick 
house,  the  foundation  stone  of  which  was  laid  in  April,  1927.  On  September 
9th  of  the  same  year  the  opening  of  the  new  preparatory  institution  was  effected. 
Many  strong  and  healthy  boys  applied  for  admission  and  were  accepted.  Five 
priests  and  one  lay  teacher  are  now  engaged  in  educating  these  young  men  for 
the  missionary  life. 

Beginning  with  the  first  and  second  year  of  a  higher  education,  the  faculty 
will  be  gradually  increased,  so  that  one  or  two  more  courses  might  be  added  each 
year,  until  it  has  developed  into  an  up-to-date  preparatory  seminary  for  the 
candidates  of  the  society. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  this  new  foundation  in  southern  Illinois  will  awaken 
and  foster  greater  interest  in  the  propagation  of  our  Holy  Faith,  and  develop 
many  priestly  vocations  not  only  for  the  Foreign  Missions,  but  also  for  the  needy 
mission  districts  and  dioceses  of  our  own  country.  It  is  also  the  wish  and  earn- 
est desire  of  the  Priests  of  the  Sacred  Heai-t  to  give  a  chance  to  the  poor,  deserv- 
ing and  well  recommended  boys  to  become  priests  and  missionaries  who,  as  the 
messengers  of  Christ,  help  to  defend  and  extend  God's  Kingdom  on  earth. 

The  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  not  only  ap 
proved  of  the  new  institution,  but  gave  with  his  blessing  very  kind  words  of  en- 
couragement.    Thanks  be  to  His  Lordship  and  to  the  Sisters  of  Springfield  for 
their  kindness  and  generosity  in  donating  the   former   hospital    for   missionary 
purposes. 

CATHOLIC  SOCIAL  WORK 

Springfield,  Illinois.     Established  in  1925. 

The  Catholic  Social  Service  was  organized  in  Springfield  in  the  early  part 
of  the  year  1925,  at  the  suggestion  of  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  under 
the  direction  of  Reverend  J.  C.  Straub.  Miss  Elizabeth  Kuhlman  as  the  first 
Catholic  Social  Worker  began  her  duties  March  1,  1925. 

It  was  the  intention  of  the  Bishop  to  thoroughly  organize  and  establish  this 
field  of  work  in  the  city  of  Springfield  and  later  on  to  extend  it  throughout  the 
diocese. 

An  office  for  the  Social  Service  headquarters  was  furnished  at  St.  John's 
Hospital.  The  expense  for  the  first  year  was  borne  by  the  Bishop  through  the 
Chancery  Office.  The  money  raised  by  the  Ladies  of  Charity  for  dues,  socials, 
card  parties,  etc.,  was  also  turned  over  to  the  Catholic  Social  Service  to  help  it 
carry  on  the  work. 

In  1926  the  Catholic  Social  Service  became  affiliated  with  the  Springfield 
Council  of  Social  Agencies.  Fifteen  hundred  dollars  was  received  from  the 
Council  that  year  and  went  towards  defraying  the  expenses.  In  1927  this  was 
increased  to  $2,000.00. 

The  Catholic  Social  Service  takes  care  of  all  charitable  cases  and  problems 
that  are  brought  to  its  attention.  It  co-operates  in  this  work  with  all  other 
Social  Agencies  in  the  city. 

590 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

Co-operating  with  the  Catholic  Service  are  the  pastors  of  the  parishes  and  all 
Catholic  institutions. 

In  order  to  carry  out  its  work  completely  the  Catholic  Social  Service  has  af- 
filiated to  itself  and  uses  the  voluntary  help  of  several  other  Catholic  organi- 
zations. 

The  Ladies  of  Charity  with  the  various  activities  of  its  circles  give  their 
whole-hearted  and  entire  co-operation  to  the  Catholic  Social  Service.  All  the  pro- 
ceeds from  their  socials,  card  parties,  dues,  etc.,  are  turned  over  to  the  Catholic 
Social  Service.  Much  credit  is  due  the  Ladies  of  Charity  and  without  their 
financial  help  the  beginning  of  the  Catholic  Social  Service  would  have  been 
much  more  difficult. 

The  Catholic  Daughters  of  America  work  with  the  Catholic  Social  Service  in 
the  interest  of  young  girls,  doing  Big  Sister  "Work. 

The  Catholic  Women's  Union  of  Springfield  are  giving  their  support  to  this 
work,  principally  in  the  form  of  furnishing  material  for  and  the  making  up  of 
layettes  for  poor  mothers.    They  also  make  comforters  for  poor  families. 

The  Holy  Name  Society  is  co-operating  with  the  Catholic  Social  Work  in 
the  interest  of  young  boys,  doing  Bier  Brother  Work. 

John  A.  Lapp.  Ph.  D.,  of  the  National  Catholic  Welfare  Council  made  a 
survey  of  Catholic  Charities  of  the  Springfield  Diocese  during  the  past  year. 

LADIES  OF  CHARITY 

Springfield.  Illinois.     Established  in  1925. 

The  Society  of  Ladies  of  Charity  was  started  in  Springfield  at  the  sugges- 
tion of  Right  "Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  under  the  immediate  direction  of 
"Reverend  Joseph  C.  Straub.  As  an  organization  it  is  affiliated  with  the  Catho- 
lic Social  Service  of  the  Diocese.  It  was  organized  April  3,  1925,  at  a  meeting 
which  was  held  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paid  school  hall  and  the  following  officers 
elected : 

Honorary  President,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin.  D.D. :  Moderator. 
Reverend  Joseph  Straub;  Assistant  Moderator,  Reverend  George  Falter;  Presi- 
dent, Miss  Elizabeth  Knhlman  ;  Vice  President,  Mrs.  Grace  Sehaefer;  Secretary. 
Mrs.  Edna  Desautels;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Margaret  Kelly. 

Reverend  Joseph  C.  Straub  and  Reverend  Louis  Hufker  addressed  the  mem- 
bers at  the  meeting,  explaining  the  purpose  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity,  that  of 
caring  for  the  poor  and  needy,  both  in  a  spiritual  and  material  way. 

The  dues  which  are  ten  cents  per  month  as  well  as  money  raised  by  socials 
go  towards  carrying  on  the  work  of  Catholic  Social  Service.  Meetings  are  held 
monthly  in  one  of  the  parish  halls  in  the  city.  Reports  are  read  at  the  meetings 
and  members  addressed  by  a  selected  speaker.  Each  parish  is  represented  by  a 
Captain.  The  Captain  and  chairman  of  standing  committee  with  the  other  of- 
ficers of  the  society  form  an  executive  board.  This  executive  board  transacts  the 
business  for  the  organization. 

591 


diocese  of  springfield  in  illinois 

St.  Elizabeth  Circles  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity. 

This  circle  meets  at  St.  John's  Hospital  to  sew  for  the  poor.  New  material 
is  made  up  into  garments,  bedding,  etc.,  and  old  garments  made  over.  The  use 
of  a  room  for  this  purpose  is  donated  by  St.  John's  Hospital. 

This  circle  also  goes  out  to  St.  Joseph's  Home  for  the  Aged,  to  sew,  making 
quilts  and  doing  other  sewing  for  the  home. 

The  Camillus  Circle  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity. 

The  Camillus  circle  was  organized  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Bishop.  The  ob- 
ject of  this  circle  is  to  bring  a  little  message  of  sympathy  and  cheer  to  lonely  old 
hearts,  to  give  encouragement  to  the  helpless,  to  visit  the  sick  and  when  neces- 
sary to  bury  the  dead. 

Members  of  this  circle  attend  Mass  at  the  County  Farm,  visit  and  furnish 
entertainment  for  the  inmates,  particularly  at  Easter  and  Christmas  time.  Also 
visit  the  patients  at  the  Open  Air  Colony  and  the  prison  inmates. 

This  committee  is  an  auxiliary  to  the  Catholic  Chaplain  of  the  institution,  as- 
sisting him  in  every  way  possible. 

The  chairman  of  the  Camillus  circle  is  appointed  by  the  President  of  the 
Ladies  of  Charity.  Any  member  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity  wishing  to  help  in  this 
work  gives  her  name  to  the  chairman  of  the  Camillus  circle.  The  chairman  may 
call  a  meeting  at  any  time,  making  a  report  of  this  at  the  Executive  and  Monthly 
meetings. 

The  Springfield  Ladies  of  Charity  through  the  effort  of  Reverend  J.  Moser, 
CM.,  Director  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity,  St.  Louis,  the  oldest  branch  in  this 
country,  has  been  affiliated  with  the  original  society  organized  by  St.  Vincent 
de  Paul,  thus  entitling  the  local  branch  to  the  many  indulgences  granted  by  the 
Holy  See. 

The  First  Anniversary  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity  in  Springfield  was  cele- 
brated April  25,  1926,  at  the  Cathedral  of  the  Immaculate  Conception.  The 
members  went  to  Communion  in  a  body  at  the  7  :30  Mass,  celebrated  by  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin  who  delivered  a  most  eloquent  sermon  on  charity. 
At  5  :30  P.M.  the  bestowal  of  the  crosses  on  the  members  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  took  place,  followed  by  Benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  The  day's 
program  was  brought  to  a  close  with  a  banquet  at  6 :00  P.M.  at  the  Knights  of 
Columbus  club.  A  number  of  the  members  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity  from  St. 
Louis,  with  their  Spiritual  Director,  Reverend  J.  Moser,  attended  the  banquet. 
Father  Moser  speaking  on  the  virtue  of  charity.  Father  Louis  Hufker  gave  a 
very  interesting  review  on  Christian  Charity.  Miss  Marie  Harkins,  President  of 
the  Ladies  of  Charity  in  St.  Louis,  congratulated  the  Springfield  organization  on 
its  progress  and  spoke  of  the  wonderful  report  of  the  activities  which  was  read 
by  the  local  president  at  the  St.  Louis  annual  meeting,  April  18,  1926. 

Owing  to  the  inability  of  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Griffin  to  attend  the  ban- 
quet, Reverend  George  Faller  delivered  his  message  of  approval  of  the  work  ac- 
complished during  the  past  year  and  his  hope  that  in  the  following  year  with  an 
increase  of  members  the  work  will  increase. 

592 


diocesan  schools,  institutions  and  associations 

Organizing  op  Branch  at  Buffalo,  Illinois. 

November  28,  1926,  a  branch  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity  was  organized  in 
Buffalo,  Illinois,  by  the  pastor,  Reverend  Robinson. 

The  Second  Annual  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity  was  celebrated  May  1st,  1927, 
as  at  the  First  Annual  the  members  receiving  Holy  Communion  in  a  body  at  the 
7 :30  Mass.  Bestowing  of  the  crosses  on  the  new  members  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Griffin  followed  by  Benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  at  5  :00  P.  M. 
At  6  :00  P.  M.  a  banquet  was  served  at  the  Knights  of  Columbus  club,  Bishop 
Griffin  being  the  guest  of  honor.  Reverend  Louis  Hufker  was  toastmaster. 
Reverend  E.  J.  Cahill,  Diocesan  Director  of  Schools,  spoke  on  preventive  and 
active  charity.  Reverend  J.  Gatton,  Assistant  Moderator  of  Ladies  of  Charity, 
briefly  summarized  the  very  successful  work  of  St.  Elizabeth  and  St.  Camillus 
circles  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity. 

Mrs.  N.  McCann,  President  of  the  Buffalo  branch  of  the  Ladies  of  Charity, 
gave  a  report  of  the  work  at  Sangamon  County  Farm  and  stated  that  the  Ladies 
of  Charity  were  instrumental  in  arranging  ways  and  means  of  having  the  privi- 
lege of  Holy  Mass  every  Thursday  at  the  County  Farm  as  well  as  on  Christmas 
and  Easter. 

Reverend  Enright  spoke  of  the  work  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul.  Mr.  Peter 
Rossier,  Grand  Knight,  assured  the  organization  of  the  full  co-operation  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus. 

The  real  meaning  of  the  word  ' '  Charity ' '  was  told  by  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin  and  he  also  suggested  plans  along  charitable  lines  to  be  carried  out  by 
members  during  the  coming  year  both  spiritually  and  materially. 

In  the  fall  of  1927  another  branch  is  to  be  organized  in  Auburn,  Illinois  by 
Reverend  Quinn. 

Thus  the  organization  hopes  to  speed  the  other  parts  of  the  Diocese  to  co- 
operate with  the  pastors  in  carrying  out  the  work  of  its  founder,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul. 

THE  CATHOLIC  BOYS'  BRIGADE,  SPRINGFIELD,  ILLINOIS 

Organized  in  1921. 

About  the  year  1920  Mr.  E.  J.  Wayne  had  in  operation  a  little  Catholic 
organization  known  as  the  Ozanam  Club,  named  after  a  Reverend  Frederick 
Ozanam,  an  untiring  worker  in  boys'  interest  in  the  early  days  of  France. 

Mr.  Wayne  labored  in  this  club  faithfully  for  three  or  four  years,  financing 
it  to  a  considerable  degree  from  his  own  private  purse.  Finally,  he  received  a 
communication  from  the  Reverend  Father  Kilian,  O.M.Cap.,  of  New  York  City, 
informing  him  of  the  existence  of  the  Catholic  Boys'  Brigade  in  the  eastern 
states,  and  of  its  wonderful  success  in  handling  young  Catholic  boys.  After 
earnest  correspondence  in  the  year  1921,  he  received  his  commission  and  or- 
ganized the  first  branch  in  Springfield  of  the  Catholic  Boys'  Brigade. 

Branches  were  established  first  in  St.  Patrick  parish  under  the  Reverend 
Fennessey,  in  St.  Mary  parish  under  the  Very  Reverend  Vicar  General,  Timothy 

593 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

Hickey,  and  in  St.  Agnes  parish  under  Reverend  James  Howard  and  in  the 
Sacred  Heart  parish  under  Reverend  Mersher. 

The  Brigade  at  that  time  numbered  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  cadets 
or  members.  They  elected  officers,  held  regular  meetings  with  the  usual  routine, 
drills,  games,  etc.,  and  received  promotions  at  different  periods  according  to  their 
attainments.  Assisting  at  that  time  were  Dr.  B.  L.  Kirby,  Earl  William  and 
several  other  senior  boys  of  the  Brigade.  In  those  days  Miss  Louise  Moran,  a 
pioneer  resident  of  this  city,  impressed  her  memory  forever  upon  the  hearts 
of  the  Brigade  boys  by  two  huge  donations  to  help  them  on  their  way.  A  great 
portion  of  this  was  spent  in  the  erection  of  the  dining  hall  which  bears  her  name. 

The  first  camp  was  held  at  Decatur,  Illinois,  in  the  year  1921,  near  what 
is  now  known  as  Lake  Decatur  and  a  lively  outing  it  was.  This  was  the  first 
camp  held  and  it  is  very  interesting  to  hear  them  relate  their  experiences.  In 
the  year  1922  the  hearts  of  all  were  gladdened  by  a  message  from  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Eugene  Colgan,  stating  that  they  had  purchased  a  twenty-five  acre  tract  of 
land,  beautiful  in  its  surroundings  and  situated  on  a  high  bluff  overlooking  the 
Sangamon  river.  The  site  was  rich  in  fruits  of  every  kind  and  was  in  close 
proximity  to  the  old  Rolls  Ford,  made  famous  by  the  great  Abraham  Lincoln  as 
his  crossing  place  on  horseback  on  numerous  journeys  from  Salem  to  Spring- 
field. The  message  bore  the  welcome  news  that  they  would  allow  the  perpetual 
use  of  the  site  for  a  summer  camp  for  the  Brigade,  so  long  as  the  organization 
was  in  existence.  A  dining  hall,  refreshment  stand  and  sleeping  barracks  were 
erected  at  once  through  the  gratis  labor  of  William  Cummings,  Maurice  Car- 
rigan,  William  Kervin,  Herbert  Norfleet,  James  D.  Sheehan,  George  Mayfield, 
Charles  Lott,  Harry  Williams,  Harry  Heron,  Walter  Flesch,  John  McFall,  John 
Reiger  and  many  others  whose  names  are  not  now  at  hand. 

Camp  was  held  there  during  the  years  1922,  1923  and  1924  with  an  average 
attendance  of  about  240  boys  the  guests  including  boys  from  Chicago,  St.  Louis 
and  many  smaller  towns.  During  this  period  a  prize  was  offered  during  the 
Boys'  Week  celebration  and  parade  for  the  best  appearing  organization  in  line. 
The  Brigades  won  and  received  the  hearty  congratulations  of  all.  In  the  year 
1925  a  reorganization  took  place  and  a  Governing  Board  was  elected  consisting 
of  :  John  McFall,  president ;  Eugene  Colgan,  honorary-president ;  Harry  Heron, 
vice  president;  William  T.  Kervin,  treasurer;  Henry  Hickey,  secretary;  Rev- 
erend Louis  Hufker,  chaplain  and  William  D.  Conway,  director.  An  executive 
committee  comprising  Joe  Schafer,  George  Mayfield,  Matthew  Noonan,  Maurice 
Carrigan,  James  D.  Sheehan,  George  Kramp,  Joseph  Menkavich,  W.  J.  Snyder 
and  G.  Cleve  Churchman  was  also  selected. 

The  new  director  assumed  his  duties  in  February,  1925,  and  continued  to 
carry  out  the  routine  of  the  brigade  inaugurated  by  his  predecessor,  Mr.  Wayne, 
and  the  board  of  directors.  Meetings  continued  to  be  held  at  all  of  the  school 
halls  nightly  at  appointed  times.  However,  until  his  selection  in  February,  1925, 
as  director,  and  dating  from  the  first  of  October,  1924,  a  Mr.  John  L.  Durham 
had  charge  of  the  proceedings  in  the  meetings.  He  acted  as  temporary  director 
from  time  to  time  of  Mr.  Wayne's  resignation  until  Mr.  Conway  was  selected. 

594 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

Both  Mr.  Dunham  and  Mr.  Conway  attempted  to  give  the  boys  new  features 
both  at  the  meetings  and  also  in  the  schools.  Athletics  were  encouraged  and 
broadened.  Participation  in  civic  meets  and  gatherings  which  helped  the  boys 
to  sell  their  little  organization  and  its  cause  to  the  public  were  also  started. 
Now  these  are  annual  activities  and  will  be  a  yearly  schedule  with  them  as  it  is 
already  on  the  Brigade  program  for  the  year. 

The  track  meet  and  the  school  baseball  league  bring  together  the  boys  of  all 
the  Catholic  schools  of  the  city,  thereby  forming  new  acquaintances  among 
themselves.  The  winners  of  the  meet  and  the  baseball  championship  meet  the 
public  school  champions  to  settle  local  supremacy.  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  has  encouraged  the  boys  greatly  in  their  athletic 
endeavors.  His  beautiful  trophy  which  is  presented  annually  to  the  winners  of 
the  parochial  baseball  championship  is  an  honor  which  is  an  incentive  for  every 
boy  in  the  Catholic  schools  of  Springfield  to  try  and  win  for  their  school.  In 
the  track  meet  the  winners  are  awarded  a  gold  medal  for  first  place,  silver  medal 
for  second  place  and  a  bronze  medal  for  third  place.  A  shield  goes  to  the  school 
team  winning  the  meet.  The  medals  were  furnished  last  year  by  the  Catholic 
Boys'  Brigade  out  of  money  won  by  the  boys  themselves  through  the  medium  of 
a  local  contest  which  netted  them  $200.00.  This  year  both  the  track  meet  and 
baseball  league  will  also  bring  into  competition  representatives  from  each  of  the 
Catholic  schools  in  Sangamon  County,  as  well  as  the  Catholic  boys  attending 
public  schools  in  smaller  towns  where  there  are  no  Catholic  schools. 

Promotions  within  the  ranks  of  the  brigade  are  now  given  out  at  rallies  or 
Recognition  meets.  The  first  was  held  on  February  12  at  the  Cathedral  school 
where  almost  two  hundred  boys  received  awards  for  the  past  six  months.  Repre- 
sentatives from  the  churches  as  well  as  a  personal  representative  of  Bishop 
Griffin,  Reverend  Amos  Giusti,  vice  chancellor  of  the  Springfield  Diocese,  were 
present.  So  successful  was  the  meet  that  there  will  be  four  of  these  rallies  a 
year.  Promotions  are  contingent  upon  several  duties  which  the  boys  of  the 
brigade  must  perform,  one  being  the  monthly  communion,  at  which  every  brig- 
adier must  turn  out  unless  excused  for  a  good  cause. 

The  brigade  now  is  represented  in  St.  Patrick  school,  Cathedral  school, 
St.  Peter  and  Paul  school,  St.  Agnes  school,  Sacred  Heart  school  and  St.  Joseph 
school.  All  of  these  have  their  own  branches  but  the  Blessed  Sacrament  school 
has  several  of  their  boys  in  the  brigade,  but  as  yet  is  not  listed  as  a  branch.  The 
branch  at  this  school  will  be  organized  soon. 

The  annual  brigade  minstrel  show  is  still  continued.  This  year,  1926,  as  in 
previous  years  it  was  very  successful,  the  proceeds  going  to  the  Camp  Colgan 
fund  for  the  benefit  of  the  boys  in  the  summer  time.  Mr.  Dunham  and  Mr. 
Hickey  supervised  the  boys  this  year  and  a  special  performance  was  given  for 
the  benefit  of  the  unfortunate  patients  at  the  St.  John 's  Hospital  Sanitarium  at 
Riverton,  Illinois. 

Besides  the  city  branches,  there  is  one  country  branch  of  the  brigade  at 
Auburn,  Illinois.  Reverend  D.  J.  Quinn,  pastor  of  St.  Benedict  church  at  that 
place  is  very  enthusiastic  about  the  brigade  and  boys'  work.     His  branch  just 

595 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

started  recently  and  his  enrollment  is  placed  at  thirty-seven  members.  This 
branch  is  the  first  one  to  be  organized  in  Sangamon  County,  outside  of  Spring- 
field. Before  June  1st,  it  is  the  hope  of  the  director  to  have  at  least  three  more 
country  branches  taking  part  in  brigade  work. 

Until  October,  1924,  the  work  of  the  brigade  was  carried  on  without  any 
financial  help  except  that  obtained  by  entertainments,  donations,  etc.  However, 
in  that  year  the  organization  participated  in  the  Community  Fund  drive,  which 
enabled  them  to  receive  financial  help  to  carry  on  their  work.  They  also  par- 
ticipated in  the  Community  Fund  drive  in  October,  1926.  It  is  from  this  drive 
that  the  organization  received  the  money  with  which  to  pay  the  salaries  of  the 
director  and  secretary,  and  also  to  carry  on  the  brigade  work  in  Sangamon 
County.  The  latter  was  assented  to  at  the  last  yearly  meeting  of  the  Council  of 
Social  Agencies,  which  organization  sponsors  the  drive. 

The  activities  of  the  members  of  the  brigade  and  the  branches  are  carried  on 
the  year  round.  The  program  for  the  year  1926  calls  for  participation  in  all  of 
the  civic  movements,  Boys'  Week,  and  also  charitable  causes  where  their  help 
may  be  needed.  In  the  summer  months  of  July  and  August,  their  attention  is 
drawn  out  to  Camp  Colgan.  The  year  1925  was  the  most  successful  year  so  far. 
The  average  number  of  boys  for  the  entire  season  was  about  ninety  per  week 
which  brought  the  yearly  attendance  up  to  the  average  of  previous  years. 

Mr.  William  T.  Kervin  has  resigned  as  treasurer  because  of  ill  health  and 
business  matters.  His  place  has  been  taken  by  Mr.  Henry  Hickey,  who  acts  in 
the  capacity  of  both  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  board  receives  hearty  co- 
operation from  Bishop  Griffin  and  his  personal  representative,  Father  Louis 
Hufker.  Without  their  support  and  encouragement  the  work  of  those  interested 
in  the  boy  movement  would  be  a  difficult  problem,  but  through  the  kind  guidance 
of  Bishop  Griffin  and  Father  Hufker,  the  Catholic  Boys'  Brigade  is  flourishing 
as  a  boys'  organization  and  taking  care  of  their  needs. 

In  the  month  of  January,  1927,  at  the  suggestion  of  several  business  men, 
a  reorganization  of  the  Boys'  Brigade  was  consummated. 

In  order  to  reduce  overhead  expenses,  and  facilitate  the  further  use  of  the 
Boy  Scout  program,  it  was  decided  to  consolidate  with  the  Abraham  Lincoln 
Council  of  Springfield. 

The  consolidation  was  preceeded  by  a  course  in  boyology,  sponsored  by  the 
local  Knights  of  Columbus  and  supervised  by  Brother  Barnabas.  This  course 
was  patronized  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  and  boys  and  was  eminently  suc- 
cessful. It  won  the  generous  commendation  of  the  local  papers  and  the  citizens 
of  Springfield,  generally. 

The  terms  of  consolidation  having  been  mutually  accepted,  the  next  move 
was  to  secure  some  representative  Catholic  gentleman,  familiar  with  the  Boy 
Scout  program,  and  willing  to  serve  the  local  organization  in  Springfield. 

On  February  1,  1927,  Kenneth  E.  Cook  was  employed  as  Assistant  Scout 
Executive  to  organize  Boy  Scout  troops  in  the  Catholic  churches,  to  take  the 
place  of  the  Catholic  Boys'  Brigade  branches.  Mr.  Henry  Hickey  was  retained 
as  per  agreement  for  one  year  as  assistant  in  the  office,  to  help  in  this  transfer 

596 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

of  activities  for  the  boys.  Mr.  Cook  was  very  successful  in  securing  leadership 
as  troop  committeemen  and  scout  leaders  and  also  acted  as  camp  director  at 
Camp  Sangamo  for  our  1927  summer  camp.  He  was  extremely  successful  in 
maintaining  a  high  class  camp,  under  the  advisorship  of  the  Scout  Executive. 

On  October  15,  1927,  Mr.  Cook  received  a  call  as  Scout  Executive  of  the 
Quincy  Boy  Scout  Council  and  asked  for  his  release,  same  being  granted  by  our 
executive  committee  at  their  October  meeting ;  Mr.  Cook  severing  his  connections 
with  the  Abraham  Lincoln  Council  on  October  15,  1927. 

Since  that  time  the  executive  has  given  personal  attention  to  these  troops, 
assisted  by  visitations  by  Mr.  Hickey. 

The  troops  are  in  as  good  condition  as  most  troops  are  at  the  close  of  their 
first  year.  It  is  sometimes  very  hard  to  break  in  a  new  group  of  leaders  as  well 
as  change  the  program  for  boys. 

St.  Barbara's  Troop  No.  16  has  had  a  very  hard  struggle  owing  to  the  type 
of  leader  that  could  be  secured  and  owing  to  the  fact  that  Father  Mazir  was 
away  on  his  vacation  for  so  long,  Father  Burtle  feeling  that  he  could  not  go 
ahead  until  he  was  regularly  appointed  as  pastor  of  the  parish. 

S.  S.  Peter  and  Paul  Troop  No.  25  has  also  had  a  change  of  leadership,  owing 
to  the  nervous  breakdown  of  Ed.  Groesch.  Mr.  Albert  Metzger  is  handling  the 
troop  very  nicely  now  as  scoutmaster. 

Sacred  Heart  Troop  No.  28  started  off  in  great  shape  with  Donald  McGrath 
as  scoutmaster  but  in  some  way  he  did  not  receive  the  full  co-operation  and 
support  of  his  troop  committee  and,  because  of  his  youth,  became  discouraged. 
Mr.  J.  Elmer  Moser  has  been  secured  as  scoutmaster  and  the  troop  is  now 
reorganizing  and  progressing  more  favorably. 

St.  Joseph's  Troop  No.  29  started  with  Dan  Hackett  as  scoutmaster  and  a 
large  group  of  scouts  but  for  some  reason  unknown  to  headquarters,  Mr.  Hackett 
lost  interest  and  Victor  Stevenson  is  now  acting  scoutmaster.  Interest  is  re- 
newed in  the  troop  and  they  are  progressing  very  nicely. 

Cathedral  Troop  No.  30.  This  troop  had  the  most  promising  record  up  until 
Ernest  G.  Holtman,  chairman  of  the  troop  committee,  found  it  impossible  to  be 
present  on  account  of  illness  at  home,  and  Mr.  Romeo  Vespa  had  not  been  given 
full  charge  of  the  troop.  Now  I  think  Mr.  Vespa  will  be  able,  after  he  has  gone 
through  a  training  course  and  with  the  assistance  of  some  of  the  young  men,  to 
bring  Troop  30  back  up  to  standard. 

Blessed  Sacrament  Troop  No.  31  was  the  first  troop  to  organize  under  the 
leadership  of  Mr.  Raymond  May.  Mr.  May  has  had  a  very  fine  record  in  ad- 
vancement and  camp  attendance  and  has  handled  this  troop  remarkably  well. 

St.  Agness  Troop  No.  32  was  organized  in  May,  1927,  and  at  first  it  was 
very  hard  for  the  boys  to  become  adjusted  to  the  new  program  but  this  troop 
has  taken  the  lead,  under  the  leadership  of  Mr.  Elmer  C.  Slagle,  in  advancement 
and  they  were  also  well  represented  at  the  scout  camp. 

Second  Troop  at  the  Cathedral,  Troop  No.  34,  was  organized  late  in  Decem- 
ber, under  the  leadership  of  John  B.  Hunt  and  Harold  Derrington  as  assistant. 
The  troop  is  doing  very  nicely  and  interest  seems  to  be  increasing. 

597 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

St.  Patrick's  Troop  No.  36  was  organized  in  January,  1928,  and  is  the 
newest  of  the  troops.  Mr.  Alfred  G.  Hill  took  the  position  as  scoutmaster. 
Mr.  Hickey  has  visited  this  troop  each  week  and  has  given  considerable 
assistance  by  securing  scouts  and  leaders  from  other  troops  to  come  in  and 
instruct  the  boys  in  signaling,  knot  tying,  etc.  We  have  the  promise  of  a  new 
leader,  Mr.  Elmer  Townsend,  who  I  am  sure  will  be  very  good  and  continue  to 
push  the  advancement  and,  through  advancement  the  growth  of  the  scout  troop. 

All  the  troops  were  very  generally  represented  at  the  camp  last  summer,  also 
in  the  Inter-troop  Efficiency  contest,  Merit  Badge  Exposition  which  was  spon- 
sored by  our  local  Rotary  Club,  and  the  Inter-troop  Scout  Circus.  Mr.  Hickey 
has  been  visiting  Troops  No.  28,  30  and  36  regularly. 

There  are  now  nine  Catholic  troops  with  177  scouts.  Advancement  has  been 
up  to  standard  and  with  arrangements  at  the  K.  of  C.  for  swimming  classes, 
many  of  the  scouts  should  soon  receive  their  first  class  advancement  and  continue 
through  their  merit  badge  work. 

The  summer  Camp  Sangamo  will  open  June  13  and  continue  for  5  periods, 
closing  August  13 ;  the  last  week  being  given  over  to  the  colored  scouts. 

The  second  year  should  see  quite  a  general  progress  of  scouts  in  these 
troops,  every  troop  gradually  coming  up  to  the  full  enrollment  of  32  scouts — 
this  would  make  a  total  of  280  scouts  in  the  9  troops.  This  will  be  our  goal 
for  1928. 

ANCIENT  ORDER  OF  HIBERNIANS 

Established  in  America  in  1836,  In  Springfield  in  1852. 

It  is  probable  that  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians  was  organized  in  County 
Kildare,  Ireland,  by  Prince  Rory  0  'Moore  in  the  year  1565  to  defend  the  homes 
and  families,  the  altars  and  priests,  against  the  religious  persecutions  of  that 
time.  Prince  Rory  0 'Moore  gave  to  the  faithful  members  the  name  of  "The 
Defenders"  because  they  served  God  as  faithful  sentinels  to  the  priests  while 
saying  Mass,  on  the  mountains,  in  the  valleys  and  glens. 

The  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians  was  established  in  New  York  in  1836. 
Before  their  organization  they  received  authority  and  greetings  from  their 
brothers  in  Ireland  as  follows:  "Be  it  known  to  you  and  to  all  whom  it  may 
concern  that  we  send  to  our  few  brothers  in  New  York  full  instructions  with  our 
authority  to  establish  branches  of  our  society  in  the  United  States  of  America. 
The  qualifications  for  membership  must  be :  '  All  the  members  must  be  Catholics 
and  Irish  or  Irish  descent  and  of  good  moral  character,  and  none  of  your  mem- 
bers shall  join  any  secret  societies  contrary  to  the  laws  of  the  Catholic  Church 
and  at  all  times  and  places  your  Motto  shall  be,  "Friendship,  Unity,  and  True 
Christian  Charity '." 

The  Ladies'  Auxiliary  to  the  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians  was  established 
in  Omaha,  Nebraska,  in  May,  1894,  and  has  the  same  objects  and  principles  as 
the  male  branch  which  are : 

1.     To  promote  friendship,  unity  and  Christian  charity  among  its  members. 

598 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS  AND  ASSOCIATIONS 

2.  To  uphold  and  sustain  loyalty  to  the  government  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  by  the  members  of  this  organization  living  in  America,  or  whatever 
government  under  which  its  members  may  be  citizens. 

3.  To  aid  and  advance  by  all  legitimate  means  the  aspirations  and  endeav- 
ors of  the  Irish  people  for  complete  and  absolute  independence. 

4.  And  to  foster  the  ideals  and  cultivate  the  history  and  traditions  of  the 
Irish  race  throughout  the  world. 

Its  membership  is  confined  exclusively  to  practical  Catholics  of  Irish  blood 
or  descent,  who  are  citizens  of  the  United  States  or  who  have  declared  their 
intention  to  become  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  to  citizens  of  the  common- 
wealths of  Canada  or  of  any  other  Democratic  government  on  the  Western 
Hemisphere. 

Its  work  embraces  every  lawful  demand  of  Christian  friendship  and  frater- 
nity between  its  members  and  the  protection  of  all  dependent  upon  them.  Under 
its  Constitution,  provision  is  made  for  the  care  of  the  sick  and  infirm  among  the 
membership  and  for  the  protection  of  widows  and  orphans  in  accordance  with 
the  dictates  of  Christian  fraternity. 

A  branch  of  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians  was  established  in  Springfield  in 
1852  and  a  second  branch  in  1862.  Branches  were  established  at  other  points  in 
the  diocese,  mostly  by  Springfield  members,  at :  Greenview,  Illinois,  1886 ;  Can- 
trail,  Illinois,  1894;  Riverton,  Illinois,  1894;  Gillespie,  Illinois,  1895;  Staunton, 
Illinois,  1895;  Auburn,  Illinois,  1900;  Pawnee,  Illinois,  1900;  New  Berlin,  Illi- 
nois, 1900 ;  Witt,  Illinois,  1912. 

The  Hibernians  of  Springfield  marched  in  uniform  on  St.  Patrick's  day 
and  celebrated  the  day  in  a  worthy  manner  from  the  year  1852  to  1900.  They 
donated  two  ornamental  windows  to  St.  Agnes  and  St.  Patrick  churches.  Re- 
ceived Holy  Communion  in  a  body  at  different  churches,  particularly  St.  Pat- 
rick's. They  allow  thirteen  weeks'  sick  benefit  of  $5.00  for  each  week;  they 
visit  the  sick  and  give  $75.00  to  funeral  expenses  for  each  deceased  member. 

The  pioneer  Springfield  members  now  deceased  are :  Justice  Robert  Con- 
nolly, known  as  "Square  Connolly";  William  Reilly,  Gean  Colgan,  Major  Tom 
Doyle,  who  received  the  title  of  Major  because  he  was  band  Major  in  the  St. 
Patrick's  day  parades;  John  McGarrity,  Bernard  Kelly,  Cormack  Cunningham, 
Thomas  O'Brien,  Edward  Fines,  Maurice  Healy,  Andrew  Clifford,  Right  Rev- 
erend Monsignor  Timothy  Hickey,  James  Hogan. 

The  pioneer  living  members  over  twenty  years  in  the  society  are :  Patrick 
Boyle,  50  years;  James  Morris,  45  years;  Hugh  Sullivan,  44  years;  James  Con- 
Ion,  44  years;  Peter  Beaghan,  42  years;  J.  W.  Mullaney,  40  years;  Thomas 
Breenan,  40  years ;  Jack  Clark,  36  years ;  De  Clark,  36  years ;  John  Breenan,  33 
years;  Chas.  Daughton,  30  years;  Maurice  Powers,  30  years;  James  Creighton, 
30  years;  John  P.  Breenan,  30  years;  Edward  Egan,  25  years;  Judge  James 
Reilly,  25  years;  Patrick  McConnell,  25  years;  Patrick  Hoban,  25  years,  and 
D.  Creighton,  25  years. 

The  chaplains  were :  Fathers  L.  C.  Ryan,  J.  J.  Connelly,  Timothy  Smith, 
and  P.  Heslin. 

599 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

Under  the  inspiration  and  assistance  of  our  Bishop,  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  who  is  state  chaplain  of  the  Hibernians,  a  campaign  is  fostered  to 
increase  membership  and  fresh  activities,  especially  in  placing  Irish  histories  in 
our  schools. 

The  order  has  always  been  conspicuous  for  its  love  of  the  clergy  and  its 
desire  to  know  and  to  exemplify  the  ideals  of  the  Catholic  Church.  In  the  early 
days  of  its  organization  in  the  states  the  pioneers  were  often  subjected  to  perse- 
cution and  discrimination  was  frquently  resorted  to  in  order  to  break  or  weaken 
their  love  for  the  Emerald  Isle.  In  spite  of  this  unhappy  condition,  the  Hiber- 
nians have  always  been  true  to  God  and  country  and  they  have  played  no  small 
part  in  the  material,  cultural  and  religious  life  of  America. 

THE  CENTRAL  VEREIN  AND  ITS  CENTRAL  BUREAU 
Organized  in  1855. 

The  Catholic  Central  Verein  of  America  is  the  oldest  Catholic  lay  organiza- 
tion of  nation-wide  scope  in  the  United  States.  It  is  composed  of  nineteen  State 
Federations  made  up  of  over  one  thousand  two  hundred  Catholic  societies  pur- 
suing either  tasks  of  a  religious,  charitable  or  educational  nature  (men's  sodal- 
ities, benevolent,  fraternal  societies,  school  societies,  orphan  societies,  societies 
of  Catholic  journeymen,  etc.),  and  a  number  of  societies  in  such  states  as  Colo- 
rado, Idaho,  Kentucky,  Nebraska.  The  Central  Verein 's  total  membership  is 
roughly  one  hundred  thousand. 

The  Women 's  branch  of  the  Central  Verein,  the  National  Catholic  Women 's 
Union,  organized  in  1913,  is  growing  and  numbers  approximately  fifty  thousand 
members,  most  of  whom  are  affiliated  through  state  branches. 

Organized  in  1855,  the  Central  Verein  early  pursued  as  one  of  its  aims  the 
fortification  of  its  members  in  the  Faith ;  their  introduction  to  American  parish 
life  and  to  a  full  participation  in  the  duties  and  functions  of  citizenship;  the 
protection  of  German  Catholic  immigrants  and  directing  them  into  communities 
where  they  could  take  root;  their  guidance  in  the  face  of  the  solicitation  of 
irreligious  and  anti-religious  societies  of  their  own  countrymen. 

An  outstanding  aim  of  the  Central  Verein  has  always  been  the  instruction 
of  its  members  on  the  Catholic  attitude  toward  questions  of  public  moment. 
Year  after  year,  at  its  annual  conventions,  held  in  different  parts  of  the  country, 
topics  of  major  import  were  treated  of  by  competent  men,  and  this  ambition  has 
been  fostered  down  to  the  present,  thus  stressing  the  interest  the  organization  has 
in  preparing  at  least  a  Catholic  minority  to  take  a  prudent  and  correct  stand  on 
questions  pertaining  to  church,  state  and  society  and  the  duties  of  Catholics. 

The  payment  of  sick  and  death  benefits  by  the  component  societies;  assist- 
ance in  promoting  and  developing  the  Leo  House  in  New  York,  for  the  service 
of  German  Catholic  immigrants ;  moral  and  financial  support  of  the  Salesianum, 
the  Seminary  at  St.  Francis,  Wisconsin,  and  the  Pontifical  College  Josephinum, 
at  Columbus,  Ohio ;  championing  of  the  cause  of  parochial  schools,  against  indif- 
ference, criticism,  and  active  opposition ;   intelligent  opposition  to  the  Know 

GOO 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Nothing  and  the  A.  P.  A.  Movements ;  promotion  of  the  Catholic  Press  by  dec- 
larations of  principle  and  by  financial  support  on  the  part  of  the  members ;  the 
fostering  of  devotion  to  the  clergy,  the  hierarchy  and  the  Holy  See,  and  the 
gathering,  as  far  as  possible  once  a  year,  of  a  Peter 's  Pence ;  the  raising  of  funds 
for  victims  of  catastrophes, — these  are  among  the  outstanding  interests  and 
activities  of  the  Central  Verein  from  its  earliest  days  down  to  the  dawn  of  the 
present  century. 

Until  that  time  a  union  of  societies,  the  Central  Verein  became,  shortly  after 
1900,  a  federation  of  state  leagues.  All  the  while,  under  the  earlier  form  as 
well  as  under  the  later  form  of  organization,  the  Central  Verein  remained  a  non- 
political  Catholic  body,  interesting  itself  in  religious  and  secular  questions,  but 
never  identifying  itself  with  any  political  party  or  an  out-and-out  political 
movement. 

The  organzation  of  .state  leagues,  which  foster  the  formation  and  activity  of 
district  leagues,  accomplished,  the  Central  Verein  was  ready,  in  1907,  to  respond 
to  the  newer  exigencies  of  Catholic  thought  and  the  needs  of  the  times  by  ap- 
pointing a  committe  on  Social  Propaganda  and  authorizing  the  founding  of  a 
central  bureau  for  Catholic  Social  Action  under  the  direction  of  that  committee. 
The  chief  activities  of  the  central  bureau  as  now  functioning  may  be  grouped 
under  the  following  heads : 

Publication  of  "Central  Blatt  and  Social  Justice,"  and  the  "Bulletin  of 
the  Catholic  Women's  Union,"  two  monthlies,  devoted  to  social  study  and 
Catholic  Action;  a  weekly  Press  Service,  sent  without  charge  to  English  and 
German  Catholic  papers  and  magazines  in  the  United  States  and  abroad ;  Free 
Leaflets,  offered  the  affiliated  societies  of  men  and  women  (  latest  numbers  43 
English  and  37  German) ;  Brochures  on  questions  of  principle  and  public  issues, 
sold  at  moderate  prices ;  monthly  letters  to  leaders  in  our  movement  in  the 
various  states.  A  special  library  of  12,000  volumes  has  been  built  up  and  a 
reference  registry  containing  over  2,000  folders. 

The  Bureau  founded  and  maintains  St.  Elizabeth  Settlement  and  Day 
Nursery  in  St.  Louis  for  the  purpose  of  demonstrating  the  need  for  institutions 
of  this  kind  and  in  order  to  permit  the  bureau  staff  to  keep  in  touch  with  the 
poor  and  their  problems. 

It  aids  in  the  support  of  missionaries  throughout  the  world  in  an  increasing 
measure;  the  bureau  is  also  engaged  in  founding  of  libraries  and  supplying 
literature,  religious  articles,  etc.,  to  prisons,  jails,  etc.  A  recent  major  undertak- 
ing was  the  publishing  of  a  prayerbook  in  the  language  of  the  Sioux  Indians; 
an  edition  of  5,000  copies  was  prepared  and  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  mis- 
sionaries laboring  among  these  people,  as  a  free  gift,  the  bureau  soliciting  the 
required  sum  from  the  members  of  the  Central  Verein. 

The  bureau  conducts  social  study  courses  and  provides  lecturers.  It  pursues 
research  work  and  gives  information  involving  research  gratis. 

These  and  other  educational  and  charitable  activities  are  regularly  pursued 
by  the  central  bureau,  and  numerous  expressions  of  appreciation  of  its  labors 
have  come  to  it  from  Cardinals,  Archbishops,  priests  and  laymen  in  various 

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DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

walks  of  life.  At  the  same  time  it  has,  during  the  well-nigh  twenty  years  of  its 
existence,  exerted  a  fructifying  influence  on  the  state  leagues  composing  the 
Central  Verein  and  their  societies.  Since  1907  these  leagues  have  developed  a 
greater  oneness  in  endeavor  and  have  attained  to  creditable  results  in  an  edu- 
cational way  through  their  state  and  district  meetings,  while  in  a  material  way 
they  have  achieved  truly  remarkable  attainments  by  providing  some  $65,000.00 
for  soldiers'  and  sailors'  welfare  work  during  the  war;  by  raising  moneys  for 
European  after-war  relief  (more  than  $700,000.00  in  cash  have  passed  to 
Europe  from  our  members  through  the  financial  secretary  of  the  Central  Verein 
and  the  central  bureau);  in  contributing  some  $47,000.00  toward  a  "Study 
House"  fund,  held  in  trust  for  purposes  of  the  central  bureau,  and  $196,000.00 
toward  an  endowment  fund  for  the  central  bureau.  Various  state  leagues,  dis- 
trict leagues  and  societies  sent  large  sums  of  money  to  the  stricken  people  of 
central  Europe  through  channels  other  than  the  Central  Verein  or  the  bureau, 
special  impetus  to  relief  activity  having  been  given  by  a  letter  addressed  to  the 
Central  Verein  by  Benedict  XV,  in  1919.  All  in  all,  a  record  of  creditable 
achievement,  for  which  recognition  has  not  been  lacking.  In  fact,  in  addition  to 
highly  cherished  commendations  from  various  sources,  the  Central  Verein  prizes 
most  a  truly  remarkable  communication  from  His  Holiness,  Pius  XI,  addressed 
by  the  Papal  Secretary  of  State,  Cardinal  Gasparri,  to  the  Bishop  of  Cleveland, 
Right  Reverend  Joseph  Schrembs,  on  the  occasion  of  the  sixty-ninth  general 
convention  of  the  organization,  held  in  1925.    This  singular  document  reads : 

"The  Holy  Father  has  obtained  with  real  satisfaction  from  Your  Most 
Illustrious  and  Most  Reverend  Lordship  information  concerning  the  praise- 
worthy activities  of  the  German  Roman  Catholic  Central  Verein,  which  has  dur- 
ing its  long  existence  of  more  than  sixty  years  given  numerous  proofs  of  its 
fidelity  to  the  See  of  Peter,  and  has  won  such  great  merits  in  the  field  of  Cath- 
olic social  action,  always  taking  the  lead  at  the  head  of  similar  associations,  and 
always  observing  closely  the  papal  documents  concerning  Catholic  action  and 
the  instructions  of  the  Holy  See. 

"The  August  Pontiff  has  taken  cognizance  of  this  information  with  genuine 
interest,  and,  knowing  that  the  said  society  is  to  conduct  its  annual  convention 
in  the  city  of  Cleveland  this  year,  entrusts  to  Your  Lordship  the  mission  of  com- 
municating to  that  convention  the  Apostolic  Blessing,  which  He  imparts  from 
His  whole  heart  to  all  members  and  their  families  and  the  activities  of  the 
society  which  are  so  full  of  promise  for  good." 

THE  SPRINGFIELD  PEACE  CONFERENCE  AND  CONVENTION 

A  unique  event  of  a  distinctly  Catholic  character  in  the  recent  history  of 
the  Diocese  and  city  of  Springfield  transpired  on  June  25-29,  1926.  It  was  the 
first  major  American  Catholic  demonstration  in  the  interest  of  international  con- 
ciliation, having  been  arranged  by  the  Catholic  Central  Verein  of  America,  and 
being  preceded  and  followed  by  the  seventieth  general  convention  of  that  or- 
ganization of  men  and  women.  The  two  momentous  events  of  June  26th  were 
a  demonstration  of  international  amity  at  the  tomb  of  Abraham  Lincoln  in   the 

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DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

afternoon,  marked  by  addresses  delivered  by  their  Eminences  Cardinals  Faul- 
haber,  of  Munich,  and  Piffl,  of  Vienna,  and  His  Excellency,  Monsignor  Ignatius 
Seipel,  twice  Prime  Minister  of  Austria.  Surrounded  by  half  a  score  of  bishops 
and  other  ecclesiastical  dignitaries  from  various  countries  in  Europe  and  by  a 
large  gathering  of  prelates,  clergymen  and  lay  people  from  some  twenty  states 
of  the  Union,  these  eminent  churchmen  laid  wreaths  on  the  sarcophagus  con- 
taining the  remains  of  the  noble-minded  Emancipator  and  Conciliator,  voicing 
their  deep  regard  for  this  great  man  and  urging  understanding  between  the 
nations  of  the  world. 

The  second  act  of  this  peace  drama  was  the  conference  on  ideals  of  peace, 
held  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  in  the  Gold  Room  of  Hotel  Abraham  Lincoln. 
Their  Eminences,  the  Cardinals,  Dr.  Seipel,  the  Bishops  of  Osnabrueck  in  Ger- 
many, of  Klagenfurt-Gurk  in  Carinthia,  the  Apostolic  Administrator  of  Inns- 
bruck, and  other  dignitaries,  among  them  the  Bishop  of  Springfield,  set  forth 
their  convictions  concerning  the  groundwork  of  international  conciliation. 

A  third  public  event  of  those  days,  following  upon  the  Eucharistic  Congress 
at  Chicago,  was  the  Pontifical  High  Mass  on  Sunday  morning,  June  27,  cel- 
ebrated by  Bishop  Griffin  in  the  presence  of  both  cardinals,  the  Bishop  deliver- 
ing the  sermon ;  while  the  fourth  was  a  mass  meeting  of  vast  proportions  held  in 
the  afternoon  in  the  Armory,  their  Eminences  the  Cardinals  and  the  Reverend 
Alphonse  M.  Schwitalla,  S.J.,  of  St.  Louis  University,  being  the  principal 
speakers,  the  keynote  of  the  addresses  being  the  Holy  Eucharist  and  Inter- 
national Peace. 

THE  WESTERN  CATHOLIC  UNION 
Organized  in  1877. 

On  October  6,  1877,  a  meeting  was  called  by  Mr.  J.  J.  Becher,  a  prominent 
Catholic  of  Quincy,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  general  Catholic  Benevolent 
Society.  After  a  thorough  discussion,  which  brought  out  the  fact  that  non- 
sectarian  benevolent  and  insurance  societies  were  organizing  throughout  the 
country  and  were  soliciting  our  Catholics  to  affiliate,  many  of  them  of  question- 
able character,  it  was  decided  to  form  a  Catholic  organization,  and  the  following 
Catholic  gentlemen,  all  prominent  in  Quincy,  subscribed  their  names  as  the 
organizers  of  the  society,  which  it  was  decided  to  name  "The  Western  Catholic 
Union " :  J.  J.  Becher,  George  J.  Metzger,  John  J.  Metzger,  Anton  Heine,  John 
Heine,  Frederick  Giefing,  Anton  Zimmerman,  M.  Zimmermann,  H.  Muehlenfeld, 
Joseph  Jacoby,  A.  B.  Hellhake,  Casper  Freiburg,  A.  H.  Heine. 

A  committee  composed  of  J.  J.  Becher,  A.  H.  Heine,  J.  J.  Metzger,  George  J. 
Metzger  and  Joseph  Jacoby  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution  for  the 
future  society  and  report  at  the  next  meeting  which  was  held  October  21,  1877. 
At  this  meeting  the  constitution  was  adopted  as  prepared  by  the  committee  and 
Mr.  Henry  Steinkamp  was  elected  president,  pro  tern,  Mr.  J.  J.  Becher,  secre- 
tary, pro  tern,  and  Mr.  A.  B.  Hellhake,  recording  secretary,  pro  tern.  This  meet- 
ing was  called  to  order  by  Mr.  Henry  Steinkamp. 

The  next  meeting  was  held  on  October  30,  1877,  by  the  temporary  officers 

60:i 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

elected  at  the  former  meeting.  At  this  time  the  following  permanent  officers 
were  elected  to  serve  for  one  year. 

The  first  permanent  officers  were :  Mr.  A.  H.  Heine,  president,  Mr.  Henry 
Steinkamp,  vice  president ;  Mr.  J.  J.  Becher,  financial  secretary ;  Mr.  A.  B.  Hell- 
hake,  recording  secretary;  Mr.  Anton  Binkert,  treasurer,  and  the  five  trustees, 
as  follows :  George  Terdenger,  Joseph  Jacoby,  Louis  Stern,  John  Heine  and 
Michael  Ullman,  and  it  was  decided  to  name  this  organization  "Supreme  Coun- 
cil of  the  Western  Catholic  Union." 

The  first  branch,  namely  St.  Nicholas  No.  1,  was  organized  in  November, 
1877,  with  A.  H.  Heine,  president ;  J.  J.  Becher,  secretary,  and  A.  B.  Hellhake, 
assistant  secretary.  It  was  then  that  a  charter  was  received  from  the  state, 
organizing  the  Western  Catholic  Union  as  the  "Supreme  Council  of  the  Western 
Catholic  Union."  After  the  receipt  of  this  charter,  the  society  was  ready  to  do 
business,  and  with  this  small  beginning  the  Western  Catholic  Union  entered  the 
field  of  Catholic  fraternal  societies,  adopting  as  its  motto:  "Go  forth,  holding 
in  one  hand  the  book  of  Christian  truth,  and  in  the  other  the  constitution  of  the 
United  States."  Ever  since  its  inception  it  has  been  a  champion  of  the  widow 
and  orphan;  the  champion  of  everything  that  the  Catholic  Church  teaches  and 
stands  for,  and  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  one  society  that  has  steadfastly 
insisted  that  its  members  must  educate  their  children  in  our  parochial  schools 
wherever  possible.  This  stand  has  been  maintained  from  its  inception  until  the 
present  day. 

The  local  branches  were  empowered  to  pay  sick  benefits  and  the  Supreme 
Council  paid  death  benefits.  The  money  for  such  benefits  was  at  first  collected  by 
each  member  paying  $1.05  at  the  death  of  a  member  and  the  widow  or  the 
beneficiary  received  as  many  dollars  as  were  collected.  The  extra  five  cents  was 
used  to  cover  the  running  expenses  of  the  society.  This  method  was  followed 
until  the  year  1895,  when  it  was  decided  to  change  the  plan,  and  a  level  rate 
system  was  adopted,  so  that  every  member  knew  exactly  the  amount  of  money 
he  was  to  contribute  toward  the  mortuary  fund.  Unfortunately  the  same  mis- 
take was  made  that  every  other  fraternal  society  made  in  that  period,  namely, 
the  level  rates  were  not  based  upon  scientific  insurance  principles,  mostly  for 
the  reason  that  life  insurance  statistics  were  not  as  available  as  they  are  today, 
and  the  result  was  that  in  1904  the  organization  realized  that  a  change  was 
necessary  if  the  society  was  to  survive,  and  accordingly  rates  based  upon  the 
Fraternal  Congress  mortality  table,  a  table  recognized  by  all  fraternal  societies, 
was  adopted  for  all  new  members  who  would  affiliate  after  January  1,  1925. 
A  slight  change  was  made  by  adding  slightly  to  the  contributions  of  the  then 
existing  membership.  After  an  agitation  which  lasted  for  ten  years,  the  society 
at  its  convention  in  Joliet,  Illinois,  in  1916,  applied  these  rates  to  the  members 
that  had  joined  prior  to  1905.  Thus,  for  the  first  time  making  the  Western 
Catholic  Union  an  adequate  rate  society,  enabling  it  to  pay  its  promises  to  the 
extent  of  100  cents  on  the  dollar  for  all  time  to  come. 

In  1920  additional  new  certificates  with  additional  privileges  were  au- 
thorized and  the  rates  for  these  certificates  were  based  on  the  American  Expe- 

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DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND    ASSOCIATIONS 

rience  table,  thus  placing  the  Western  Catholic  Union  in  direct  competition  with 
the  highest  class  of  life  insurance  in  the  country.  The  degree  of  solvency  of  the 
Western  Catholic  Union  is  now  well  over  100  per  cent,  thus  insuring  to  every 
member  the  payment  in  full  of  his  certificates. 

While  radical  changes  were  made  in  the  financial  affairs  of  the  society,  no 
changes  were  made  in  the  fundamental  Catholic  character  of  the  society.  From 
the  small  beginning  in  1877  of  Branch  No.  1,  we  have  today  organized  additional 
new  branches  until  the  last  one  organized  was  No.  276.  The  orthodox  Catholic 
character  of  the  membership  in  the  Western  Catholic  Union,  the  general  Cath- 
olic character  of  the  society,  and  the  promptness  with  which  it  paid  its  obliga- 
tions spread  the  fame  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union  beyond  the  limits  of 
Quincy,  and  the  second  branch  was  organized  in  the  city  of  Springfield,  the 
third  and  fourth  branches  again  in  Quincy,  and  the  fifth  branch  in  Mt.  Sterling. 
In  the  nineties  the  organization  spread  to  the  state  of  Missouri  and  later,  in  1905, 
to  Iowa  and  Kansas,  so  that  today  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Western  Catholic 
Union  covers  four  states,  with  the  prospect  of  admission  into  two  additional 
states  in  the  very  near  future. 

In  1912  it  was  decided  to  admit  the  ladies  and  in  1916  the  children  were 
also  admitted.  Beginning  with  a  small  handful  of  Catholic  men  in  1877,  the 
order  has  grown  now  to  a  membership  of  over  14,000  Catholic  men,  women  and 
children  distributed  in  the  four  above  named  states.  From  a  makeshift  of  an 
insurance  society  in  1877,  it  has  been  built  up  to  one  of  the  safest  and  most 
modern  life  insurance  institutions  in  the  country,  and  a  leader  among  our  real 
Catholic  fraternal  institutions. 

Under  the  spiritual  guidance  of  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Janssen  of  Belle- 
ville, the  order  became  a  power  in  Catholic  circles,  and  the  influence  of  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  who  attended  most  of  our  early  conventions  has  injected 
into  our  society  a  spirit  that  permeates  every  branch  of  the  Western  Catholic 
Union. 

The  headquarters  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union  in  the  Springfield  Diocese, 
formerly  the  Alton  Diocese,  makes  it  naturally  the  biggest  of  any  diocese  or- 
ganization in  our  territory.  It  is  the  only  national  Catholic  fraternal  society 
that  maintains  its  headquarters  in  the  Springfield  Diocese.  There  are  very  few 
prosperous  parishes  in  this  diocese  that  do  not  have  at  least  one  branch  of  the 
order.  It  can  truthfully  be  said  that  the  Western  Catholic  Union  has  become 
a  valuable  asset  to  the  parishes  in  our  jurisdiction.  These  branches  have  worked 
in  harmony  with  their  pastors  and  each  has  made  itself  a  valuable  part  of  the 
parish.     The  finances  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union  are  in  splendid  condition. 

The  assets  today  are  approximately  $1,200,000.00.  The  membership,  ap- 
proximately 15,000.  In  1925  the  Western  Catholic  Union  building  was  erected 
in  Quincy,  ten  stories  high,  absolutely  fire-proof  and  modern  down  to  the  small- 
est detail.  This  building  will  stand  indefinitely  as  a  monument  to  the  early 
founders  of  the  order  and  its  present  membership.  Here  in  this  building  are 
located  the  headquarters  of  the  supreme  council  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union. 

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DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

the  supreme  office  which  is  conducted  in  a  modern,  scientific  and  up-to-date 
manner. 

The  Western  Catholic  Union  building  spells  the  last  word  in  modern  office 
building  construction.  The  passenger  elevators  installed  by  the  Otis  Elevator 
Company  are  of  the  latest  type,  being  known  as  the  gearless  type,  speed  600  feet 
per  minute,  micro-drive,  which  insures  automatic  leveling  with  the  floor  at  each 
elevator  stop,  automatic  door  openers  and  closers.  The  elevator  cars  are  of  the 
latest  type  bronze  metal  finish.  Special  elevator  for  freight  and  passengers  in 
the  rear  of  the  building.  In  addition  to  the  office  space  in  the  building,  a  com- 
plete equipment  for  a  real  community  house  has  been  installed,  beginning  with 
a  modern,  spoon  shaped,  white-tiled,  regulation  size  swimming  pool  in  the  base- 
ment together  with  shower  baths,  dressing  rooms  and  lockers,  open  to  the  lady 
club  members  on  Monday  and  Thursday  of  each  week  and  to  the  men  members 
of  the  Western  Catholic  Union  Club  the  rest  of  the  time.  Special  arrangements 
have  been  made  to  take  care  of  the  children  of  club  members  on  Saturday  morn- 
ing, as  well  as  children  attending  colleges  and  schools. 

On  the  seventh  floor  are  the  lady  club  members'  parlor,  equipped  with 
suitable  furniture  and  draperies,  piano,  up-to-date  radio,  in  every  way  home-like 
and  cozy.  On  the  tenth  floor  are  the  men's  club  rooms,  consisting  of  fine,  nicely 
furnished  lounging  room  and  library  with  a  radio  equipment  which  is  the  last 
word  in  its  line,  beautiful  pool  and  billiard  room,  card  rooms  and  refreshment 
room,  and  in  addition  to  this,  a  small  dining  room  where  light  lunches  are  served. 
Here  on  this  floor  is  also  located  the  Western  Catholic  Union  auditorium,  one  of 
the  largest  auditoriums  in  Quincy  and  by  far  the  finest  in  the  city.  Here  accom- 
modations can  be  secured  for  banquets,  seating  over  six  hundred.  The  audito- 
rium is  equipped  with  a  concert  Grand  Weber  piano.  The  lighting  arrangement 
was  especially  designed  by  the  Gross  Chandelier  Company  of  St.  Louis,  the 
decorations  by  Schanbacher  and  Son  of  Springfield,  Illinois.  A  picture  of  this 
auditorium  can  best  be  imagined  by  the  words  that  are  almost  universally  spoken 
by  those  who  enter  it  for  the  first  time,  they  simply  say  "  It 's  a  dream. ' '  On  the 
eleventh  floor,  the  roof,  is  a  wonderful  roof  garden  with  a  refreshment  stand, 
waxed  floor,  colored  lighting  effects,  the  show  place  of  all  Quincy  and  the  one 
spot  where  a  birdseye  view  of  the  city  of  Quincy,  the  grand  old  Father  of  Waters, 
the  Mississippi  as  well  as  the  territory  surrounding  Quincy  can  be  had.  On  the 
very  top  of  the  passenger  pent  house,  approximately  185  feet  from  the  street,  is 
a  revolving  searchlight,  illuminating  the  territory  for  miles  and  miles  around 
the  city.  Thus  the  Western  Catholic  Union  has  placed  in  the  beautiful  city  of 
Quincy  a  monument  that  all  of  its  citizens  point  to  with  pride,  a  monument  such 
as  few  other  Catholic  insurance  institutions  can  boast  of,  a  monument  not  only 
to  Quincy,  but  also  one  that  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  can  point  to  with  pride. 
In  it  are  housed  not  only  the  supreme  officers  of  the  Western  Catholic  Union,  but 
the  leading  professional  men,  physicians,  dentists,  lawyers,  insurance  and  invest- 
ment officers,  bankers  of  the  city  of  Quincy  and  surrounding  territory.  Only 
high  grade  tenants  are  admitted. 

The   Western    Catholic   Union    up   to    date   has   paid   a   sum   of   almost 

606 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

$5,000,000.00  to  the  beneficiaries  of  deceased  members  and  approximately  one- 
half  million  dollars  in  sick  benefits  through  its  local  branches. 

Everyone  familiar  with  life  insurance  knows  it  is  one  of  the  real  permanent 
life  insurance  institutions  of  the  country.  In  addition  to  this  its  branch  meetings 
are  made  attractive  to  the  members  by  the  addition  of  social  features,  and  the 
aim  of  organization  is  at  this  time,  to  foster  and  promote  physical  and  athletic 
exercises  that  are  clean,  wholesome  and  healthy  for  both  body  and  mind.  It  has 
always  been  officered  by  loyal  and  enthusiastic  Catholic  men  whose  character 
was  above  reproach,  beginning  with  A.  H.  Heine,  first  president;  John  J.  Metz- 
ger,  second  president;  John  H.  Wavering,  Aloysius  Gatz,  Benjamin  Heckle, 
Thomas  J.  Manning,  Herman  F.  Jochem,  and  F.  William  Heckenkamp,  Jr.,  the 
present  incumbent  who  has  held  the  office  since  October,  1904.  The  management 
of  the  supreme  council  rests  with  the  officers  and  the  delegates  who  meet  quadren- 
nially. Every  branch  is  entitled  to  its  quota  of  delegates,  and  this  supreme 
council  makes  the  laws  for  the  order.  The  present  supreme  officers  are :  F.  Wil- 
liam Heckenkamp,  Jr.,  supreme  president ;  J.  A.  Wilhelmi,  supreme  vice  presi- 
dent ;  William  K.  Ott,  supreme  secretary ;  William  Wall,  supreme  assistant  secre- 
tary ;  Frank  A.  Darius,  supreme  treasurer ;  Dr.  M.  H.  Bisdorf ,  supreme  medical 
examiner ;  John  H.  Breer,  chairman  constitution  committee ;  Walter  J.  Ruediger, 
chairman  supreme  trustees;  Herman  H.  Ottens,  secretary  supreme  trustees; 
Frank  J.  Tenk,  supreme  trustee ;  John  Koos,  supreme  trustee ;  Joseph  Wiede- 
mann, supreme  trustee;  James  F.  White,  supreme  trustee;  Phil.  M.  Niemann, 
supreme  trustee ;  Joseph  J.  Fischer,  supervisor  organization  department. 

KNIGHTS  OF  COLUMBUS 

"Knights  of  Columbus"  is  the  name  of  a  fraternal  benefit  society,  which 
was  organized  in  New  Haven,  Connecticut,  under  a  special  charter  granted  by 
the  Legislature  of  that  state  on  February  2,  1882. 

Practical  Catholics  only  are  qualified  for  membership  in  the  Society. 

The  purpose  for  which  it  was  organized  is  the  furnishing  of  life  insurance 
to  its  members,  but  it  has  also  been  authorized  to  establish  and  maintain  chari- 
table, educational  and  cultural  works  and  has  achieved  excellent  results  in  these 
fields. 

Activities  of  the  Society  were  confined  principally  to  the  Eastern  States 
until  the  year  1896.  In  that  year,  on  July  7,  Chicago  Council,  located  at  Chi- 
cago and  numbered  182,  was  organized,  and  thereafter  the  Order  spread  rapidly 
throughout  the  West. 

The  Order  has  now  a  membership  close  to  700,000,  and  has  entered  every 
state  in  the  Union  and  also  Mexico,  Canada  and  Porto  Rico. 

The  Insurance  System 

The  Knights  of  Columbus  since  1901  has  conducted  its  insurance  on  a 
strictly  scientific  basis,  in  consequence  of  which  it  is,  and  will  continue  to  be  able 
to  pay  all  of  its  insurance  obligations  in  full.  It  is  in  this  respect  beyond  ques- 
tion or  criticism.    The  annual  reports  have  been  fully  approved  by  every  state 

607 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

in  which  it  operates,  and  the  statistics  December  31,  1927,  show  130.71  per  cent 
solvency, — meaning  that  for  every  dollar  of  present  and  prospective  liability  for 
insurance,  the  Order  has  present  and  prospective  assets  of  $1.30.  Insurance  is 
written  for  one,  two,  three,  four  or  five  thousand  dollars  at  the  option  of  the  ap- 
plicant, and  may  be  paid  for  on  optional  plans, — either  step-rate  or  level-rate. 
The  plan  applied  when  no  choice  is  expressed  is  one  upon  which  the  member  pays 
a  step-rate,  increasing  at  the  end  of  each  five  years  until  age  fifty  five  is  reached, 
and  a  level-rate  thereafter,  paid  until  age  seventy,  when  the  insurance  is  fully 
paid  up.  The  insurance  is  furnished  at  absolute  cost,  and  under  the  operation  of 
the  paid-up-at-seventy  plan  no  member  ever  pays  more  than  the  face  of  the 
policy,  while,  of  course,  many  members  pay  much  less.  The  difference  is  made  up 
from  interest  on  the  invested  insurance  funds. 

The  total  insurance  in  force  April  1,  1928  was  $264,022,533.33.  The  total 
amount  paid  out  on  insurance  since  the  organization  of  the  Society  to  April  1, 
1928,  $26,451,258.40. 

Beneficences 

The  Knights  of  Columbus  first  gained  wide  prominence  by  its  endowment 
of  half  a  million  dollars  settled  upon  the  Catholic  University  of  America  at 
Washington,  D.  C.  It  again  came  into  prominence  by  appropriating  One  Hun- 
dred Thousand  Dollars  from  its  treasury  on  the  day  succeeding  the  San  Fran- 
cisco earthquake  and  fire,  and  the  State  Council  of  Illinois  had  the  good  fortune 
to  be  the  first  contributor  outside  California  to  place  funds  in  the  hands  of  the 
San  Francisco  relief  agencies.  The  Order  contributed  generously  in  all  the 
great  flood  and  storm  disasters  as  they  occurred,  and  locally  through  state  Coun- 
cils made  many  donations  to  charitable  and  educational  movements  and  in- 
stitutions. 

War  Work  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus 

The  greatest  of  the  Order's  activities  to  the  present  time  is  its  War  work. 
The  Order  first  entered  upon  war  service  work  in  1898,  during  the  Spanish- 
American  War,  when  money  was  voted  and  personal  service  rendered  to  the  re- 
turning soldiers  at  Montauck  Point,  Long  Island. 

When  the  American  Army  was  mobilized  on  the  Mexican  border  in  1917, 
the  Knights  established  a  chain  of  service  buildings  at  their  own  expense  in 
Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  and  carried  on  this  service  for  the  benefit  of 
the  soldiers  in  camp,  also  at  their  own  expense,  and  when  our  forces  went  across 
to  France,  the  Knights  requested  the  Bishops  to  permit  a  number  of  Catholic 
Priests  to  go  to  France,  and  maintained  them  there  as  Catholic  Chaplains.  These 
Knights  of  Columbus  Chaplains  were  afterwards  taken  into  the  regular  service 
by  the  Government.  When  the  Knights  of  Columbus  tendered  their  services  to 
the  Government,  the  tender  was  promptly  and  gratefully  accepted. 

They  issued  a  call  to  the  membership  for  a  fund  of  $1,000,000.00  to  defray 
the  necessary  expenses,  which  was  later  raised  to  $3,000,000.00. 

They  afterwards  participated  in  collecting  the  great  Joint  Welfare  Fund 

608 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

raised  by  the  public  to  finance  this  service.    General  Pershing  sent  the  Order   a 
warm  telegram  of  thanks  for  the  splendid  service  rendered  the  Army  in  France. 

Their  services  to  the  boys  in  the  trenches  and  at  the  front  are  too  well  known 
to  need  comment.  They  drew  no  lines  of  race,  creed  or  color.  All  such  distinc- 
tions were  ignored.  The  uniform  was  the  only  test.  Their  huts  conspicuously 
bore  the  familiar  legend:  "Everybody  Welcome.  Everything  Free."  To  give 
an  idea  of  the  magnitude  upon  which  the  work  was  conducted  by  them,  one 
single  order  included  70,000,000  cigarettes,  2,000,000  corn  cob  pipes  and  75,000 
pounds  of  candy. 

Since  the  war  the  Order  has  been  conscientiously  expending  for  the  benefit 
of  the  ex-service  men  only  what  remained  in  hand  of  the  Joint  Fund.  The  Order 
has  been  conducting  correspondence  schools  of  instruction,  including  various  spe- 
cial studies,  finding  employment  and  helping  the  ex-service  men  in  other  ways, 
— indeed,  in  every  way.  They  even  remembered  the  ex-service  men  on  the  recent 
visit  of  the  Legion  to  France  by  re-establishing  some  of  the  old  time  huts  and 
serving  them  in  the  old  time  way. 

Altogether  the  Knights  of  Columbus  administered  a  fund  of  more  than  $30,- 
000,000.00,  more  than  $10,000,000.00  of  which  was  raised  amongst  its  own  mem- 
bership, and  expended  every  dollar  of  it  in  the  interest  of  the  service  men  with- 
out any  regard  whatever  to  creed,  nationality  or  class. 

Members  of  the  Order  responded  enthusiastically  for  war  service,  and  it  is 
a  notable  fact  that  practically  the  entire  membership  eligible  to  service  under 
the  age  regulations  enlisted  and  served.  Throughout  the  jurisdiction  over  one 
hundred  thousand  Knights  of  Columbus  went  into  the  service  of  the  country, 
and  out  of  the  total  one  thousand  five  hundred  and  two  gave  their  lives.  Several 
of  the  members  of  the  Councils  in  the  Springfield  Diocese  gave  their  lives  and 
several  others  were  decorated  for  bravery.  We  have  not  complete  data  cover- 
ing the  Springfield  Diocese,  but  find  that  out  of  the  twelve  thousand  Knights  of 
Columbus  in  service  from  Illinois  214  gave  their  lives.  In  the  Alton  Council 
Charles  McGuire  and  Edward  Kinney  made  the  supreme  sacrifice,  and  in  Ef- 
fingham, Thomas  Hoffman,  and  in  St.  Sterling,  George  Jelbus,  lost  their  lives. 
Captain  John  M.  Hayes,  M.D.,  of  Decatur,  was  awarded  the  British  Military 
Cross.  R.  A.  Capen  of  Mattoon  received  the  Distinguished  Service  Medal  and 
Croix  De  Guerre.  Thomas  Uhl,  who  was  Grand  Knight  of  Springfield  Council 
when  our  country  came  into  the  war,  entered  the  Second  Officers  Training  Camp 
at  Fort  Sheridan,  Illinois,  and  was  there  commissioned  as  Lieutenant.  He  im- 
mediately went  to  the  front  and  was  the  first  Sangamon  County  man  to  be 
awarded  the  Croix  De  Guerre  for  gallantry  in  action.  At  the  time  he  won  this 
distinction,  he  was  serving  in  the  first  line  trenches  with  the  battery  during  an 
attack  by  the  enemy.  Although  badly  gassed,  he  refused  to  be  sent  to  the  rear, 
and  continued  in  his  place  at  the  guns,  relieving  other  men  who  had  been  over- 
come and  sent  back  of  the  lines.  The  attack  was  repulsed  and  Lieutenant  Uhl 
was  awarded  the  Croix  De  Guerre,  and  also  a  citation  for  bravery  in  action  by 
the  French  Colonel  commanding  the  regiment  of  artillery  with  which  Uhl  was 
then  serving. 

609 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

The  number  of  Knights  of  Columbus  in  the  service  from  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield  was  1,235. 

The  Work  at  Rome 

At  the  request  of  Pope  Benedict  XV,  and  under  the  direction  of  Pope  Pius 
XI,  the  Knights  of  Columbus  established  in  Rome,  at  a  cost  of  more  than 
$1,000,000.00,  five  institutions,  in  as  many  different  parts  of  the  City  of  Rome, 
for  the  education,  recreation  and  training  of  the  youths  of  Rome.  The  establish- 
ment and  the  construction  of  these  great  institutions  was  under  the  control  and 
direction  of  Past  Supreme  Knight  Edward  L.  Hearn,  and  the  cost  was  paid  by 
direct  equal  contributions  of  the  membership. 

When  the  institutions  were  opened  and  officered  under  the  direction  of  the 
Holy  Father,  the  Knights  of  Columbus  transferred  all  right,  title  and  interest 
therein  to  the  Holy  See.  This  is,  perhaps,  the  greatest  civic  accompplishment  of 
the  Order. 

Home  Finding  Activities 

At  the  instance  of  the  then  State  Chaplain,  the  late  lamented  Right  Reverend 
Peter  James  Muldoon,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Rockford,  the  State  Council  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus  of  Illinois,  at  the  Convention  held  in  Dixon,  Illinois,  in 
May,  1911,  adopted  a  resolution  to  enter  upon  the  task  of  finding  homes  for 
orphaned  or  dependent  children,  and  a  state-wide  organization  was  effected  in 
January,  1914,  under  which  systematic  work  was  begun  with  the  approval  of  the 
Church  authorities.  The  work  was  specially  organized  under  a  state  charter 
legalizing  the  Catholic  Home  Finding  Association  of  Illinois.  The  necessary  ex- 
penses and  cost  of  conducting  the  organization  are  paid  from  the  Treasury  of 
the  State  Council  and  collected  with  the  per  capita  tax. 

Since  organization,  the  Association  has  placed  one  thousand  four  hundred 
twenty  children.  Of  these,  eight  hundred  thirty-seven  have  been  legally  adopted 
into  Catholic  families.  One  hundred  sixty  were,  upon  request,  returned  to  the 
institutions  from  which  they  were  sent  to  the  Home  Finding  Association.  Twenty- 
eight  died  after  being  placed.  A  large  number  of  those  adopted  are  considered 
in  ideal  situations.  Many  of  them  have  grown  up  and  become  self-supporting, 
and  a  few  have  married.  There  are  still  265  children  under  supervision,  and  the 
Association  is  placing  a  greater  number  every  year. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  fifty-two  of  the  children  placed  by  the  As- 
sociation came  from  the  Diocesan  Orphanage  of  the  Springfield  Diocese,  and 
were  placed,  at  the  request  of  that  institution,  in  various  parts  of  the  State.  It 
is  also  true  that  eighteen  children  have  been  placed  by  the  Association  in  Catho- 
lic homes  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield. 

State  Deputy  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Edward  Houlihan,  is  the  super- 
intendent and  in  charge  of  the  work  of  Catholic  Home  Finding. 

Knights  of  Columbus  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield 

Springfield  Council  No.  364,  the  first  to  be  established  in  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield,  was  organized  on  March  19,  1899,  with  fifty-five  charter  members. 

610 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,    INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

It  was  the  fifth  Council  established  in  the  State  of  Illinois,  there  being  at  the 
time  three  Councils  in  Chicago  and  one  in  Joliet. 

There  are  now  twenty-seven  Councils  in  the  Springfield  Diocese,  established 
in  the  following  order  :  Springfield,  Alton,  Decatur,  Quincy,  Beardstown,  Carlin- 
ville,  Effingham,  Litchfield,  Paris,  Jacksonville,  Pana,  Mattoon,  Tri-Cities,  Ed- 
wardsville,  Morrissonville,  St.  Isadore  (at  Farmersville ) ,  Mt.  Sterling,  Highland, 
Jerseyville,  Newton,  Collinsville,  Carrollton,  Gillespie,  Taylorville,  Nokomis, 
Staunton  and  Virden. 

Springfield  Council  was  the  mother  Council  of  the  Diocese,  and  played  an  im- 
portant part  in  the  organization  of  many  of  the  Councils  in  the  surrounding  cities, 
especially  Peoria,  Alton,  Bloomington,  Decatur,  East  St.  Louis,  Jacksonville, 
Beardstown,  Lincoln  and  Assumption.  It  also  assisted  materially  in  organizing 
Councils  outside  the  state,  especially  at  St.  Louis  and  Kansas  City  in  Missouri, 
Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  and  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  and  at  a  later  period  within  the 
state  at  Taylorville,  Farmersville,  Clinton,  Litchfield,  Pana,  Amboy,  Ivesdale 
and  Carlinville. 

The  following  table  will  illustrate  the  establishment  and  standing  of  the 
several  Councils: 

The  Knights  op  Columbus  in  the  Diocese 
op  Springfield  in  Illinois 


Co.  No.       Name 


364 

460 

577 

583 

661 

663 

665 

699 

860 

868 

896 

1057 

1098 

1143 

1151 

1152 

1281 

1580 

1692 

1704 

1712 


Springfield 

Alton 

Decatur 

Quincy 

Beardstown 

Carlinville 

Effingham 

Litchfield 

Paris 

Jacksonville 

Pana 

Mattoon 

Tri-Cities 

Edwardsville 

Morrissonville 

St.  Isadore 

Mt.  Sterling 

Highland 

Jerseyville 

Newton 

Collinsville 


Date    Members  Soldiery  Organized  by 

Patrick  L.  McArdle,  S.D. 


3-19- '99  1700  218 

11-12- '99  484  108 

5-  l-'Ol  550  132 

6-  2- '01  430  89 
4-26- '02  92  15 
5-18- '02  91  36 
5-25- '02  165  81 
2-14- '04  170    36     "        " 

5-  8- '04  131    28   Joseph  J.  Thompson,  S.D. 
6-21- '04  285  119     " 

6-10- '04  76    39 

11-26- '05  209    44 

3-  4- '06  337    27     "        " 

6-15- '06  148    29   Lewis  E.  Sauter,  S.D. 

10-  7- '06  144    22    "       " 

10-  7- '06  88    11 

11-17- '07  159        27       James  E.  Maher,  S.D. 

7-  9- '11  162        11      LeRoy  Hackett,  S.D. 

6-  1-'13  158        84          "             " 
9-11- '13  97        27      William  A.  Brown,  S  D 

10-  5- '13  91        52          "                " 


«< 
<< 
<< 
«< 
<< 


it 
<« 


611 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 


1996 

Carrollton 

6-15-19 

175 

2076 

Gillespie 

1-  4- '20 

128 

2120 

Taylorville 

4-11- '20 

97 

2189 

Nokomis 

9-19- '20 

97 

2197 

Staunton 

2-25- '21 

118 

3000 

Virden 

10-16- '21 

63 

.a 

"go 
a  a 

Si  a 

O  u> 


Edward  Houlihan,  S.D. 


Totals 6429     1235 

Knights  of  Columbus  Homes 

The  Councils  of  the  Diocese  have  mostly  grown  strong  and  prosperous,  and 
several  of  them  have  magnificent  homes,  which  answer  as  valuable  Catholic  cen- 
ters. Springfield  Council's  splendid  home  is  certainly  equal  if  not  superior  to 
anything  of  the  kind  throughout  the  jurisdiction.  Alton,  Decatur,  Quincy, 
Jacksonville,  Mattoon,  Tri-Cities,  and  some  others  have  commodious  Homes,  and 
by  means  thereof  add  materially  to  the  social,  as  well  as  educational  and  benevo- 
lent activities  of  the  several  cities  in  which  they  are  located.  Homes  of  a  similar 
character  have  been  established  all  over  the  jurisdiction. 

The  Fourth  Degree 

The  ritual  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  has  been  officially  submitted  to  the 
Church  authorities  and  found  unobjectionable.  No  work  of  the  Order  is  secret 
but  some  of  the  ceremonials  and  most  of  the  meetings  are  private.  All  meetings 
and  all  ceremonials  are  at  all  times  open  to  members  of  the  hierarchy  and  clergy 
and  when  necessary  or  advisable  all  exercises,  ceremonials  and  rituals,  may  be 
shown  to  public  officials  or  others. 

The  exercises,  ceremonials  or  ritual  as  they  are  commonly  called,  are  di- 
vided into  four  parts  to  mark  as  many  stages  of  advancement.  These  are  called 
Degrees.  Each  Degree  has  its  outstanding  characteristic  and  is  exemplified  with 
the  purpose  of  impressing  an  important  principle.  The  first  three  are  more 
private  in  their  nature  than  the  Fourth,  which  being  dedicated  to  patriotism  is 
the  subject  of  reasonable  publicity. 

The  Fourth  Degree  is  usually  conferred  on  or  near  Washington 's  birthday, 
February  22nd  of  each  year.  Only  men  of  high  character  and  good  conduct 
who  have  been  admitted  to  the  first,  second  and  third  degrees  and  have  con- 
tinued their  membership  for  at  least  two  years  may  be  advanced  to  member- 
ship in  the  Fourth  Degree. 

These  great  exemplifications  gather  large  numbers  of  entrants  and  visitors 
and  the  succeeding  banquets  are  invariably  social  triumphs.  It  is  conceded 
that  no  patriotic  movements  or  demonstrations  have  ever  excelled  them  in  main- 
tained interest  and  fervor,  and  perhaps  also  in  the  sound  reasoning  and  patriotic 
eloquence  of  the  ceremonies  and  addresses  incident  thereto. 

The  Fourth  Degree  is  a  separate  but  subsidiary  organization  of  which  John 
H.  Reddin  of  Denver,  Colorado,  is  the  Supreme  Master.     The    jurisdiction    is 


612 


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Catholic  Instruction  Li  '      sioiis,    n>'l     Carlvnvilh 

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DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

divided  into  provinces  and  districts  and  Illinois  has  three  districts, — Thomas  W. 
Flynn  of  Chicago  is  Master  of  the  Northern  District,  James  M.  Graham  of 
Springfield  of  Central  District,  and  Daniel  McGlyn  of  East  St.  Louis  of  the 
Southern  District. 

Membership 

The  total  membership  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  on  April  1,  1928,  was 
693,028,  distributed  amongst  a  total  of  2,501  local  Councils.  The  membership  in 
Illinois  at  the  same  date  was  67,062,  distributed  amongst  163  Councils.  The 
membership  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  is  6,429,  distributed  amongst  27  Coun- 
cils. It  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  important  mutual  organizations  of  all 
history. 

Officers 

Reverend  John  J.  McGivney  is  Supreme  Chaplain,  Martin  H.  Carmody  is 
Supreme  Knight  and  William  J.  McGinley  Supreme  Secretary  with  addresses 
at  the  home  office  in  New  Haven,  Connecticut. 

Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois,  is 
State  Spiritual  Director,  succeeding  the  late  Right  Reverend  Peter  James  Mul- 
doon.  Edward  Houlihan  of  Chicago  is  State  Deputy  Supreme  Knight  and  Henry 
J.  Lynch  of  Chicago  is  State  Secretary. 

The  Supreme  Council  has  published  a  history  of  the  order  in  two  volumes 

compiled  by  the  late  noted  author,  Maurice  Francis  Egan,  and  John  B.  Kennedy. 

The  State  Council  of  Illinois  has  published  a  record  of  the  Kngihts 

of  Columbus  in  Illinois — First  Twenty-Five  Years,  of  which  Past  State  Deputy 

Joseph  J.  Thompson  is  the  author  and  compiler. 

THE  CATHOLIC  ORDER  OF  FORESTERS 

The  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  is  a  fraternal  benefit  society  organized 
under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  composed  of  practical  Catholics.  Men 
and  youths  between  the  ages  of  sixteen  and  sixty  years  are  eligible  to  mem- 
bership. 

The  Order  now  has  a  membership  of  one  hundred  thirty  thousand,  dis- 
tributed through  twenty-nine  states  and  eight  provinces  of  the  United  States 
and  Canada  in  seventeen  hundred  subordinate  Courts. 

The  chief  feature  of  the  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  is  life  insurance.  Cer- 
tificates are  written  for  Five  Hundred  Dollars  and  multiples  thereof  up  to  and 
including  Ten  Thousand  Dollars.  The  insurance  is  written  on  a  level-rate  of 
assessment,  based  upon  the  American  Experience  Table  of  Mortality,  with  re- 
serve funds  invested  at  four  per  cent.  It  now  holds  a  reserve  fund  of  Twenty 
Million  Dollars  invested  in  highest  class  Municipal  and  other  securities. 

Besides  insurance,  the  Order  pays  old  age  and  disability  benefits  and  conducts 
a  juvenile  insurance  division.  The  Order  has  also  taken  part  in  many  other 
religious,  benevolent,  charitable  and  patriotic  activities.  It  played  a  worthy 
part  during  the  World  War,  and  has  made  many  substantial  donations  to  re- 

613 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

ligion  and  charity.  It  has  just  recently  distinguished  itself  by  participating  in 
the  endowment  for  the  College  of  the  Propaganda,  which  his  Eminence,  George 
Cardinal  Mundelein,  arranged  for  his  Holiness  Pope  Pius  XI. 

The  Catholic  Order  op  Foresters  in  the  Diocese  op  Springfield 

There  are  sixteen  Courts  of  the  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  organized  with- 
in the  Diocese  of  Springfield  as  per  the  following  table : 

SUBINORDINATE  COURTS,   SPRINGFIELD  DlOCESE 


No. 

Name  Court 

Location 

Instituted 

M'b'rship 

49 

St.  Mary 

Springfield 

8-  8-1886 

37 

163 

St.  Joseph 

Springfield 

10-19-1890 

37 

172 

St.  Joseph 

Springfield 

2-  1-1891 

25 

181 

St.  Agnes 

Springfield 

4-  3-1891 

77 

193 

St.  Peter 

Springfield 

3-10-1892 

89 

264 

Sacred  Heart 

Decatur 

5-24-1891 

12 

207 

St.  Patrick 

Granite  City 

11-  2-1913 

7 

421 

Litchfield 

Litchfield 

4-  8-1894 

16 

643 

St.  Mary 

Taylorville 

2-28-1897 

13 

680 

St.  Thomas 

Newton 

6-  2-1897 

27 

815 

St.  Mary 

New  Berlin 

3-  6-1898 

33 

1514 

St.  John 

Carrollton 

9-16-1906 

27 

1545 

Immaculate  Conception 

Pittsfield 

3-  4-1917 

12 

1710 

Marquette 

Quincy 

5-14-1911 

52 

1781 

St.  Michael 

Michael 

8-  2-1914 

37 

1808 

Columbus 

Jacksonville 

10-18-1916 

16 

The  various  Courts  have  at  all  times  assisted  the  members  in  the  hour  of 
sickness  and  want.  They  have  given  repeatedly  to  individual  charities,  and  sup- 
ported individuals  and  their  families  in  the  hour  of  stress.  In  these  activities 
the  order  follows  the  scriptural  injunction  "let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what 
thy  right  hand  doth,"  rather  than  the  modern  Community  Chest  and  Pagan 
social  program  of  letting  the  world  know  of  charitable  activities.  In  other 
words,  the  Order  in  Springfield  has  helped  in  the  hour  of  stress,  and  yet  never 
sought  to  gather  by  way  of  collections  or  other  means  to  help  God's  poor. 

The  Supreme  Officers  of  the  Order  are  located  in  the  Chicago  Stock 
Exchange  Building,  Chicago,  Illinois.  The  Supreme  Officers  are  Thomas  H. 
Cannon,  High  Chief  Ranger;  Simeon  Viger,  Vice  High  Chief  Ranger;  Thomas 
F.  McDonald,  High  Secretary;  W.  H.  Meuser,  High  Treasurer,  and  Dr.  J.  B. 
Smyth,  High  Medical  Examiner. 


WOMEN'S  CATHOLIC  ORDER  OF  FORESTERS 

The  Women's  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters  is  a  fraternal  beneficiary  society 
incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Illinois.  It  had  its  inception  in  the 
City  of  Chicago,  July  17,  1891,  and  received  its  Charter  from  the  State  of  Illi- 

614 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

nois  January  31,  1894.  It  is  now  established  in  thirty-two  States  and  Provinces 
throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada. 

The  membership  consists  of  two  classes — benefit  and  social,  totaling  70,000. 

The  insurance  in  force  December  31,  1927,  was  $57,908,421.75;  benefits 
paid  to  December  31,  1927,  $24,832,656.00;  total  assets  December  31,  1927,  $10,- 
561,713.51 ;  solvency  December  31,  1927,  101.75  per  cent. 

The  society  issues  up-to-date  and  progressive  certificates,  Whole  Life,  20- 
Payment  Life  and  Old  Age  Benefit  Paid  Up  at  70,  in  amounts  of  $250.00  and 
multiples  of  $250.00  up  to  $2500.00. 

Practical  Catholic  girls  and  women  between  the  ages  of  16  and  50  years  of 
age,  and  of  good  moral  character  and  in  sound  physical  condition,  are  eligible 
for  membership  in  the  Adult  Department.  Children  between  the  ages  of  1  and 
16  years  of  age  are  eligible  for  membership  in  the  Juvenile  Department  of  the 
organization. 

The  Order  has  a  branch  system  with  ritualistic  form  of  work.  It  aims  to 
promote  unity,  friendship  and  true  Christian  charity  among  its  members.  It  has 
merited  the  esteem  and  commendation  of  the  Hierarchy  and  Priesthood  of  the 
country,  and  it  is  the  aim  of  the  organization  to  so  conduct  its  affairs  as  to  con- 
tinue this  coveted  good  will. 

The  Women's  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters 
in  Diocese  of  Springfield,  Illinois 


No. 

Name  Court 

Location 

Instituted 

68 

St.  James 

Springfield 

4-23-1896 

158 

St.  Elizabeth 

Springfield 

7-  9-1897 

261 

St.  Anna 

Springfield 

5-10-1898 

286 

St.  Columba 

Springfield 

8-12-1898 

924 

St.  Catherine 

Springfield 

9-20-1911 

1090 

Ave  Maria 

Springfield 

11-22-1916 

298 

St.  Rose  of  Lima 

Quincy 

10-  6-1898 

299 

St.  Peter 

Quincy 

10-  6-1898 

368 

St.  Angela 

Quincy 

6-  2-1904 

688 

St.  Mary 

Quincy 

9-17-1906 

717 

Immaculate  Conception 

Quincy 

4-16-1907 

738 

Sacred  Heart 

Alexander 

JO-  6-1907 

565 

St.  Joseph 

Assumption 

2-22-1903 

1185 

Ave  Maria 

Gillespie 

4-19-1922 

448 

St.  Mary 

Litchfield 

2-22-1900 

743 

St.  Maurice 

Morrisonville 

11-25-1907 

939 

St.  Mary 

Mount  Olive 

12-19-1911 

866 

Father   Heffernan 

Mount  Sterling 

■    8-24-1910 

347 

St.  Ann 

New  Berlin 

4-  2-1899 

744 

St.  Mary 

Pawnee 

6-11-1908 

615 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

THE  CATHOLIC  WOMEN'S  COTERIE 

The  Catholic  Women's  Coterie,  founded  March  2,  1908,  was  organized  for 
the  purpose  of  giving  aid  to  St.  Joseph's  Home  for  the  Aged  and  doing  such 
philanthropic  work  as  was  found  necessary. 

With  the  permission  of  Very  Reverend  Timothy  Ilickey  to  found  the  or- 
ganization, the  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  Knights  of  Columhus  Hall.  A  very 
interesting  lecture  was  given  by  Mrs.  Leonara  Lake,  of  Joliet,  Illinois,  who  also 
helped  in  the  organizing  of  the  coterie. 

It  was  decided  at  this  meeting  that  the  name  would  be  Catholic  Women's 
Coterie  and  that  it  would  be  governed  by  a  president,  vice  president,  secretary, 
recording  secretary  and  treasurer.  Mrs.  Philip  Mischler  served  as  first  presi- 
dent and  was  succeeded  in  the  order  named  by  the  following :  Miss  Ellen 
Corbett,  Mrs.  Jerome  0  'Connell,  Mrs.  Henry  Thoma,  Mrs.  Edmund  Burke,  Mrs. 
Jerry  Sexton,  Mrs.  Eva  B.  Fixmer,  and  Mrs.  Adolph  Kunz. 

It  was  also  agreed  that  any  group  of  ten  ladies  could  form  a  circle  and  that 
these  circles  would  each  have  their  officers  consisting  of  a  promoter  and  a  secre- 
tary. The  funds  of  these  ch'cles  are  given  to  the  home  at  the  quarterly  meetings 
of  the  coterie. 

In  1921  the  members  pledged  $200.00  every  three  months  to  the  home.  That 
they  have  kept  their  pledge  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  for  the  fiscal  year  1926- 
1927  $1,289.50  was  raised  and  given  to  the  home. 

During  the  first  years  of  the  coterie,  the  charitable  work  was  attended  to  by 
counsellors  who  were  appointed  by  the  president.  Their  duties  were  to  investi- 
gate cases  in  their  respective  parishes.  Acting  upon  their  reports,  the  coterie 
furnished  many  children  with  school  books  and  clothing,  and  even  some  with 
communion  outfits.  They  also  cared  for  many  needy  families.  In  1921  a  welfare 
board  was  established  and  in  place  of  counsellors,  three  ladies  were  appointed 
by  the  president  to  serve  on  this  board. 

Upon  the  appointment  by  Bishop  Griffin  of  a  social  welfare  worker  to 
handle  Catholic  charities,  the  coterie  disbanded  their  welfare  board  and  gave 
their  aid  and  co-operation  to  this  welfare  worker. 

The  members  assisted  in  the  drive  for  funds  to  build  a  new  home  for  the 
aged  and  pledged  $1,000.00,  the  quarter  portion  having  now  been  paid. 

The  dues  for  active  members  are  $1.00  per  year,  for  honorary  members 
$5.00  per  year,  and  for  life  members  $25.00. 

The  funds  of  this  organization  are  comprised  of  dues  and  money  raised  by 
card  parties,  rummage  sales,  cooking  sales,  lawn  parties  and  sewing. 

MADONNA  COURT  NO.  148,  CATHOLIC  DAUGHTERS  OP  AMERICA 

Organized  in  1911. 

Madonna  Court  No.  148,  Catholic  Daughters  of  America,  originally  known 
as  Daughters  of  Isabella,  was  instituted  in  Springfield,  June  11,  1911,  with  a 
charter  membership  of  thirty-one  composed  of  the  following  persons,  a  majority 
of  whom  are  still  active  members:     Mrs.  Edmund  Burke,  Katherine  Costello, 

616 


5 


01 


© 


•-5 


DIOCESAN   SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

Mary  Delmore,  Margaret  Donelan,  Mary  Donelan,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Donelan,  Mrs. 
Louis  J.  Ehlert,  Mrs.  M.  E.  Gorman,  Mary  Gorman,  Theresa  Gorman,  Ella  Hoff- 
man, Lucy  Hoffman,  Katherine  Koch,  Katherine  Luby,  Margaret  Luby,  Gertrude 
Lorch,  Elizabeth  McKarnen,  Nellie  Markey,  Mrs.  R.  E.  Marshall,  Mae  Murphy, 
Gertrude  M.  Nicholas,  Magdalena  Rollett,  Anna  V.  Ryan  (deceased),  Eva  Sauer, 
Adelaide  Sauenweber,  Gertrude  Scanlan  (deceased),  Wilhelma  Stein,  Susan 
Trotter,  Gertrude  White,  Mrs.  Joseph  Wochner,  and  Theresa  Wochner. 

Until  1920,  increase  in  membership  was  limited  to  twenty-five  members  in 
a  class  so  that  the  growth  of  the  court  was  slow  because  only  one  initiation  each 
year  was  held.  Since  1920,  classes  have  been  unlimited  in  number  with  the 
result  that  the  court  now  totals  three  hundred  and  fifty  members. 

This  organization,  from  the  date  of  its  inception  until  the  last  three  years, 
had  the  honor  of  having  for  its  chaplain,  Very  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey,  the 
then  Vicar-General  of  the  Diocese  of  Alton,  under  whose  guidance  and  encour- 
agement rapid  progress  was  made  and  the  order  exerted  an  active  influence  in 
community  affairs  in  both  Catholic  and  civic  circles  which  was  particularly 
notable  during  the  World  War.  Not  only  did  its  membership  participate  in  all 
war  activities  and  the  work  of  the  Red  Cross  in  all  its  phases,  but  also  began  in 
1917  to  plan  and  work  for  a  Catholic  celebration  of  the  centennial  anniversary 
of  the  statehood  of  Illinois  in  1918.  In  this  project,  in  1918,  the  Daughters  were 
joined  by  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  through  joint  co-operation  and  manage- 
ment the  Centennial  Field  Mass  and  the  reception  and  dinner  which  followed 
stand  forth  as  the  most  beautiful,  magnificent  and  spectacular  affairs  of  the 
state's  entire  celebration  program  and  as  epochal  because,  were  it  not  for  the 
vision  of  Madonna  Court,  there  would  have  been  no  Catholic  participation  in 
the  celebration  of  that  year  despite  the  fact  that  the  pioneer  days  of  Illinois  ring 
with  the  heroism  and  courage  of  the  Catholic  missionaries,  explorers  and  settlers. 

Not  only  has  Madonna  Court  wielded  its  influence  in  immediate  vicinities 
but  it  has  been  the  guiding  star  and  inspiration  of  a  great  many  of  the  down- 
state  courts  of  the  Catholic  Daughters  of  America. 

In  1919,  Miss  Theresa  Gorman  was  elected  state  regent  of  the  order,  and  at 
that  time  Ottawa,  Lincoln,  Springfield,  Morris  and  LaSalle  were  the  only  courts 
outside  of  the  city  of  Chicago.  During  the  next  eighteen  months,  under  Miss 
Gorman's  direction  and  with  frequent  assistance  from  Madonna  Court  members 
and  degree  staff,  twenty-five  new  courts  were  instituted  and  the  membership  in 
the  state  increased  from  one  thousand  one  hundred  to  seven  thousand  and  the 
total  would  have  reached  ten  thousand  were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  the  order 
was  enjoined  from  organizing  new  courts  until  the  litigation  over  the  name  was 
concluded  which  finally  resulted  in  the  selection  of  the  name  Catholic  Daugh- 
ters of  America. 

In  January,  1921,  Miss  Gorman  was  elected  secretary  of  the  senate  of  the 
state  of  Illinois  and  she  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  only  woman  in  the 
United  States  to  occupy  such  a  post.  In  the  spring  of  that  year  Miss  Gorman 
resigned  the  position  of  secretary  of  the  senate  to  accept  a  position  in  Washing- 
ton as  secretary  to  Congressman  John  J.  Gorman  and  because  of  her  residence 

617 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

in  Washington  it  was  necessary  for  her  to  decline  re-election  as  state  regent  at 
the  convention  of  the  order  in  June,  1921.  However,  it  is  a  pleasant  satisfaction 
to  note  that  the  various  down-state  courts  and  particularly  those  of  the  Diocese 
of  Springfield  in  Illinois  are  generous  enough  to  credit  Madonna  Court  with 
establishing  the  pace  that  has  helped  them  arrive  at  their  various  goals  in  their 
several  communities. 

April,  1925,  found  Madonna  Court  established  in  a  clubhouse  at  212  West 
Monroe  Street  (three  doors  west  of  the  State  House)  and  possessing  the  honor  of 
being  the  only  court  of  the  Catholic  Daughters  of  America  in  Illinois  to  own 
such  property.  Since  the  operation  of  this  clubhouse,  study  clubs  are  now  a 
weekly  privilege;  a  series  of  Lenten  musicales  were  enjoyed  and  the  parlors  arid 
dining  room  afford  a  splendid  opportunity  for  the  social  activities  of  its  members. 
The  clubhouse  also  provides  a  home  for  a  limited  number  of  girls  who  must 
vent  rooms. 

The  court  has  not  overlooked  the  welfare  of  those  less  fortunately  situated 
than  its  own  membership  and  has  done  and  is  doing  some  very  constructive  social 
service  work  in  both  local  and  state  circles. 

Directing  the  activities  of  Madonna  Court  the  following  women  have  served 
as  grand  regent:  1911-1914,  Miss  Theresa  Gorman;  1915-1916,  Miss  Anna 
Lawless;  1917,  Mrs.  Louis  J.  Ehlert;  1918,  Miss  Marguerite  Golden;  1919-1920, 
Mrs.  W.  D.  Stewart  (resigned);  1920,  Miss  Mary  Delmore;  1921-1922,  Miss 
Mayme  Murphy;  1923-1924,  Mrs.  Ralph  Holliday  (resigned);  1924-1927,  Miss 
Theresa  Gorman ;  1928,  Miss  Ann  M.  Shaughnessy. 

Besides  Miss  Shaughnessy,  the  present  officers  for  the  year  1928  are :  Vice- 
regent,  Mrs.  Cecilia  Freund;  Prophetess,  Mrs.  Adela  Hayes;  Monitor,  Mrs. 
Louise  May;  Historian,  Miss  Anna  L.  Shea;  Financial  Secretary,  Miss  Irene 
Cadigan;  Treasurer,  Miss  Loraine  Eglin ;  Lecturer,  Miss  Lila  Coyne;  Organist, 
Miss  Flora  Sehy;  Sentinel,  Mrs.  Amelia  Langenbahn ;  Trustees,  Miss  Ella  O'Con- 
nor, chairman ;  and  the  Misses  Mayme  Murphy,  Agnes  Connell.  Frances  Geagan, 
Helen  Beaghan  and  Mrs.  W.  A.  Ryan ;  Chaplain,  Reverend  Thomas  Fennessy. 

Madonna  Court  is  indebted  to  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  for  his  interest  and  wise  direction  in  its  activities 
and  also  to  Reverend  Thomas  Fennessy,  the  present  chaplain,  and  with  their 
continued  interest  and  administration,  the  Catholic  Daughters  of  America  in 
Springfield  hope  to  serve  an  even  wider  field  of  usefulness  within  the  scope  of 
the  court's  activities. 

CALVARY  CEMETERY,  ON  SUNSET  HILL 
Madison  County,  Illinois.     Established  in  1924. 

In  order  to  keep  pace  with  the  normal  growth  and  expansion  of  the  Tri- 
Cities  and  surrounding  territory,  a  suitable  burial  place  had  to  be  developed.  St. 
Mark's  Cemetery,  in  use  for  a  long  time,  is  in  low  land,  unsatisfactory  for  a  mod- 
ern burial  place.    Its  capacity  is  limited  and  already  severely  taxed.    Its  location 

618 


DIOCESAN    SCHOOLS,   INSTITUTIONS   AND   ASSOCIATIONS 

was  no  longer  desirable  because  the  rapidly  growing  community  had  reached  its 
very  borders. 

Reverend  Daniel  J.  Ryan,  pastor  of  St.  Joseph  Church,  Granite  City,  spoke 
of  the  necessity  of  a  new  cemetery  in  a  talk  before  the  Commercial  Club  of  Gran- 
ite City  in  the  summer  of  1923.  His  suggestion  for  the  development  of  a  com- 
munity cemetery  was  favorably  received  by  all.  It  was  quite  evident  then  that 
some  provision  had  to  be  made  for  future  needs. 

After  this  first  suggestion,  everyone  was  on  the  lookout  for  a  suitable  place, 
one  of  sufficient  size  and  elevation,  and  not  too  far  distant  to  serve  any  place  in 
the  community.  Whilst  the  search  was  on  for  a  location,  the  owner  of  eighty 
acres  of  land  on  the  summit  of  Sunset  Hill  offered  his  land  for  sale.  He  himself 
had  previously  entertained  the  project  of  converting  his  land  into  a  cemetery  as 
a  private  business  venture,  but  later  abandoned  the  idea  in  favor  of  selling  out- 
right to  others  for  the  same  purpose. 

Negotiations  long  and  varied  began  at  once  for  the  purchase  of  this  prop- 
erty. It  was  recognized  that  a  more  suitable  place  could  not  be  desired.  The 
first  plan  was  a  promotion  scheme.  On  June  24,  1924,  an  agreement  was  duly 
drawn  up  and  signed  by  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  Bishop  of  Spring- 
field in  Illinois,  and  a  company  of  promoters.  Forty  acres  of  land,  first  choice, 
was  to  be  bought  by  the  Bishop  through  the  promoters,  who  were  to  retain  privi- 
leges of  lot  sales  on  a  percentage  basis,  with  the  obligation  of  platting  and  devel- 
oping the  cemetery  for  a  certain  length  of  time.  A  similar  agreement  was  con- 
summated between  the  same  promoters  and  a  company  of  local  men  for  the  other 
forty  acres. 

Great  promises  were  made  by  the  promoters.  The  engineer  was  ready  to 
proceed.  A  magnificent  entrance  was  to  be  constructed  to  serve  both  cemeteries. 
Everybody  contemplated  a  sensational  sale  of  lots  from  the  very  inception  of 
the  cemetery.  The  plan  failed,  however,  because  of  the  promoters'  non-compli- 
ance with  essential  issues  of  the  covenant.  The  agreement  was  voided  and  sur- 
rendered on  August  29,  1924. 

The  proposition  was  then  approached  from  another  angle.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  trustees  and  consultors  of  St.  Joseph  Church,  Granite  City,  with  their  pastor, 
Reverend  Daniel  J.  Ryan,  and  the  chancellor  of  the  diocese,  Reverend  Michael  A. 
Tarrent,  it  was  decided  to  purchase  the  forty  acres  direct  from  the  owner.  The 
trustees  signed  the  note  for  money  borrowed  from  the  diocese.  This  property 
had  been  transferred  to  the  Bishop  by  deed  dated  June  30,  1924. 

Father  Ryan,  under  the  direction  of  Bishop  Griffin,  took  charge  of  tbe  whole 
enterprise,  hired  the  engineer  and  proceeded  with  the  development  of  Calvary 
Cemetery  on  Sunset  Hill.  A  local  company  of  six  or  seven  men  purchased  the 
adjoining  forty  acres  for  a  cemetery  called  Sunset  Hill  Cemetery.  Amazing  prog- 
ress has  already  been  made  in  the  improvement  of  these  two  modern  ceme- 
teries. 

The  first  interment  in  the  new  Calvary  Cemetery  was  that  of  Patrick  Nalty, 
who  died  in  the  performance  of  his  duty  as  deputy  sheriff.  This  first  interment 
was  on  October  3,  1924.    Father  George  H.  Powell  officiated. 

619 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

Decoration  Day,  May  30,  1925,  witnessed  the  dedication  of  the  cemetery  by 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Springfield,  Illinois.  A  large 
crowd  of  people  motored  to  the  beautiful  cemetery  to  attend  the  Pontifical  Field 
Mass  and  the  ceremonies  of  dedication.  The  boys'  choir  of  St.  Boniface  Church 
of  Edwardsville,  sang  the  Mass.  A  firing  squad  of  soldiers  was  furnished  for  the 
occasion  by  the  American  Legion  of  Edwardsville.  The  Bishop  was  assisted  at 
Mass  by  Reverend  Charles  O'Reilly,  arch-priest;  Fathers  T.  E.  Cusack  and  L.  G. 
Kipping,  deacons  of  honor;  Fathers  Michael  Costello  and  Timothy  McKeough, 
deacon  and  sub-deacon  of  the  Mass,  and  Father  Daniel  J.  Ryan,  master  of  cere- 
monies. Fathers  D.  L.  Scully,  William  T.  Sloan,  P.  H.  Masterson,  George  M. 
Link,  John  B.  Franz,  E.  J.  Eckhard  and  George  H.  Powell  also  were  present.  A 
banquet  was  served  in  the  sexton's  house  on  the  ground^  by  the  ladies  of  9t. 
Joseph  Church.  Reverend  Juvenal  Emmanual,  O.F.M.,  regular  chaplain  during 
the  war,  delivered  an  eloquent  address.    Bishop  Griffin  also  preached. 

Thomas  McCormick  is  the  first  sexton  of  Calvary  Cemetery  on  Sunset  Hill. 

Few  places  possess  all  the  desirable  qualities  of  a  model  cemetery.  Some 
tracts  of  land  have  one  or  other  commendable  feature,  but  seldom  are  all  the  en- 
dowments of  nature  found  in  one  location.  The  new  Calvary  Cemetery  on  Sun- 
set Hill  meets  all  the  most  exacting  requirements  of  an  ideal  resting  place  for  the 
departed.  It  has  high  elevation  and  splendid  natural  drainage.  It  lies  on  the 
hard  road  between  Granite  City  and  Edwardsville.  It  is  easily  reached  by  auto- 
mobile, and  contemplated  transportation  should  make  it  accessible  by  trolley  in 
the  very  near  future. 

Calvary  Cemetery  was  formerly  part  of  the  Slingerman  farm.  It  is  a 
plateau  on  the  summit  of  Sunset  Hill,  with  a  commanding  view  of  the  surround- 
ing territory.  Its  natural  beauty,  gently  sloping  hills  and  tranquil  vales,  will 
as  time  goes  on  be  more  and  more  enhanced  by  artistically  arranged  trees  and 
walks  and  drives. 

The  main  entrance  road  leads  to  a  large  mound  on  which  is  to  be  erected  a 
large  and  beautiful  Crucifixion  group  which  will  dominate  the  entire  cemetery. 
The  crucifix  will  be  twenty-four  feet  high.  The  group  will  include  besides  the 
cross  and  corpus,  the  figures  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  St. 
Mary  Magdalen  and  two  angels  with  trumpets.  On  the  mound  will  also  be  a 
regulation  altar  at  which  the  public  offices  and  ceremonies  of  the  Church  can  be 
carried  out  in  detail.  The  approach  to  the  Crucifix  will  be  a  concrete  walk,  and 
the  steps  and  sanctuary  will  be  ornamented  concrete.  On  the  mound  on  either 
side  of  the  walk  lots  are  provided  for  the  burial  place  of  priests.  It  is  estimated 
that  the  mound  and  all  its  features  will  cost  about  $5,000.00. 

Another  prominent  feature  of  Calvary  Cemetery  is  the  perpetual  care  fund, 
which  will  assure  the  individual  owners  of  lots  that  care  for  their  lots  will  be 
for  all  time. 

With  its  advantages  of  location,  natural  beauty  and  high  class  improvements 
and  management,  together  with  the  perpetual  care  feature,  the  new  Calvary 
Cemetery  on  Sunset  Hill  cannot  help  but  become  a  favorite  burial  place,  one  of 
the  finest  in  the  State. 

620 


7  ■  ■' 


\h  mortal  Altar  .  .  .  G)  anite  City  < '<  nu  i 


CHAPTER  XII 
THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 

This  Chapter  is  devoted  to  practically  mere  mention  of  the  priests  who  have 
labored  in  the  Diocese  of  Quincy-Alton-Springfield,  living  and  dead. 

In  another  Chapter,  the  precursors  of  the  pastors  have  been  sketched,  and 
these  distinguished  missionaries  should  be  considered  along  with  those  sketched 
in  this  Chapter. 

While  it  is  a  matter  of  sincere  regret  that  the  sketches  necessarily  must  be 
brief,  it  is,  nevertheless,  of  much  satisfaction  that  we  have  been  able  to  compile 
this  memorial  to  the  gallant  priesthood  that  gave  their  labor  and  their  lives  in 
the  Diocese.  So  far  as  we  are  aware,  no  history  heretofore  published  has  pre- 
sented any  account  of  its  clergy  like  that  contained  in  this  Chapter. 

Out  of  respect  for  the  dear  departed,  the  names  of  the  deceased  clergy  ap- 
pear first,  and  are  regarded  as  soldiers  of  the  Church  Triumphant,  as  distinguish- 
ed from  those  remaining  who  hold  rank  in  the  Church  Militant. 

With  respect  to  the  deceased,  the  clergy,  the  Diocese,  the  public  in  general, 
and  especially  the  compilers  and  editors  of  this  work,  are  under  heavy  obliga- 
tions to  two  diligent  priests  who  labored  in  the  Diocese,  namely,  Father  John 
Lamar,  and  Father  Anthony  Zurbonsen.  These  hard  working  clergymen  took 
the  time  from  their  very  busy  lives  to  chronicle  the  life  and  labors  of  their  fel- 
low workers  during  long  years  of  their  activity.  The  matter  of  all  the  life 
sketches  of  deceased  priests,  as  published  in  this  Chapter,  with  a  very  few  ex- 
ceptions, is  taken  from  little  unpretentious  publications  by  these  two  priests. 

For  the  sketches  of  the  priests  who  have  died  since  1918,  we  are  indebted  to 
Monsignor  Martin  J.  Foley,  editor  of  the  Western  Catholic,  of  Quincy,  Illinois. 

The  facts  contained  in  the  sketches  of  the  living  clergy  were  furnished  by 
the  priests  themselves,  and  recite  nothing  but  bare  realities.  It  is  believed,  how- 
ever, that  considerable  value  attaches  to  these  sketches,  and  as  published  here, 
they  are  intended  as  a  tribute  to  the  noble  men  who  have  devoted  their  lives  to 
God  and  humanity. 

Every  effort  has  been  exerted  to  make  this  category  complete,  and  if  there  be 
any  omissions,  it  is  not  by  intent,  and  would  be  most  sincerely  regretted  by 
everyone  connected  with  this  endeavor. 

It  was  considered  most  practical  to  arrange  these  sketches  in  alphabetical 
order,  and  that  has  accordingly  been  done. 

If  for  the  future  records  similar  to  those  contained  in  this  Chapter,  shall  be 
kept  in  the  chancery  office,  as  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Griffin  desires  it  shall  be, 
it  will  simplify  the  preparation  of  the  centennial  history  of  the  Diocese,  and  be 
of  great  advantage  and  convenience  to  large  numbers  of  properly  interested  in- 
vestigators. 

621 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 


1.     WITH  THE  CHURCH  TRIUMPHANT 
Reverend  Henry  Ader 


Father  Ader  was  born  at  Borken  in 
"Westphalia,  on  February  18,  1853, 
and  ordained  to  the  priesthood  at 
Malines,  in  Belgium,  on  June  7,  1879. 
Shortly  after  his  ordination  he  set 
cut  for  America,  arriving  at  diocesan 
headquarters  and  was  assigned  as  an 
assistant  to  the  Cathedral  pastor,  a 
position  which  temporarily  so  many 
young  priests  had  to  fill — the  writer 
(Father  Anthony  Zurbonsen)  not  ex- 
cepted— in  order  to  first  thoroughly 
acquaint  themselves  with  the  contents 
of  the  Bishop's  "blue  book,"  namely 
with  the  laws,  rules,  regulations  and 
requirements  which  governed  the  dio- 

IVSO. 

Father  Ader  emerged  from  the  in- 
quisitorial rooms  magna  cum  laude, 
and  received  the  appointment  as  as- 
sistant to  St.  Peter  and  Paul  parish  of 
Springfield.  Later  the  pastorate  of 
Assumption  having  become  vacant, 
Father  Ader  became  its  pastor  for  a 
number   of   years,   1888-95,   but   was 


finally  assigned  to  St.  Alexius,  of 
Beardstown,  1895-99,  as  successor  to 
Reverend  William  Weigand.  From 
Beardstown  he  was  transferred  to 
Carlinville,  succeeding  Reverend 
Clement  Sommers,  whose  impaired 
health  had  enforced  a  resignation  of 
the  charge  of  St.  Joseph 's.  A  stately 
parochial  residence  which  was  here 
constructed  under  his  management 
evidences  the  active  and  zealous  life 
of  our  decedent. 

Father  Ader  was  a  man  of  fine 
scholarly  attainments,  distinguishing 
himself  especially  in  biblical  re- 
searches and  Hebrew  language.  His 
voluminous  and  valuable  library  was 
second  to  none  in  the  diocese. 

Father  Adar  died  March  5,  1909. 
His  earthly  remains  were  deposited 
by  the  side  of  one  of  his  illustrious 
predecessors,  Reverend  Francis  Os- 
rop,  in  the  Catholic  cemetery  of  Car- 
linville. 


Reverend  Bernard  Ahne 


Reverend  Bernard  Ahne  was  born 
in  Amsterdam,  Holland,  October  31, 
1851.  Having  completed  his  eccle- 
siastical studies  he  was  ordained 
priest  on  August  24,  1874. 

He  came  to  America  one  month 
after  his  ordination  and  was  appoint- 
ed Assistant  to  Reverend  Gerard 
Leve,  then  pastor  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul     church,     Springfield,     Illinois. 


Afterwards    he    acted    as    pastor    in 
Pittsfield,  Illinois. 

During  the  latter  years  of  the  80 's 
he  went  East  and  was  accepted  by 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  Wigger  of 
Newark,  who  appointed  him  Chap- 
lain of  St.  Mary  Hospital  at  Hoboken, 
New  Jersey.  He  died  July  10,  1919, 
in  St.  Mary  Hospital,  Orange,  New 
Jersey. 


Reverend  Paul  Asmuth 


In  1902  a  newly  ordained  young 
priest  was  assigned  as  assistant  to  St. 
Mary  oi'  Alton.  He  had  shortly  be- 
fore reci  ived  Holy  Orders  at  the 
Jesuit  Seminary  of  Insbruck.  It  was 
Reverend  Paul  Asmuth,  a  native  of 
Eppe,  in  Westphalia.  He  was  an  ex- 
emplary young  priest,  meriting  his 
pastor's  entire  confidence  because  of 
his  conscientious  and  punctual  per- 
formance   of    duties.     Pleasant    and 


congenial,  he  soon  grew  into  favor 
with  the  parishioners.  Of  a  frail  con- 
stitution, however,  his  health  became 
undermined  by  consumption.  Yearn- 
ing for  his  home  and  dear  ones  in  the 
Fatherland,  Father  Asmuth  rallied 
his  waning  strength  and  returned  to 
the  scenes  of  his  boyhood  days  in  the 
fall  of  1906.  For  five  years  he  tried 
to  throw  off  the  dread  disease.     Not- 


622 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


withstanding  all  the  loving  care  and 
medical  aid  that  was  so  generously 
bestowed    upon    him,    he    sank    into 


death's  embrace  on  October  10,  1911, 
at  the  parental  home  in  his  native 
land. 


Reverend  Bartholomew  Bartels 


A  knotty,  blunt  and  rugged  charac- 
ter was  old  Father  Bartels.  Fearless 
and  aggressive  he  hewed  his  way 
through  life.  Like  all  other  priests  of 
early  pioneer  days,  he  learned  many 
a  hard  lesson  in  the  school  of  adver- 
sity, disappointment  and  failure.  But 
he  brooded  not  over  ineffectual  at- 
tempts and  futile  efforts,  but  tried 
again  and  stubbornly  forged  ahead 
clearing  his  way  of  obstacles  and  im- 
pediments. He  was  especially  known 
for  his  financial  ability.  Being  a  man 
of  saving  habits,  Father  Bartels  ac- 
cumulated in  the  course  of  years  a 
competency  which  with  prudent  man- 
agement and  by  safe  investment  he 
succeeded  in  multiplying,  and  prac- 
tically all  of  which  he  devoted  to  the 
Church. 

Reverend  Bartholomew  Bartels  was 
born  March  10,  1823,  at  Cleve  on  the 
Rhine.  His  studies  were  made  partly 
in  his  home  city  and  partly  at 
Cologne,    Bonn    and    Muenster.     He 


was  ordained  in  the  latter  place  by 
Bishop  Arnold  Melchers,  May  29, 
]  847.  For  eleven  years,  from  the  time 
of  his  ordination  to  the  year  1858, 
the  young  priest  worked  in  his  own 
native  diocese.  He  came  to  America 
at  the  instance  of  Bishop  Juncker,  of 
Alton,  who  assigned  him  as  pastor  to 
Teutopolis.  From  there  he  came  for 
a  few  months  to  St.  Boniface,  of 
Quincy,  then  to  St.  Marie  in  Jasper 
County,  Freeburg,  1869,  Millstadt, 
1862-65,  and  two  and  one-half  years 
at  Highland,  after  which  he  spent  six- 
teen years  as  pastor  of  Germantown, 
at  the  end  of  which  he  retired  to 
Quincy,  purchasing  a  home  near  St. 
John  Church,  and  lived  the  retired 
life  for  six  years.  Bartelso,  however, 
where  his  main  interests  were  located, 
lured  him  away  from  Quincy.  He  be- 
came pastor  of  that  place,  and  after 
three  years,  May  4,  1894,  peacefully 
slept  away. 


Reverend  Henry  Becker,  D.D. 


Reverend  Henry  Becker,  D.D.,  was 
born  July  1,  1856,  at  Salzkotten, 
Westphalia,  came  to  America  Sep- 
tember 25,  1875,  and  entered  the 
Grand  Seminary  of  Montreal.  His 
record  there  was  a  proud  one.  He 
made  a  thorough  course  in  theology 
and  passed  a  brilliant  examination, 
being  awarded  the  degree  of  Doctor 
of  Divinity,  the  first  conferred  in  the 
history  of  that  great  institution  of 
learning. 

On  December  20,  1879,  the  young 
theologian  reached  the  sublime 
heights  of  his  youthful  ambitions — 
the  holy  priesthood  of  Jesus  Christ, 
being  ordained  on  that  day. 

As  a  priest  he  labored  well  and 
zealously  at  Mound  City,  Kaskaskia, 
Saline,  Hillsboro,  Vandalia,  Brighton, 
Brussels,  Meppen,  and  Pierron. 


Seldom  have  the  words  "Memento 
Mori"  had  a  more  terrible  signif- 
icance than  in  the  death  of  Father 
Becker  on  Tuesday,  September  11, 
1917.  Apparently  he  had  been  in  his 
usual  good  health  and  spirits.  Only 
two  weeks  previous  he  had  joined  his 
brother  priests  of  the  diocese  in  their 
spiritual  retreat  at  Quincy  College. 
During  recreation  hours  his  genial 
good  nature  was  a  source  of  pleasure 
to  his  companions.  Little  did  he  or 
they  realize  that  the  spiritual  retreat 
which  he  and  they  were  then  making 
would  prove  to  be  the  proximate 
preparation  for  his  own  death. 

Such,  in  the  plan  of  the  All-Wise 
God,  was  the  fact.  Death  awaited 
Father  Becker  at  home  in  Pierron, 
but  he  was  prepared  to  meet  it  un- 
afraid because  well  prepared.     His 


623 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


death  was  in  keeping  with  his  life — 
that  of  a  true  priest  of  God. 

Father  Becker  was  a  learned  man, 
a  sound  theologian,  a  keen  logician 
and  analyst  who  commanded  over  a 
wide  range  of  knowledge  and  infor- 
mation. He  was  specially  noted  as 
a  mathematician  and  the  perpetual 

Revepend  Henry 

Delbrueck,  near  Paderborn,  in 
Westphalia,  was  the  birth  place  of 
Reverend  Henry  Beerhorst.  There  he 
was  born  January  19,  1838,  was  ad- 
mitted to  Holy  Orders  March  12, 
1864,  and  appointed  the  following 
December  to  St.  Mary  Church  of 
Grand  Rapids,  at  that  time  in  the  De- 
troit diocese.  In  1869  Father  Beer- 
horst was  replaced  by  another  priest, 
and  discontinued  his  services  in  the 
Detroit  diocese,  and  came  to  Alton, 
where  he  applied  to  the  bishop  for  an 
appointment.  He  was  received  and 
sent  to  Quincy,  there  to  become  an  as- 


alraanac  which  he  published  some 
few  years  before  his  death  elicited 
much  praise  from  men  competent  to 
judge. 

He  was  also  an  authority  on  astron- 
omy, but  what  meant  most  to  himself 
in  time  and  eternity  was  his  genuine 
spirit  of  humility. 

Beerhorst 

sistant  in  St.  Boniface  parish.  From 
March  5,  1870,  to  April  25,  1871, 
Father  Beerhorst  earnestly  and  suc- 
cessfully performed  good  service  at 
St.  Boniface.  The  people  had  become 
greatly  attached  to  him  and  he  proved 
a  valuable  asset  to  pastor  and  parish. 
On  the  latter  date,  however,  the 
young  priest  strove  to  realize  a  long 
cherished  ambition — he  determined 
to  embrace  a  monastic  life,  packed  his 
few  belongings  and  set  out  for  the 
Carmelite  Monastery  of  Scipio, 
Kansas,  where  soon  after  he  was  in- 
vested with  the  habit  of  that  order. 


Reverend  Patrick  M.  Bourke 


When  on  February  14,  1896,  the 
late  Reverend  Patrick  Bourke  went  to 
his  eternal  reward,  a  learned  and  elo- 
quent man  passed  from  earth.  He  was 
a  well-known,  familiar  personage, 
throughout  the  diocese,  beloved  by 
clergy  and  laity  alike,  whole-souled 
and  generous  to  a  fault.  During  the 
early  years  of  his  priestly  life,  he 
taught  at  the  College  of  Ruma,  where 
his  solid  learning  was  combined  with 
the  gift  of  thoroughly  imparting 
knowledge  to  the  student  body.  Un- 
stinted praise  was  given  his  ability  by 
all  who  studied  under  him. 

Father  Bourke  was  a  native  of  Tip- 
perary,  Ireland,  where  he  was  born, 
St.  Patrick's  Day,  March  17,  1839. 
When  still  a  child,  both  parents  died. 


The  orphaned  boy  was  adopted  by  an 
aunt  living  in  Limerick,  where  young 
Patrick  was  educated.  From  the 
primary  school  he  was  admitted  to  the 
Jesuit  College  and  later  attended  the 
Monk's  School  (Trappists)  of  Mt. 
Melary.  At  All  Hallows  and  the 
Grand  Seminary  of  Montreal  he 
studied  philosophy  and  theology  and 
was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  by 
Bishop  Baltes.  When  the  Ruma  Col- 
lege had  closed  its  doors,  Father 
Bourke  worked  in  the  capacity  of 
both  assistant  and  pastor  at  Grafton, 
Springfield,  Decatur,  Vandalia,  1888- 
1894,  and  Shipman,  everywhere  win- 
nin<r  hosts  of  friends  and  well-wishers. 
Pursuant  to  his  wishes  his  remains 
were  interred  at  Springfield. 


Reverend  Hugh  Brady 


Father  Hugh  Brady  was  born  June 
18,  1883,  at  Cavan,  Ireland,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  death  was  but  32 
years  and  11  months  old. 

He  attended  St.  Patrick  College  of 
Carlow,  and  was  ordained  in  June, 


1908,  for  the  diocese  of  Alton.  Im- 
mediately after  his  ordination  he 
sailed  for  America  and  was  assigned 
as  an  assistant  to  St.  Joseph  parish 
of  Springfield.  He  remained  there 
for  five  years,  winning  the  confidence 


624 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


and  love  of  the  parishioners  in  an  un- 
common degree.  After  the  lapse  of 
this  period  the  young  priest  was 
made  a  pastor  and  ordered  to  New 
Douglas,  where  soon  he  endeared 
himself   to   all.     But   alas !   his   use- 


fulness was  to  be  of  but  short  dur- 
ation. 

With  eyes  fixed  on  eternity,  and 
recalling  to  mind  his  work  at  St. 
Joseph  Parish,  Springfield,  his  dying 
request  was  that  he  be  buried  at 
Springfield. 


Reverend  Patrick  Brady 


County  Cavan,  Ireland,  had  given 
the  diocese  a  prominent  priest  in  the 
person  of  Reverend  Patrick  Brady. 
His  postoral  wisdom,  prudence  and 
caution  were  productive  of  good 
results.  He  ranked  high  in  the 
esteem  of  his  fellow  priests  because 
of  his  companionable  disposition  and 
his  kindly  benevolent  ways.  Born  in 
1833,  the  future  candidate  for  Holy 
Orders  made  his  studies  at  All  Hal- 
lows; there  he  was  ordained  to  the 
priesthood  April  17,  1865.  After 
acting  as  an  assistant  for  a  while  at 
the  Cathedral,  the  young  priest  was 
sent  in  similar  capacity  to  Reverend 
Li.  A.  Lambert  (author  of  "Notes  on 
[ngersoll")  then  pastor  of  St.  Pat- 
rick Church  of  Cairo.  Four  years 
Father  Brady  spent  there,  three  as 
assistant  and  the  last  as  pastor, 
1868-69.    At  this  time  the  Bishop  re- 


called him  from  the  Egyptian  Metrop- 
olis and  made  him  pastor  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  Church  of 
Springfield.  During  Father  Brady's 
administration  the  Church  was  re- 
modeled and  besides  received  an 
addition  to  it  so  as  to  extend  its 
length ;  moreover,  he  built  a  large 
brick  school  house,  an  eloquent  mon- 
ument to  his  pastoral  zeal  and  energy. 

In  1889  Father  Brady  exchanged 
places  with  Father  Timothy  Hickey, 
of  Jacksonville,  who  in  the  meantime 
had  been  made  Vicar  General  by  the 
new  Bishop.  With  undiminished 
vim  and  vigor  he  continued  his  work 
at  Jacksonville  until  May  14,  1892, 
when  death  called  him  away  from 
the  scenes  of  usefulness.  His  age  was 
59  years. 

His  remains  were  buried  in  the 
Jacksonville  cemetery. 


Reverend  J.  J.  Brennan 


In  1858  the  coal  mines  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Bethalto,  in  Mad- 
ison county,  had  gathered  there  a 
large  number  of  people,  many  of 
whom  were  Catholics.  To  minister 
to  these  became  the  duty  in  1858,  of 
Reverpnd  J.  J.  Brennan,  at  the  time 
an  assistant  at  the  Alton  Cathedral. 
He  had  a  frame  Church  built,  which 
continued  to  be  attended  from  the 
Cathedral  until  1865.  During  the 
years  from  1859-1861,  Father  Bren- 


nan was  given  charge  of  the  parishes 
of  Carlinville  and  Jacksonville,  after 
which  he  was  appointed  pastor  of 
Shawneetown.  One  year  he  stayed 
in  this  latter  place  when  he  was 
ordered  to  East  St.  Louis,  with  the 
injunction  to  assume  the  organiza- 
tion of  St.  Patrick  parish  and  build 
a  Church.  Father  Brennan  accom- 
plished both  but  soon  after  severed 
connection  with  the  diocese. 


Reverend  Theodore  Bruener 


Father  Bruener  was  born  May  27, 
3836,  and  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood September  3,  1859,  at  Muenster 
and  acted  as  "schulvikar"  at  Wader- 
sloh  from  the  time  of  his  ordination 
until  he  set  out  for  America,  late  in 


1867,  at  the  invitation  of  Bishop 
Juncker  of  Alton.  He  was  sent  at 
once  to  Quincy  to  become  the  first 
pastor  of  St.  Mary  parish,  January 
1,  1868. 

This    congregation    had    been    or- 


625 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ganized  and  the  Church  built  under 
the  supervision  and  by  the  efforts  of 
good  Father  Reinhardt,  who  now  by 
the  advent  of  Father  Bruener,  re- 
assumed  his  work  at  St.  Boniface,  to 
be  sent  soon  after,  to  a  different 
place.  From  1874  to  1879  our  former 
pastor  remained  at  the  head  of  the 
St.  Francis  institution  from  which  at 
the  instance  of  his  diocesan  Bishop 
he  returned  to  become  pastor  of  St. 
Boniface  parish  of  Quincy.  Here 
Father  Bruener  again  labored  until 
November  9,  1887.  Foremost  among 
his  undertakings  during  this  time 
was  the  publication  by  him  of  that 
important  work  on  the  "History  of 
the  Catholic  Church  in  Quincy,"  a 


work  which  received  unstinted  praise 
even  at  Rome  from  such  eminent  men 
as  Cardinal  Simeoni,  Cardinal  Mel- 
chens  and  Monsignor  DeWaal.  Fol- 
lowing a  call  from  heaven  the  veteran 
worker  bade  farewell  to  his  friends 
and  former  associates  of  the  clergy 
and  joined  the  Franciscan  Order  at 
Teutopolis,  to  be  known  from  thence 
forth  as  P.  Leo.  What  good  he  ac- 
complished as  an  humble  follower  of 
the  great  Saint  until  the  hour  of  his 
death,  May  15,  1898,  and  his  previous 
Godlike  deeds  are  chronicled  on  the 
pages  of  the  book  of  life.  He  died 
at  San  Francisco,  California,  where 
he  found  his  last  resting  place. 


Reverend  F.  H.  Budde,  R.D. 


Reverend  F.  M.  Budde,  R.D.,  was 
born  September  15,  1858,  at  Dussel- 
dorf  in  the  Rhineland.  Having  com- 
pleted his  theological  studies,  he  was 
ordained  priest  on  May  19,  1883  at 
Simplefeld,  Holland.  He  came  to  the 
Alton  diocese  almost  immediately  and 
was  appointed  Assistant  to  the  Rev- 
erend Theodore  Bruener,  pastor  of  St. 
Boniface  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois. 

He  was  transferred  in  1884  to 
Olney,  Illinois,  and  when  in  1888  the 
Belleville  Diocese  was  formed,  he  be- 


came a  member  of  the  newly  created 
diocese.  He  was  appointed  pastor  of 
the  Belleville  Cathedral  parish  and 
built  the  splendid  High  School  for 
boys. 

In  1895  he  was  appointed  pastor  of 
Mt.  Carmel,  where  he  died. 

Father  Budde  was  a  man  of  strong 
character,  a  priest  of  vast  zeal  whose 
ceaseless  activities  meant  much  for 
the  Catholic  people  among  whom  he 
labored. 


Reverend  Albert  Busch 


Father  Busch  was  born  at  Neheim, 
near  Hoexter,  in  Westphalia,  Febru- 
ary 26,  1844.  After  completing  the 
high  school  studies  iu  his  native 
town,  young  Albert  Busch  came  to 
America  in  1866,  entered  St.  Francis 
Seminary  near  Milwaukee  shortly 
after,  and  was  elevated  to  the  priest- 
hood by  Bishop  Henni,  January  29, 
1868,  for  the  diocese  of  Alton.  His 
first  appointment  was  to  St.  Alexis 
of  Beardstown,  March  18,  1868.  Here 


he  built  a  front  addition  to  the  old 
Church,  purchased  the  former  par- 
sonage and  lots  adjoining  for  the 
sum  of  $2,100.00,  and  erected  a  small 
school  house.  In  1873  he  was  as- 
signed to  Marine,  where  he  stayed 
but  one  year,  when  the  Bishop  ap- 
pointed him  to  Lively  Grove.  Here 
he  worked  successfully  for  five  years, 
until  March  18,  1879,  on  which  date 
he  was  summoned  to  his  eternal 
reward. 


Reverend  D.  Byrne 


In  days  long  ago,  as  early  as  1847, 
St.  Mary  parish  of  Mt.  Sterling,  had 
not  only  a  Church  but  even  a  resi- 
dent pastor.     He  was  Father  James 


Gallagher.  Several  priests  had  suc- 
ceeded him  after  his  departure  from 
there  in  rapid  succession  until  Father 
Byrne  was  appointed,  who  remained 


626 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


at  the  head  of  the  parish  from  1856 
to  1859,  during  which  time  he  looked 
after  the  spiritual  interests  of  St. 
Alexis  parish  of  Beardstown.  From 
Mt.  Sterling  he  was  appointed  to 
Marshall  and  Paris,  where  he  became 


the  successor  of  old  Father  Thomas 
Ryan  in  1860-61.  Little  is  known  of 
his  subsequent  history  except  that 
from  September,  1870,  he  had  charge 
for  one-half  year  of  St.  Mary  congre- 
gation of  Edwardsville. 


Reverend  Thomas  Carroll 


Reverend  Thomas  Carroll  was  born 
in  Charlyville  County  Cork,  Ireland, 
in  the  year  1870.  Having  completed 
his  primary  and  classical  courses  in 
Ireland,  he  entered  the  University  of 
Louvain,  Belgium,  where  he  finished 
his  clerical  studies,  and  was  ordained 
priest  in  June,  1896.  He  came  to 
America  immediately  after  his  or- 
dination and  took  charge  at  Farmers- 
ville,  Illinois. 

His  health  even  then  was  poor  so  he 
went  West  and  labored  in  the  Denver 
Diocese  for  a  number  of  years.  On 
his  return  to  this  diocese,  he  was  ap- 
pointed Rector  of  Virden  and  labored 
there  zealously  for  about  ten  years. 
From  Virden  he  was  promoted  to  St. 
Mary  parish,  Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois, 
where  he  labored  zealously  until  death 
called  him  though  he  was  handicap- 
ped by  poor  health. 


He  died  on  Wednesday  morning, 
March  12,  1919,  after  having  been 
fortified  by  the  rites  of  Holy  Mother 
Church.  He  had  a  hemorrhage  of 
the  lungs  on  Tuesday,  sent  for  his 
neighbor,  Reverend  F.  Niebling  of  St. 
Joseph  Church,  Mt.  Sterling,  who 
came,  remained  up  all  night  with  him 
and  administered  the  last  Sacraments. 

Father  Carroll  was  a  noble  priest 
and  his  life  was  an  open  book.  His 
outstanding  characteristics  were  cour- 
age and  determination  in  the  face  of 
long-drawn-out  sickness,  that  at  times 
kept  him  in  a  state  of  great  suffering. 
A  brother  priest  who  was  his  next 
door  neighbor  when  he  was  in  Virden, 
writes  :  ' '  Father  Carroll  was  a  priest 
of  very  high  character  and  of  strong 
moral  principles — a  priest  always  and 
everywhere."  That  same  priest  con- 
cluded with  these  words  :  "I  pray  to 
Father  Carroll  sometimes." 


Reverend  James  A.  Cassidy 


Among  the  large  class  presented 
for  Holy  Orders  in  the  Seminary 
chapel  of  Montreal  a  few  days  before 
Christmas  in  1882,  was  Reverend 
James  A.  Cassidy.  Born  in  Canajo- 
harie  in  New  York  state  in  1854,  he 
finished  his  preparatory  studies  in 
his  native  state,  after  which  he  pur- 
sued his  theological  course  with  the 
Sulpician  Fathers  of  Montreal.  Well 
does  the  writer  of  these  lines  (Rev- 
erend Anthony  Zurbonsen)  recall 
the  days  when  Father  Cassidy,  to- 
gether with  the  late  Father  Joseph 
Finnegan  and  Father  James  Gough 
(Belleville)  was  elevated  to  the 
priesthood.  A  jovial,  genial,  good- 
natured  young  man  was  Father  Cas- 
sidy when  a  student  of  the  Seminary, 
and  these  traits  he  retained  during 
his    subsequent    priestly    career. 


Wherever  seen  during  recess  hours, 
he  was  the  center  of  an  animated 
gathering.  All  enjoyed  his  company 
and  friendship,  and  as  priest  he  be- 
came equally  popular  and  well  liked 
by  all  who  came  in  close  contact  with 
him.  Hence  his  success  in  founding 
and  developing  St.  Patrick  congre- 
gation of  Alton.  Being  for  a  short 
while  an  assistant  at  the  Cathedral, 
he  was  ordered  to  inaugurate  pre- 
liminary work  for  starting  that 
parish.  There  were  but  eighty  fam- 
ilies to  begin  with,  but  young  Father 
Cassidy  was  by  no  means  discour- 
aged in  his  undertakings.  He  suc- 
ceeded admirably  for  be  built  church 
and  parsonage  in  1883,  and  three 
years  later,  in  1886,  added  a  paro- 
chial school  for  his  now    flourishing 


627 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


parish.     In  March,  1887,  Father  Cas- 
sidy  was  transferred  from  Alton  to 


Murrayville,  where  four  years  later 
he  died,  February  4,  1890. 


Reverend  Bernard  Claus 


On  the  night  of  May  19,  1903,  a 
terrible  catastrophe  occurred  at  the 
parochial  residence  of  Columbia, 
Illinois,  casting  a  pall  of  genuine 
mourning  not  over  the  parish  alone, 
but  over  the  entire  diocese  as  well. 
On  that  fatal  night,  the  pastor  of 
Columbia  parish,  Reverend  Bernard 
Claus,  testing  doors  and  windows 
ere  retiring  for  the  night  as  he  usual- 
ly did,  was  suddenly  seized  with  an 
attack  of  dizziness,  collapsed  and  ex- 
pired. A  heart  stroke  had  snuffed 
out  his  life  instanter.  Whilst  the 
stricken  priest  sank  lifeless  to  the 
floor,  the  burning  kerosene  lamp 
which  he  carried  exploded  and  nam- 
ing oil  encircling  the  body  partly 
incinerated  it. 

Father  Claus  was  born  April  3, 
1842,  at  Niederovschel,  in  Saxony. 
He  studied  classics  at  Heiligenstadt, 
philosophy  and  part  of  his  theology 
at  Muenster  and  Bonn.  He  came  to 
America  in  June,  1868,  and  finished 
his  studies  at  Cincinnati,  where  Arch- 


bishop John  B.  Purcell  ordained  him 
to  the  presthood  September  24,  1870. 
He  was  stationed  as  assistant  at  St. 
Boniface  of  Quincy,  from  December 
6,  1870  to  February  14,  1872,  a  few 
months  at  Edwardsville,  with  Staun- 
ton and  New  Douglas  as  out-missions  ; 
at  Mt.  Sterling,  1872-73;  at  Taylor- 
ville,  1873-77.  During  this  period  he 
erected  a  comfortable  parochial  resi- 
dence at  Morrisonville,  and  moving 
thither  became  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  St.  Maurice  congregation. 
From  here  he  was  assigned  to  par- 
ishes in  the  southern  part  of  the 
state  and  hence  became  incorporated 
into  the  ■  new  diocese  of  Belleville 
when  the  latter  was  erected  in  1888. 
There  he  was  active  at  Madonnaville 
from  December  5,  1872  to  January, 
1882;  then  at  Paderhorn  from  Jan- 
uary, 1882  to  January,  1892,  when  he 
became  pastor  of  Columbia  and  met 
his  tragic  death  May  19,  1903.  He 
was  buried  in  the  cemetery  of  that 
parish. 


Reverend  Michael  Clifford 


Father  Clifford  was  ordained  at 
All  Hallows  Seminary,  Ireland,  April 
17,  1863.  His  first  assignment  a  Her 
ordination  was  to  the  parish  of  Win- 
chester from  1863  to  1866.  Next  we 
learn  that  he  is  directing  the  destinies 
of  Virden's  congregation,  1868-1869, 
whereupon  Bunker  Hill  claimed  his 
ministrations  from  1869-1872.  Mt. 
Sterling  at  this  time  needed  a  strong 
man  to  erect  a  residence,  school 
building   and    a   new    church.      The 


choice  fell  upon  Father  Clifford  and 
he  proved  to  be  the  right  man. 
Twenty-four  years  of  faithful,  fruit- 
ful service  characterized  his  stay  at 
Mt.  Sterling,  when  in  1896,  he  was 
entrusted  with  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Joseph  of  Springfield,  where  he 
labored  in  his  own  quiet,  unobtrusive 
way  until  early  in  1907,  when  God 
called  His  pious,  faithful  servant 
from  hence. 


Reverend  T.  J.  Clifford 


Whilst  pastor  of  Carrollton  from 
1865  to  1866,  the  cholera  broke  out 
in  the  community.  During  this  or- 
deal good  Father  Clifford  edified  all 
by  his  courage  and  heroism,  attend- 
ing the  sick  and  burying  the    dead. 


Finally,  he  himself  became  a  victim 
of  the  dread  disease  and  was  pre- 
pared for  death.  However,  he  re- 
covered for  the  time  being,  but  died 
a  few  months  afterward.  He  was 
buried  at  Alton. 


628 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Right  Reverend  John  Henry  Cluever,  D.D. 


A  priest  of  eminent  learning,  pres- 
tige and  subsequent  unusual  distinc- 
tion was  the  one  time  pastor  of 
Bunker  Hill,  Reverend  J.  H.  Cluever, 
D.D.  He  was  born  March  8,  1845,  in 
the  Diocese  of  Paderborn,  Germany, 
and  came  to  this  country  in  1871.  In 
that  same  year  he  was  raised  to  the 
priesthood.  He  acted  as  pastor  of 
the  Bunker  Hill  parish  from  1872- 
1874,  after  which  the  Doctor  left  for 
the  East,  affiliating  with  the  Diocese 
of  Albany,  New  York.  He  became 
pastor  of  St.  Lawrence  congregation 


of  Troy,  New  York,  and  was  chosen 
a  member  of  the  diocesan  school 
board.  His  eminent  services  which 
he  rendered  the  diocese  caused  him 
to  be  created  a  Monsignor.  For  many 
years,  however,  he  had  conceived  the 
idea  of  ultimately  embracing  reli- 
gious life.  This  long-harbored  inten- 
tion assumed  tangible  form  in  1892, 
in  whch  year  the  Monsignor  bid  fare- 
well to  diocese,  parish  and  friends, 
sailed  for  South  Africa,  and  there 
joined  the  colony  of  Trappists. 


Reverend  Terrence  Cowley 


Reverend  Terrence  Cowley  was 
born  July  28,  1844,  in  Dublin,  Ire- 
land. Bishop  Baltes  adopted  him  for 
the  Alton  Diocese  and  ordained  him 
priest  in  the  Alton  Cathedral  on  Sep- 
tember 22,  1872. 

The  Bishop  commissioned  him  to 
organize  St.  Joseph  parish  in  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  He  did  so  most  suc- 
cessfully and  also  constructed  a  hand- 
some church  where  his  faithful  people 
could  worship  God. 

Father  Cowley  was  for  years  the 
benevolent    protector   and   friend   of 


the  Ursuline  Community,  known  as 
the  North  End  Convent  of  Spring- 
field. 

Feeling  the  weight  of  old  age  and 
its  consequent  infirmities,  he  resigned 
the  pastorate  of  St.  Joseph  church  to 
devote  his  declining  days  to  the  wel- 
fare of  his  beloved  Sisters,  whom  he 
served  as  Chaplain  and  Spiritual 
Director. 

He  died  full  of  years,  rich  in  grace 
and  merits  on  January  12,  1881.  His 
remains  were  buried  in  the  Convent 
Cemetery. 


Reverend  John  "W.  Crowe 


Sad  and  solemn  was  the  tolling  of 
the  bells  of  Our  Savior  Church  of 
Jacksonville,  on  the  morning  of 
March  10,  1916.  They  announced  to 
a  grief-stricken  congregation  that 
the  last  rites  were  about  to  be  per- 
formed over  the  remains  of  their 
late  pastor,  Reverend  John  Crowe, 
who  had  departed  this  life  a  few 
days  previous  thereto,  viz :  on  March 
7,  1916.  The  obsequies  gathered  a 
vast  concourse  of  people,  irrespective 
of  creed  or  nationality,  within  the 
sacred  walls  of  the  handsome  church, 
all  eager  to  pay  a  last  tribute  of  love 
and  respect  to  the  popular  priest  and 
citizen,  for  Father  Crowe  was  re- 
spected and  admired  by  the  whole 
city  where  he  had  labored  faithfully 


and  well  since  1892,  when  he  was  ap- 
pointed an  irremovable  rector  by  the 
Bishop  of  the  diocese.  Father  Crowe 
died  from  the  effects  of  an  operation 
performed  about  two  weeks  before 
his  death. 

The  sermon  was  preached  by  Very 
Reverend  J.  P.  O'Mahoney,  President 
of  St.  Viator  College  at  Kankakee, 
Illinois,  and  was  a  splendid  tribute 
to  the  life  and  labors  of  the  dead 
priest.  He  drew  a  beautiful  picture 
of  the  Catholic  home  in  which  the 
predestined  youth  drank  in  the  in- 
spiration and  high  ideals  that  later 
made  him  the  champion  of  right,  the 
expounder  of  truth,  the  enemy  of 
vice  and  the  admiration  of  all  who 
knew   him.     The   deceased   attained 


629 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


an  age  of  64  years,  lie  was  born  at 
Oswego,  New  York.  Father  Crowe 
made  his  ecclesiastical  studies  at  the 
Grand  Seminary  of  Montreal,  where 
he  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood 
after  a  thorough  training  under  the 
competent  guidance  of  the  Sulpician 
Fathers.  His  first  charge  was  at 
Flora,  where  he  remained  but  six 
weeks,  when  he  was  promoted  to 
Mattoon.  Here  he  worked  with  great 
devotion  for  fifteen  years,  and 
erected  the  present  beautiful  church. 
Realizing  Father  Crowe's  worth  and 
ability,  the  Bishop  sent  him  as  pastor 
to  the  important  charge  of  Jackson- 
ville, as  successor  to  the  Very  Rev- 
erend Timothy  Hickey,  V.G.,  who 
had  assumed  the  pastorate  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  Parish  of 
Springfield. 

The  history  of  the  church  under 
the  rectorship  of  Father  Crowe  has 
been  one  of  indefatigable  labor  on 
the  rector's  part  and  of  a  steady  ex- 
pansion on  the  part  of  the  parish 
under  his  direction,  in  all  lines  of 
Catholic  work,  spiritual,  financial 
and  intellectual. 

The  Jacksonville  Journal  paid  the 
following  editorial  tribute  to  Father 
CroAve : 

The  passing  of  Very  Reverend 
Dean  John  W.  Crowe  removes  from 
Jacksonville  a  very  influential  cit- 
izen. Father  Crowe  has  been  a  resi- 
dent of  Jacksonville  twenty-three 
years  and  his  record  has  been  such 
as    to    prove    beyond    question    his 


ability  as  an  organizer.  Proof  of  Ibis 
ability  has  appeared  in  various  lines 
and  during  his  pastorate  the  Church 
of  Our  Savior  has  developed  in  a 
material  way.  Father  Crowe  was 
especially  interested  in  educational 
work  and  because  of  his  leadership 
Routt  College  stands  in  Jacksonville 
today.  Father  Crowe  was  a  man  of 
wide  learning  and  liberal  education. 
A  well  known  Jacksonville  man  and 
a  non-Catholic,  who  accompanied 
him  on  a  trip  occupying  several 
days,  said  recently  that  the  deceased 
rector  was  one  of  the  most  delightful 
men  he  had  ever  known  socially  and 
in  a  conversational  way.  Father 
Crowe  Avas  not  especially  diplomatic 
in  his  manner  or  in  his  ways — in  fact 
he  was  especially  outspoken  and  had 
the  habit  of  going  directly  after  any- 
thing that  he  wanted.  Opposition  to 
him  or  disagreement  with  him  did 
not  mean  offense,  and  he  had  an  ad- 
miration for  men  and  women  with 
convictions  and  willing  to  fight  for 
those  convictions.  During  his  years 
of  residence  here,  Father  Crowe  be- 
came a  large  force  in  the  community 
and  while  his  parishioners  and 
friends  found  much  in  him  to  admire, 
even  those  who  disagreed  with  him 
had  great  respect  for  his  knowledge 
and  influence.  His  going  marks  the 
end  of  a  very  forceful  life. 

One  brother,  Father  Donat  Crowe, 
late  pastor  of  Kewanee,  died  in  Rome, 
Italy,  in  1912. 


Reverend  John  C.  Daw 


Reverend  John  C.  Daw  was  born 
in  Hopkington,  Massachusetts,  Feb- 
ruary 18,  1857.  His  parents,  Patrick 
Daw  and  Bridget  McPartland,  were 
good,  pious,  God-fearing  Catholics  of 
the  old  school. 

John  C.  Daw,  one  of  seven  chil- 
dren, went  to  the  Parochial  School 
for  his  primary  grades  and  to  Holy 
Cross  College  for  his  classical  course. 
At  home,  or  at  school,  or  in  college, 
young  Daw  reflected  in  his  conduct 
the  character  of  the  Catholic  home 


whence  he  came.  By  this  we  do  not 
mean  that  young  Daw  was  retiring 
or  quiet  or  timorous  boy.  On  the 
contrary  he  was  full  of  life  and  full 
of  play — a  typical  American  boy  who 
ate  when  it  was  time  to  eat,  who 
prayed  when  it  was  time  to  pray; 
who  studied  or  played  when  it  was 
time  to  study  or  play. 

Having  graduated  from  Holy  Cross 
College,  he  entered  the  Grand  Sem- 
inary at  Montreal,  Canada,  com- 
pleted his  studies  there  and  was  or- 


630 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


dained  priest  for  the  Alton  Diocese 
at  Christmas  in  1884. 

The  Bishop  sent  him  to  Edwards- 
ville  as  pastor  of  old  St.  Mary 
Church  on  Main  Street.  This  he  dis- 
posed of  and  built  the  present  St. 
Mary  Church.  From  Edwardsville 
he  was  sent  to  New  Douglas;  from 
New  Douglas  he  went  to  Winchester 
where  he  built  the  present  beautiful 
Rectory.  On  May  1,  1919,  the  Bish- 
op appointed  him  pastor  of  Vandalia 
where  he  labored  until  death  called 
him  hence.  For  some  time  he  suf- 
fered from  cancer  of  the  throat  and 
he  died  from  a  sudden  hemorrhage 
from   one   of  the   main   arteries,   on 


September  13,  1922,  in  St.  John  Hos- 
pital, Springfield,  Illinois.  Though 
his  death  was  sudden  he  was  well 
prepared,  for  Father  Daw  was  al- 
ways and  everywhere  the  true  priest 
of  God.  He  was  one  of  the  most 
scholarly  priests  of  the  diocese. 

As  a  writer  of  prose  and  verse  he 
wielded  a  facile  pen  as  his  contribu- 
tions to  the  Western  Catholic  prove. 
He  was  a  most  genial  and  lovable 
character.  He  stood  in  such  univer- 
sal esteem  that  when  he  lay  cold  in 
death  all  Vandalia  came,  knelt  in  sor- 
row beside  the  humble  casket  that 
held  all  that  was  mortal  of  the  Rev- 
erend John  C.  Daw. 


Reverend  Joseph  De  Chene 


Reverend  Joseph  De  Chene  was 
born  of  good  Catholic  parents  at  Aix 
la  Chapelle,  on  May  29,  1852.  Having 
completed  his  primary  and  classical 
studies  he  entered  the  University  of 
Paris  where  he  studied  medicine  and 
won  his  degree.  He  practiced  as  a 
physician  for  several  years  in  his 
home  city  and  then  he  entered  the 
American  College  at  Louvain,  Bel- 
gium where  he  made  a  brilliant 
course  in  philosophy  and  theology. 
He  was  regarded,  and  justly  so,  as  a 
brilliant  student  and  his  record  in 
Louvain  is  a  proud  one.  He  was  or- 
dained priest  at  Louvain  by  Bishop 
Antonius  in  the  year  1878. 

He  came  to  the  United  States  and 
arrived  in  the  Alton  Diocese  in  Oc- 
tober, 1878.  The  Bishop  sent  him  as 
pastor  to  the  Church  of  the  Assump- 
tion of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  at 
Assumption,  Illinois.  There  he  la- 
bored very  successfully  until  July, 
1880,  when  the  Bishop  appointed  him 
Chaplain  of  Saint  John  Hospital, 
Springfield,  Illinois.  After  three 
years  successful  service  as  Chaplain, 
he  was  sent  to  St.  Aloysius  Church, 
Litchfield,  Illinois,  as  pastor,  in  No- 
vember, 1883.  From  Litchfield  he 
was  transferred  to  St.  Joseph  Church, 
Mt.  Sterling,  in  July,  1889.  He  labor- 
ed faithfully  and  well  in  St.  Joseph 
parish  for  seven  years,  when  he  was 


again  sent  to  Assumption,  Illinois,  on 
October  15,  1897.  From  October  15, 
1897  to  July  2,  1919,  over  twenty 
years,  he  gave  himself  heart  and  soul 
to  the  upbuilding  of  Assumption  par- 
ish and  the  spiritual  advancement  of 
its  people. 

On  July  2,  1919,  he  was  made  ir- 
removable rector  of  St.  Paul  church, 
Highland,  Illinois.  Father  De 
Chene 's  years  in  Highland  were  years 
of  progress  for  St.  Paul  parish — intel- 
lectual and  spiritual  progress.  Father 
De  Chene 's  health  had  been  poor  for 
years,  but  in  1927  he  was  so  poorly 
that  he  asked  his  Bishop  to  relieve 
him  of  his  pastoral  duties.  Bishop 
Griffin  kindly  acceded  to  his  wishes, 
accepted  his  resignation,  and  he  re- 
tired to  St.  Joseph  Hospital  where  he 
edified  Sisters  and  patients  by  his 
cheerful,  kindly  disposition,  his  pa- 
tience in  suffering  and  his  cheerful 
resignation  to  God's  holy  will  in  pain 
and  in  suffering. 

Fortified  with  rites  of  Holy  Church, 
he  gave  up  his  soul  to  his  Creator  on 
Tuesday  afternoon,  April  17,  1928,  in 
St.  Joseph  Hospital,  Highland,  Illi- 
nois. His  funeral  was  held  in  High- 
land on  Friday,  April  20,  from  St. 
Paul  Church.  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  pontificated  at  the 
solemn  services,  and  preached  the 
eulogy  in  which  he  paid  a  fine  tribute 
to  the  scholarly,  holy  zealous  Father 


631 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


De  Chene.  The  Church  was  filled 
with  the  laity  and  the  sanctuary  with 
the  clergy. 

On  the  occasion  of  his  death  the 
Western  Catholic  paid  him  the  follow- 
ing tribute : 

"A  Priest  of  God.— Father  De 
Chene,  priestly,  self-effacing  Father 
De  Chene  of  Highland,  is  dead.  Of 
him  his  brother-priests  will  think 
today  with  feelings  mostly  of  pride 
and  gratitude.  For  he  was  an  honor 
to  the  'Cloth.' 

"An  eminent  career  lay  at  his  feet 
in  the  field  of  medicine,  having  grad- 
uated with  honors  in  one  of  the  most 
famous  medical  schools  in  Europe. 
But  the  innate  genius  that  was  his 
was  destined  to  be  employed  in  re- 
lieving ills  that  are  beyond  the  doe- 
tor's  art.  His  call  was  to  raise  the 
dead  to  life  as  a  physician  of  the  souls 
of  men.  To  him  the  humble  cassock 
of  the  priest  was  far  more  alluring 


than  the  white  jacket  of  the  surgeon. 

"A  profound  scholar,  a  skilled 
theologian,  a  facile  writer,  Father  De 
Chene  was  the  author  that  this  man 
of  God  will  be  remembered  today. 
His  was  not  the  spirit  to  call  attention 
to  his  rare  gifts.  His  most  lasting 
works  are  not  written  on  perishable 
vellum  but  on  the  immirtal  souls  of 
his  flock. 

"High  ecclesiastical  honors  might 
have  been  his  but  he  preferred  the 
lowly  charge  of  a  country  pastor  with 
its  intimate  nearness  to  the  heart  of 
the  poor,  the  simple,  the  toiler.  Priest 
after  God's  own  heart,  your  brother- 
priests,  sorrowfully  yet  proudly,  re- 
call your  Christlike  life,  Father  De 
Chene.  May  the  clay  of  Mother 
Earth  rest  lightly  on  your  noble  heart 
and  may  your  Beloved  Master  re- 
ceive your  priestly  soul  into  His 
keeping." 


Reverend  Patrick  Dee 


Father  Dee  was  born  ,in  Ireland 
and  ordained  a  priest  at  St.  Francis 
Seminary,  Milwaukee,  December  21, 

Reverend  Francis  Derwin 


1872.     His   death   occurred   October 
16,  1886. 

Father  Dee  officiated  for  two  years 
as  pastor  of  the  Alton  Cathedral. 


Father  Derwin  must  be  numbered 
with  the  oldest  missionary  priests  of 
the  state.  As  early  as  1845  Bishop 
Rosatti  of  St.  Louis,  assigned  him  to 
New  Dublin,  near  Galena,  where  he 
said  Mass  in  a  log  house  16x24  and 
7  logs  high,  which  had  been  con- 
structed in  1836.  The  only  mention 
made  of  Father  Derwin  in  this  part 
of  the  state,  the  present  Alton- 
Springfield  diocese,  is  that  in  1846 
he  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Law- 


rence Church  (now  St.  Peter),  of 
Quincy.  He  succeeded  the  first  pas- 
tor and  founder,  Father  Hilary 
Tucker,  and  remained  in  charge  of 
that  parish  from  1846  to  December, 
1849.  His  administration  there  was 
uneventful,  the  parish  making  but 
little  progress  during  his  incumbency. 
After  his  recall  from  Quincy,  Father 
Derwin  labored  in  the  northern  part 
of  the  state,  and  there  he  died. 


Reverend  J.  Bernard  Diepenbrock 


Father  Diepenbrock  was  born  at 
Everswinkel  near  Muenster,  Ger- 
many, August  18,  1852.  Having  fin- 
ished his  classical  studies  in  his 
native  country,  he  went  to  the  Grand 
Seminary  at  Montreal,  Canada,  and 
to  St.  Francis  Seminary,  Milwaukee, 


Wisconsin,  where  he  made  his  phil- 
osophical and  theological  studies.  He 
was  ordained  priest  on  June  24,  1875, 
by  Bishop  Baltes  in  the  Cathedral  at 
Alton. 

He  labored  zealously  as  pastor  at 
Areola,  Charleston  and  Tuscola.     He 


632 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


served  as  Chaplain  of  the  Ursuline 
Academy,  Springfield,  also  at  St. 
John  Hospital,  Springfield.  His  next 
appointment  was  that  of  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph  Church,  Cairo,  Illinois,  and 
finally  he  was  made  pastor  and  Dean 
of  Carlisle,  Illinois. 

When  the  Belleville  Diocese  was 
created,  Carlisle  became  a  part  of  the 
new  diocese  and  Dean  Diepenbrock 
became  a  priest  of  that  diocese.  He 
was  often  referred  to  as  "The  Oil 
King  of  Egypt"  from  the  fact  that 


oil  was  struck  on  a  piece  of  land 
which  he  owned  near  Carlisle.  Oil 
was  found  in  such  a  quantity  that  the 
monthly  royalty  which  he  received 
netted  him  a  handsome  income. 

But  the  little  waifs,  the  orphans  of 
the  diocese,  looked  to  him  as  to  a 
father,  and  he  did  not  fail  them. 
Father  Diepenbrock  was  their  most 
generous  benefactor.  He  also  spent 
much  of  oil  money  in  beautifying  the 
house  of  God.    He  died  April  2,  1919. 


Reverend  John  Dietrich 


Reverend  John  Dietrich  was  born 
in  Belleville,  Illinois,  September  10, 
1859.  Having  completed  his  classical 
course  at  Ruma,  he  entered  St.  Fran- 
cis Seminary,  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin, 
where  he  made  a  brilliant  course  in 
his  theological  studies.  We  say 
"brilliant"  and  correctly  so  because 
among  his  fellow  students  he  was  con- 
sidered primus  inter  pares. 

In  matters  liturgical  and  dogmatic 
he  had  few  superiors,  in  fact  Father 
Dietrich  was  a  man  of  great  scholarly 
attainments,  an  eloquent  speaker  and 
a  most  amiable  companion.  He  was 
ordained  priest  by  Bishop  Baltes  in 
the  Cathedral  at  Alton,  on  June  24, 
1883.  His  first  charge  was  Assistant 
to  the  Reverend  Timothy  Hickey, 
then  pastor  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois. 

He  did  splendid  work  at  Jackson- 
ville, and  the  Bishop  appointed  him 
pastor  of  Raymond  with  Staunton  as 
an  out-mission.  In  1887  he  was  made 
pastor  of  Bloomfield,  Illinois,  and 
later  he  was  sent  to  Mitchell  with 
Bethalto  as  an  out-mission.  While 
pastor  of  Mitchell  he  conceived  the 


idea  of  withdrawing  from  the  world 
and  consecrating  himself  to  God  in 
religion.  He  entered  the  Trappist 
Order  where  his  superiors  soon 
realized  his  intellectual  abilities.  He 
was  appointed  professor  at  Geth- 
semani  and  filled  the  chair  of  Dog- 
matic Theology  with  honor  to  his 
Order  and  profit  to  his  students.  His 
health  failed,  but  in  the  face  of  most 
excruciating  sufferings  he  was  calm, 
patient,  resigned,  spiritual. 

Cancer  caused  his  death.  Worn  out, 
exhausted  and  ready  to  go  home  to 
his  Master,  the  throbbing  heart 
ceased,  the  burning  pulse  stood  still, 
and  his  soul  amid  the  prayers  of  the 
religious,  wafted  its  flight  towards  its 
Creator.  He  died  on  April  10,  1922, 
and  his  remains  rest  in  consecrated 
ground  at  Gethsemani,  Kentucky. 

In  religion  Father  John  Dietrich 
was  known  as  Father  Francis,  O.C.R. 
He  is  survived  by  two  Sisters — Sister 
Theresa,  O.S.F.,  Pharmacist  of  St. 
John  Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
and  Miss  Louise,  housekeeper  at  the 
Belleville  Cathedral  rectory. 


Reverend  Patrick  R.  Ducey 


On  December  17,  1908,  there  ex- 
pired at  Boerne,  Texas,  whither  he 
had  gone  for  the  recuperation  of  im- 
paired health,  Reverend  Patrick  R. 
Ducey,  pastor  of  St.  Mary  congrega- 
tion of  Marshall,  Illinois.  Funeral 
services    were    held    the    following 


Tuesday  at  Marshall.  A  large  con- 
course of  people  was  present  to  at- 
test their  respect  for  him  who  had 
labored  so  earnestly  and  incessantly 
among  them  for  eight  years  in  the 
cause  which  he  represented.  This 
outpouring  of  the  people  manifested 


633 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


the  high  regard  in  which  he  was  held 
by  the  community,  whether  Catholic 
or  Protestant.  Following  the  Solemn 
Requiem  services  the  body  was  con- 
veyed to  Springfield  for  interment. 
Forty  of  his  confreres  were  present 
at  these  services.  He  was  lowered  to 
his  last  resting  place  in  Calvary  cem- 
etery amongst  members  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  Church.  He 
looked  upon  that  congregation  as  a 
second  home,  for  there  he  had  spent 
the  first  years  of  his  young  priestly 


life  as  an  assistant  to  its  venerable 
pastor. 

Father  Ducey,  the  only  son  of  his 
parents,  was  born  at  Lowell,  Mass- 
achusetts, in  1862,  attended  the  local 
St.  Patrick  parochial  school  and 
then  entered  upon  the  courses  of 
Classics,  Philosophy  and  Theology  at 
St.  Bonaventure  College  of  Alle- 
gheny, Pennsylvania,  where  on  June 
20,  1889,  on  the  Feast  of  Corpus 
Christi  he  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood by  Bishop  Stephen  Ryan  of 
Buffalo. 


Reverend  James  Joseph  Dunne 


Reverend  James  Joseph  Dunne  was 
born  in  Thurles,  Tipperary,  Ireland, 
in  the  year  1887.  His  parents  were 
good  pious  Catholics  and  the  ambition 
of  their  lives  was  to  see  their  boy, 
James,  called  by  Almighty  God  to 
serve  Him  in  His  Sanctuary. 

He  made  his  primary  studies  in  the 
National  School  of  his  native  town, 
and,  being  a  bright  boy,  his  parents 
sent  him  to  College.  He  was  ordained 
a  priest  in  St.  Patrick  College  Chapel, 
Thurles,  Ireland,  in  1912,  for  the 
Diocese  of  Alton,  United  States  of 
America. 

He  immediately  came  to  America, 
reached  Alton  in  September,  1912, 
and  immediately  upon  arrival  was  ap- 
pointed an  Assistant  to  Father  Hig- 
gins,  pastor  of  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Church,  Mattoon,  Illinois.  On 
February  8,  1913,  he  applied  for  his 


American  Citizenship  papers,  and  on 
March  6,  1918,  his  final  hearing  was 
held  in  presence  of  Judge  McNutt  in 
the  Mattoon  City  Court. 

Towards  the  end  of  the  war  he 
volunteered  to  act  as  a  Knights  of 
Columbus  Chaplain.  His  intentions 
were  to  go  to  France  as  a  Chaplain 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus.  But  the  Armistice  was 
signed  November  11,  1918,  and  in  De- 
cember that  same  year  Father  Dunne 
fell  a  victim  to  the  dreaded  Flu. 

While  on  a  mission  of  mercy  at  the 
beds  of  stricken  ones,  he  himself  was 
struck  down  and  he  died  a  victim  to 
Influenza-pneumonia  on  December  7, 
1918.  His  funeral  services  were  held 
in  Mattoon  and  were  largely  attended 
by  the  clergy  and  laity.  Over  forty 
priests  were  present  at  his  funeral. 


Reverend  Henry  Eggenstein 


Father  Eggenstein  was  born  July 
10,  1843,  at  Drensteinfurt,  Germany. 
He  studied  in  the  local  schools, 
thence  attended  the  gymnasium  of 
Muenster,  after  which  he  entered  as 
alumnus  the  American  College  of  St. 
Maurice  (suburb  of  Muenster). 
There  he  was  raised  to  the  priesthood 
on  May  8,  1869.  In  autumn  of  the 
same  year,  October  2,  he  landed  on 
the  American  shores,  setting  out  at 
once  for  Alton  to  report  "ready  for 
duty"   to   Bishop    Baltes.     He   was 


sent  to  Springfield  as  assistant  to  the 
pastor  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul.  His 
stay  here,  however,  was  to  be  of  but 
short  duration,  as  he  was  after  a  few 
months  appointed  assistant  priest  to 
Father  Schaefermeyer  at  St.  Boni- 
face Church  of  Quiney.  A  vacancy 
occurring  at  St.  Joseph  Church  of 
Carlinville,  Father  Eggenstein  be- 
came pastor  of  that  congregation  a 
few  months  later,  working  hard  for 
its  material  and  spiritual  uplift  Sep- 
tember, 1876,  when  he  received  his 


634 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ultimate  appointment  to  St.  Eliz- 
abeth parish  of  Marine,  where  he  re- 
mained until  forced  by  age  and  in- 
firmities to  seek  the  asylum  of  St. 
Vincent  Hospital  at  Taylorville,  in 
the  fall  of  1913. 

St.    Elizabeth   parish   in   its   com- 
pleteness,   church,    school    and   resi- 


dence is,  with  exception  of  the  latter, 
the  result  of  Father  Eggenstein's 
efforts,  it  is  a  gem  among  the  country 
parishes  of  the  diocese,  proclaiming 
eloquently  the  priestly  spirit  of  the 
deceased  which  wrought  these  telling 
results.  He  likewise  built  the  priest 's 
residence  at  Saline. 


Reverend  Joseph  Eiler 


Born  at  Metz,  France,  (now  Ger- 
many), he  came  over  to  America  in 
1857,  was  ordained  in  1869  and  ap- 
pointed an  assistant  at  the  Alton 
Cathedral.  He  remained,  however, 
but  a  few  months  in  Alton  when  he 


left  for  the  Cleveland  diocese.  There 
he  was  assigned  in  a  similar  capacity 
to  the  Church  of  the  Assumption,  in 
Cleveland.  Further  particulars  are 
lacking. 


Reverend  John  Nepomucen  Enzelberger 


A  trenchant  and  forceful  writer, 
who  fearlessly  championed  the  cause 
of  the  church,  was  Reverend  John  N. 
Enzelberger.  For  many  years  his 
weekly  glossaries  on  religio-political 
topics  appeared  in  the  "Herold  des 
Glaubens"  of  St.  Louis.  His  name 
became  widely  known  and  his  say- 
ings extensively  quoted  by  the  press. 
He  was  an  avowed  and  outspoken 
antagonist  of  all  modernistic  tenden- 
cies and  other  outgrowth  which 
threatened  damage  to  the  Church. 
He  was  honest  and  sincere  in  his  de- 
nunciations although  probably  not 
always  prudent  in  expressing  them. 
The  greatest  service,  however,  which 
forever  will  redound  to  his  merit  is 
the  compilation  of  the  third  cat- 
alogue of  the  Catholic  German  clergy 
and  of  the  German  parishes  of  the 
United  States,  known  as  "Schem- 
atismus  der  Katholischen  Geistlich- 
keit  deutscher  Zunge  in  den  Verein- 
igten  Staaten  Amerikas"  in  1892. 
This  work  is  a  valuable  addition  to 


the  history  of  the  Catholic  Church 
in  the  United  States  for  the  use  of 
present  and  future  generations  and 
its  great  value  has  received  universal 
recognition  and  unstinted  praise. 
Father  Enzelberger  would  deserve 
to  be  paralleled  with  that  well-known 
German  writer,  Alban  Stolz.  He 
served  the  diocese  at  Vandalia  from 
July  12,  1875  to  March  22,  1876. 

Reverend  John  Nepomucen  Enzel- 
berger was  born  March  30,  1852,  at 
Weizenkirchen,  in  Upper  Austria; 
studied  at  Linz,  Austria,  and  at  St. 
Francis,  Wisconsin ;  was  ordained  by 
Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes, 
March  19,  1875;  substituted  at  St. 
Joseph  parish,  Cairo,  April  10  to 
June  23,  1875;  substituted  at  Du- 
Quoin  from  June  29  to  July  12,  1875 ; 
was  rector  of  Vandalia  until  March 
22,  1876;  then  rector  of  Piopolis  un- 
til February,  1902;  after  which  he 
acted  as  rector  of  Germantown  until 
his  death,  November  2,  1907.  He  is 
buried  at  Germantown. 


Reverend  Patrick  Fallon 


Reverend  Patrick  Fallon,  son  of 
Martin  Fallon  and  Margaret  Nichols 
Fallon,  was  born  in  Montreal,  Can- 
ada, August  27,  1859.  He  received 
his  primary  and  college  education 
from  the  Christian  Brothers.     Hav- 


ing graduated  from  the  Christian 
Brothers  College,  he  entered  the 
Grand  Seminary  of  Montreal  where 
he  completed  his  philosophical  and 
theological  course  with  credit  to  him- 
self and  to  his  teachers.    He  was  or- 


635 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 


dained  priest  by  Archbishop  Fabre 
of  Montreal  in  December,  1884. 

His  first  assignment  was  that  of 
Assistant  to  Reverend  Timothy  Hick- 
ey,  pastor  of  Our  Saviour  Church, 
Jacksonville,  Illinois.  In  the  year 
1888,  Bishop  Ryan  promoted  him  to 
the  Rectorship  of  St.  Bartholomew 
parish,  Murrayville,  Illinois,  where 
he  served  faithfully  for  two  years. 
He  was  then  promoted  to  the  pas- 
torate of  St.  Patrick  Church  in 
Alton,  where  he  labored  faithfully 
and  well  for  five  years. 

During  that  time  Malaria  had  so 
affected  and  undermined  his  health 
that  a  rest  was  imperative  so  he  took 
a  two  year  leave  of  absence  with  the 
approbation  of  his  Bishop.  He  re- 
turned to  his  Canadian  home  where 


kindly  treatment,  restful  leisure  and 
the  smiles  of  friendly  faces  worked 
wonders  for  his  health.  On  his  re- 
turn to  the  diocese  he  was  appointed 
pastor  of  St.  Xavier  Church,  Jersey- 
ville,  Illinois,  where  he  labored  zeal- 
ously for  three  years. 

In  1904  Bishop  Ryan  appointed 
him  pastor  of  St.  Mary  Church, 
Paris,  Illinois,  where  he  worked  for 
God 's  honor  and  the  salvation  of  his 
people  to  the  best  of  his  ability  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  October  6, 
1921.  His  death  was  unexpected  and 
so  sudden  that  it  came  like  a  bolt 
from  the  blue  and  caused  universal 
grief  among  the  people  of  Paris  ir- 
respective of  religious  affiliations. 


Reverend  Joseph  Finnegan 


Born  in  1857  at  Providence,  Rhode 
Island,  young  Finnegan  was  sent  in 
early  youth  to  Montreal,  there  to 
study  Classics,  Philosophy  and  Theol- 
ogy, under  the  direction  of  the  Sul- 
pician  Fathers.  And  nobly  he  ac- 
quitted himself,  bearing  away  sev- 
eral college  prizes  at  the  annual 
commencement  exercises.  He  was 
very  popular  among  his  fellow  stu- 
dents and  the  Sulpician  Fathers  in 
college  and  seminary  had  high  regard 
for  his  talents,  manliness  and  high 
sense  of  honor.  And  yet,  as  college 
student,  he  was  full  of  harmless  mis- 
chief and  law  breaking  propensities. 
Had  some  little  prank  occurred 
whose  source  the  good  Father  Rector 
could  not  at  once  fathom,  young  Fin- 
negan was  looked  upon  as  the  cul- 
prit, and  with  threatening  finger  of 
indulgent  reprimand  he  would  be 
addressed :  ' '  Ah,  Monsieur  Finnigan, 


c'est  vous  le  coupable."  And  sure 
enough,  Father  Finnegan  had  usual- 
ly been  at  the  bottom  of  it. 

After  a  brilliant  course  of  studies, 
Father  Finnegan  was  ordained  to 
the  priesthood  a  few  days  before 
Christmas,  1882,  in  the  Grand  Sem- 
inary chapel  by  Archbishop  Edward 
Fabre  of  Montreal.  After  reporting 
ready  for  duty  to  Bishop  Baltes,  he 
was  sent  as  pastor  to  Cahokia,  after 
which  he  successfully  filled  positions 
at  Virden,  Auburn,  Charleston,  Graf- 
ton, 1895-1898,  Jacksonville,  Spring- 
field and  Dalton  City.  Whilst  in  the 
latter  place  he  was  stricken  with  that 
dreadful  malady,  cancer  of  the 
throat,  which  consigned  him  to  an 
early  grave.  He  bore  his  sickness 
with  heroic  fortitude  and  great 
Christian  resignation  and  expired 
February  9,  1908. 


Reverend  Joseph  Foerster 


Reverend  Joseph  Foerster,  later 
known  as  Father  Paschalis,  O.F.M., 
was  born  at  Auenhausen,  September 
5,  1859.  As  a  boy  and  a  young  man 
he  aspired  to  the  priesthood,  but  in 
his    twenty-first    year    he    was    con- 


scripted into  the  German  Army,  lie 
laid  his  plans  well  and  managing  to 
escape  from  home,  country  and  Army 
— he  landed  at  Venice,  Illinois,  where 
good  Father  Kaenders  received  him 
with  open  arms. 


636 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Father  Kaenders  kindly  taught  the 
young  German  Latin,  thus  preparing 
him  for  the  Seminary.  He  then  en- 
tered St.  Meinrad  Seminary  in  In- 
diana, where  he  made  a  record  as  a 
diligent  student.  He  was  ordained 
for  the  Alton  Diocese,  at  Oldenburg, 
Indiana,  March  15,  1891. 

The  Bishop  appointed  him  Assist- 
ant at  St.  Mary  in  Alton ;  later  an 
Assistant  at  St.  James  in  Decatur  and 
finally  at  St.  Boniface  in  Quincy. 
His  heart  yearned  for  a  visit  to  his 
aged  mother,  and  the  Bishop  kindly 
gave   the   necessary   permission.      In 


company  with  Father  Tiklenburg, 
pastor  of  Mt.  Vernon,  in  the  Belle- 
ville Diocese,  he  returned  to  his  home 
in  1895,  to  visit  his  dear  old  mother. 
In  passing  it  should  be  stated  here 
that  Father  Foerster  had  educated 
Father  Tiklenburg  at  his  own  ex- 
pense, for  the  priesthood. 

In  1900  Father  Foerster  joined  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  at  Teutopolis 
under  the  name  of  Father  Paschalis. 

He  was  a  good,  a  noble,  a  zealous 
priest  of  God.  After  the  war  he  was 
most  generous  in  aiding  the  starving 
German  people. 


Reverend  Joseph  H.  Fortmann 


An  early  Catholic  center  in  the 
diocese  of  Alton,  is  Highland.  The 
first  settlers  from  1831  to  1842  were 
nearly  all  Catholics,  at  least  in  name, 
though  without  strong  affiliations  to 
the  Church.  The  years  1840  and 
1841  brought  more  than  one  hun- 
dred from  the  Grand  Duchy  of 
Baden,  besides  a  number  of  Swiss 
and  a  few  Bavarian  Catholics.  Oc- 
casionally, probably  twice  a  year,  a 
priest  was  sent  to  them  from  St. 
Louis.  More  frequent  became  the 
visits  since  Shoal  Creek  (German- 
town)  had  a  resident  priest  in  the 
person  of  Reverend  Joseph  H.  Fort- 
mann, ordained  at  the  Barrens, 
November  1,  1837,  and  since  then 
pastor  of  Apple  Creek,  Missouri.  He 
did  his  best  to  persuade  the  Cath- 
olics to  build  a  church  and  in  this  he 
succeeded.  The  cornerstone  was 
placed  in  1844  on  the  first  day  of 
May.  The  first  Mass  was  celebrated 
in  this  church  of  Highland  in  1846  by 
Reverend  Joseph  Kuenster,  pastor  of 


Teutopolis.  Father  Fortmann  was 
recalled  from  Shoal  Creek  by  Bishop 
Rosatti  in  1847  and  sent  as  pastor  to 
St.  Joseph  Church  of  Grosse  Point 
(Wilmette,  near  Chicago),  where  he 
stayed  from  1847  to  1853.  During 
his  stay  at  Grosse  Point  he  erected 
St.  Peter  Church  at  Niles  Center. 
Next  we  find  him  busily  engaged  at 
St.  Mary  of  the  Woods  at  Highland 
Park  (near  Chicago),  after  which  he 
was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Peter 
Church  at  Teutopolis.  Here  he 
worked  against  many  odds  and  diffi- 
culties from  August  5,  1857  to  Jan- 
uary, 1858.  He  had  made  arrange- 
ments for  the  construction  of  a  new 
parochial  residence,  for  which  pur- 
pose he  had  collected  the  sum  of 
$723.00.  Before  he  witnessed  the 
realization  of  hs  plans,  however,  he 
was  sent  to  Peoria  to  assume  charge 
of  St.  Joseph  Church  of  that  city. 
Three  weeks  after  his  arrival  in 
Peoria,  Father  Fortmann  died. 


Reverend  Thomas  Frauenhofer 


A  great  worker  was  Reverend 
Thomas  Frauenhofer,  Teutopolis, 
Green  Creek  and  Effingham  must 
forever  be  grateful  for  his  untiring 
efforts  in  their  behalf.  Early  in  1857, 
February  12,  he  was  appointed  pas- 
tor of  St.  Peter  congregation  of 
Teutopolis.     After  residing  there  for 


some  months,  he  moved  to  Green 
Creek,  becoming  its  first  resident  pas- 
tor. How  faithfully  he  discharged 
his  sacred  duties  may  be  judged  from 
his  diary  and  publication  books  which 
are  extant  in  that  parish.  They  are, 
in  composition,  very  neat,  though 
rather  exhaustive.     Whilst  pastor  of 


637 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Green  Creek,  Father  Frauenhofer 
looked  after  the  spiritual  needs  of  the 
Catholic  people  in  and  around  Ef- 
fingham, where  in  1856  a  log  church 
had  been  built.  To  this  little  log 
shanty  he  journeyed  every  second 
Sunday  to  say  Holy  Mass  for  the  few 
scattered  Catholic  people,  thereby 
laying  the  foundation  for  the  present 
strong  parish.  At  times  he  visited 
Decatur  to  minster  to  the  German 
Catholics  there. 

When  in  1858,  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  assumed  charge  of  Teutopolis 
and  subsequently  of  Green  Creek  he 
took  charge  of  Johnsburg  parish, 
(Rockford)  from  Decatur,  1858,  to 
December,  1860.     After  this  Father 


Frauenhofer  became  stationed  at 
Lourdes  (now  Peoria  diocese),  and 
later  left  for  the  Dubuque  diocese.  In 
1867  he  was  in  charge  of  Sherrils- 
mount,  Iowa,  and  after  that  at  Peters- 
burg. 

Reverend  Thomas  Frauenhofer  was 
a  native  of  Bavaria,  born  December  6, 
1817,  at  Pfeffenhausen,  in  the  Dio- 
cese of  Regensburg.  On  July  1,  1844, 
he  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood 
and  exercised  his  sacerdotal  functions 
for  eight  years  in  his  native  diocese 
until  May  19,  1852,  when  he  came  to 
America  to  affiliate  with  the  diocese 
of  Chicago.  Rumor  has  it  that  Father 
Frauenhofer  died  at  the  Trappist 
monastery  near  Dubuque,  in  the  year 
1870  or  1871. 


Reverend  J.  Freimuth 


The  first  resident  pastor  of  Kamps- 
ville,  in  Calhoun  county,  was  Father 
Freimuth.  He  was  appointed  to  that 
parish  which  was  still  in  a  formative 
state,  and  remained  there  until  1879. 
During  his  two  years  stay  he  built  a 
small  frame  church  and  dedicated  it 
to  St.  Anselm.  On  the  24th  day  of 
April,  1879,  it  was  duly  blessed  and 
given  over  to  divine  worship.  After 
holding  several  minor  charges  in  the 
Southern  part  of  the  diocese,  Father 
Freimuth  joined  the  Franciscan  Or- 
der at  Teutopolis  in  1887,  and  was 
known  from  that  time  as  P.  Firmatus, 
O.F.M.  As  such  he  became  an  assist- 
ant at  St.  Joseph  Church    of    Cleve- 


land in  1892.  Being  a  man  of  ex- 
treme nervousness  and  delicate 
health,  P.  Firmatus  was  much  con- 
fined to  indoor  life.  His  death  oc- 
curred at  Superior,  Wisconsin,  Nov- 
ember 23,  1909,  being  in  his  71st  year, 
the  25th  of  his  solemn  profession  and 
the  33rd  of  his  priesthood. 

Father  Freimuth  was  born  April 
10,  1838,  at  Remscheidt,  in  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Cologne,  was  ordained  a 
priest  at  Malina  in  Belgium,  May  26, 
1877,  and  came  to  this  country  the 
following  October.  His  solemn  pro- 
fession as  member  of  the  Franciscan 
Order  was  made  on  March  8,  1888. 


Reverend  Henry  Frederick  Frohboese 


This  humble  and  pious  priest  was 
bom  June  7,  1823,  in  Ringelheim, 
Hanover,  was  ordained  December  8, 
1853,  and  arrived  in  the  States  July 
26,  1858.  With  the  exception  of  the 
last  five  years,  the  deceased  spent  his 
priestly  life  in  parishes  of  the  pres- 
ent Belleville  diocese,  at  Mascoutah, 
Germantown,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  and 
Fayetteville.    Broken  in  health,  after 


serious  trials  and  labors,  Father 
Frohboese  retired  in  August,  1884, 
to  become  a  chaplain  in  the  St.  Vin- 
cent Home  of  Quincy.  Blindness 
prevented  him  from  saying  Mass  after 
December  24,  1888.  Peacefully  he 
slept  away  January  9th,  1889.  His 
remains  were  interred  in  St.  Boniface 
Cemetery  of  Quincy. 


Reverend  William  Futterer 


Like  a  bolt  from  a  clear  noonday 
sky  came  the  startling  announcement 


of  Father  William  Futterer 's  death, 
on  Monday,  August  21,  1910.    It  was 


638 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


cabled  to  his  sister,  Mrs.  L.  Ritter,  of 
Mattoon,  Illinois,  from  Munich,  in 
Bavaria,  whither  decedent  had  gone 
to  recover  lost  health.  Most  of  his 
confreres  were  even  unaware  of  his 
ailing  condition,  and  but  few  knew  of 
his  departure  for  Europe. 

Reverend  William  Futterer  was  an 
only  son  of  Charles  and  Mary  Futter- 
er of  Mattoon,  Illinois.  He  attained 
the  age  of  forty-seven  years  and  six 
months,  having  been  born  August  21, 
1863. 

Father  Futterer  spent  his  boyhood 
days  and  early  manhood  in  Mattoon, 
where  he  received  his  schoooling  at 
the  parochial  schools  conducted  by 
the  Dominican  Sisters.  After  leaving 
the  Mattoon  schools  he  entered  St. 
Joseph  College  at  Teutopolis,  from 
which  he  graduated  with  high  honors. 
In  compliance  with  the  wishes  of  the 
late  Bishop  Baltes  he  went  to  the 
Grand  Seminary  of  Montreal,  there  to 
study  Philosophy  and  Theology  and 
was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  by 
Most  Reverend  Archbishop  Edouard 
Fabre,  D.D.,  during  the  week  preced- 
ing Christmas,  1887. 

The  first  charge  which  the  young 
priest  enjoyed  was  at  Grant  Fork 
(Saline)  where  he  succeeded  Rever- 
end Anthony  Zurbonsen,  who  was 
sent  as  first  resident  pastor  to  Staun- 
ton, January  12,  1888.  From  here 
he  was  sent  by  his  Bishop  to  near-by 


Pierron,  where  owing  to  his  energetic 
and  generous  initiative  he  was  instru- 
mental in  starting  a  parish,  erecting 
a  fine  church  and  rectory,  purchasing 
a  cemetery  site  and  performing  nu- 
merous other  duties  which  will  for- 
ever redound  to  his  honor  and  credit. 
At  this  time  Father  Futterer  be- 
came the  Bishop's  choice  as  diocesan 
representative  at  the  Catholic  Uni- 
versity of  "Washington.  Whilst 
prosecuting  his  studies  at  that  seat 
of  learning,  he  was  placed  in  tem- 
porary charge  of  the  St.  Mary  Ger- 
man Catholic  Church,  the  only  church 
in  the  National  Capital  where  the 
German  language  is  spoken.  After 
remaining  for  about  two  years  in 
Washington  where  he  became  the 
personal  friend,  admirer  and  defend- 
er of  the  late  Monsignor  Dr.  Joseph 
Schroeder,  dogmatic  professor  at  the 
University,  he  was  recalled  by  the 
Bishop  and  appointed  pastor  of  the 
parish  at  Petersburg,  where  he  did 
excellent  work,  but  contracted  a 
malady  which  eventually  resulted  in 
his  untoward  death.  The  remains  were 
forwarded  after  considerable  delay  to 
this  country,  the  following  October. 
Solemn  obsequies  at  which  almost  the 
entire  diocesan  clergy  assisted,  were 
had  in  his  native  town  and  parish 
church  of  Mattoon,  after  which  he 
was  buried  in  the  local  Catholic  ceme- 
tery. 


Reverend  Charles  George  Geier 


A  fine  young  priest,  amiable  and 
of  winning  disposition,  was  Father 
George  Geier,  a  former  college  stu- 
dent of  Teutopolis  and  Seminarian  of 
St.  Francis,  Milwaukee,  who  was 
raised  to  the  holy  ministry  in  the 
Alton  Cathedral  by  Bishop  Baltes, 
October  31,  1880. 

Deceased  was  a  native  of  St.  Louis, 
son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Anthony  Geier 
(Anna,  nee  Wollenschlager),  born 
April  26,  1857.  Whilst  a  student  of 
college  and  seminary  he  spent  the 
annual   summer   vacations  with   the 


late  Father  Stick,  of  Mattoon,  a 
profitable  pastime  and  enjoyment 
with  such  a  versatile  man  and  tal- 
ented pastor  of  wide  experience. 

Father  Geier  was  assigned  to  the 
Vandalia  parish  where  he  worked 
faithfully  and  successfully  from 
1881  to  1885.  Owing  to  feeble  health 
which  gradually  developed  into  con- 
sumption he  was  forced  after  four 
years  to  discontinue  active  service. 
Death  claimed  the  genial  young 
priest  January  11,  1886. 


639 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Herman  Gesenhues 


Deceased  was  born  in  St.  Louis, 
December  13,  1858.  Shortly  after- 
ward his  parents  removed  to  Ger- 
mantown,  where  young  Herman 
attended  the  parochial  school  and 
later  entered  St.  Joseph  College  of 
Teutopolis.  His  classical  course  fin- 
ished, he  was  sent  by  the  Bishop  to 
Milwaukee,  there  to  study  philos- 
ophy and  theology. 

Herman  Gesenhues  acquitted  him- 
self both  at  Teutopolis  and  at  Mil- 
waukee, splendidly  for  he  was  a 
gifted  and  talented  young  man  who 
suffered  not  to  be  outdone  by  his 
class-mates. 

Bishop  Baltes  raised  the  young 
theologian  to  the  priesthood  at  Alton, 
October  23,  1881.  Bloomfield,  Hills- 
boro,  with  Raymond  and  Gillespie, 
Altamont,    Beardstown    and    Shelby- 


ville,  were  successively  parishes 
where  Father  Gesenhues  performed 
excellent  service  and  where  his  name 
will  remain  in  benediction.  Many 
times  after  coming  from  Hillsboro  to 
Gillespie  on  a  late  evening  train  and 
not  wishing  to  discommode  anyone, 
he  went  to  his  little  church  and  there 
spent  the  night  on  the  hard  planks  of 
a  church  pew.  His  modesty  forbade 
the  mention  of  these  and  other  inci- 
dents but  they  eloquently  portray  his 
humility  and  unselfishness. 

Father  Gesenhues  died  of  heart 
failure  at  Shelbyville  on  September 
13,  1913.  His  mortal  remains  were 
taken  to  his  old  home  in  German- 
town,  and  there,  after  solemn  serv- 
ices, interred  in  the  Catholic  cem- 
etery. 


Reverend  John  W.  Gifford 


Father  Gifford  was  a  native  of 
Scotland,  and  ordained  in  Ireland. 
He  succeeded  Reverend  George  A. 
Hamilton  in  1851  in  the  administra- 
tion of  the  affairs  of  the  young  Im- 
maculate Conception  Church  of 
Springfield.  There  had  been  a  vacan- 
cy after  its  first  resident  pastor, 
Father  Hamilton,  had  relinquished 
it  in  1845.  Father  Gifford  remained 
its  pastor  for  two  years.    He  died  in 


the  fall  of  1853  at  O'Hara  Settlement 
(Now  Ruma)  in  Randolph  county. 
Father  Gifford  arrived  in  Chicago 
from  Ireland  in  May,  1850,  and  was 
at  once  accepted  by  Bishop  Van  de 
Velde.  He  worked  mostly  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  state.  Governor 
John  Reynolds,  in  his  History  of  Illi- 
nois, describes  Father  Gifford  as  a 
great  orator  and  devout  priest. 


Reverend  Charles  Gonant 


Numbered  with  the  brave  band  of 
French  priests,  who,  at  the  solicita- 
tion of  Bishop  Juncker  left  the  sunny 
hillsides  of  beautiful  France  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  fifties  in  order  to 
devote  their  future  lives  in  the  young 
diocese  of  Alton,  was  Reverend 
Charles  Gonant.  He  was  a  native  of 
Nancy,  where  he  received  Holy  Or- 
ders in  1858.  On  arriving  in  the 
United  States  in  the  fall  of  that  year, 
his  first  assignment  was  to  the  parish 
of  Assumption,  which  was  then  great- 
ly peopled  by  French-speaking  Cath- 
olics.    He  became  their  first  resident 


pastor.  Here  Father  Gonant  remained 
three  years,  from  1858-61,  attending 
during  these  years  the  spiritual  needs 
of  the  Catholics  of  Pana. 

From  Assumption  he  was  ordered 
to  Litchfield  to  succeed  Reverend 
Michael  Colton  as  pastor  of  that 
young  congregation.  Father  Colton 
had  assumed  charge  of  that  parish  a 
few  years  previous  and  had  caused 
the  first  brick  church  to  be  built  there 
in  1859.  For  ten  years  Father  Gonant 
remained  at  Litchfield.  A  consider- 
able debt  on  the  church  was  liquid- 
ated and  shortly  after  the  congrega- 


640 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


tion  succeeded  in  building  a  becom- 
ing parochial  residence.  From  Litch- 
field he  regularly  attended  Hillsboro. 
Leaving  Litchfield  in  June,  1871, 
he  moved  to  Areola,  where,  however, 
his  stay  was  but  a  short  one,  for  he 
left  this  charge  in  September  of  the 
same  year.  At  this  juncture  Father 
Gonant  went  to  the  Peoria  diocese  to 


become  a  subject  of  Bishop  Spalding. 
Chebanse  had  become  a  separate  par- 
ish and  awaited  a  pastor.  Father 
Gonant  was  sent  thither  in  1875  and 
continued  to  direct  the  destinies  of 
that  congregation  for  eleven  years, 
until  1886.  He  died  a  priest  of  that 
diocese. 


Reverend  Augustine  Gorris 


Father  Gorris  was  born  in  Amster- 
dam on  Christmas  day,  1861.  Being 
desirous  of  studying  for  the  priest- 
hood, but  without  sufficient  means  to 
complete  the  prescribed  course  of 
studies,  he  set  out  to  learn  the  join- 
ers' trade.  This  he  followed  for  a 
number  of  years,  husbanding  in  the 
meantime,  every  penny  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  his  proposed  pur- 
pose. And  he  succeeded,  though  by 
hard  work  and  great  sacrifice. 

At  the  American  College  of  Lou- 
vain  we  find  the  young  man  pouring 
over  his  books,  determined  to  win, 
as  he  did,  and  was  ordained  there  on 
February  25,  1893.  In  the  fall  of 
that  year  he  came  to  this  country  to 
be  appointed  as  assistant  at  St.  Boni- 
face church,  Quincy,  on  November  13, 
1893.  For  three  years  he  worked 
faithfully  at  St.  Boniface,  when  on 
November  5,  1896,  he  was  transferred 
to  St.  John  Church  of  that  city,  there 
to  lighten  the  burdens  of  Father  Still, 
the   pastor.     Here   the  young  priest 


likewise  performed  good  and  valiant 
service.  Recognizing  his  merits  and 
persistent  endeavors  his  Bishop  made 
him  pastor  of  St.  Ubaldus  parish  of 
New  Douglas,  July  11,  1899.  Here 
the  enduring  qualities  of  the  man 
were  put  to  a  severe  test.  A  poor 
priest,  he  landed  in  a  poor  congrega- 
tion. St.  Ubaldus  was  not  what  it  had 
been  in  the  eighties.  The  Catholic 
population  had  dwindled  away, 
causing  the  parish  to  struggle  for  an 
existence.  After  a  hard  struggle  for 
two  years  his  health  gave  way.  A 
sincere  welcome  awaited  him  with 
the  good  Sisters  of  St.  Vincents  Home 
of  Quincy,  whose  chaplain  he  had  al- 
ready been  whilst  stationed  as  assist- 
ant at  St.  John.  Nine  months  he 
struggled  against  disease  but  had  to 
yield  to  the  inevitable  on  November 
16,  1901,  tuberculosis  claiming  him  as 
a  victim. 

After  solemn  funeral  services,  his 
remains  were  buried  in  St.  Boniface 
cemetery,  Quincy. 


Reverend  Francis  J.  Harbe 


Father  Harbe 's  life  was  one  replete 
with  adventures,  it  reads  like  a  ro- 
mance in  all  its  phases  and  features. 
Born  May  2,  1876,  at  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
he  became  in  infancy  orphaned 
through  the  death  of  his  mother.  The 
father  took  the  child  to  far-off  Ari- 
zona and  placed  him  in  the  care  of  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  Mother  Mon- 
ica, one  of  the  sisters,  thereupon  con- 
fided little  Francis  to  an  orphanage  in 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  where  he  grew  up 
to  boyhood.  Being  endowed  with  a 
bright  intellect,  the  boy  was  sent  to 


St.  Francis  College,  Quincy,  where  he 
remained  until  1896,  making  splendid 
progress  in  all  his  studies,  especially 
in  music.  We  next  hear  of  him  as 
music  teacher  in  St.  Louis  and  organ- 
ist at  St.  Patrick  church  of  that  city. 
When  the  Spanish-American  war 
broke  out,  young  Harbe  joined  the 
Missouri  volunteers  and  saw  service 
in  Cuba.  In  1900  he  decided  to  again 
take  up  his  studies  and  to  prepare 
for  the  priesthood.  He  entered  the 
American  College  at  Louvain,  in  Bel- 
gium, where,  after  the  completion  of 


641 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


his  theological  course  he  was  ordained 
July  12,  1903,  by  Bishop  James  F. 
Van  der   stappen. 

His  first  appointment  was  to 
Oconee  from  where  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Greenville.  His  health  gave 
way,  whereupon  in  1910  he  sought  the 
more  salubrious  climate  of  Oklahoma. 
There  he  had  charge  for  one  year  of 
the  parish  of  Coal  Gate,  but  not  see- 


ing any  improvement  in  his  broken 
health,  he  entered  in  1911  the  Sani- 
tarium at  Boerne,  Texas.  The  re- 
sult here  was  no  better  than  in  Okla- 
homa. On  Ihe  contrary,  Father  Harbe 
felt  his  life  slowly  ebbing  away. 
From  Boerne  he  journeyed  to  the 
Santa  Maria  Infirmary  of  San  An- 
tonio, where  he  passed  away  June 
17,  1913. 


Reverend  James  IIarty 


The  decedent  was  bom  at  Old 
Parish,  County  Waterford,  Ireland, 
on  December  6,  1836.  He  made  his 
classical  studies  at  ihe  school  kept  by 
the  Trappist  Fathers  at  Mt.  Mellary, 
and  entered  All  Hallows  College  in 
1859.  He  left  the  land  of  his  birth, 
however,  and  setting  the  prow  of  his 
future  career  westward,  came  to 
America,  arriving  at  Alton,  in  1862. 
The  theological  department  having 
just  been  opened  at  Teutopolis  it  was 
thither  that  Bishop  Juncker  directed 
the  young  aspirant  to  proceed,  where 
in  1863  he  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood. His  first  appointment  was  to 
Olney,  whence  he  was  transferred  to 
become  the  Cathedral  Rector  of 
Alton.  Shortly  after  his  advent  to 
Alton,  St.  Francis  Xavier  parish  of 
Jerseyville  was  founded.  The  church 
building  was  under  construction. 
The  committee  in  charge,  however, 


had  encountered  financial  difficulties 
and  the  servces  of  a  prudent  and  ex- 
perienced leader  were  required  to 
cope  with  the  difficulties  and  carry 
the  unfinished  church  to  completion. 
Father  Harty  was  the  man  of  the 
hour.  He  assumed  the  task.  With 
what  signal  success  he  labored  at 
St.  Xavier  for  thirty-one  long  years, 
is  well  known  to  all.  Church,  resi- 
dence, Sisters'  dwelling,  and  above 
all  the  fine  parochial  school,  the  pride 
of  the  parish,  eloquently  proclaim — 
better  than  words  can  tell — Father 
Harty 's  untiring  efforts  in  behalf  of 
parish  and  people.  To  say  that  he 
was  endeared  to  all  who  knew  him  is 
only  to  express  their  faith  and  trust 
in  his  unblemished  conduct  and 
priestly  life.  Father  Harty  died  in 
July,  1899,  and  was  buried  in  the 
Catholic  cemetery  at  Jerseyville. 


Reverend  B.  Hassb 


The  cradle  of  Father  Hasse  stood 
on  the  banks  of  the  river  Ems  at 
Warendorf  in  Wesphalia,  where  he 
was  born  February  12,  1848.  There 
in  the  primary  schools  of  his  native 
city  he  received  his  first  marked 
honor  and  distinction.  In  1870  he 
entered  as  a  young  cleric  the  above 
mentioned  institution.  After  four 
years  of  strenuous  application  to 
philosophical  and  theological  studies, 
he  was  elevated  to  the  priesthood  in 
the  Cathedral  Church  of  St.  Ludger 
of  Muenster,  by  Bishop  John  Bar- 
nar  Brinkmann,  May  30,  1874.  In 
company  with  the  late  Fathers 
Augustine    Wenker,    of    Naperville, 


Emmerich  Weber,  of  Chicago,  and 
John  Storp,  of  Green  Creek,  he  set 
out  for  America  the  same  summer, 
arriving  in  New  York,  September  19, 
1874,  and  a  few^  days  later,  in  Alton. 
From  the  day  of  his  coming  until  the 
day  of  exit,  Father  Hasse  proved 
himself  a  conscientious,  faithful  and 
earnest  priest  in  the  discharge  of  his 
holy  office.  In  a  quiet,  unobtrusive 
way  he  went  about  doing  good.  Being 
of  a  quiet  disposition  he  seldom 
appeared  in  public  for  he  es- 
chewed all  notoriety  and  ostenta- 
tion. He  lived  for  his  parishioners. 
His  best  friends  were  his  books 
on    the    library    shelf,    for    Father 


642 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Hasse  was  solid  in  his  studies.  The 
parishes  in  which  he  faithfully 
labored,  Paris,  Grant  Fork,  Fayette- 
ville,  Raymond,  Petersburg  and  Mt. 
Sterling,  will  continue  to  keep  his 
memory  sacred.  Months  prior  to  his 
death,  he  became  afflicted  with  heart 
trouble — angina  pectoris — for  the  re- 
lief of  which  he  sought  a  quiet 
retreat  in  St.  Mary  Hospital  of  Quin- 
cy.  This,  however,  proved  of  but 
little  avail.  The  doctors  suggested 
the  Southern  climate  of  Hot  Springs, 


Arkansas.  He  went  thither  but  soon 
returned  to  Illinois.  The  ailment 
had  grown  in  intensity  and  assumed 
alarming  proportions.  He  entered 
St.  John  Hospital  of  Springfield,  for 
feeling  the  nearness  of  death  the 
good  priest  wanted  to  die  among  his 
friends  of  the  diocese.  On  May  4, 
1911,  death  relieved  him  of  his  suf- 
ferings. The  funeral  sermon  was 
preached  by  Reverend  Anthony  Zur- 
bonsen  of  St.  Mary,  Quincy,  and  the 
burial  took  place  in  Quincy. 


Reverend  William  J.  Healy 


Reverend  William  J.  Healy  was 
born  at  Scranton,  Pennsylvania, 
August  1,  1868.  After  graduating 
from  the  elementary  schools  of  his 
native  city,  he  entered  St.  Michael 
College  of  Toronto,  Canada,  where 
he  pursued  his  classical  course.  From 
there  he  was  sent  to  "Our  Lady  of 
Angels"  Seminary  of  Niagara  for 
philosophy  and  theology,  and  was 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  by  Bishop 
S.  V.  Ryan  of  Buffalo,  December 
23,  1894. 

Immediately  after  the  ordination 
the  young  priest  was  assigned  as 
assistant  at  the  Cathedral  of  Alton. 
Here  he  remained  for  almost  six 
years  being  transferred  in  March, 
1900,  in  similar  capacity  to  the 
Church  of  Jacksonville.  In  Septem- 
ber of  that  same  year,  Father  Healy 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  congregation  of  Effingham, 
succeeding  Father  Ducey,  who  was 
transferred  to  the  parish  of  Marshall. 
After  several  years  of  devout  faith- 
ful service  at  Effingham,  Father 
Healy  was  again  called  upon  to  suc- 
ceed his  former  predecessor  and 
move  on  to  Marshall,  where  Father 


Ducey 's  ministrations  had  been  in- 
terrupted by  death. 

Here  it  was  that  Father  Healy  be- 
gan to  ail,  steadily  getting  worse  and 
worse  as  time  passed.  Thinking  that 
a  change  to  a  smaller  rural  parish 
might  improve  his  condition,  the 
Bishop  appointed  him  to  Murray- 
ville,  made  vacant  by  the  death  of 
Father  McGuire,  but  all  to  no  avail. 
The  deadly  germs  had  developed 
rapidly  and  on  June  2,  1915,  Father 
Healy  sank  into  the  arms  of  death. 
After  solemn  funeral  services  his  re- 
mains were  buried  in  the  cemetery 
of  the  parish. 

Reverend  William  J.  Healy,  in  ad- 
dition to  discharging  his  priestly 
functions  in  an  eminently  satisfac- 
tory manner,  took  a  very  active  part 
in  promoting  organizations  of  Cath- 
olic men,  and  especially,  the  Knights 
of  Columbus.  He  was  responsible 
for  the  organization  of  Effingham 
Council,  one  of  the  very  early  coun- 
cils of  the  state,  and  immediately 
after  its  installation,  was  appointed 
State  Chaplain,  an  office  which  he 
held  with  great  distinction  for  seven 
years. 


Reverend  William  Heffernan 


Reverend  William  Heffernan  was 
born  in  Blackstone,  Massachusetts, 
May  24,  1869.  After  finishing  his 
high  school  education  in  his  native 
town,  young  Heffernan  decided  to 
study  for  the   priesthood.     To   this 


end  he  entered  the  Grand  Seminary 
of  Montreal  for  the  study  of  philos- 
ophy and  after  a  two  years'  course 
there  went  to  the  American  College 
of  Louvain,  where,  after  four  more 
years,  he  was  elevated  to  the  priest- 


643 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


hood  in  1896.  After  his  ordination 
he  served  as  assistant  at  St.  Mary 
Church  of  Springfield,  remaining 
there  three  years,  and  winning  a  dis- 
tinguished reputation  for  his  theolog- 
ical sermons  and  public  addresses. 
From  there  he  was  transferred  to 
Shelbyville  as  pastor,  later  appointed 
pastor  of  the  congregation  of  Areola, 
from  which  place  he  came  to  Mt. 
Sterling,  July  1,  1907. 

The  want  of  a  Catholic  high  school 
at  this  place,  a  center  of  Catholic 
population  and  energy,  had  been 
long  and  keenly  felt.  It  was  re- 
served for  Father  Heffernan  to  ac- 
complish what  others  had  not  dared 
undertake.    St.  Mary  Academy,  with 


almost  200  pupils,  stands  today  i 
permanent  monument  of  his  untiring 
labor  and  deep  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  education  and  religion.  His  mem- 
ory will  live  in  the  hearts  of  many 
grateful  people  whom  he  benefited 
by  his  many  deeds  of  kindness  and 
priestly  ministrations. 

Father  Heffernan,  at  the  age  of  43 
years,  died  on  November  2,  1912,  at 
the  parish  rectory  of  Mt.  Sterling. 
His  mortal  remains  were  forwarded 
to  his  home  town,  Woonsocket, 
Rhode  Island,  where  his  aged  mother 
then  resided,  and  there  they  rest 
within  the  shadow  of  the  cross  in 
the  pretty  Catholic  cemetery. 


Reverend  Roderick  Heimerling 


Reverend  Roderick  Heimerling 
was  born  February  20, 1825,  in  Wald- 
fausten,  a  small  town  in  Bavaria. 
His  parents  were  persons  of  social 
standing  and  wealth,  the  father  hold- 
ing an  important  government  posi- 
tion. Young  Roderick  being  the  is- 
sue of  a  mixed  marriage,  his  father  a 
Protestant  and  the  mother  a  Catholic, 
was  raised  a  Protestant.  However, 
early  in  life  he  embraced  the  religion 
of  his  mother.  This  was  contrary  to 
the  law  of  the  land  which  prohibited 
the  son  of  a  Protestant  father  from 
becoming  a  Catholic  under  a  certain 
age.  The  violation  of  this  law  com- 
pelled him  to  flee  from  home.  He 
went  to  Switzerland,  but  was  pur- 
sued, brought  back  and  sent  to  a 
Military  Academy.  Whilst  here  he 
was  wounded  by  a  shot  which  caused 
a  slight  but  permanent  lameness. 
When  he  had  partly  recovered  from 
his  wound,  he  fled  again  to  Switzer- 
land, and  from  there  to  Rome.  By 
the  intercession  of  the  Bavarian 
Court  he  was  admitted  to  the  College 
of  the  Propaganda,  where  he  studied 
for  the  next  seven  years. 

After  completing  his  course  of 
studies  and  being  unable  under  the 
laws  of  his  native  land  to  return 
home,  he  was  sent  by  the  Prefect  of 
the  Propaganda  to  the  United  States, 


a  sub-deacon.  Chicago  was  selected 
as  the  field  of  his  future  services. 
Shortly  after  landing,  Bishop  Van 
de  Velde  ordained  him  a  priest,  Sep- 
tember 9,  1850. 

From  that  day  until  his  death  he 
was  in  active  service.  His  first  ap- 
pointment was  at  Galena,  and  after 
that  in  various  places  of  Illinois.  In 
1856  and  part  of  1857,  he  had  charge 
of  St.  Marie,  Jasper  County.  Octo- 
ber 26,  1859,  we  find  him  in  charge 
of  St.  Alexis  at  Beardstown.  At  this 
place  he  established  a  school  in  a 
rented  building  and  purchased  land 
for  a  graveyard.  Here  he  remained 
for  almost  seven  years,  and  here  it 
was  this  great  and  generous  man 
died,  March  20,  1866.  The  story  of 
his  last  hours  is  a  sad  one.  In  mak- 
ing a  sick  call  during  the  night 
previous  to  his  death,  he  waded  a 
stream,  contracted  a  severe  cold,  and 
instead  of  returning  home  at  once 
and  caring  for  himself,  went  on  to 
Rushville,  Schuyler  county — one  of 
his  missions — paying  with  his  life  the 
excess  of  his  zeal.  Feeling  the  near- 
ness of  death,  he  sent  for  Father 
Stick,  then  pastor  of  Mt.  Sterling, 
but  alas!  had  to  die  without  the  con- 
solations of  his  Church,  the  priest 
being  unable  to  reach  him  in  time. 
After  solemn  funeral   services   con- 


644 


Very  Revekend  Moxsiuxok  Timothy   Hickey    (Dec'd) 

Pastor  1 mmaculati   Conception  Church 

for  Thirty-five  Yeai  s 

1841—1926 


UBMflY 

6f  Ihfc 

muvERsirr  of  iluwws 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ducted  by  Fathers  Clifford,  Stick  and 

Busch,  his  remains  were  interred  in 

the  Catholic  cemetery  of  Beardstown. 

Among  his  schoolmates  in  Rome  he 


counted  Cardinal  Cullen,  Archbishop 
Spalding,  Bishop  Rosecrans  and  Dr. 
Cummings,  of  New  York. 


Reverend  Henry  Aloys  Hellhake 


Born  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  February 
9,  1849,  Father  Hellhake  was  raised 
to  the  priesthood  in  his  native  city, 
April  21,  1872.  He  was  an  assistant 
at  St.  Boniface,  Quincy,  from  May  to 
August,  1872,  and  then  served  as  pas- 
tor of  St.  Alexis  parish  of  Beards- 
town    from    1873    to    August,    1875, 


after  which  he  joined  the  Fort  Wayne 
diocese,  where  he  became  pastor  of  St. 
John  Church  of  Remington,  in  Kas- 
per  County.  He  died  August  11, 
1909,  at  Sheldon,  Indiana,  where  he 
was  pastor  of  the  local  St.  Aloysius 
Church. 


Reverend  John  Herlitz 


Among  the  number  of  Neo-Pres- 
byters  who,  as  graduates  from  the 
American  College  of  Louvain,  had 
been  ordained  in  the  summer  of  1877, 
was  Reverend  John  Herlitz.  Father 
Herlitz  arrived  in  the  Alton  Diocese 
in  the  fall  of  that  year  and  from  the 
very  start  displayed  great  interest  in 
his  work.  In  1885  he  took  charge  of 
Mitchell,  attending  at  the  same  time 
Bethalto.  The  first  years  of  his  priest- 
hood were  spent  in  the  southern  part 


of  the  Diocese.  He  had  charge  for  sev- 
eral years  of  the  parish  of  Anna.  Be- 
fore studying  for  the  ministry  at  all, 
he  had  been  a  member  of  a  religious 
community  of  brothers  and  had 
taught  school  several  years  in  Eng- 
land. 

Father  Herlitz  died  November  5, 
1889,  at  the  rectory  of  Mitchell,  and 
found  his  last  resting  place  in  the 
small  Catholic  cemetery  near  that 
town. 


Reverend  Edward  Hermann 


A  priest  of  migratory  propensities 
was  Reverend  Joseph  Edward  Her- 
mann. He  was  a  native  of  Silesia, 
born  at  Steinau,  in  the  Diocese  of 
Breslau.  Having  almost  completed 
his  studies  in  the  old  country,  he 
came  to  the  States  November  18,  1859, 
and  was  ordained  priest  by  Bishop 
Juncker  at  Quincy,  July  2,  1860. 
Among  other  places  which  he  occu- 
pied in  the  diocese  was  that  of  St. 
Mary,  Edwardsville,  in  1866,  succeed- 


ing Reverend  Gr.  Tuerk.  On  May  29, 
1867,  he  left  the  diocese  and  entered 
upon  the  duties  as  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph  church  at  Mendota,  Illinois, 
was  transferred  to  Lincoln,  thereupon 
was  made  pastor  of  Matamora  in 
1871,  and  in  1872  was  a  chaplain  in 
St.  John  Hospital  at  Port  Townsend 
in  the  diocese  of  Nesqually,  Washing- 
ton. The  date  of  Father  Hermann's 
death  could  not  be  ascertained. 


Very  Reverend  Monsignor  Timothy  Hickey. 
Born  November  20,  1841— Died  October  20,  1926. 


Father  Hickey,  one  of  the  best 
and  most  widely  known  members  of 
the    Catholic    priesthood    in    Illinois. 


was  born  at  Millstreet,  County  Cork, 
Ireland,  November  20,  1841. 

In  his  native  community  he  spent 


645 


DIOCESE   OP   SI'HINOFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


his  boyhood  and  began  his  school 
days.  He  attended  the  national 
schools  of  Ireland,  and  made  his 
classical  studies  at  St.  Brendan  sem- 
inary in  Killarney.  In  1864,  having 
determined  to  devote  his  life  to  the 
( latholic  ministry,  he  entered  All  Hal- 
lows Missionary  college,  a  famous 
theological  school  in  Dublin,  where 
he  spent  four  years  in  the  study  of 
theology. 

Ordained  Priest  In  1868 

He  was  ordained  a  priest  at  All 
Hallows  college  in  1868,  and  came 
immediately  to  the  United  States,  as- 
signed to  the  Diocese  of  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, which  then  included  all  of  the 
state  from  Springfield,  south.  He 
landed  in  New  York  and  came  at 
once  to  Springfield,  early  in  that  year. 

His  first  appointment  was  as  assist- 
ant to  Reverend  John  0 'Sullivan, 
pastor  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
parish,  of  which  Father  Ilickey  was 
afterwards  so  long  the  beloved  pastor. 
At  that  time  Springfield  was  a  little 
country  town,  and  this  church  served 
the  only  Catholic  parish. 

After  serving  three  years  as  assist- 
ant to  Father  0 'Sullivan,  Father 
Hickey  was  in  1871  appointed  pastor 
at  Virden,  in  charge  of  the  Sugar 
Creek  congregation,  now  St.  Bernard 
church  near  Glenarm,  the  Butler 
church  at  South  Fork  a  few  miles 
southeast  of  Pawnee,  and  the  congre- 
gation at  the  Brown  settlement,  about 
five  miles  east  of  what  is  now  Farm- 
ersville.  He  remained  in  charge  of 
these  congregations  for  another  three 
years  of  his  service. 

Moved  To  Decatur 

From  Virden  he  was  sent  in  1874 
to  Pittsfield,  in  Pike  county,  but  was 
there  only  three  months  when  Bishop 
Baltes,  appreciating  the  zeal  and 
worth  of  the  young  priest,  placed  him 
in  charge  of  St.  Patrick  church  at 
Decatur  where  he  served  three  years. 

From  Decatur  he  went  in  1877  to 
Jacksonville  as  pastor  of  Our  Savior 
parish  and  remained  in  that  city  until 
1889,  when  he  was  appointed  irre- 
movable   pastor    of    the    Immaculate 


Conception  parish,  Springfield,  and 
made  vicar  general  of  the  diocese. 

For  Father  Hickey  this  was  a  re- 
turn home.  He  had  given  his  first 
service  to  the  Springfield  parish,  and 
it  was  his  last  charge.  He  held  the 
pastorate  for  thirty-five  years,  until 
his  retirement  because  of  failing 
health  and  the  infirmities  of  age,  in 
March,  1924. 

For  a  quarter  of  a  century  he 
served  this  parish.  His  long  service 
was  due  in  a  large  measure  to  his  love 
for  his  own  people.  He  was  frequent- 
ly offered  larger  fields  but  at  his  own 
request  was  allowed  to  remain  in 
Springfield.  He  extended  the  limits 
of  his  church  until  many  of  the  com- 
munities were  coming  a  great  distance 
to  Masses,  and  to  take  care  of  these  lie 
built  St.  Patrick  church,  now  a  large 
parish  in  Springfield. 

Served  Under  Four  Bishops 
Father  Hickey  gave  fifty-six  years 
of  his  life  to  the  service  of  the  priest- 
hood. Thirty-eight  years  of  that  long 
service  were  given  to  Springfield.  In 
1918  he  observed  in  this  city  the 
fiftieth  anniversary  of  his  ordination. 
Congratulations  and  good  wishes 
poured  in  from  many  parts  of  the 
country,  but  Father  Ilickey  observed 
the  great  event  quietly,  saying  Mass 
in  his  church  as  usual. 

During  his  long  service  he  served 
under  four  bishops,  the  only  four  the 
diocese  had  known  up  to  his  retire- 
ment in  1924,  and  was  vicar  general 
of  the  diocese  for  thirty-six  years.  He 
was  one  of  the  oldest  active  clergymen 
in  the  United  States  both  in  point  of 
age  and  years  of  service. 

Father  Hickey  was  imbued  not  only 
with  the  spirit  of  service  to  his  own 
people  but  to  all  people.  His  was  an 
active  mind,  a  broad  human  sym- 
pathy, a  tolerance  that  extended  to 
all.  He  was  keenly  interested  in 
everything  that  went  on,  national, 
state,  or  local,  and  even  international. 
No  civic  undertaking  in  Springfield 
but  that  he  lent  his  support.  No  pub- 
lic function  but  that  his  presence 
graced  it. 


646 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


He  was  the  friend  of  rich  and  poor. 
He  had  the  respect  of  everybody  who 
knew  him,  Catholic  and  non-Catholic 
alike,  and  the  affection  of  all  who 
came  close  enough  to  him  to  realize 
the  sincerity  and  the  bigness  and  the 
warmth  of  his  great  heart. 

Friend  To  Young  People 

One  of  his  distinguishing  charac- 
teristics throughout  his  life  was  his 
love  of  children  and  young  people, 
and  he  frequently  attributed  his  good 
health  and  his  long  service  to  his  in- 
terest in  young  people. 

The  young  people  of  his  parish  were 
all  his  friends,  and  he  defended  them 
and  other  youth  of  the  clay  against 
accusations  that  modern  youth  is  de- 
generating. In  a  statement  made  on 
his  eighty-second  birthday  anniver- 
sary he  said : 

"The  young  people  of  today  are  as 
good  if  not  better  than  they  were 
when  I  was  young.  I  do  not  think 
they  are  disrespectful  to  their  par- 
ents. They  are  more  frank,  but  I  do 
not  call  that  disrespectful." 

During  his  long  service  in  Spring- 
field he  performed  many  marriages 
and  his  advice  to  young  men  and 
women  was  "marry  young."  Many 
prominent  people  have  been  married 
by  Father  Hickey,  among  them  a 
daughter  of  a  governor  of  Illinois  and 
a  Spanish  count. 

Loss  Of  Sight  Great  Blow 

When  his  age  and  physical  inabil- 
ity to  read  more  than  one  Mass  on 
Sunday  forced  him  to  turn  over  all 
but  one  of  the  Sunday  services  to  his 
assistants,  toward  the  close  of  his 
pastorate,  he  chose  the  children's  9 
o  'clock  Mass  for  his  own  and  for  years 
appeared  unfailingly  every  Sunday 
morning  to  conduct  the  services  for 
his  young  charges. 

Father  Hickey 's  sight  began  to  fail 
a  few  years  before  his  retirement, 
and  while  at  first  physicians  believed 
an  operation  might  bring  relief,  they 
later  found  that  the  trouble  was  per- 
manent.    It  continued  to  grow  worse 


and   finally   resulted  in   total  blind- 
ness. 

The  loss  of  his  sight  was  a  great 
blow  to  Father  Hickey,  as  he  was  an 
indefatigable  reader,  had  an  extreme- 
ly active  mind,  and  was  greatly  inter- 
ested in  public  affairs  as  indeed  in  all 
affairs  generally.  His  inability  to 
read  was  partly  compensated  for  by 
his  friends  who  read  to  him  daily. 
This  loving  service  for  him  was  kept 
up  until  the  last  days  of  his  life. 

Before  old  age  left  its  imprint  on 
him,  Father  Hickey  was  endowed 
with  a  wonderfully  clear,  resonant 
voice,  but  that,  too,  deserted  him  and 
for  the  last  few  years  of  his  life  he 
could  talk  but  little  above  a  whisper. 
His  hearing  also  became  impaired. 
But  in  spite  of  everything  he  re- 
mained cheerful  and  was  never  heard 
to  complain. 

Liberal  Giver  to  Poor 

As  a  priest,  Father  Hickey  was 
meticulously  careful  about  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties,  but  as  a  man 
he  was  disposed  sometimes  to  be  a  bit 
careless  of  his  personal  appearance. 
Sometimes  his  friends  complained 
that  he  wore  his  clothes  until  they 
suggested  hard  times.  Father  Hickey 
was  a  liberal  giver  to  the  poor,  and  be- 
cause of  this  finances  may  have  been 
a  little  close  for  him  now  and  then. 

As  an  illustration  of  his  unfailing 
generosity,  his  thoughtfulness  of  serv- 
ice and  an  indication  of  his  charitable 
nature,  an  instance  which  occurred  at 
the  celebration  of  his  silver  jubilee  is 
cited.  His  parishioners  presented  him 
with  a  silver  purse  commemorating 
his  years  of  ardent  work.  Father 
Hickey  accepted  the  gift  with  thanks, 
but  turned  it  over  immediately  to  the 
Catholic  orphanage  in  Alton. 

On  another  occasion,  when  Father 
Hickey  was  planning  a  visit  to  his  old 
home  in  Ireland,  a  purse  was  made  up 
for  him  among  his  parishioners  and 
prominent  people  in  Springfield,  and 
presented  to  him. 

Asks  Funds  Be  Returned 

Father  Hickey  appeared  deeply 
thoughtful  for  a  while,  then  said: 


647 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


' '  I  thank  everyone  who  had  a  hand 
in  this,  but  you  will  please  me  by  re- 
turning this  money  to  those  who  gave 
it.    My  wants  are  few." 

Father  Hickey  enjoyed  good  health 
and  an  excellent  physique  until  the 
last  few  years  of  his  life  His  daily 
walk  was  a  pleasure  to  him  which  he 
never  forebore,  whatever  the  weather. 
Rain  or  snow,  sunshine  or  bitter  cold, 
he  could  be  seen  striding  along,  wield- 
ing a  big  stick  or  heavy  cane,  his  head 
uncovered.  Even  when  the  cane  be- 
came a  support  he  continued  to  walk. 

But  if  his  head  were  bare,  he  al- 
ways wore  gloves. 

Although  his  health  was  rapidly 
failing,  Father  Hickey  continued  in 
charge  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
parish  until  after  the  installation  of 
Bishop  James  A.  Griffin  as  bishop  of 
the  newly  created  Diocese  of  Spring- 
field. 

He  then  tendered  his  resignation  to 
the  bishop  and  retired  to  St.  John 
hospital.  There  he  remained  until  the 
final  summons  came  from  the  Master 
he  had  loved  so  well  and  served  so 
long,  on  October  20,  1926. 

Upon  the  resignation  of  Father 
Hickey,  and  in  view  of  the  fact  that 
the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception had  been  made  a  cathedral 
with  the  creation  of  the  bishopric,  the 
pope  removed  the  irremovable  rector- 
ship which  Father  Hickey  had  held 
for  twenty -five  years. 

Sermons  Were  Direct 

That  Springfield  was  approved  by 
the  pope  as  the  diocesan  see  was  con- 
ceded to  be  due  in  great  part  to  the 
valiant  and  effective  service  of  Father 
Hickey  through  his  years  in  this 
parish. 

Father  Hickey  was  in  many  re- 
spects an  ideal  priest.  He  had 
merged  his  life  in  his  ministry.  He 
made  everything  else  subordinate  to 
his  priesthood. 

As  a  preacher  he  made  no  pretense 
at  oratory  in  the  ordinary  sense  of 
the  term.  In  his  sermons  he  always 
had  a  specific  purpose  in  mind,  some 


particular  virtue  to  commend,  some 
particular  vice  to  denounce,  and  he 
left  no  doubts  in  the  minds  of  his 
hearers  as  to  what  that  purpose  was. 
He  was  never  afraid  to  point  out 
and  attack  the  weakness  of  people 
and  in  so  doing  he  was  apt  to  call 
a  spade  by  its  right  name. 

Advocate  of  Temperance 

While  he  made  no  pretense  at  ora- 
tory, Father  Hickey  could  be  truly 
effective.  There  is  the  recollection  of 
his  sermon  on  the  Sunday  following 
the  death  of  President  McKinley, 
whom  he  greatly  admired.  In  the 
selection  of  the  material  and  the 
treatment  of  it,  in  diction  and  deliv- 
ery, it  was  considered  a  masterpiece,  a 
classic. 

Father  Hickey  was  a  constant  and 
consistent  advocate  of  temperance. 
He  dealt  with  the  subject  from  every 
angle  and  in  a  most  practical  way. 
In  illustrating  its  evil  effect  econom- 
ically he  told  a  story  during  a  temper- 
ance lecture  of  a  farmer  who  had 
squandered  his  property  in  dissipa- 
tion. When  everything  was  gone  the 
farmer  visited  the  village  doctor  and 
told  him  that  his  throat  had  been 
causing  him  a  lot  of  trouble  and  he 
wanted  the  doctor  to  look  into  it  and 
see  what  he  could  find. 

The  doctor  said  he  was  unable  to 
find  anything  unusual.  The  farmer 
said  he  thought  that  strange,  for  two 
fine  teams  of  mules,  two  wagons  and 
forty  acres  of  good  corn  had  gone 
down  it  in  the  past  year. 

Father  Hickey  was  possessed  of  a 
very  quaint  but  practical  Irish  wit. 
He  was  called  upon  once  to  baptize  a 
child  with  the  name  Hazel.  On  the 
following  Sunday  he  called  the  atten- 
tion of  the  congregation  to  the  inept- 
ness  of  such  a  choice  name.  He  said, 
"With  all  the  saints'  names  there  are 
in  the  calendar,  why  should  any 
mother  want  to  call  her  child  after  a 
nut?" 

That  really  was  the  original  version 
of  what  became  afterward  a  well 
known  joke. 


648 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Charity  Prominent  in  Character 

When  he  performed  a  marriage 
ceremony  he  invariably  gave  the 
young  couple  some  salutary  advice, 
rarely  failing  to  add :  ' '  Now  you  will 
get  angry  with  one  another  some- 
times. That's  human  nature.  But 
don't  both  of  you  get  angry  at  once, 
and  above  all,  don't  both  of  you  ever 
try  to  talk  at  once  when  you're 
angry." 

Father  Hickey's  words  of  charity 
were  well  known,  but  many  a  chari- 
lable  act  was  performed  by  him  of 
which  no  knowledge  ever  existed. 
Charity  was  a  virtue  strong  in  his 
makeup. 

"When  Springfield  first  attempted 
organized  charity,  a  public  meeting 
was  held  in  the  old  Second  Presby- 
terian church  at  the  northwest  corner 
of  Fourth  and  Monroe  streets.  Father 
Hickey  was  the  first  speaker  at  the 
meeting. 

He     merely     quoted     the     famous 

•  harity  sermon  of  Dean  Swift:  "Giv- 
ing to  the  poor  is  lending  to  the  Lord. 
If  you  like  the  security,  come  down 
with  the  cash,"  and  like  the  great 
dean,  he  sat  down  amid  uproarious 
applause. 

Gave  Away  Own  Turkey 
An  incident  occurred  one   Christ- 
mas eve  which  well  illustrates  his  na- 
iure.    A  poor  widow  with  several  chil- 

•  ;ren  but  without  means  to  get  even  a 
moderate  dinner  for  Christmas  Day, 
visited  the  parish  house  to  tell  Father 
Hickey  her  sad  story.  As  a  matter  of 
course  she  was  aided  in  a  financial 
way.  Then  as  she  was  about  to  de- 
part, Father  Hickey's  eye  happened 
to  rest  on  a  fat  turkey,  all  trussed  and 
ready  for  the  oven.  He  got  a  news- 
paper, grabbed  the  turkey,  wrapped 
it  up  in  the  paper  and  handed  it  to 
the  woman,  telling  her  to  cook  it  for 
her  Christmas  dinner  and  for  the 
children. 

The  housekeeper  noticed  the  pro- 
ceedings and  protested  vigorously, 
saying  that  was  all  the  meat  they  had 
for  their  Christmas  dinner,  and  that 
it  was  now  too  late  to  get  another. 

"Oh,  well,  now,"    Father    Hickey 


said  to  her,  "You  can  get  some  steak, 
and  that's  good  enough  for  any- 
body." 

Father  Hickey  loved  children,  and 
children  loved  him.  He  was  never 
happier  and  never  appeared  to  better 
advantage  than  when  instructing  and 
catechizing  the  little  ones  on  Sunday 
morning  at  the  children's  Mass.  With 
Father  Hickey  they  had  no  restraint, 
and  their  quaint  and  original  answers 
to  some  of  his  questions  often  gave 
him  a  hearty  laugh. 

From  the  time  of  his  appointment 
to  the  Jacksonville  church  until  his 
retirement  he  was  the  spiritual  and 
temporal  director  of  the  Dominican 
Sisters  of  the  Sacred  Heart.  He  was 
largely  instrumental  in  the  removal 
of  the  mother  house  of  this  order  from 
Jacksonville  to  Springfield,  and  he 
never  ceased  to  take  a  lively  interest 
in  the  order. 

Funeral  Services 

From  the  altar  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception  cathedral  before  which  he 
had  preached  for  many  years  and  in 
the  hearts  of  thousands  of  his  friends, 
Catholic  and  Protestant,  Gentile  and 
Jew,  tribute  was  paid  on  October  26, 
1926  to  Very  Reverend  Monsignor 
Timothy  J.  Hickey,  Springfield's  be- 
loved priest. 

At  the  close  of  these  last  services, 
conducted  by  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  bishop  of  Springfield,  one 
of  the  longest  funeral  cavalcades 
which  ever  wended  a  way  through  the 
streets  of  Springfield  followed  the 
body  of  the  veteran  priest  to  the 
heart  shaped  plot  in  Calvary  ceme- 
tery where  it  was  laid  to  rest. 

In  the  impressive  funeral  Mass,  the 
masterly  funeral  sermon  by  Bishop 
Griffin,  and  the  evidence  of  mourning 
by  the  thousands  of  people  gathered 
in  and  about  the  cathedral  and 
massed  about  the  grave,  the  beauti- 
ful story  of  Father  Hickey's  service 
of  a  half  century  was  told. 

Priest  Loved  By  Children 

The  funeral  Mass  conducted  at  the 
cathedral  at  11  o'clock,  followed  by 
the  rites  at  the  grave,  brought  to  a 
close  continuous  services  which  have 


649 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


been  held  for  Father  Hiekey  since  his 
death  on  October  20,  1926,  after 
which  his  body  lay  in  state  in  the 
church  of  which  he  had  so  long  been 
the  ministering  pastor.  It  was  pre- 
ceded by  a  children's  Mass  Monday 
morning  during  which  many  thou- 
sands of  boys  and  girls  of  the  Catho- 
lic schools  and  churches  of  the  city 
paid  their  tribute.  As  Bishop  Griffin 
said  in  his  sermon,  "Father  Hiekey 
loved  children,  and  children  loved 
him." 

Pontifical  Requiem  Mass  for  Father 
Hiekey  was  celebrated  at  the  Cathe- 
dral services  by  Bishop  Griffin,  as- 
sisted by  a  score  of  priests  of  Spring- 
field and  other  cities,  while  the  re- 
sponses were  chanted  by  a  hundred 
other  priests.  Twenty-five  men  and 
women  who  have  sung  in  the  choirs  of 
Father  Hiekey 's  church  in  the  last 
fifteen  years  sang  for  him  the  requiem 
Mass. 

Two  thousand  people  filled  the 
cathedral  for  the  final  services,  while 
more  than  a  thousand  waited  outside 
the  church  to  pass  in  at  the  close  of 
the  services  for  a  final  sight  of  the 
venerable  priest,  who  had  served 
them  so  long,  and  hundreds  waited  at 
the  burial  lot  in  Calvary  cemetery. 

One  of  City's  Largest  Funerals 
It  was  one  of  the  largest  funerals 
ever  held  in  Springfield.  People  stood 
outside  the  cathedral  for  two  hours 
before  the  time  set  for  the  services. 
The  doors  of  the  church  were  opened 
at  10:30  o'clock  and  closed  when 
the  church  was  filled.  Those  unable 
to  get  within  waited  outside  during 
the  services  and  while  the  cortege  left 
the  church.  City  police  and  firemen 
aided  with  the  entry  of  the  crowds 
into  the  church  and  ushers  conducted 
the  people  to  seats. 

Before  the  altar  from  which  he  had 
preached  many  sermons,  before  which 
he  had  conducted  many  Masses,  the 
body  of  Father  Hiekey  lay  in  a  bronze 
casket,  with  six  lighted  candles  burn- 
ing above  it,  during  the  impressive 
final  services  for  him. 


Fifty  Boys  Lead  Procession 

The  entry  of  the  bishop  and  his 
acolytes,  the  officers  of  the  Mass  and 
the  hundred  and  three  priests  was 
very  impressive.  Fifty  altar  boys  led 
the  procession  into  the  church,  follow- 
ed by  the  priests.  Bishop  Griffin  and 
the  officers  of  the  Mass  came  next,  in 
their  vestments,  and  mounted  im- 
mediately into  the  sanctuary.  The 
priests  were  seated  in  the  front  rows 
of  pews. 

Immediately  behind  the  rows  of 
priests  were  seated  relatives  of  Father 
Hiekey.  The  active  and  honorary 
pallbearers  had  seats  behind  them. 
One  long  section  was  occupied  by  sis- 
ters. The  remainder  of  the  church 
was  filled  with  friends. 

The  Priests  opened  the  services 
chanting  the  lauds  of  the  office  of  the 
dead.  Reverend  Amos  E.  Giusti,  vice 
chancellor  of  the  diocese,  and  Rev- 
erend Anton  M.  Jeschke,  chaplain  of 
St.  Joseph  Home  for  the  Aged,  were 
the  chanters. 

Priests  of  Diocese  Assist 

The  Pontifical  Requiem  Mass  was 
then  celebrated  by  Bishop  Griffin, 
with  Very  Reverend  Dean  Murphy  of 
St.  Patrick  church,  Decatur,  nephew 
of  Father  Hiekey,  as  assisting  priest. 
Reverend  L.  W.  Lammert,  dean  of  the 
Effingham  deanery,  and  Very  Rever- 
end P.  F.  Carroll,  dean  of  the 
Litchfield  deanery,  were  deacons  to 
Bishop  Griffin.  Very  Reverend 
William  Costello  of  New  Berlin, 
president  of  Routt  college,  was  dea- 
con of  the  Mass,  and  Reverend  J. 
J.  Connolly,  pastor  of  St.  Charles 
Borromeo  church,  Charleston,  and  a 
former  assistant  pastor  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  church,  was  sub- 
deacon  of  the  Mass.  Very  Reverend 
M.  A.  Tarrant,  chancellor  of  the 
Springfield  diocese,  and  pastor  of  the 
Blessed  Sacrament  church,  was  mas- 
ter of  ceremonies. 

Candles  were  distributed  among 
the  priests  and  were  lighted  during 
the  two  gospels  and  the  offertory  of 
the  Mass.  The  priests  chanted  the  re- 
sponses of  the  Mass. 


650 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Higgins 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Higgins,  son 
of  Patrick  Higgins  and  Julia  Dolling 
Higgins,  was  born  March  15,  1859  in 
Cohoes,  New  York.  He  was  one  of 
a  family  of  thirteen  children. 

Having  graduated  in  the  grade 
school  of  his  native  city,  he  spent  two 
years  in  St.  Michael  College,  Toronto, 
Canada.  He  next  went  to  Niagara 
University  where  he  spent  two  more 
years  in  study.  Finally  he  entered  St. 
Vincent  Seminary  at  Beatty,  Penn- 
sylvania, where  he  completed  his  phil- 
osophical and  theological  studies.  He 
was  ordained  a  priest  on  August  13, 
1885  in  St.  John  Pro-Cathedral,  St. 
Louis.  Missouri,  by  the  Most  Reverend 
Archbishop  Richard  Kenrick,  D.D. 

His  first  assignment  was  to  Van- 
dalia,  where  he  spent  only  six  weeks. 
He  was  appointed  pastor  of  Riverton 
where  he  labored  zealously  for  three 
years.  In  January  of  1888,  his 
church  at  Riverton  was  destroyed  by 
fire,  but  he  rebuilt  it  in  spite  of  hard 
times  caused  by  the  struggling  coal 
miners  of  the  locality.  On  October 
1st,  1888,  he  was  promoted  to  the  pas- 
torate of  Taylorville,  and  its  out  mis- 
sion, Stonington.  During  his  term  of 
office  the  church  at  Stonington  was 
destroyed  by  a  cyclone,  but  Father 
Higgins  rebuilt  it.  During  the  erec- 
tion of  that  church,  at  which  he  him- 
self labored,  he  injured  his  foot  and 
that  injury  affected  him  all  through 
life  afterwards. 

On  July  15,  1898,  he  was  promoted 
to  the  important  pastorate  of  the  Im- 


maculate Conception  Church,  Mat- 
toon,  Illinois.  There  he  built  one  of 
the  finest  and  up-to-date  Convent 
Homes  for  the  teaching  Sisters  of  the 
parish  children  that  you  can  find  any- 
where in  the  country.  He  practically 
rebuilt  the  church,  frescoed  the  in- 
terior, electrified  the  altars,  installed 
beautiful  group  Stations  of  the  Cross, 
new  Altars,  Communion  Rail — all 
works  of  Art.  He  also  bought  and 
installed  one  of  the  finest  pipe  organs 
in  this  part  of  Illinois. 

He  was  a  trained  musician  and  a 
friend  to  all  budding  musicians.  He 
visited  his  parish  school  daily,  was  an 
ardent  friend  of  higher  education, 
and  he  did  everything  in  his  power  to 
encourage  Catholic  young  men  and 
women  to  pursue  a  course  at  College 
and  University.  He  loved  children 
and  they  always  felt  at  home  with 
him.  After  twenty-seven  years  of 
faithful  work  at  Mattoon  he  was 
obliged  to  retire  to  St.  Anthony  Hos- 
pital, at  Effingham.  He  died  in  St. 
Anthony's  Hospital,  Effingham,  on 
November  9,  1925,  after  having  been 
fortified  by  the  Sacraments  of  Holy 
Church.  His  funeral  services  were 
held  in  Effingham,  but  his  remains 
were  shipped  to  Albany,  New  York, 
and  interred  in  the  family  plot  of  the 
beautiful  St.  Agnes  Cemetery.  This 
was  all  done  in  compliance  with  his 
own  request.  Father  Higgins  was  a 
good  able  priest.  His  death  was  a 
big  loss  to  the  diocese. 


Reverend  Louis  Hinssen 


Father  Hinssen  was  born  at  Sons- 
beck,  Germany,  December  29th,  1834. 
In  this  little  town  he  spent  his  early 
years  and  received  his  elementary 
education.  After  completing  the 
rigid  course  of  studies  at  the  Gym- 
nasium of  Cleve,  he  entered  the  Sem- 
inary at  Muenster,  Westphalia,  to 
prepare  for  ordination  to  the  priest- 
hood. 


Shortly  after  his  arrival  in  this 
country  he  was  ordained  by  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Juncker,  in  the 
Cathedral,  Alton,  September  21, 
1859,  and  within  a  few  months  was 
assigned  to  his  first  mission,  the  par- 
ish of  Edwardsville,  Illinois.  His 
work  here  was  the  difficult  and  ardu- 
ous work  of  all  the  Catholic  priests  of 
southern  Illinois  in  the  early  part  of 


651 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


the  latter  half  of  the  last  century.  He 
continued  working  in  the  smaller 
parishes  of  the  diocese  until  the  be- 
ginning of  the  year  1870,  when  the 
newly  consecrated  Bishop  Baltes  ap- 
pointed him  his  successor  at  St.  Peter 
Church,  Belleville,  Illinois.  In  this 
congregation  he  labored  indefatigably 
for  thirteen  years,  doing  at  times  the 
work  of  three  priests.  At  the  end  of 
this  time  he  made  a  journey  to  Rome. 
After  a  sojourn  of  fourteen  months 
at  Rome,  he  returned  and  took  charge 
of  a  parish  in  Cairo,  Illinois,  where 
he  remained  Until  the  close  of  the 
year  1886,  when  he  began  his  success- 
ful work  as  Superior  of  the  Fran- 
ciscan Sisters'  Community  and  Direc- 
tor of  St.  John  Hospital. 

Father  Hinssen  not  only  under- 
stood well  the  necessity  of  keeping  in 
touch  with  modern  progress,  but  he 


also  with  a  mind  fit  to  appreciate 
modern  improvements,  so  managed 
the  hospital  and  directed  the  Sisters 
that  today  St.  John  Hospital  can 
without  fear  of  contradiction  be  said 
to  be  among  the  foremost  hospitals 
in  the  State. 

During  a  long  life  of  labor,  vivified 
by  zeal  for  the  honor  of  God  and  the 
good  of  his  fellow  men,  Father  Hins- 
sen has  erected  for  himself  many  a 
monument  that  will  make  his  name 
live  long  in  the  memory  of  those  for 
whom  he  worked.  But  foremost 
among  these  monuments  is  St.  John 
Hospital,  for  it  will  proclaim  his 
praise  to  coming  generations,  a  praise 
that  will  find  its  echo  in  the  benedic- 
tions, especially  of  all  those  who  have 
and  will  have  the  good  fortune  to 
share  the  kind  care  and  scientific 
treatment  of  the  hospital  Sisters. 


Reverend  Cornelius  Hoffman 


Reverend  Cornelius  Hoffman  was 
born  February  15,  1846,  at  Breyel  on 
the  Rhine.  His  studies  were  made  at 
Gaesdonk  and  Muenster  and  were 
finished  at  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
Milwaukee,  where  he  was  ordained 
March  13,  1869,  by  Bishop  Martin 
Henni,  of  Milwaukee.  He  became  an 
assistant  at  St.  Peter  Church,  Belle- 
ville, from  March,  1869  to  June  25, 
1869;  rector  of  Mt.  Sterling  from 
June,  1870  to  June,  1871  rector  of 
St.  Joseph,  Cairo,  which  church  he 
built,   from  June,   1871   to   October, 


1873 ;  rector  of  St.  Wendel  and  New- 
ton, from  October,  1873  to  October, 
1876;  assistant  at  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy,  from  August,  1878  to  Novem- 
ber, 1885;  rector  of  Fayetteville, 
from  November,  1885,  at  Bartelso 
from  September,  1889,  until  his 
death,  November  28,  1891.  He  was 
buried  at  Bartelso.  Solemn  obsequies 
were  performed  by  Bishop  Janssen 
whilst  the  late  Monsignor  Abbelin, 
of  Milwaukee,  a  former  schoolmate 
and  lifelong  friend  of  deceased, 
preached  a  touching  funeral  sermon. 


Reverend  Simon  P.  Hoffman 


Reverend  Simon  P.  Hoffman  was 
born  in  Quincy,  Illinois,  June  26, 
1867.  After  having  gone  through 
the  parochial  school  and  Quincy  Col- 
lege he  went  to  Rome  there  to  pursue 
his  theological  studies.  He  arrived 
in  the  Eternal  City  on  March  30, 
1899. 

Having  studied  in  the  North 
American  College,  Rome,  for  two 
years,  he  contracted  the  Roman  fever 


and  was  compelled  to  leave  Rome  so 
he  went  to  the  Insbruck  University 
where  he  completed  his  studies. 

He  was  ordained  to  the  holy  priest- 
hood July  26,  1904,  but  with  permis- 
sion of  his  Superiors  he  remained  a 
whole  year  in  Europe  in  order  to 
pursue  a  special  course  in  sociology 
at  Muenich  Gladbach,  Germany.  In 
the  summer  of  1905,  he  returned  to 
his  native  country  and  celebrated  his 


652 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


first  Mass  in  the  United  States  in  St. 
Francis  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois, 
August  15,  1905.  For  several  years 
he  was  assistant  pastor  in  Effingham, 
Illinois,  where  he  did  very  efficient 
work  for  God  and  for  immortal  souls. 
He  was  made  pastor  of  Greenville 
where  he  labored  for  two  years  until 
ill  health  forced  him  to  resign.  He 
went  to  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  and 
acted  as  Chaplain  of  Sacred  Heart 
Sanitarium  there  for  some  time.  Re- 
turning to  Effingham,  he  again  acted 
as  assistant  in  St.  Anthony  parish 
until  his  health  finally  failed.  He 
retired  to  St.  Anthony  Hospital,  Ef- 
fingham, and  acted  as  Chaplain  there 
for  ten  years. 


He  always  took  an  absorbing  inter- 
est in  social  questions  and  he  con- 
ceived the  idea  that  the  Catholic 
women  of  our  day  and  country  could 
and  should  play  an  important  part  in 
the  world  along  social  lines.  Through 
his  influence  largely  was  brought 
about  the  establishment  of  the 
Women's  Section  of  the  Central 
Verein,  of  which  he  became  the 
Spiritual  Director  until  his  death. 

Just  when  in  his  prime  and  in  the 
midst  of  his  labors,  God  called  him 
home  to  receive  the  crown  prepared 
for  the  faithful,  zealous  priest.  He 
died  February  22,  1923. 


Reverend  Thomas  Hogan 


Born  at  Oak  Creek,  now  South 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  he  lost  his 
parents  when  yet  a  tender  child.  The 
Aemilianum,  an  orphanage,  located 
near  St.  Francis  Seminary,  became 
his  home,  the  devoted  Sisters  his 
trusted  and  loving  friends  and  ben- 
efactors, who  at  all  times  watched 
over  his  growing  years  with  zealous 
motherly  care  and  solicitude.  At  the 
proper  time  in  the  fall  of  1870,  he 
entered  as  a  student  St.  Francis 
Seminary  to  prepare  for  the  priest- 
hood, and  proved  an  excellent  stu- 
dent. On  June  29,  1879,  he  was  or- 
dained  priest   by   Bishop   Baltes   at 


Alton  and  at  once  appointed  to  the 
pastoral  charge  of  Petersburg  and 
its  two  dependencies,  Greenview  and 
Ashland.  With  characteristic  zeal 
the  young  priest  entered  upon  his 
work,  earning  in  a  short  time  the 
good  wishes  of  everyone.  The  pres- 
ent handsome  St.  Augustine  Church 
of  Ashland  owes  its  construction  to 
the  indefatigable  Father  Hogan. 
With  vigor  he  prosecuted  his  holy 
vocation,  until  a  severe  malady  dis- 
abled him.  Medical  aid  was  unavail- 
ing and  the  young  priest,  not  yet  five 
years  in  the  ministry,  died  January 
12,  1884. 


Reverend  Henry  Joseph  Hoven 


Father  Hoven  was  born  at  Kirs- 
penich,  in  the  Diocese  of  Cologne, 
June  8,  1835,  arrived  in  the  States  in 
June,  1861,  and  received  Holy  Orders 
at  Alton,  November  24,  1861,  from 
Bishop  Juncker.  From  the  day  of 
his  ordination  to  that  of  his  death, 
he  was  always  and  everywhere 
faithful  and  exact  in  his  duties.  His 
first  mission  was  Ste.  Marie,  from 
whence  he  was  sent  to  Marshall, 
where  he  laid  the  foundation  for  the 
present  handsome  church.  From 
Marshall  he  attended  Paris,  North 
Arm  and  Charleston,  a  territory  em- 
bracing  three   counties.     From   this 


laborious  mission  he  was  transferred 
to  Jerseyville  on  March  26,  1865, 
where  his  health  began  to  fail  under 
the  constant  strain.  At  this  time 
he  absented  himself  from  the  diocese 
for  awhile.  On  his  return  he  was 
appointed  to  Carlinville  with  in- 
structions to  rebuild  the  church 
which  had  been  destroyed  by  a  storm 
and  also  to  erect  a  new  church  for 
the  German  Catholics  of  the  place — 
St.  Joseph.  His  next  appointment 
was  Pittsfield,  1878-1880,  then  Pana 
and  Shelbyville.  From  the  latter 
place  he  was  transferred  to  Carroll- 
ton,  1892-1903.     Finally  he  was  sent 


653 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


hack  to  Carlinville  where  he  spent 
two  years  as  pastor  of  St.  Mary,  and 
two  years  and  three  months  as  pastor 
of  St.  Joseph  Church.  When  by  the 
death  of  Father  Schlegel  a  vacancy 
occurred  in  the  parish  of  Highland, 
Father  Hoven  was  designated  his 
successor  but  declined  the  offer;  in- 
stead he  became  pastor  of  Morrison- 
ville  and  later  for  a  short  time  pastor 
of  Raymond.    His  "Golden  Jubilee" 


was  celebrated  October  17,  1911. 
During  the  latter  years  of  his  life 
his  health  had  gradually  failed  and 
during  two  seasons  he  sought  quiet 
retreat  in  St.  Mary  Hospital,  Quincy. 
Old  years,  rich  in  merit,  loved  by 
his  brother  priests  and  respected  by 
the  laity,  he  obeyed  the  final  call  of 
the  Master  Whom  he  had  ever  served 
faithfully,  on  June  9,  1914. 


Reverend  Lawrence  Hoye 


Brown's  Settlement  in  Christian 
county  had  the  honor  and  privilege 
of  harboring  from  1889  to  1898  a 
conspicuous,  though  humble  and  un- 
assuming pastor  in  the  person  of 
Reverend  Lawrence  Hoye.  A  ripe 
scholar  of  brilliant  attainments,  one 
who  had  distinguished  himself  for 
many  years  of  his  priestly  career, 
and  an  eminent  instructor  who  had 
occupied  a  professor's  chair  in 
various  seats  of  learning.  He  who 
for  years  associated  with  men  of 
great  worth  and  prominence  who 
came  to  seek  the  quiet  and  reposeful 
environments  of  St.  Isidore,  there  to 
spend  the  declining  years  of  his 
priestly  life  preparatory  to  the  last 
summons.  Physical  infirmities  to- 
gether with  old  age  demanded  an  ab- 
solute relinquishment  of  further 
strenuous  efforts  or  new  under- 
takings. 


His  was  golden  hearted,  at  all 
times  kind,  gentle  and  courteous. 
Serene  and  happy  amid  rural  sur- 
roundings, highly  esteemed  by  his 
confreres  and  possessing  the  unqual- 
ified love  and  veneration  of  this 
sturdy  community,  the  aged  rector 
appeared  to  be  the  personification  of 
contentment. 

Sincerely  mourned  by  all,  Father 
Hoyne  peacefully  passed  away  on 
February  20,  1898,  at  St.  Isidore  rec- 
tory, Farmersville,  Illinois. 

The  funeral  took  place  from  St. 
Agnes  Church,  Springfield  (Rev- 
erend James  J.  Howard,  D.D.,  pas- 
tor), from  which  he  wished  to  be 
buried.  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan 
pontificated  at  the  solemn  obsequies 
and  Reverend  Ferdinand  Stick,  then 
pastor  of  Morrisonville,  preached  the 
funeral  oration.  His  body  rests  in 
the  Springfield  Catholic  cemetery. 


Reverend  Francis  H.  Hussey 


On  November  18,  1914,  a  young 
diocesan  priest  breathed  his  last  in 
Providence,  Rhode  Island.  It  was 
Father  Francis  H.  Hussey.  After 
his  ordination  in  Buffalo,  February 
29,  1896,  he  acted  as  assistant  at  St. 
Peter  Church,  Quincy,  after  which 
he  was  made  pastor  of  the  parish  of 
Bloomfield  in  1898,  to  be  transferred 
the  next  year  to  Virden.  The  latter 
place  he  relinquished  after  a  few 
years  incumbency  for  that  of  New 
Douglas.  Failing  in  health,  Father 
Hussey    went    to    Beresford,    South 


Dakota.  In  August,  1914,  he  re- 
turned to  his  former  home  in  Cen- 
tral Falls,  Rhode  Island,  hoping  that 
a  rest  would  enable  him  to  regain  his 
lost  health.  He  died  from  cerebral 
hemorrhage  at  his  sister's  house  in 
Providence.  His  funeral  took  place 
from  Holy  Trinity  Church,  Central 
Falls,  Rhode  Island,  November  21, 
1914. 

Father  Hussey  was  the  son  of 
John  and  Catherine  (McDermott) 
Hussey,  and  was  born  in  Albion, 
Rhode  Island,  October  2,  1869. 


654 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Adolphus  Jacques 


Reverend  John  Adolphus  Jacques 
was  born  in  1836  at  Buriville,  diocese 
of  Nancy,  Prance.  He  made  his 
classical  course  at  the  Seminary  of 
Pona  Mousson  and  his  philisophical 
and  theological  studies  at  the  Great 
Seminary  of  Nancy,  leading  his  class 
in  both  establishments.  After  spend- 
ing a  few  months  at  All  Hallows  Col- 
lege in  Ireland,  he  came  over  to  Amer- 
ica with  Bishop  Juncker  and  was  or- 
dained by  him  on  the  3rd  of  May, 
1859. 

After  assisting  for  a  while  at  St. 
Mary,  Springfield,  he  was  sent  succes- 
sively to  Shawneetown,  Kaskaskia, 
Paris,  Virginia,  Beardstown,  1867  to 
1868,  and  then  to  Assumption  where 
he  did  very  good  work.  Two  years 
before  his  coming  there  a  general  sub- 
scription had  been  taken  up  for  the 
building  of  a  new  church,  but  nothing 
was  accomplished  until  he  came.  In 
the  fall  of  1869  the  corner  stone  of  the 
new  building  was  laid  by  the  Ad- 
ministrator, Peter  Joseph  Baltes; 
Reverend  D.  S.  Phelan,  the  late  well 
known  editor  of  the  "Western  Watch- 
man, of  St.  Louis,  preaching  the  Eng- 
lish, and  Reverend  F.  H.  Zabel,  D.D., 
the  French  sermon  .  Fairs  and  sub- 


scriptions supplied  the  means.  It 
took  until  the  year  1872  to  have  the 
building  under  roof. 

In  1874  Father  Jacques  left  and 
went  to  Shelbyville,  though  still  at- 
tending Assumption. 

When  Father  Jacques  left  Shelby- 
ville he  was  sent  to  Cahokia,  at  the 
same  time  attending  Centerville  Sta- 
tion. In  the  heated  term  of  July, 
1878,  he  was  compelled  to  travel  from 
Centerville  to  Cahokia  in  an  open 
wagon  under  the  mid-day  broiling 
sun  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  child. 
As  he  reached  home,  he  felt  pros- 
trated, had  no  one  to  help  him  in  his 
sad  condition,  and  expired  unattend- 
ed, being  found  two  days  afterwards, 
July  17,  1878,  dead — a  martyr  to 
priestly  duty.  His  body,  swollen  be- 
yond measure,  was  buried  in  the  vil- 
lage graveyard  by  Reverend  P.  J. 
O'Halloran  and  Reverend  Chris- 
topher Koenig,  both  of  East  St.  Louis. 

Father  Jacques  was  a  refined 
scholar,  a  writer  of  unusual  merit,  as 
honorable  as  he  was  eccentric.  His 
delight  was  to  impart  religious  in- 
struction to  the  rising  generation, 
thus  planting  the  seeds  for  future 
harvest. 


Vert  Reverend  John  Janssen,  V.G. 


Very  Reverend  John  Janssen,  V.G., 
flate  Bishop  of  Belleville)  was  born 
March  3,  1835,  at  Keppeln,  Rhine- 
land.  He  received  his  early  education 
in  the  parochial  schools  of  his  native 
town  and  pursued  the  higher  studies, 
classics  and  theology,  partly  at 
Gaesdonck,  partly  at  Muenster.  When 
he  had  almost  finished  the  theological 
course,  the  young  ecclesiastic  decided 
to  come  to  America.  On  November 
19,  1858,  Bishop  Juncker  conferred 
Holy  Orders  upon  him  in  the  Cathe- 
dral Church  of  Alton.  The  young 
priest  was  first  assigned  to  old  St. 
John  Church  of  Springfield.  (This 
has  since  ceased  to  exist  and  in  its 
place  the  present  St.  Peter  and  Paul 
Church  and  parish  was  built).     Be- 


sides being  pastor  of  the  Springfield 
congregation,  he  likewise  extended 
his  pastoral  care  over  the  parish  of 
New  Berlin.  Next  we  find  him  in  the 
chancellor's  office  and  a  few  years 
later  he  is  made  Vicar  General  of  the 
diocese,  which  position  he  retained 
until  elevated  to  the  episcopacy. 
From  September  1st,  1877  to  Decem- 
ber 31st,  1879,  Father  Janssen  acted 
as  pastor  of  St.  Boniface  parish  of 
Quincy,  after  which  he  was  appointed 
rector  of  the  Cathedral  parish  of  Al- 
ton. At  the  death  of  Bishop  Baltes, 
which  occurred  February  18,  1886, 
Archbishop  Feehan  of  Chicago  made 
him  administrator  of  the  diocese 
(sede  vacante),  and  after  its  division 
on  January  7,  1887,  also  administra- 


655 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


tor  of  the  new  See  of  Belleville.  On 
the  28th  day  of  February  he  was 
chosen  by  Rome  to  become  the  first 
Bishop  of  the  newly  created  southern 
diocese  and  received  the  episcopal 
consecration  at  St.  Peter  Cathedral 
of  Belleville,  on  April  25,  of  the  same 
year. 

Father     Janssen  was    a    man     of 
gentle  and  amiable  disposition.     His 


priestly  career  as  pastor  was  rather 
uneventful;  as  chancellor  and 
Bishop's  secretary,  he  was  known  to 
be  very  prompt  and  accurate ;  as 
Vicar  General  and  Administrator, 
wise  and  prudent. 

He  died  July  2,  1913.  His  re- 
mains were  sepulchred  in  a  vault  be- 
neath the  sanctuary  in  St.  Peter 
Cathedral  of  Belleville. 


Reverend  Joseph  Jele 


Reverend  Joseph  Jele  was  born  in 
Alpine  Tyrol,  September  4,  1850.  In 
the  early  days  of  his  young  manhood 
he  joined  the  Capuchin  Friars,  who 
are  particularly  numerous  in  his 
native  land,  and  was  ordained  to  the 
priesthood  during  Eastertide,  1876. 
As  professed  religious  he  was  known 
by  the  name  of  Father  Angelus,  O.M., 
Cap.  As  such  he  taught  for  a  number 
of  years  at  the  St.  Lawrence  Capuchin 
College  of  Mt.  Calvary,  Fond  du  Lac 
County,  Wisconsin,  where  he  enjoyed 
the  universal  esteem  and  love  of  the 
college  boys.  When  in  1884  he  ap- 
plied for  permission  to  join  the  secu- 
lar clergy  and  having  obtained  the 
permit  from  the  Superior  General  of 
the  Capuchins  at  Rome,  Bishop  Baltes 


assigned  him  as  assistant  to  Father 
Meckel  of  St.  Paul  Church,  Highland, 
there  to  look  after  the  interests  of  the 
various  out-missions  then  connected 
with  Highland,  viz :  Pocahontas,  St. 
Jacob,  Troy  and  Black  Jack.  He  was 
of  a  rather  impetuous  and  impulsive 
zealousness  in  the  performance  of  his 
labors. 

In  September,  1888,  Father  Jele 
was  transferred  to  Springfield,  there 
to  assist  Reverend  A.  J.  Pennartz  in 
the  work  at  St.  Peter  and  Paul  parish, 
where  he  was  likewise  successfully 
active.  In  less  than  two  years,  how- 
ever, he  was  stricken  with  illness 
which  within  a  few  days  terminated 
fatally.  He  died  April*  27,  1890,  and 
was  buried  on  Tuesday,  April  29. 


Reverend  Herman  Joseph  Francis  Jungmann 


Father  Jungmann  was  born  Oc- 
tober 1,  1846,  at  Ochtrup,  in  West- 
phalia, of  a  pious  family,  which  gave 
to  the  church  three  priests,  two  of 
whom  distinguished  themselves  as 
professors  and  authors,  both  gradu- 
ates of  the  Roman  College,  one  a 
Jesuit,  professor  of  sacred  eloquence 
in  the  Insbruck  University,  and  the 
other  professor  of  Church  History  at 
Louvain  University.  After  previous 
studies  made  in  Westphalia,  Father 
Jungmann  repaired  to  the  American 
College  of  Louvain,  where  he  studied 


for  the  diocese  of  Alton.  Ordained  to 
the  priesthood  December  23,  1871,  at 
Malines,  he  started  for  the  future 
field  of  his  labors  the  following  Sep- 
tember. Wherever  he  was  he  edified 
all  by  his  sincere  piety  and  zeal,  es- 
pecially in  the  training  of  the  young 
— the  hope  of  the  Church. 

Father  Jungmann  was  called  to  his 
reward  on  April  6,  1895,  and  slum- 
bers in  the  shadow  of  the  cross  in  St. 
Anthony  cemetery,  Effingham,  Illi- 
nois. 


Reverend  Peter  Kaenders 


Reverend  Peter  Kaenders  was  born 
September  28,  1856,  in  Veert,  near 
Geldern,  Rheinprovince,  Germany. 

He  received  his  primary  and  clas- 


sical education  in  his  native  country. 
He  started  his  Seminary  course  in  the 
University  of  Louvain,  Belgium,  but 
completed  it  at  St.  Francis  Seminary, 


656 


lin.n i  Ui  \i  i;i  \u  .Iimi  \  Janssj  n~,  D.D.  (D< 
First  Bishop  of  Belh  ville  Dio>  est 
1888—1918 


yft£  uwmn 

Cf  The 
UHIVEHS1TY  OF  lUAWK* 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


St.  Francis,  Wisconsin.  He  was  or- 
dained to  the  holy  priesthood  by 
Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes, 
D.D.,  in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Cathe- 
dral, Alton,  Illinois,  June  29,  1880. 
He  celebrated  his  first  holy  Mass  in 
that  Cathedral. 

The  Bishop  appointed  him  Assist- 
ant in  the  Cathedral  parish  where  he 
did  very  effective  work  until  his  pro- 
motion to  the  Rectorship  of  St. 
Martin  parish  at  Bethalto,  with 
Mitchell  as  an  outmission.  In  the 
latter  place  he  built  the  present  rec- 
tory which,  when  finished,  he  used  as 
his  residence  until  1885. 

The  Bishop  instructed  him  to  or- 
ganize a  parish  and  build  a  church  at 
Venice,  Illinois.  In  1881  he  assumed 
charge  of  Venice,  and  with  his  usual 
ardor  worked  so  well  that  success  soon 
smiled  upon  his  labors.  He  moved 
from  Mitchell  to  Venice  in  1885,  and 
immediately  started  work  on  a  new 
church,  St.  Mark.  His  next  work  was 
a  commodious  two-story  frame  resi- 
dence, and  shortly  afterwards  a  paro- 
chial school.  But  high  waters  period- 
ically played  havoc  with  church  and 
school.  So  high  and  so  menacing  did 
the  floods  become,  that  the  Sisters  had 
to  flee  to  the  roof  for  safety  and 
Father  had  to  have  a  skiff  tied  to  the 
second  story  window  sill,  so  that  he 
might  get  out  and  bring  groceries  for 
himself  and  for  the  Sisters. 

Finally  Father  decided  to  erect  a 
new  school  building  on  higher  ground 
which  he  did  on  the  Edwardsville 
Plank  Road,  at  a  cost  of  $10,000.00. 
The  new  school  was  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Ryan  on  Sunday,  August  13, 
1893.      Father   Kaenders   was   a   big 


man — big  physically  and  intellectual- 
ly. His  dignified  bearing,  his  flowing 
beard  and  his  kindly  disposition  made 
him  known  as  the  "Patriarch  of 
Venice." 

When  Father  Kaenders  was  re- 
ceived by  Pope  Pius  X,  then  Pa- 
triarch of  Venice,  he  introduced  him- 
self as  the  "Patriarch  of  Venice,"  but 
added  sotto  voce  "Venice  in  Illinois." 
The  future  Pope  was  highly  pleased 
with  Father  Kaenders'  naivete  and 
greatly  admiring  his  well-kept  whisk- 
ers he  pulled  them  gently,  saying — 
"Ah,  barba  benete  portal." 

Father  Kaenders  was  talented  and 
a  literary  genius.  He  translated 
Calderon's  works  into  perfect  Eng- 
lish and  adapted  them  to  the  Amer- 
ican stage.  With  his  troupe  of  well- 
drilled  young  actors  he  appeared 
repeatedly  on  the  St.  Louis  stage  and 
received  great  applause.  Father 
Kaenders  was  a  remarkable  man  in 
many  ways,  and  he  was  a  good  priest. 
He  was  the  founder  of  St.  Mark,  and 
the  "Patriarch  of  Venice." 

He  died  a  poor  man — poor  in 
worldly  sense,  but  rich  in  a  spiritual 
sense.  He  died  in  St.  Elizabeth  Hos- 
pital, Granite  City,  Illinois,  Septem- 
ber 21,  1921,  an  institution  which  he, 
after  years  of  financial  sacrifice  and 
worry,  was  finally  able  to  purchase 
and  turn  over  to  the  Sisters  of  Divine 
Providence. 

His  funeral  was  held  from  St. 
Mark,  Venice,  and  his  remains  rest  in 
St.  Mark  cemetery.  His  funeral  was 
well  attended  both  by  clergy  and 
laity.  All  Venice  seemed  in  mourn- 
ing over  the  death  of  its  "Patriarch." 


Reverend  Manasses  Kane 


Reverend  Manasses  Kane  was  born 
in  Banagher,  Diocese  of  Derry,  Ire- 
land, in  January,  1836,  and  was 
raised  to  the  priesthood  at  Montreal, 
December  17,  1870.  He  was  called 
here  from  Macon,  where  he  had  re- 
sided from  1874  to  1875,  and  served 
in  the  capacity  of  Cathedral  pastor 
during  1875  and  1876.    At  this  time 


jjteps  were  contemplated  for  the 
founding  of  a  new  parish  in  Spring- 
field. The  Ursuline  Academy  there 
had  for  years  been  in  a  flourishing 
condition,  the  city  had  developed  with 
leaps  and  bounds  in  that  direction  so 
that  a  need  was  felt  for  a  new  parish. 
It  was  to  be  named  St.  Joseph,  and 
Father  Kane  became  its  founder  and 


657 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


first  pastor.  The  good  man  performed 
laudable  work  and  built  a  fine  church. 
During:  his  pastorate  of  St.  Joseph, 
the  energetic  priest  likewise  attended 
to  the  interests  of  the  Church  of  St. 
Mary  of  Illiopolis,  where  he  enlarged 
the  little  frame  church  by  building 
an  addition  to  it  so  as  to  accommodate 
the  seventy-five  families  forming  the 
parish.  Father  Kane  remained  at  the 
head  of  St.  Joseph  of  Springfield 
from  its  inception  in  1876  until  his 


retirement  in  1881.  After  relinquish- 
ing St.  Joseph,  Father  Kane  went 
West,  subsequently  became  a  Trappist 
and  died  in  1914  at  Long  Point,  near 
Montreal. 

Before  deceased  took  up  studies  for 
the  priesthood,  he  had  been  a  Brother 
of  the  Holy  Cross  Community,  a 
teaching  order  connected  with  the 
great  educational  institution  of  Notre 
Dame,  Indiana. 


Reverend  Patrick  Kearney 


All  that  is  known  of  Father  Kear- 
ney is  that  in  1865  and  1866,  he  was 
pastor  of  St.  Mary,  at  Pittsfield  ;  from 
1866  to  1869,  pastor  at  Winchester, 


and  from  1869  to  1870,  at  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. Whence  he  came  and  whither 
he  went  are  questions  not  answered 
by  available  records. 


Reverend  Ignatius  Kerchewitch 


Reverend  Ignatius  Kerchewitch,  a 
native  of  Scranton,  Pennsylvania, 
came  to  Springfield  in  the  capacity  of 
a  coal  miner,  worked  hard  and  faith- 
fully, saved  his  earnings  to  pay  his 
way  through  college  and  Seminary. 
He  studied  in  St.  Meinrad's,  Indiana, 
where  he  made  a  splendid  record, 
completed  his  theological  studies  and 
was  ordained  priest  in  the  summer  of 
1909.  A  few  days  later  he  had  the 
supreme  happiness  of  celebrating  his 
first  Holy  Mass  in  the  Immaculate 
Conception  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois. 

The  Bishop  assigned  him  to  Living- 
ston, Illinois,  and  the  present  hand- 
some church  there  stands  as  a  mon- 
ument to  his  priestly  zeal  and 
courage. 

Bishop  Ryan  soon  recognized  his 
abilities  and  zeal  and  promoted  him 
to  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  parish,  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  His  zeal  had  full  sway 
in  that  parish  and  his  strenuous  ef- 
forts for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his 


people  were  about  to  bear  abundant 
fruit  when  he  was  stricken  with  an 
illness  which  demanded  a  surgical 
operation.  He  was  taken  to  St.  John 
Hospital,  Springfield,  where  he  was 
operated  upon,  but  the  operation 
proved  fatal  and  he  died  November 
28,  1924,  after  having  been  fortified 
with  the  rites  of  Holy  Mother  Church. 

His  funeral  services  were  held  in 
St.  Vincent  de  Paul  Church,  the  scene 
of  his  priestly  labors,  at  which  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  and 
seventy  priests  attended.  The  Bishop 
Pontificated  and  also  preached  a  most 
touching  sermon  which  was  in  effect 
a  well  deserved  tribute  to  the  life  and 
labors  of  the  noble  Father  Kerche- 
witch. The  remains  were  shipped  to 
Scranton,  Pennsylvania,  the  home  of 
his  boyhood  days. 

Father  Kerchewitch  was  a  noble 
priest  and  his  death  was  a  great  loss 
to  the  diocese.  His  was  the  first 
death  among  the  clergy  since  Bishop 
Griffin's  coming  to  the  diocese. 


Reverend  John  Patrick  Kerr 


Reverend  John  P.  Kerr  was  born 
December  29,  1843,  at  Enniskillen, 
Ireland.  At  the  age  of  24  he  came 
to  America  and  was  raised  to  the 
priesthood  March  19,  1875,  by  Right 


Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D., 
second  Bishop  of  Alton.  Among  the 
various  parishes  which  he  success- 
fully presided  over  were  Bloomfield, 
in   Adams    county,    Brown's    Settle- 


658 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ment,  in  Montgomery  county,  Carlin- 
ville,  and  finally  St.  Peter,  in  Quincy, 
to  which  latter  position  he  was  ap- 
pointed upon  the  death  of  his  pred- 
ecessor, Reverend  Patrick  McGirr,  in 
1893.  On  the  death  of  Reverend 
Michael  Weis,  which  occurred  No- 
vember 9,  1909,  Father  Kerr  suc- 
ceeded him  as  Dean  of  the  Quincy 
Deanery.     For  many  years  he  had 


been  in  poor,  feeble  health ;  various 
trips  to  Ireland,  his  native  country, 
and  to  sunny  Florida,  for  the  sake  of 
recuperation,  were  in  vain.  A  com- 
plication of  diseases  developed  which 
hastened  his  death  which  occurred 
on  March  2,  1914.  Among  other 
legacies  and  charitable  bequests  the 
thoughtful  priest  willed  the  sum  of 
$10,000.00  to  St.  Peter's  parish. 

Reverend  Anton  Kersting 


Coming  to  this  country  and  diocese 
in  1881  from  Germany,  Reverend 
Anton  Kersting  was  assigned  to  as- 
sist the  pastor  of  St.  Paul  Church  of 
Highland.  Possessed  of  fervor  and 
enthusiasm  for  his  holy  calling,  the 
young  assistant  priest  gathered  be- 
fore long  the  nucleus  of  a  promising 
future  congregation  at  Troy.  Divine 
Service  was  temporarily  held  in  a 
small  rented  hall  until  1883,  when  a 
modest  little  frame  church  took  its 


place.  In  Black  Jack,  another  mis- 
sion connected  with  Highland  at  the 
time,  the  young  priest  succeeded  in 
building  a  neat  brick  church.  His 
continuance  in  Highland,  however, 
was  soon  to  terminate.  Father  Ker- 
sting asked  for  and  was  given  an 
indefinite  leave  of  absence.  He  re- 
paired to  his  native  country  from 
whence  he  failed  to  return.  His 
death  there  was  chronicled  in  recent 
vears. 


Reverend  John  Peter  Klein 


Father  Klein  claimed  Saarge- 
muend,  in  Lorraine,  as  his  birthplace. 
There  he  was  born  May  17,  1822. 
Having  duly  prepared  himself  for  his 
lofty  vocation  in  the  schools  and 
Seminary  of  Metz,  he  received  Holy 
Orders  June  6,  1846,  and  arrived  in 
the  States  September  20,  1853.  Pre- 
vious to  his  departure  from  his 
native  land  the  young  priest  had 
been  stationed  as  teacher  in  various 
colleges.  He  was  appointed  April  4, 
1867,  to  the  parish  of  Carrollton.  He 


found  a  heavy  church  debt  to  con- 
tend with  but  by  constant  exertions 
succeeded  in  paying  it  off.  His  sub- 
sequent appointment  was  to  the  pas- 
torate of  French  Village,  where  he 
worked  faithfully  from  August  17, 
1871,  to  November,  1890.  Partially 
paralyzed,  he  returned  to  St.  Mary 
Hospital  of  East  St.  Louis,  where  he 
died  August  9,  1896.  His  remains 
were  interred  in  Holy  Cross  cem- 
etery. 


Very  Reverend  P.  Mauritius  Klostermann,  O.F.M. 


The  greatest  and  noblest  of  all 
diocesan  Franciscan  priests,  one  who 
most  earnestly  worked  for  and  glad- 
ly spent  his  energies  both  physical 
and  mental  in  the  upbuilding  of  his 
diocese,  was  unquestionably,  dear 
Father  Mauritius  Klostermann, 
O.F.M.  The  mere  mention  of  his 
name  evokes  with  all  who  had  the 
good  fortune  and  privilege  of  know- 
ing him  more  intimately  many  happy 
memories  of  by-gone  days,  especial- 


ly with  those  over  whose  training 
and  education  he  presided.  The  for- 
mer college  boys  of  Teutopolis,  now 
men  of  mature  age,  are  foremost  in 
gratefully  treasuring  his  name  and 
memory  and  in  giving  unstinted 
praise  and  appreciation  of  this  good 
man's  efforts  in  their  behalf.  He  was 
the  heart  and  soul  of  that  institution. 
Adolph  Klostermann  was  born  at 
Lippborg  in  Westphalia,  August  30, 
1820,  of  a  family  which,  as  records 


659 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


show,  had  furnished  teachers  of  this 
place  continuously  since  1851,  and 
perhaps  earlier.  Like  his  father, 
Adolph  chose  the  vocation  of  teacher. 
His  primary  education  he  received 
from  his  father,  and  after  attending 
the  Seminary  at  Bueren,  from  Au- 
gust, 1838  to  1840,  he  graduated  with 
honors,  being  declared  "eligible  for 
a  position  as  teacher  and  well  qual- 
ified for  the  position  of  organist, 
having  practiced  well  on  the  piano 
and  organ."  After  teaching  school 
for  fourteen  years,  the  unexpected 
death  of  a  dear  friend,  and  encour- 
aged by  a  Franciscan  brother,  he 
entered  the  Order  at  Warendorf  as 
lay  brother,  October  12,  1854.  But 
his  superiors,  noticing  his  talent  for 
teaching,  advised  him  to  study  for 
the  priesthood.  He  volunteered  for 
the  American  Missions.  In  1859  he 
came  to  Teutopolis,  and  in  February, 
1860,  to  Quincy,  where  he  was  or- 
dained July  2,  1860,  in  St.  Boniface 
Church,  by  Bishop  Juncker.    He  be- 


came the  first  pastor  of  St.  Anthony 
in  .Melrose,  near  Quincy,  the  first 
organist  of  St.  Francis,  and  its  first 
parochial  school  teacher.  From  1864 
to  1882,  Father  Mauritius  acted  as 
rector  of  St.  Joseph  College  at  Teu- 
topolis. and  for  ten  years,  1869  to 
1879,  filled  the  office  of  Commissary 
to  the  Provincial.  In  1882  the  vet- 
eran college  rector  resigned  his  posi- 
tion owing  to  failing  eye-sight  and 
was  elected  guardian  of  the  Quincy 
Monastery.  In  July,  1885,  Father 
Mauritius  was  elected  Provincial  of 
the  newly  established  Province  of  the 
Sacred  Heart,  which  had  become  in- 
dependent of  the  old  German  "Sax- 
onia"  Province.  His  term  of  office 
over,  he  went  to  Indianapolis,  and 
thence  soon  after  to  Teutopolis, 
where  on  April  28,  1890,  he  returned 
his  beautiful,  spotless  soul  into  the 
hands  of  his  Maker. 

His  mortal  remains  were  interred 
in  the  Franciscan  crypt  at  Teu- 
topolis. 


Reverend  Peter  Kolopp 


The  deceased  was  born  in  1834  at 
Nancy,  France ;  ordained  to  the 
priesthood,  July  14,  1858,  and  acted 
as  assistant  priest  to  Father  Schaef- 
ermeyer  at  St.  Boniface  Church, 
Quincy,  from  September  17,  1863,  to 


April  19,  1864.  He  went  to  the 
Cleveland  diocese,  where  in  June, 
1866,  he  was  appointed  to  St.  Peter 
parish  of  Doylestown,  in  Wayne 
county.  He  died  a  subject  of  that 
diocese. 


Reverend  William  Kuchenbuch 


Among  the  twenty-five  theological 
students  who  pursued  their  higher 
studies  at  St.  Joseph  College  of  Teu- 
topolis from  1862  to  1865,  was  Rev- 
erend William  Kuchenbuch,  a  native 
of  Hundshagen,  Westphalia,  where 
he  was  born  August  15,  1836.  At  the 
age  of  fourteen  he  came  to  America, 
July  28,  1850,  took  up  the  regular 
course  of  classical  studies,  entered 
the  above  mentioned  Seminary,  and 
was  ordained  by  Bishop  Juncker,  De- 
cember 6,  1863,  in  the  college  chapel 
of  Teutopolis.  From  the  time  of  his 
ordination  in  1863,  until  the  year 
1875,  young  Father  Kuchenbuch 
worked  well  in  various  parishes  of 
the  Alton  diocese,  such  as  Edwards- 


ville,  where  in  1867,  he  purchased  a 
plot  of  land,  500x300,  to  be  used  for 
church  purposes,  especially  for  a 
new  church  for  the  German  Catholics 
of  Edwardsville.  At  the  same  time 
he  caused  a  brick  yard  to  be  started 
to  supply  the  necessary  brick  for  the 
contemplated  building.  From  Ed- 
wardsville he  was  sent  to  Quincy  as 
assistant  to  Reverend  Schaefermeyer 
of  St.  Boniface,  after  which  we  meet 
him  as  pastor  of  St.  Mary  parish  of 
Mt.  Sterling.  Father  Kuchenbuch 
severed  connection  with  the  Alton 
diocese  and  joined  that  of  Peoria, 
where  he  served  the  parishes  of  Dan- 
ville, Brimfield,  Hennepin  and  Peters- 
town    (Troy    Grove).      To   this   last 


660 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


named  place  he  was  sent  in  1892,  and 
continued  there  until  February  17, 
1906,  on  which  date  after  a  short  ill- 


ness he  died  and  was  buried  in  the 
small  Catholic  cemetery  of  Peters- 
town. 


Reverend  Charles  Kuhlman 


Reverend  Charles  Kuhlman  was 
born  in  Albersloh,  Germany,  on  Jan- 
uary 18,  1850.  He  studied  in  the 
American  College  at  Muenster  and 
was  ordained  priest  May  22,  1875. 
He  came  to  America  and  arrived  in 
Alton,  on  September  9,  1875.  He 
served  in  the  following  places :  Mar- 
shall, Mitchell,  East  St.  Louis,  Pater- 
born  and  Columbia,  Illinois.  He 
died  as  pastor  of  Columbia  in  the 
Belleville  Diocese,  on  June  5,  1923. 

In   his  younger  years  he   devoted 


himself  to  the  all-important  work  of 
building  up  a  strong  Catholic  Press 
for  the  defense  of  Catholic  rights  in 
these  United  States.  He  realized  its 
need,  he  had  the  ability  and  being 
encouraged  by  several  brother  priests, 
he  founded  and  published  the  Church 
Progress,  a  wide-awake  Catholic 
Weekly,  which  he  still  published,  but 
in  St.  Louis. 

Father  Kuhlman  was  a  noble  priest, 
a  man  far  ahead  of  his  time. 


Very  Reverend  P.  Nicholas  Leonard,  O.F.M. 


In  August,  1900,  on  the  streets  of 
Omaha,  Nebraska,  whilst  alighting 
from  a  street  car  and  in  the  act  of 
crossing  the  street,  Father  Leonard 
was  run  down  by  a  car  coming  from 
an  opposite  direction.  He  was 
knocked  down  by  the  fender,  the 
wheels  passing  over  his  right  leg, 
crushing  and  mangling  it  so  that  am- 
putation of  the  injured  member 
was  at  once  declared  imperative 
in  order  that  the  crippled  man's 
life  at  least  be  saved.  This  awful 
misfortune  overtook  Father  Nicholas, 
the  rector  of  St.  Francis  Solanus 
College  of  Quincy,  who  had  arrived 
in  the  Western  city  that  morn- 
ing for  the  purpose  of  giving  the 
annual  Retreat  to  a  community  of 
Sisters.  Father  Nicholas  had  been 
rector  at  the  Quincy  College  since 
1892.  During  the  eight  years  of 
his  administration  the  institution 
signally  grew  and  expanded  in  influ- 
ence and  importance.  New  life 
seemed  to  have  pulsated  through  its 
halls  and  class  rooms  whilst  the  num- 
ber of  students  increased  from  year 


to  year.  New  buildings  and  addi- 
tions to  old  ones  were  built,  renova- 
tions in  various  departments  made, 
so  that  St.  Francis  had  become  a 
keen  competitor  with  then  any  insti- 
tution of  the  State. 

Father  Nicholas  was  an  unusually 
scholarly  and  bright  man  of  rare  tal- 
ents and  attainments,  a  splendid 
college  professor  and  amiable  com- 
panion to  his  confreres.  No  one  re- 
ceived a  heartier  welcome  by  the 
secular  clergy  than  he,  hence  his  mis- 
fortune and  subsequent  death  elicited 
universal  sorrow  and  sympathy. 

Very  Reverend  Nicholas  Leonard, 
O.F.M.,  was  a  native  of  Alsace,  born 
in  the  town  of  Kerprich,  April  23, 
1853,  attended  St.  Joseph  College  of 
Teutopolis,  entered  the  Order  of 
Friars  Minor,  June  13,  1870,  and  was 
raised  to  the  priesthood  February  1, 
1877,  at  St.  Louis.  His  life  was  con- 
secrated to  the  education  of  young 
men  in  which  he  achieved  great  re- 
sults, both  at  St.  Joseph  College  of 
Teutopolis,  and  at  St.  Francis  Sola- 
nus of  Quincy. 


Reverend  Gerard  Leve 


Reverend  Gerard  Leve  was  born  in 
Warendorf,  Westfalia,  April  4,  1833. 
Having   completed   his   studies — pri- 


mary, classical,  philosophical  and 
theological,  he  was  ordained  a  priest 
in  1858,  and  labored  for  some  years 


661 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


in  his  native  country.  He  came  to 
America  and  to  the  Alton  Diocese  in 
1867. 

lie  was  a  most  lovable  character, 
kindly,  hospitable,  generous  to  a 
fault.  He  was  tall  and  of  slender 
build,  ascetic  looking  with  the  snows 
of  many  winters  resting  on  his  locks 
and  venerable  beard.  His  brother 
priests  fondly  styled  him  "Uncle 
Leve. "  His  home  was  always  open, 
and  sweet  charity  functioned  there 
without  reserve  and  without  stint. 

Father  Leve  served  as  pastor  in 
East  St.  Louis,  Illinois;  Mascoutah, 
Illinois,  and  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield,  Illinois.  Bear  in  mind 
that  the  Belleville  Diocese  was  not  es- 
tablished until  January  7,  1887, there- 
fore, in  those  days  East  St.  Louis, 
Mascautah,  etc.,  were  in  the  Alton 
diocese. 

It  was  at  the  suggestion  of  Father 
Leve  that  Bishop  Baltes  invited  the 
Hospital  Sisters  of  St.  John  Hospital 
in  1875,  to  emigrate  from  Muenster 
in  Westphalia  to  America  and  to 
establish  themselves  in  the  Alton 
Diocese.  How  wonderful  they  have 
succeeded  and  how  abundantly  God 
has  blessed  them  in  the  diocese  and 
outside  is  just  cause  for  jubilation 
among  the  clergy  and  the  laity  of  the 
diocese.  Father  Leve  was  their  Spir- 
itual Director  from  1875  to  1882. 

In  1882  he  returned  to  his  native 
diocese,  Muenster,  and  was  imme- 
diately appointed  pastor  of  Boesenell, 


where  he  labored  most  successfully 
until  1906.  Having  attained  the 
proverbial  Biblican  age  and  being  af- 
flicted with  its  infirmities,  he  retired 
to  the  Aged  Priests'  Home  at  Bozen 
in  the  Tyrol,  there  to  spend  his  de- 
clining years  in  preparation  for 
Heaven.  He  had  been  there  but  a 
short  time  when  a  cry  of  distress 
reached  him  from  far  away  Norway. 
The  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  there  had  no 
Chaplain  and  were  without  Mass  and 
Holy  Communion.  They  begged  him 
to  come  and  be  their  Chaplain. 

Unmindful  of  self  and  bodily  com- 
forts the  venerable  septuagenarian 
set  out  at  once  for  Bygdo,  near  Chris- 
tiana, and  acted  as  Chaplain  for  those 
good  Sisters  from  1907  to  1911. 
When  the  Sisters  transferred  their 
Novitiate  to  Glanerbrueck,  Holland, 
Father  Leve  accompanied  them  there 
and  in  1918,  he  had  the  supreme 
pleasure  of  celebrating  the  Sixtieth 
Anniversary  of  his  holy  priesthood. 
He  was  then  85  years  old. 

The  noble  warrior's  strength  grad- 
ually failed,  but  though  feeble  and 
even  tottering,  he  still  maintained  his 
life-long  practice  of  offering  Holy 
Mass  every  morning  until  the  morn- 
ing before  his  peaceful,  happy  death 
which  came  to  him  as  an  angel's  visit 
to  a  tired,  weary  child.  When  death 
summoned,  it  was  a  weary  worn  pil- 
grim who  answered  :  ' '  Lord  I  come. 
He  died  on  March  23,  1923. 


Reverend  Hermann  Liermann 


But  few  details  are  known  of  the 
life  and  personality  of  Reverend 
Hermann  Liermann,  and  what  is 
known  of  him  may  be  summarized 
in  a  few  lines.  He  c  ame  from 
the  diocese  of  Osnabrueck  in  the 
former  Kingdom  of  Hanover.  Com- 
ing to  this  country,  he  affiliated 
with  the  diocese  of  Chicago,  and  was 
appointed  in  1851  pastor  of  Center- 
ville,  and  from  thence  sent  to  Teu- 
topolis,  where  he  stayed  during  1856 
and  1857,  becoming  successor  to 
Father  Frauenhofer,  who  had  in  the 


meantime  taken  up  his  domicile  in 
Green  Creek.  From  1857  to  1860, 
Father  Liermann  was  pastor  of  St. 
Peter  church,  Chicago,  one  of  the  two 
oldest  German  parishes  of  that  city. 
From  1861  to  1865,  he  was  pastor  of 
McHenry,  and  from  1865  to  1879, 
pastor  of  St.  Nicholas  parish  of 
Aurora.  His  last  charge  was  Rock 
Island,  where  he  was  given  the  pas- 
torate of  St.  Mary  congregation  in 
1880,  exchanging  places  with  Father 
Schnuekel.  Eight  years  of  faithful 
service  marks  his  life  at  Rock  Island, 
where  in  1888  he  died. 


662 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Paul  Limacher 


Reverend  Paul  Limacher  was  born 
June  26,  1826,  at  Fluehelen,  in  the 
Canton  Luzern,  Switzerland.  He 
studied  at  Luzern  four  years,  at  Solo- 
thurn  two  years,  and  thereafter  four 
years  at  the  University  of  St.  Mary 
of  the  Lake,  Chicago.  He  had  come 
to  this  country  May  1,  1847.  On  July 
3,  1851,  he  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood by  the  second  Bishop  of  Chicago, 
Right  Reverend  James  Oliver  Van- 
develde  at  Florissant,  Missouri.  He 
was  at  once  assigned  to  the  parish  of 
Highland  to  succeed  the  Reverend 
Charles  Joseph  Count  von  Morogna, 
then  pastor  of  Shoal  Creek  (now  Ger- 
mantown)  who  had  looked  after  the 
spiritual  interests  of  that  parish  since 
1849.  He  became  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  St.  Paul  of  Highland. 

A  man  of  forceful  character,  a  wise 
and  prudent  pastor,  was  Father 
Limacher  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul  par- 
ish of  Waterloo.  He  enjoyed  the  un- 
limited    confidence     of    his    people, 


while  the  public  at  large  paid  homage 
to  his  rare  qualities  of  mind  and 
heart.  Success  attended  his  every 
undertaking  though  often  beset  by 
serious  difficulties  and  outspoken  op- 
position as  is  frequently  the  case 
when  attempts  at  reformation  are  in- 
augurated and  the  judgment  of  the 
pastor  is  to  prevail.  He  ripened  in 
the  school  of  such  varied  experiences 
whilst  pastor  of  seditious  Highland 
from  August,  1851  to  September, 
1861.  After  the  latter  date  hk  trans- 
fer to  the  prominent  parish  of  Water- 
loo took  place,  where  his  unselfish 
labors  were  properly  appreciated  by 
an  ever  grateful  congregation  and 
where  his  memory  will  forever  be  held 
in  benediction.  For  39  years  Father 
Limacher  acted  the  zealous  pastor  of 
his  Waterloo  flock  until  June  11, 
1899,  when  the  weary  soul  of  this 
venerable  priest  went  to  rest  with  his 
Maker.  His  remains  were  buried  at 
Waterloo. 


Reverend  Joseph  Locher 


Reverend  Joseph  Locher  was  a 
native  of  Wuertenberg,  born  Janu- 
ary 22nd,  1851,  at  Aulendorf,  near 
Rottenburg,  the  oldest  son  in  the  fam- 
ily of  three  children.  After  finishing 
his  classical  studies  at  Ellwangen  he 
entered  upon  a  university  course  at 
Insbruck,  and  later  at  Munich,  gradu- 
ating therefrom  with  honors  and  dis- 
tinction in  1872.  Deciding  to  study 
for  the  priesthood  and  to  devote  and 
consecrate  his  life  to  the  foreign  mis- 


sions, he  came  to  America  in  Septem- 
ber, 1873,  and  entered  Mt.  St.  Mary 
College,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  In  Sep- 
tember of  the  following  year  he  was 
raised  to  the  priesthood  at  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, by  the  Bishop  of  the  diocese, 
Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes. 
His  untimely  demise  occurred  De- 
cember 10th,  1904.  He  was  buried  in 
St.  Boniface  cemetery,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois. 


Reverend  Frederick  Lohmann 


A  meritorious  veteran  priest  went 
to  his  eternal  reward  February  10, 
1917.  He  had  performed  hard  and 
laborious  work  from  1869  to  1876  at 
Hillsboro,  Taylorville,  Morrissonville, 
Raymond,  Staunton,  New  Douglas 
and  Pana.  It  was  the  Reverend  Fred- 
erick Lohmann,  since  1876  until  the 
day  of  his  death,  pastor  of  Aviston, 
Illinois,  (Belleville).  Father  Loh- 
mann  was    born    at    Drensteinfurt, 


Westphalia,  April  24,  1842,  studied 
theology  at  the  Collegium  American 
in  Muenster,  and  was  ordained  to  the 
priesthood  May  8,  1869,  (together 
with  Fathers  Joseph  Meckel  and  H. 
Eggenstein). 

His  funeral  occurred  at  Aviston, 
Illinois,  February  15,  1917,  attended 
by  a  vast  concourse  of  sympathizing 
fellow  priests  and  sorrowing  parish- 
ioners. 


663 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Gerard  Lueken 


Reverend  Gerard  Lueken  was  born 
at  Ladbergen,  Oldenburg,  Germany, 
in  the  diocese  of  Muenster,  in  the  year 
of  1834.  At  the  age  of  thirty  years 
he  was  ordained  priest  on  November 
22,  1864.  He  came  to  America  and 
was  appointed  Assistant  in  St.  Boni- 
face parish,  Quincy,  Illinois.  Three 
years  later,  on  August  18,   1867,  he 


was  appointed  Rector  of  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  parish,  Springfield,  Illinois. 
He  built  the  present  brick  resi- 
dence, embellished  the  church  and 
improved  the  property.  He  was 
pastor  in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  church 
from  1867  to  October,  1875.  He  went 
Hast  and  died,  most  likely  at  Bridge- 
port, Connecticut. 


Reverend  Patrick  Lyons 


Reverend  Patrick  Lyons,  son  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Lyons,  was  born 
at  Carrollton,  Illinois,  February  18, 
1865.  His  philosophical  and  theolog- 
ical studies  were  made  at  St.  Francis 
Seminary,   Milwaukee,   Wisconsin. 

He  was  ordained  priest  in  St. 
Francis  Seminary  Chapel  on  June  22, 
1890,  by  the  Archbishop  of  Mil- 
waukee. He  was  immediately  made 
pastor  of  Sacred  Heart  Church, 
Franklin,  Illinois.  Having  labored 
there  zealously  for  about  two  years, 
he  was  appointed  pastor  of  Saint 
Stanislaus  Church,  Macon,  Illinois. 

His  next  pastorate  was  at  St.  Louis 
Church  at  Nokomis,  Illinois,  where 
he  labored  with  success  until  his 
promotion  to  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Mary  Church,  Paris,  Illinois,  where 


he  succeeded  the  late  lamented  Rev- 
erend Patrick  Fallon. 

The  Master's  call  came  to  him 
after  a  protracted  and  painful  ill- 
ness which  was  diagnosed  as  cancer 
of  the  stomach.  He  died  on  Monday, 
January  5,  1925,  in  Mercy  Hospital, 
Chicago,  Illinois. 

The  funeral  services  were  held  Jan- 
uary 9,  1925  in  his  former  church  of 
St.  Mary  in  Paris.  Bishop  Griffin 
conducted  the  services  and  preached 
the  Eulogy  in  the  presence  of  a  large 
congregation. 

Father  Lyons  had  a  sunny  disposi- 
tion which  attracted  friends  every- 
where among  the  clergy  and  laity. 
Wherever  he  labored,  he  labored 
with  telling  effect  for  God's  honor 
and  the  salvation  of  souls. 


Reverend  Samuel  Macke,  O.F.M. 


Reverend  Samuel  Macke,  O.F.M., 
was  born  in  Germany,  December  20, 
1851.  He  entered  the  Franciscan 
Order  at  Teutopolis  in  1872,  and  was 
ordained  priest  in  St.  Louis,  on  June 
22,  1879.  Thirty-five  of  his  forty-six 
years  in  the  priesthood  were  spent  as 
a  Professor  in  the  Franciscan  College 
at  Quincy  and  Teutopolis,  Illinois, 
both  institutions  being  in  the  Spring- 
field diocese. 

He  served  also  as  Rector  of  both 
institutions,  besides  acting  as  Guard- 
ian of  both  Monasteries  at  different 
times. 

His  gifts  as  a  priest,  as  a  religious, 
as  a  teacher,  as  a  Rector,  were  such 
that  he  was  universally  admired  and 
esteemed.  His  Golden  Jubilee  cel- 
ebrated   in    Quincy,    November    29, 


1922,   was   indeed   a   tribute   of  love 
from  hosts  of  admiring  friends. 

He  was  twice  elected  Provincial, 
serving  from  1915  to  1921.  His  ad- 
ministration was  very  able  and  re- 
markable for  several  important  move 
ments.  The  Santa  Barbara  Province 
was  established  during  his  adminis 
tration;  the  Franciscan  Herald  was 
moved  from  Teutopolis  to  Chicago; 
the  Missions  among  the  Indians  of 
Arizona  and  New  Mexico  were  more 
generously  supported.  He  kindly 
secured  permission  for  Friars  of  for- 
eign birth  to  visit  their  old  homes  and 
relatives.  He  attended  the  General 
Chapter  at  Assisi  in  1921.  He  was 
Canonical  Visitor  of  the  Santa  Barb- 
ara Province  in  1922,  and  Guardian 


664 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


of  the  Teutopolis  Monastery  in  that 
same  year. 

Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Mackin 


He  died  in  St.  Joseph  College,  Teu- 
topolis, December  18,  1925. 


Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Mackin  was 
born  in  1847  in  Newton,  Hamilton 
County,  Armagh,  Ireland.  When 
about  16  years  old  he  began  the  study 
for  the  ministry  at  All  Hallows  Col- 
lege, Dublin.  During  his  college  life 
he  distinguished  himself  in  his 
studies,  standing  at  the  head  of  his 
classes  and  carrying  off  many  of  the 
first  prizes.  When  twenty-three  years 
of  age  he  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood, June  25,  1870,  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Woodlock,  who  sent  him 
to  the  Alton  diocese  with  encouraging 
words  as  to  the  success  of  his  minis- 
try. His  first  work  was  assistant  to 
Father  Walsh,  but  he  was  sent  after 
a  short  time  as  pastor  to  Carrollton, 
where  he  remained  two  years.  Next 
Father  Mackin  was  appointed  to  Our 
Saviour  parish  of  Jacksonville,  where 
he  worked  well  for  six  years,  going 
from  thence  to  Edwardsville.  On 
October  31  he  was  installed  in  St. 
Patrick  parish,  Decatur,  succeeding 
Father  Timothy  Hickey.  Here  he 
was  made  an  irremovable  rector  and  a 


dean  of  the  district.  The  good  he  has 
accomplished  in  Decatur  and  else- 
where need  not  be  detailed  here.  In 
summing  up  Father  Mackin 's  activity 
in  Decatur,  the  "Review"  of  that 
city  said  of  him:  "The  Catholics  of 
Decatur  and  all  good  citizens  have 
reason  to  be  thankful  to  him." 

When  Henry  Ward  Beecher  was  in 
Decatur  one  Sunday,  he  attended 
Father  Mackin 's  church.  On  his  re- 
turn to  Brooklyn  at  the  first  sermon 
to  his  congregation  he  spoke  of  the 
sermon  of  Father  Mackin  and 
eulogized  him  highly. 

When  approaching  death  threw  its 
shadows  over  the  life  of  Father 
Mackin,  he  was  attended  by  his  broth- 
er, the  late  Father  M.  T.  Mackin,  of 
St.  Brendan  church,  Chicago,  and 
Father  Alois  Teppe,  of  Decatur.  He 
was  conscious  to  the  last  and  his  pass- 
ing away  was  peaceful.  He  died  in 
his  arm  chair  fully  prepared  to  meet 
his  Lord  and  God,  on  March  26th, 
1898. 


Reverend  Charles  Manuel 


Reverend  Charles  Manuel  was  born 
at  Etteln,  in  the  Diocese  of  Pader- 
born,  Germany,  where  his  father  held 
the  position  of  Burgomaster,  on  May 
25th,  1853 ;  studied  classics  at  Pader- 
born,  philosophy  in  the  American 
College  at  Louvain,  Belgium,  and 
theology  in  the  Grand  Seminary  at 
Montreal,  under  the  Sulpician  Fath- 
ers. On  December  23rd,  1877,  Father 
Manuel  was  raised  to  the  priesthood 
at  Alton  by  Bishop  Baltes,  who  as- 
signed the  neo-presbyter  at  once  as 
pastor  of  St.  Mary  Church,  Illiopolis, 
Illinois. 


The  life  of  Father  Manuel  was  con- 
sumed in  the  exercise  of  his  holy  min- 
istry. Nothing  was  nearer  and  dear- 
er to  his  heart  than  his  St.  Mary  par- 
ish of  Illiopolis,  together  with  its  two 
affiliated  parishes  of  Niantic  and 
Buffalo.  For  the  welfare  of  these  he 
lived,  and — we  may  add — for  them 
he  died,  for  he  fell  a  victim  of  his  as- 
siduous labors  which  his  position  en- 
tailed. 

Father  Manuel  died  at  Colorado 
Springs,  September  25th,  1901,  and 
was  buried  at  Illiopois. 


Reverend  John  A.  Mark 


Father  Mark  came  from  Wuerz- 
burg,  in  Bavaria,  where  he  was  born 
April   3,   1827,  was    ordained    there 


August  6,  1859,  and  came  to  this 
country  the  following  year.  He 
served  this  diocese  at  Brussels,  in  Cal- 


665 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


houn  county,  from  1865  to  1867 ;  at 
Marshall  from  April,  1867  to  October, 
1872;  at  Beardstown,  from  1875  to 
1876,  and  then  a  short  while  at  Ed- 
wardsville,  succeeding  Father  Rus- 
tige,  first  at  St.  Mary,  then  at  St. 
Boniface,  where  he  was  succeeded  by 
Father  Charles  Kuhlmann.  After  his 
removal  from  St.  Boniface  it  seems 
that  Father  Mark  joined    the    Fort 


Wayne  diocese,  where  he  was  appoint- 
ed to  the  parish  of  Hammond,  In- 
diana. Here  he  built  a  frame  church 
in  spite  of  the  advice  of  wiser  men, 
on  a  lot  undermined  by  a  coal  mine. 
The  ground  settled,  the  church  was 
wrecked,  the  debts  remained.  He 
then  was  removed  to  Hessen  Cassel, 
near  Fort  Wayne,  where  he  died  in 
1897. 


Reverend  J.  V.  Martin 


The  parishes  of  Shipman,  Neoga, 
Areola,  Shelbyville  and  Bethany  will 
for  many  years  to  come  remember 
the  ministrations  of  Father  J.  V.  Mar- 
tin. He  served  them  in  succession 
from  the  time  of  his  ordination  until 
called  by  his  Heavenly  Master.  With 
earnest  endeavor  he  tried  to  shepherd 
them  into  the  ways  of  godliness,  him- 
self setting  a  good  example. 

Father  Martin  was  a  man  of  studi- 
ous habits,  a  ripe  scholar,  modest  and 
unobtrusive.  The  welfare  of  his 
various  parishes  constituted  his  chief 
concern,  and  success  attended  his  ef- 
forts.   Wherever  he  labored,  there  he 


left  imprints  of  his  unselfish  endeav- 
ors, hence  his  death  appeared  all  too 
untimely.  He  was  taken  away  when 
in  the  zenith  of  usefulness  and  virile 
strength,  both  intellectual  and  physi- 
cal. 

Father  Martin  was  the  son  of  John 
Martin  and  Mary  Kelly,  born  at 
Champlain,  Minnesota,  November  27, 
1857,  and  ordained  by  Archbishop 
Edward  Fabre  in  the  Grand  Sem- 
inary chapel  at  Montreal,  December 
18,  1886. 

His  remains  were  buried  at  Beth- 
any. 


Reverend  Joseph  Masquelet 


One  of  the  oldest  parishes  of  the 
diocese,  next  to  Quincy,  and  Ste. 
Marie,  is  Teutopolis.  Its  history 
dates  back  to  1833.  An  organized 
body  of  Catholic  Cincinnatians,  who 
had  been  prospecting  out  west,  had 
started  a  colony  there  in  1837. 
They  purchased  a  tract  of  land 
comprising  10,000  acres  at  $1.25 
per  acre.  With  the  first  settlers 
came  a  priest,  Reverend  Joseph  Mas- 
quelet, a  native  of  Elsace.  The  first 
Divine  Service  was  held  in  this  new 
settlement  towards  the  end  of  No- 
vember, 1839.  The  following  year, 
1840,  a  small  log  church  was  built, 
32x28,  and  dedicated  to  St.  Peter. 
Friction  and  dissension,  however, 
soon  broke  forth  which  induced  the 
pastor  to  build  a  second  log  church 
at  a  distance  of  one  and  a  half  miles 
from  the  former.    It  was  built  on  his 


own  land,  "Masquelet  Place."  The 
internal  parish  dissensions  were, 
however,  not  allayed.  On  the  con- 
trary, they  continued  to  grow  for 
many  a  year,  causing  much  discom- 
fiture and  annoyance  to  the  various 
pastors,  and  making  the  parish 
rather  notorious  for  its  stubborn  op- 
position to  the  efforts  of  the  clergy. 
Father  Masquelet,  tired  of  the  ill- 
feeling  and  opposition  manifested 
toward  him,  left  Teutopolis  in  1842 
for  New  Orleans.  There  he  was  as- 
signed a  parish  and  built  a  fine 
church.  Twice  he  returned  on  a  visit 
to  Teutopolis,  in  November,  1855, 
and  again  in  the  seventies,  when  he 
donated  a  set  of  costly  vestments  to 
the  parish.  After  his  last  visit  he 
returned  to  his  native  land,  where 
he  soon  died. 


666 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Thomas  Masterson 


Reverend  Thomas  Masterson  was 
born  February  2,  1850,  in  County 
Longford,  Ireland.  He  received  his 
primary  education  in  the  National 
School  of  his  native  city. 

Having  completed  his  humanities 
he  went  to  All  Hallows  College,  Dub- 
lin, for  his  philosophical  and  theolog- 
ical courses.  He  was  ordained  to  the 
holy  priesthood  on  June  24,  1874. 

He  arrived  in  America  early  in 
September,  and  was  immediately  ap- 
pointed to  St.  Mary  Church,  Mound 
City,  Illinois,  where  he  served  from 
1874  to  1879.  In  1879  he  was  pro- 
moted to  St.  Patrick  parish,  Cairo, 
Illinois,  where  he  served  until  1882. 
He  served  in  St.  Mary  parish,  Paris, 
Illinois,  1882-1885.  From  1885  until 
1892,  he  labored  in  St.  Patrick,  Graf- 
ton, and  from  1892  to  1895  at  St. 
Mark,  Winchester ;  from  1895  to  1899, 


in  St.  Mary,  Carlinville ;  from  1899  to 
1921,  in  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro,  and 
from  1921  to  1927,  in  Holy  Trinity 
parish,  Stonington,  Illinois. 

He  celebrated  the  Golden  Jubilee  of 
his  holy  priesthood  January  24,  1924, 
and  on  that  occasion  the  Bishop  of  the 
diocese  and  his  brother  priests,  as  well 
as  his  parishioners,  proved  how  highly 
he  stood  in  the  estimation  of  all  who 
knew  him. 

God  called  him  home  on  Thursday, 
November  17,  1927,  at  6:00  P.M.,  as 
the  Angelus  rang  out  its  soul-inspir- 
ing message  to  humanity.  He  died  in 
St.  John  Sanitarium,  Riverton,  Illi- 
nois. His  funeral  was  well  attended, 
both  by  the  clergy  and  laity.  Bishop 
Griffin  Pontificated  and  preached  a 
sermon  that  was  a  fit  tribute  to  the 
departed  priest. 


Reverend  Joseph  Mauer 


Reverend  Joseph  Maurer  was  born 
at  Rauenberg  in  the  Archdiocese  of 
Freiburg,  Baden,  February  12,  1858, 
studied  at  the  American  College  of 
Louvain,  and  was  ordained  to  the 
priesthood  at  Utrecht,  Holland, 
August  15,  1880.  He  landed  on  the 
American  shores,  October  16,  1880, 
and  at  once  entered  upon  his  priestly 
duties,  first  as  assistant  at  St.  Peter 
Church,  Belleville,  and  then  for  a 
short  time  as  pastor  of  St.  Francis- 
ville.  For  upwards  of  24  years  he 
presided  as  pastor  over  St.  Stanis- 
laus parish  of  Macon,  with  Oconee 
and  Moweaqua  as  out-missions  at- 
tached, which  positions  he  reluctant- 


ly relinquished  when  ordered  to  the 
rectorship  of  St.  Mary,  of  Quincy, 
January  1,  1905,  where  he  served  un- 
til May,  1906.  Owing  to  impaired 
health,  Father  Maurer  was  succes- 
sively assigned  to  the  parishes  of 
Brussels,  Brighton,  Lillyville  and 
Marine.  He  died  on  March  20,  1916. 
Solemn  obsequies  were  held  March 
23,  1916,  at  St.  Anthony  Church,  of 
Effingham,  after  which  his  remains 
were  escorted  to  St.  Anthony  Cem- 
etery, followed  by  forty  of  his  con- 
freres and  a  great  concourse  of  sym- 
pathizing, sorrowing  friends  and  for- 
mer parishioners. 


Reverend  James  J.  McCarthy 


Reverend  James  J.  McCarthy  was 
born  at  Youghal,  County  Cork,  Ire- 
land, July  11,  1884;  was  educated 
and  ordained  in  Waterford,  Ireland. 
His  first  and  only  assignment  was  as 
assistant  pastor  in  St.  Mary  Church, 
Paris,  Illinois.  In  September,  1915, 
Father  McCarthy,  in  company  with 
a  parishioner,  attempted  to  cross  the 


railroad  tracks  near  Paris,  Illinois, 
in  an  enclosed  automobile,  which 
collided  with  a  speeding  railway 
train,  and  both  occupants  were 
killed.  A  shock  of  horror  seized  all 
when  the  news  of  this  terrible  double 
accident  became  known. 

When  the  day  of  the  funeral  ar- 
rived,   Friday,    September    17,    St. 


667 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Mary  Church,  of  Paris,  Illinois,  was 
unable  to  accommodate  the  thou- 
sands of  Catholic  and  non-Catholic 
laity  who  sought  admission  to  the 
obsequies.  All  felt  that  in  the  death 
of  Father  McCarthy,  they  had  lost  a 
distinguished  young  priest  who  had 
endeared  himself  to  them  by  his  kind 
and  amiable  qualities.     Men,  women 


and  children  gathered  sadly  around 
his  bier  and  offered  fervent  prayers 
for  their  stricken  priest  and  friend 
who  was  ever  ready  with  a  helping 
hand  in  the  face  of  trials  and  diffi- 
culties. Not  the  least  conspicuous 
among  the  mourners  were  his  sacer- 
dotal friends  and  fellow  students  of 
college  days  at  Waterford,  Ireland. 


Reverend  Peter  McGirr 


Reverend  Peter  McGirr  was  born 
June  29,  1833,  in  Fantona,  diocese  of 
Clogher,  Ireland.  In  1848  he  and  his 
brothers  emigrated  to  America,  set- 
tling in  Massachusetts.  Having  de- 
termined to  study  for  the  priesthood, 
the  future  Quincy  pastor  entered 
Holy  Cross  College  for  the  classical 
course  of  studies  and  later  the  Grand 
Seminary  of  Montreal.  Bishop 
Juncker  ordained  Father  McGirr  to 
the  priesthood  on  April  22,  1862. 
Pittsfield,  in  Pike  county,  was  his 
first  charge,  but  here  he  stayed  but 
a  few  months  until  the  following  Oc- 
tober, when  he  was  appointed  to  the 
pastorate  of  St.  Lawrence  Church,  of 
Quincy.  The  original  St.  Lawrence 
Church  was  changed  to  St.  Peter 
when  Father  McGirr  had  the  present 
structure  erected.  His  first  care  was 
to  open  a  school  in  a  room  rented  for 
this  purpose.  Afterwards  a  new  two 
story  brick  building  was  constructed, 
adjacent  to  and  south  of  the  church. 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  from  St.  Mary 
Academy  were  engaged  as  teachers. 
The  parochial  school  at  once  grew 
into  prominence  for  within  a  few 
years  after  its  opening  there  were  as 
many  as  250  children  enrolled  as 
pupils.  The  next  step  he  took  was  to 
purchase    a    house    for    a    parochial 


residence,  after  which  came  the 
greatest  of  all  his  undertakings,  a 
new  church.  In  this  he  encountered, 
however,  much  opposition  from  his 
people.  The  pastor  thought  the 
building  too  old  and  dilapidated  to 
serve  its  purpose  much  longer,  hence 
to  end  the  heated  controversy  he 
ordered  the  old  church  to  be  torn 
down  on  Easter  Monday,  1868.  The 
new  structure  to  be  erected — a 
$70,000.00  one— is  the  present  St. 
Peter.  As  the  people  were  neither 
numerous  nor  rich,  it  is  much  to  the 
credit  of  Father  McGirr  that  in  spite 
of  vehement  opposition  he  succeeded 
in  building  and  paying  for  such  a 
beautiful  building.  This  shows  the 
man's  great  influence  with  the  con- 
gregation, his  determination  and  in- 
domitable will  power. 

Father  McGirr  passed  away  in 
March,  1893.  For  many  years  he  had 
been  a  sufferer  from  acute  rheumatic 
afflictions  occasioned  by  the  con- 
stant dampness  of  his  residence.  As 
soon  as  the  financial  conditions  of  the 
parish  permitted,  he  built  a  new  and 
elegant  rectorate  which  he  did  not 
live  long  to  enjoy.  His  remains  were 
interred  at  Bloomfield,  where  many 
of  his  friends  and  relatives  were 
then  resting. 


Reverend  Edward  McGowan 


Father  McGowan  was  born  at 
Ballinascreen,  County  Derry,  Ire- 
land, March  9,  1842,  and  was  or- 
dained at  All  Hallows,  June  24, 
1872.  His  first  mission,  where  he  dis- 
played his  industriousness  and  re- 
sourcefulness  was  that   of   St.   Pat- 


rick, at  Grafton.  To  this  charge  he 
was  appointed  when  first  coming 
from  Ireland.  He  worked  for  his 
Grafton  people  from  October  18, 
1872,  to  November  18,  1875,  when 
the  Ordinary  recognizing  his  merit 
and  ability,  assigned  him  to  St.  Stan- 


668 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


islaus,  of  Macon,  where  he  labored 
equally  well  from  1875  to  1883.  A 
new  congregation  was  to  be  started 
at  that  time  at  Dalton  City,  and 
Father  McGowan  was  chosen  for  the 
task.  How  success  crowned  his  ef- 
forts is  manifested  by  the  pretty 
church  and  rectory  which,  during 
the  nine  years  of  his  incumbency,  he 
erected  there  (1883-1892).  When  this 
new  parish  had  been  placed  on  solid 
footing  and  become  prosperous  and 
self-sustaining  Father  McGowan  was 
transferred  to  the  neighboring  con- 
gregation of  Bethany,  where  his  stay 
lasted  from  1892  to  1897.  Here  he 
was  not  less  active  than  in  previous 
places,  for  St.  Columkill  Church,  of 
Sullivan,  was  built  and  Father  Mc- 


Gowan ministered  to  the  little  flock 
on  alternative  Sundays.  Next  he 
was  made  pastor  of  Pittsfield,  which 
he  soon  exchanged,  however,  for  the 
parish  of  Murrayville,  January  1, 
1900.  How  well  this  zealous  pastor 
acquitted  himself  of  the  various 
duties  which  he  performed  to  the 
very  last  is  known  to  everyone.  When 
death  claimed  him  at  Our  Saviour 
Hospital,  of  Jacksonville,  the  fruits 
of  his  active  and  industrious  life 
were  ripe.  Peacefully  he  slept  away 
June  26,  1905.  His  bier  was  sur- 
rounded by  Bishop,  priests  and 
people,  all  sorrowing  over  the  pas- 
sage of  God's  good  and  faithful 
steward.  He  was  buried  at  Murray- 
ville, June  29,  1905. 


Reverend  William  McGuire 


Germantown,  Pennsylvania,  a  part 
of  greater  Philadelphia,  was  the  birth- 
place of  Reverend  William  McGuire, 
whose  loss  in  1914,  the  diocese,  Bishop 
and  priests,  greatly  deplored.  De- 
ceased was  born  in  1858  and  had  com- 
pleted his  studies  at  Niagara  and 
Allegheny.  On  the  feast  of  Corpus 
Christi,  June  20,  1889,  he  was  raised 
to  the  priesthood  in  the  Franciscan 
Seminary  chapel  of  Allegheny  for  the 
diocese  of  Alton  and  at  once  as- 
sumed charge  of  his  appointment  as 
assistant  to  Reverend  Peter  J.  Mackin 
of  St.  Patrick  Church,  Decatur.  Two 
years  he  was  at  Decatur,  and  thence 
was  transferred  for  a  year  to  Virden. 


In  1892  Father  McGuire  acted  as  as- 
sistant to  Reverend  Peter  McGirr  of 
St.  Peter  congregation,  Quincy, 
whence  in  1894,  he  assumed  charge  of 
St.  Augustine  of  Ashland.  Sickness 
and  misfortune — the  burning  of  the 
parochial  residence — overtook  him 
here.  Having  sufficiently  recuper- 
ated after  some  months  vacation 
which  he  spent  in  Eastern  watering 
places,  decedent  was  appointed  to  the 
Parish  of  Franklin  in  1898,  where 
after  years  of  fruitful  labor  he  passed 
away  in  1914.  His  remains  were  in- 
terred in  the  Catholic  cemetery  of 
Franklin. 


Reverend  Francis  McVeigh 


Father  McVeigh  was  an  ex-relig- 
ious who  had  spent  the  greater  part 
of  his  priestly  life  in  the  Chinese 
missions.  He  came  to  the  diocese  in 
1899,  and  was  assigned  to  Bloomfield 
with  St.  Joseph  on  Columbus  road 
and  St.  Edward  of  Mendon,  as  out- 
missions.     Shortly  after  he  changed 

Reverend  Joseph 

Reverend  Joseph  Clement  Meckel 
was  born  November  10,  1843,  in  the 
city    of   Muenster,   Westphalia,    Ger- 


his  habitat  from  Bloomfield  to  St. 
Joseph,  erecting  there  a  neat  and 
comfortable  residence.  Serious  sick- 
ness overtook  him  in  the  summer  of 
1906;  he  entered  St.  Elizabeth  Hos- 
pital, Chicago,  where  he  died  in  the 
fall  of  that  year. 

Clement  Meckel 

many,  of  good  Catholic  parents,  whom 
he  lost  in  his  early  childhood.  Their 
legacy  to  him  was  a  mens  sana  in 


669 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


corpore  sano,  a  bright  intellect,  a 
determined  will  and  a  limitless  trust 
in  Divine  Goodness. 

Charitable  people  took  the  little 
orphan  boy  in  charge,  raised  him  in 
the  village  of  Fucchtorf,  far  removed 
from  the  dangers  of  a  large  city. 

The  altar  of  God  and  serving  Mass 
in  the  sanctuary  were  the  light  of  his 
eyes  and  the  joy  of  his  soul.  At  first 
he  was  given  private  lessons  by  kind 
tutors,  then  he  entered  the  Gymna- 
sium Paulinum  in  Muenster  where  he 
finished  his  classical  studies.  Later  he 
attended  philosophical  and  theological 
lectures  at  the  Royal  Academy  of 
Muenster.  During  all  this  time  lie 
lived  in  the  American  College,  Muen- 
ster, having  decided  to  follow  the  call 
of  God  to  the  service  of  His  Church 
in  far-off  America. 

He  was  ordained  priest  in  the 
Muenster  Cathedral  on  May  8,  1869. 
He  landed  in  America  on  October  2, 
1869,  and  he  was  received  into  the 
Diocese  of  Alton  by  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D. 

His  first  appointment  was  at  St. 
Joseph,  Olney,  Richland  County,  Illi- 
nois. From  Olney  he  attended  the 
mission  at  Bridgeport,  Laurence 
County,  there  he  built  the  Church  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception.  He  also 
attended  the  people  of  Stonington, 
Richland  County,  and  Assumption  in 
Christian  County.  In  fact  his  labors 
extended  as  far  as  Wendelin  in  Clay 
County,  Illinois.  All  these  missions 
now  belong  to  the  Belleville  Diocese. 

He  was  promoted  to  the  pastorate 
of  the  Asumption  of  the  Blesed  Vir- 
gin Church  at  Litchfield  in  1874, 
where  he  labored  faithfully  and  well 
for  almost  two  years.  In  1876  he  was 
sent  to  St.  Paul  parish,  Highland, 
where  he  labored  zealously  for  twenty 
years.  One  of  his  many  works  in 
Highland  was  the  erection  of  the  St. 
Joseph  Hospital,  which  he  placed  in 
charge  of  Sisters  from  St.  John  Hos- 
pital, Springfield.  He  erected  a  new 
rectory  at  Highland,  organized  par- 
ishes at  Pierron,  Troy  and  St.  Jacob. 


At  the  last  named  place  he  also 
erected  a  suitable  church  building. 

In  1885  he  and  his  friend,  Right 
Reverend  Monxignor  W.  Cluse,  made 
a  tour  of  Europe,  visited  the  famous 
shrines  of  the  Old  World,  and  had  an 
audience  with  Pope  Leo  XIII. 

Amid  his  many  activities  as  pastor 
he  organized  Quarterly  Conferences 
for  the  clergy  of  neighboring  parishes 
long  before  the  Baltimore  Council  of 
1884  made  such  obligatory  in  the 
United  States.  His  translation  of  the 
Baltimore  Catechism  into  German 
was  accepted  by  his  Bishop,  Right 
Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D. 

The  lamented  death  of  Reverend 
Peter  Peters,  pastor  of  St.  Mary, 
Alton,  led  Bishop  Ryan  to  promote 
Father  Meckel  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
Alton  congregation,  and  Father 
Meckel  arrived  in  Alton,  July  15, 
1896. 

Father  Meckel 's  record  at  St.  Mary 
was  in  keeping  wtih  his  splendid  rec- 
ord wherever  he  labored.  We  can 
speak  only  of  the  more  important 
events  in  his  life  in  a  confined  sketch 
like  this.  In  1903  he  began  a  new 
parochial  residence  and  completed  it 
in  1904.  Father  Meckel's  love  for  his 
Eucharistic  Lord  was  a  household 
word  with  the  clergy  and  laity  who 
knew  him.  The  Bishop  appointed 
him  Diocesan  Director  of  the  Priests' 
Eucharistic  Conference,  a  position 
which  he  filled  with  zeal  until  he  re- 
tired from  the  pastorate  of  St.  Mary. 
His  love  for  the  aged  poor  was  as  the 
breath  of  his  life,  therefore,  he  in- 
vited fifteen  Sisters  of  the  Precious 
Blood  from  Bosnia  to  come  to  Alton 
in  1906  to  open  their  Mother  House 
and  a  Home  for  the  aged.  The  Sisters 
arrived  in  Alton,  June  23,  1907,  and 
in  the  following  September  a  house 
was  bought  and  arranged  as  a  Home 
for  the  Aged,  which  at  the  end  of  a 
year  housed  eleven  inmates.  This  was 
the  beginning  of  what  was  known  as 
Nazareth  Home  for  several  years,  and 
which  flourished  before  God  and  man 
as  a  haven  of  salvation  for  the  aged 
poor. 


670 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


After  Father  Meckel's  resignation 
these  Sisters  left  the  diocese  for 
Columbia,  Pennsylvania.  The  Sisters 
of  St.  Francis  are  now  conducting 
this  institution  and  it  is  known  as  St. 
Anthony  Infirmary. 

Father  Meckel  resigned  his  pas- 
torate of  St.  Mary  in  June,  1924.  In 
July  of  that  same  year  he  sailed  for 
Germany  and  remained  in  the  Father- 
land until  August,  1925.  He  returned 
to  Alton  for  a  few  months,  then  went 
to  Columbia,  Pennsylvania,  where  he 
made  his  home  with  the  Sisters  of  the 
Precious  Blood,  whom  he  formerly 
had  received  into  the  Alton  Diocese. 

He  died  in  St.  Joseph  Convent, 
Gethsemane,  close  to  Columbia,  Penn- 
sylvania, on  December  27,  1926,  in  the 
83rd  year  of  his  life.  He  was  buried 
in  Alton,  Illinois,  from  St.  Mary 
Church,  January  6,  1927.  St.  Mary 
Church,  the  scene  of  his  priestly 
labors  for  thirty-five  years,  was  too 


small  to  hold  the  immense  crowds  that 
came  to  honor  his  life  even  in  death. 
Two  Bishops,  several  Monsignori  and 
over  one  hundred  priests  assembled  at 
the  funeral  services.  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Pontificated, 
assisted  by  Right  Reverend  Mon- 
signor  E.  L.  Spalding,  V.G. ;  Very 
Reverend  L.  W.  Lammert,  R.D.,  and 
Very  Reverend  H.  Degenhardt,  R.D., 
deacon  of  honor ;  Fathers  Peter  Engle 
and  L.  Hufker,  deacon  and  sub- 
deacon  of  the  Mass.  Very  Reverend 
M.  A.  Tarrent,  Master  of  Ceremonies. 
Bishop  Griffin  in  his  masterly  sermon 
paid  a  splendid  tribute  to  Father 
Meckel,  showing  how  hope  and  con- 
fidence were  ever  the  guiding  stars  of 
his  priestly  life,  lighting  him  ever 
onward  and  upward  in  his  efforts  to 
pattern  his  life  after  that  of  his  Lord 
and  Master,  Jesus  Christ,  the  model 
High  Priest. 


Reverend  G.  Meittinger 


When  on  February  1,  1866,  the 
priests  of  St.  John  church  of  Spring- 
field had  discontinued  to  attend  the 
parish  at  New  Berlin,  it  received  its 
first  resident  pastor  in  the  person  of 
Reverend  Gustavus  Meittinger.  He 
stayed  at  New  Berlin  until  July  18, 


1867,  when  he  was  relieved  of  his 
charge  by  Reverend  Francis  Schrei- 
ber.  Little  is  known  of  this  priest 
beyond  the  fact  that  he  died  as  pastor 
of  St.  Ann  parish  at  Holstein,  Calu- 
met County,  Wisconsin. 

Reverend  Joseph  Menge 


When  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  was  chosen 
by  the  Holy  See  first  Bishop  of  the 
new  diocese  of  Alton,  in  1857,  he 
selected  Reverend  John  Joseph 
Menge,  a  priest  of  Cincinnati,  to  act 
as  first  Cathedral  rector  and  chancel- 
lor of  the  diocese.  The  latter  ac- 
companied the  former  on  his  advent 
to  Alton.  Father  Menge  filled  the 
office  of  pastor  and  chancellor  until 
October  2,  1862,  with  great  credit  and 
ability.  Whilst  thus  employed  he 
still  found  time  to  look  after  the  spir- 
itual needs  of  the  German  Catholics 
in  and  around  Alton,  who  then  num- 
bered some  twenty-five  families.  He 
organized  them  into  a  parish,  started 


a  Ladies'  Altar  Society,  and  said 
Holy  Mass  for  them  on  Sunday  in  a 
small  rented  house.  These  few  fami- 
lies formed  the  nucleus  of  the  pres- 
ent strong  St.  Mary  congregation  of 
Alton.  Their  first  resident  pastor 
was  Father  Ostrop  in  1858.  Father 
Menge  was  recalled  by  his  Ordinary 
in  October,  1862,  back  to  Cincinnati, 
to  become  pastor  of  St.  Francis  de 
Sales  parish  of  that  city,  whilst  the 
office  of  chancellor  was  conferred 
upon  Reverend  John  Janssen,  who 
subsequently  became  the  first  Bishop 
of  Belleville,  and  Reverend  Thomas 
F.  Mangan  was  made  rector  of  the 
Cathedral. 
Reverend  John  Joseph  Menge  was 


671 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


born  at  Osnabrueck,   Hanover,  July 
12,  1829,  ordained  to  the  priesthood 


October  18,  1854,  and    died    in    the 
early  seventies  in  Cincinnati. 


Reverend  Frederick  Metzger,  D.D. 


Reverend  Frederick  Metzger  was 
born  at  Waldmohn,  Rheinpfalz,  Ba- 
varia, September  22,  1843.  From 
early  boyhood  days  he  longed  to  dedi- 
cate himself  to  God's  service,  to  be- 
come a  priest  and  work  for  the  spir- 
itual good  of  mankind.  Since,  how- 
ever, young  Metzger  displayed  great 
aptitude  for  mechanical  skill  his  par- 
ents placed  him  at  an  early  date  in  a 
cabinet  factory,  where  at  the  age  of 
sixteen  he  had  already  advanced  to 
the  position  of  foreman.  lie  couldn't 
be  idle.  To  make,  build  or  construct 
something  was  his  delight;  this  trait 
accompanied  him  into  the  priesthood. 
The  profession  which  his  parents 
seemed  to  have  chosen  for  him  did  not 
satisfy  his  yearning,  he  aspired  to  be- 
come one  of  God's  anointed.  To  at- 
tain this  end  he  set  out  for  America. 
At  the  St.  Francis  Seminary,  near 
Milwaukee,  the  future  Dean  of  Ef- 
fingham completed  his  classical  course 
and  likewise  took  up  the  study  of 
philosophy  and  theology.  His  fondest 
desire  nurtured  since  childhood  days 
was  realized  when  on  December  23, 
1872,  Bishop  Baltes  raised  him  to  the 
priesthood. 

At  Mishawaka,  Indiana,  the  young 
neo-presbyter  celebrated  his  first  Holy 


Mass  two  days  later,  namely  on 
Christmas  morning,  1872.  Now  he  was 
ready  for  work,  however  arduous  it 
might  be.  Accordingly  the  Bishop 
appointed  him  to  Kaskaskia  in 
"Egypt,"  the  oldest  Catholic  settle- 
ment in  the  entire  Mississippi  valley. 
Here  he  remained  eight  years  doing 
such  noble  service  that  even  today  his 
name  need  only  be  mentioned  and  it 
awakens  grateful  and  loving  senti- 
ments in  the  hearts  of  the  Kaskas- 
kians. 

On  December  9,  1880,  Father  Metz- 
ger was  transferred  to  Pittsfield.  Fif- 
teen years  of  strenuous  work  and 
worry  broke  down  his  former  robust 
constitution  and  caused  chronic  heart 
trouble.  He  was  sent  abroad,  traveled 
from  place  to  place,  consulted  the 
famous  Father  Kneipp  at  Woeris- 
hofen,  rested  among  the  peaceful  sur- 
roundings of  his  home,  and  early  boy- 
hood scenes,  received  the  most  kind 
and  tender  care  of  his  nearest  rela- 
tives— and  yet  all  this  proved  ulti- 
mately of  little  or  no  avail.  At  the 
home  of  a  clerical  friend  at  Reifen- 
berg,  where  he  happened  to  be  a 
chance  visitor,  Father  Metzger 
breathed  forth  his  spirit  in  peace  on 
October  25,  1895. 


Reverend  Francis  Albert  Meyers 


Reverend  Francis  Albert  Meyers, 
son  of  John  L.  and  Mary  A.  Meyers, 
was  born  in  the  city  of  Leavenworth, 
Kansas,  August  29,  1871.  He  was  one 
of  five  children,  three  boys  and  two 
girls.  His  father  served  as  a  Trustee 
of  the  Cathedral  parish  and  filled 
some  very  important  positions  in  the 
life  of  his  city.  One  of  Father 
Meyers'  brothers  is  at  this  writing 
Manager  of  one  of  the  largest  con- 
cerns in  Leavenworth.  The  father, 
John  L.  Meyers,  died  when  only  55 
years  of  age,  but  the  mother,  a  won- 
derful Catholic,  stepped  into  his 
place  and  saw  to  it  that  the  five  chil- 


dren received  the  greatest  of  all 
legacies,  a  good  Catholic  education. 
She  still  lives  and  is  held  in  high  re- 
gard by  all  who  know  her.  In  spite 
of  her  advanced  years,  she  may  still 
be  seen  morning  after  morning  wend- 
ing her  way  to  the  Cathedral  there  to 
assist  at  Mass  and  to  receive  her 
Eucharistic  God  in  Holy  Communion. 
Needless  to  state  here,  all  the 
Meyers  children  attended  the  Cathe- 
dral school  and  Francis  Albert  was 
one  of  the  reliable  altar-boys.  After 
he  was  graduated  from  the  Cathedral 
school  he  was  sent  to  the  Benedictine 
College    at    Atchinson,    Kansas,     to 


672 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


study  for  the  priesthood.  From 
Atchinson  he  went  to  St.  Meinrad 
Seminary  at  St.  Meinrad,  Indiana,  to 
complete  his  ecclesiastical  studies. 
While  there  he  applied  to  the  late 
lamented  Right  Reverend  James 
Ryan,  D.D.,  for  adoption  into  the 
Alton  diocese.  Bishop  Ryan  gladly 
accepted  the  promising  young  levite. 

Having  completed  his  theological 
studies  with  honor,  he  was  ordained  a 
priest  on  June  4,  1894.  He  celebrated 
his  first  Holy  Mass  in  his  home  parish 
church,  the  Cathedral  of  Leaven- 
worth. It  was  a  day  of  joy  and  jubila- 
tion for  himself  and  for  the  whole 
family,  especially  for  his  dear  mother. 
His  first  assignment  was  to  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton,  Illinois, 
as  Assistant  where  he  served  faith- 
fully for  two  years.  His  next  appoint- 
ment was  as  pastor  of  Saint  Elizabeth 
Church,  Mitchell,  Illinois,  where  he 
did  very  effective  work  which  resulted 
in  the  spiritual  progress  of  the  parish. 

Then  came  a  break  in  his  health 
and  he  almost  completely  lost  his  eye- 
sight. He  obtained  a  leave  of  absence 
from  his  parish  and  from  the  diocese 
in  hopes  of  recuperating.  Having  re- 
gained his  health  and  recovered  his 
eyesight  he  reported  to  the  Bishop  for 
duty.  The  Bishop  appointed  him 
Chaplain  of  the  Infirmary  Sainte 
Marie,  conducted  by  the  Sisters  from 
St.  John  Hospital  in  Springfield. 
The  Infirmary  was  a  branch  of  St. 
John  and  was  used  as  a  Sanitorium 
for  tubercular  patients.  While  Chap- 
lain there  he  also  assisted  Reverend 
Peter  J.  Virnich,  the  pastor  of  As- 
sumption parish,  Sainte  Marie. 

After  four  years  of  splendid  work 
as  Chaplain  and  as  assistant  pastor  at 
St.  Marie,  he  was  promoted  to  the 
pastorate  of  St.  Valentine  church  at 
Bend,  Oblong,  P.  O.  Illinois.  On 
June  4,  1923,  he  had  the  great  hap- 
piness to  celebrate  the  Silver  Jubilee 
of  his  priesthood.  A  large  number 
of  his  brother  priests  joined  him  in 
the  celebration  and  his  parishioners 


did  all  they  could  to  make  the  day  a 
success.  His  former  pastor,  the  Rev- 
erend Peter  J.  Virnich,  was  the 
Jubilee  orator  and  well  he  acquitted 
himself  on  that  festive  occasion. 

Again  his  health  began  to  decline, 
and  about  March  1,  1926,  he  was  sent 
to  St.  Anthony  Hospital,  Effingham, 
Illinois.  With  characteristic  faith, 
fortitude  and  hope  he  bore  his  suffer- 
ings most  patiently.  Feeling  the  end 
was  near  he  made  his  proximate  prep- 
aration for  death  by  receiving  the 
Sacraments  of  Holy  Church  with  the 
same  faith  and  devotion  that  char- 
acterized him  as  an  altar  boy  in 
Leavenworth  Cathedral  years  ago. 
He  peacefully  and  hopefully  sur- 
rendered his  oul  to  his  God  on  Friday 
morning,  May  21,  1926,  in  St.  An- 
thony Hospital,  Effingham,  Illinois. 

The  funeral  services  were  held  in 
St.  Anthony  church,  Effingham,  so  as 
to  make  it  easier  for  the  clergy  and 
laity  to  attend,  Bend  being  an  out-of- 
the-way  place  and  hard  to  reach. 
Bishop  Griffin  Pontificated  at  the 
Solemn  Services  and  preached  a  ser- 
mon worthy  of  the  departed  priest. 
A  brother  of  the  deceased  was  present 
at  the  funeral  services  in  Effingham, 
and  accompanied  by  Reverend  Oscar 
J.  W.  Wernet,  pastor  of  Dieterich, 
Illinois,  a  most  devoted  friend  of 
Father  Meyers,  brought  the  remains 
back  to  Leavenworth.  On  May  25, 
the  remains  were  borne  in  solemn 
procession  to  Leavenworth  Cathedral 
where  Solemn  High  Requiem  Mass 
was  celebrated,  and  at  which  Father 
Wernet  was  sub-deacon.  The  Cathe- 
dral was  filled  with  friends  and 
relatives  and  the  sanctuary  was  filled 
with  priests.  The  preacher  of  the 
occasion  paid  a  beautiful  tribute  to 
the  memory  of  dear  Father  Meyers. 
His  friend  and  admirer,  Father  Wer- 
net of  Dieterich,  had  charge  of  the 
services  at  the  grave  in  Calvary  Cem- 
etery where  rest  the  remains  of 
Father  Meyers. 


673 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Gerard  Mirbach 


Reverend  Gerard  Mirbach  was  born 
September  8th,  1832,  at  Gerderhahn, 
near  Aachen;  he  finished  his  higher 
classical  studies  in  1856,  at  Neus,  and 
then  for  three  years  went  to  the  Uni- 
versity of  Bonn  to  prepare  himself  by 
the  study  of  philosophy  and  theology 
for  his  chosen  vocation,  the  priest- 
hood. On  September  3rd,  1860,  he 
was  ordained  by  the  Auxiliary  Bishop 
of  Cologne,  Monsignor  Baudri,  and  in 
October  of  that  year  sent  as  Vicar  to 
Raeren,  where  he  stayed  until  he 
emigrated  to  America,  May  8th,  1869. 
Arrived  at  Alton,  where  he  presented 
himself  to  Bishop  Baltes,  he  was  at 
once  assigned  to  the  parish  of  Fay- 
etteville,  Illinois.     In  1874,  Reverend 


Theodore  Bruener,  then  pastor  of  St. 
Mary  parish,  accepted  the  position  as 
Rector  of  the  Pio  Nono  College,  a 
normal  school  for  the  training  of 
Catholic  teachers  and  organists,  situ- 
ated at  St.  Francis,  Wisconsin,  near 
Milwaukee.  St.  Mary,  therefore,  be- 
came vacant.  The  right  man  for  the 
position  was  found  when  the  Bishop's 
choice  fell  on  Father  Mirbach.  For 
and  with  St.  Mary's  people,  he  worked 
with  singular  devotion  for  21  years, 
from  1874  to  1895,  when  on  April 
2,  1895,  he  was  summoned  by  the 
Master  whom  he  had  served  so  faith- 
fully and  so  well  throughout  the 
years  of  his  exemplary  life. 


Reverend  Leopold  Moczygemba,  O.M.C. 


In  the  latter  part  of  the  sixties,  a 
member  of  the  Order  of  the  Conven- 
tual Franciscans,  Father  Moczy- 
gemba, a  native  of  Selesia,  came  to  the 
diocese  and  was  given  charge  of  the 
parish  of  Carrollton.  He  had  been 
for  some  time  an  English  Confessor 
at  St.  Peter's,  Rome.  From  Carroll- 
ton,  Father  Leopold  was  assigned  to 
St.  Mary,  Litchfield,  where  he  re- 
gained about  four  years.  This  was 
in  1869. 

When  Father  Leopold  came  to 
Litchfield,  he  lost  no  time  in  opening 
a  school.     On  one  side  of  the  old  rec- 


tory he  added  school  rooms,  on  the 
other  he  built  spacious  apartments 
for  a  convent  and  academy  for  the  use 
of  the  Ursuline  Sisters  coming  from 
the  Motherhouse  of  Alton.  His  zeal 
and  successful  labors,  which  he  dis- 
played in  Litchfield,  are  still  vividly 
remembered  and  often  spoken  of  by 
the  older  members  of  the  parish.  The 
diocese  of  Chicago  holding  out  prob- 
ably better  prospects  to  the  secular- 
ized Franciscan  Father,  he  moved  to 
that  city  in  1873,  where  on  April  15, 
1892,  he  died. 


Reverend  John  F.  Mohr 


Reverend  John  Francis  Mohr,  a 
dean  of  the  Springfield  deanery,  was 
born  at  Minster,  Ohio,  on  February  2, 
1839.  At  the  age  of  24  years  he  was 
raised  to  the  priesthood  in  the  Alton 
Cathedral  by  the  first  Bishop  of  the 
diocese,  Right  Reverend  Damian 
Juncker,  D.D.  After  filling  minor 
charges,  Father  Mohr  was  appointed 
in  1870,  pastor  of  the  Cathedral  par- 
ish. He  acted  successfully  as  such 
for  nearly  three  years,  when  the 
Bishop  saw  fit  to  place  him  at  the 
head  of  the  Diocesan  College  of  Ruma, 
Illinois,    now   the    convent   home    of 


the  "Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood." 
After  the  short  incumbency  at  Ruma, 
he  was  assigned  to  St.  Mary  Church 
of  New  Berlin,  Illinois,  in  January, 
1873.  His  death  occurred  at  St. 
John  Hospital,  Springfield,  on  Holy 
Thursday,  April  16,  1908.  The  solemn 
obsequies  were  had  the  following 
Tuesday.  The  Right  Reverend  Or- 
dinary of  the  diocese,  together  with 
64  members  of  the  clergy  were  there 
to  pay  their  last  tribute  of  love  and 
respect  to  him  whose  memory  will 
continue  to  live  and  be  enshrined  in 
the  hearts  of  all  who  knew  him. 


674 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  John  Molitor 


In  the  cemetery  of  quiet  and 
peaceful  Brussels  in  Calhoun  county, 
we  come  upon  a  small  weather-beaten 
headstone  which  bears  the  inscrip- 
tion :  ' '  Sacred  to  the  Memory  of  Rev- 
erend John  Molitor."  He  who  sleeps 
beneath  the  grassy  plot  and  whose 
name  is  recalled  by  the  humble  monu- 
ment was  the  first  resident  priest  of 
that  parish.  A  fellow-student  of  the 
late  Bishop  Baltes,  he  was  raised  to 
the  priesthood  with    him    at    Grand 


Seminary  of  Montreal  on  May  21, 
1853.  He  was  at  once  appointed  to 
St.  Mary  congregation  of  Brussels. 
Father  Molitor  was  a  native  of  Bel- 
gium and  in  memory  of  him  the  Vil- 
lage was  named  Brussels.  His  time  of 
labor,  however,  was  very  short,  for 
after  some  three  months  it  was  rudely 
ended  by  death.  He  died  at  a  lone 
farm  house  after  a  very  brief  ill- 
ness. 


Reverend  John  Molitor,  D.D. 


Forty  years  pastor  of  one  and  the 
same  parish  is  indeed  a  remarkable 
record  and  seldom  equalled  in  this 
Diocese.  Such  extraordinary  record 
stands  to  the  credit  of  Reverend  John 
Molitor,  late  pastor  of  Newton,  and 
Dean  of  the  Effingham  Deanery. 
Quiet  and  unostentatious  in  the  daily 
discharge  of  his  duties,  during  all 
these  years  he  earned  the  respect  and 
well  wishes  of  all,  both  of  the  clergy 
and  laity.  The  high  regard  with 
which  his  Ordinary  looked  upon  his 
systematic  and  fruitful  labors  caused 
his  appointment  as  District  Dean,  and 
well  did  Father  Molitor  merit  such 
distinction.  Everyone  heartily  sec- 
onded the  unsought  promotion.  True 
to  his  God,  he  was  at  all  times  equally 
true    to    his    Bishop    and    confreres. 


Zeal  and  devotedness  characterized 
his  long  pastorate.  The  parishioners 
clung  to  him  as  children  to  their 
father.  His  dictum  was  decisive,  his 
words  conveyed  authority.  Keen, 
therefore,  was  the  pain  and  deep  the 
wound  caused  by  his  death  which  oc- 
curred January  17,  1917.  A  great 
out-pouring  of  sorrowful  people  on 
the  day  of  funeral  attested  the  uni- 
versal love  and  esteem  the  departed 
enjoyed  at  Newton  and  surroundings. 
Father  John  Molitor  was  born  at 
Germantown,  Illinois,  December  6, 
1845,  and  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hoodJVlarch  25,  1874,  by  Bishop  Bal- 
tes. His  was  the  distinction  of  being 
the  first  native  diocesan  priest  or- 
dained for  the  diocese  of  Alton. 


Very  Reverend  David  J.  Moroney 


Very  Reverend  David  J.  Moroney, 
son  of  John  and  Catherine  Moroney, 
was  born  in  Jacksonville,  Illinois, 
February  24,  1859. 

Having  completed  his  primary 
grades  and  classical  course,  he  entered 
St.  Francis  Seminary,  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  and  there  made  a  brilliant 
course  in  philosophical  and  theolog- 
ical studies.  Young  Moroney  was 
only  twenty  years  of  age  when  he  had 
completed  his  full  course  of  studies 
for  the  priesthood.  This  very  rare 
fact  sheds  a  flood  of  light  upon  the 
intellectual  ability  and  attainments 
of  this  young  man.    He  was  too  young 


in  years  to  be  admitted  to  ordination 
so  he  was  obliged  to  wait  patiently 
until  December  27,  1881,  when  young 
Moroney  was  22  years,  10  months  and 
three  days  old.  He  was  ordained  to 
the  holy  priesthood  by  Right  Rever- 
end Peter  J.  Baltes,  D.D.,  in  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton,  Illinois, 
on  December  27,  1881.  It  was  a  day 
of  supreme  happiness  and  joy  for  the 
young  priest  to  have  reached  the 
blessed  goal  which  his  ardent  soul, 
keen  mind  and  generous  heart  had 
longed  so  intensely  for. 

While  awaiting  an  appointment  by 
the  Bishop,  Father  Moroney  taught 


675 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Belles  Lettres  in  St.  Joseph  College, 
Teutopolis,  Illinois,  and  later  took  up 
a  post-graduate  course  in  St.  Francis 
Seminary  at  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin. 
Had  Father  Moroney  the  opportu- 
nities that  young  priests  of  today 
have,  how  his  thirsty  soul  would  have 
rejoiced. 

The  Bishop  was  short  of  priests  so 
he  appointed  Father  Moroney  as  As- 
sistant at  the  Cathedral  in  Alton, 
where  Very  Reverend  J.  Zwigler  was 
Rector  at  the  time. 

From  the  Cathedral  he  was  sent  to 
Charleston  as  first  resident  pastor. 
From  Charleston  he  went  to  Areola ; 


from  Areola  to  Marshall;  from  Mar- 
shall to  Carrollton.  While  pastor  of 
Carrollton,  Bishop  Ryan  appointed 
him  Dean  of  the  Jacksonville  Dean- 
ery. 

Wherever  Father  Moroney  labored 
he  was  loved,  respected  and  revered. 
He  died  on  March  11,  1921,  in  Green 
Cove,  Florida,  his  winter  home.  His 
remains  rest  in  the  family  plot  in  Our 
Saviour  Cemetery,  Jacksonville,  Illi- 
nois. 

Father  Dave  Moroney 's  priestly 
brother,  Reverend  John  Moroney,  is 
pastor  of  St.  Patrick  Church,  Pana, 
Illinois. 


Very  Reverend  Anselm  Mueller,  O.F.M. 


Father  Mueller,  the  Grand  old  Man 
of  the  Franciscan  Order,  was  born  at 
Bonn,  Germany,  on  November  22, 
1838.  He  was  educated  in  his  native 
town  and  joined  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  April  5,  1857.  He  came  to 
America  and  was  sent  to  Teutopolis 
in  May  1862,  and  was  ordained  priest 
December  19th  of  that  same  year  by 
the  Bishop  of  Alton. 

About  that  time  the  Franciscans 
were  seriously  considering  the  advis- 
ability of  abandoning  St.  Francis 
College,  Quincy,  now  known  as  Quin- 
cy  College.  In  that  critical  year, 
1863,  Father  Anselm  only  in  his  25th 
year,  only  one  year  in  America,  and 
a  little  over  half  a  year  a  priest,  was 
appointed  rector  of  St.  Francis  Col- 
lege. When  he  arrived  things  looked 
dark,  but  in  1865  the  tide  began  to 
turn. 

On  September  4,  1870,  the  corner- 
stone of  the  new  college  was  laid  and 
on  September  10,  1871,  Bishop  Baltes 
dedicated  it.  In  1885  the  Silver 
Jubilee  of  the  college  foundation  was 
celebrated,  and  in  1887  Father  An- 


selm celebrated  his  Sacerdotal  Silver 
Jubilee. 

In  1892,  after  thirty  years  of  faith- 
ful service  in  Quincy,  he  humbly  sub- 
mitted to  his  Superior's  will  and  left 
for  other  fields  of  labor.  Father 
Nicholas  resigned  as  Rector  in  1901, 
and  Father  Anselm  returned  to  his 
old  post.  He  celebrated  the  Golden 
Jubilee  of  his  reception  into  the 
Order  April  17-19,  1906,  and  his  70th 
birthday  November  22,  1908. 

During  his  second  incumbency  he 
paid  off  the  debt  and  maintained  a 
high  standard  of  excellency  at  the 
college. 

In  1908  Father  Anselm  was  super- 
seded by  Father  Macke  and  he  went 
to  Cleveland  where  he  spent  some 
years;  then  he  went  to  Joliet  where 
he  acted  as  Spiritual  Director  of  the 
Franciscan  Sisters. 

He  died  at  Joliet,  Illinois,  in  the 
Spring  of  1924.  Father  Anselm  was 
a  holy  priest,  a  man  of  God,  and  an 
educator  par  excellence.  Intellectual- 
ly and  morally  his  equals  are  rare. 
He  was  the  real  founder  of  Quincy 
College. 


Reverend  Joseph  Patrick  Mundat,  D.D. 


Reverend  Joseph  Patrick  Munday, 
D.D.,  son  of  Charles  and  Bride  Mun- 
day, was  born  in  Litchfield,  Illinois, 
December  19,  1886. 

His  primary  grades  were  made  in 


St.  Mary's  Parochial  School,  Litch- 
field. He  then  went  to  St.  Francis 
College  at  Quincy  where  he  made  a 
brilliant  course.  From  Quincy  he 
went  to  St.  Viator  College,  Kankakee, 


676 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Illinois,  where  he  made  an  equally 
brilliant  record.  From  Kankakee  he 
went  to  the  Catholic  University  at 
Washington,  D.  C,  and  there  too  he 
won  high  honors  as  a  student. 

The  late  lamented  Right  Reverend 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  then  Bishop  of  the 
Alton  diocese,  received  a  letter  from 
the  Rector  of  the  Catholic  University, 
in  which  he  wrote  these  significant 
words  :  ' '  Father  Munday  is  one  of 
the  very  best  students  in  the  Univer- 
sity." 

He  was  ordained  priest  by  the 
Right  Reverend  D.  J.  O'Connell, 
D.D.,  Rector  of  the  University,  Wash- 
ington, D.  C,  on  October  16,  1908. 
He  sang  his  first  Mass  in  St.  Mary 
Church,  Litchfield,  Illinois,  on  Oc- 
tober 25,  1908. 

The  following  year  he  entered  the 
American  College  in  Rome  and  after 
a  brilliant  two-year  course  won  his 
D.D.  His  thesis  which  won  him  his 
degree  was  highly  praised  by  those  to 
whom  it  was  submitted  for  examina- 
tion and  comment.  He  was  appointed 
pastor  of  Newton,  successor  to  the 
late  lamented  Father  Molitor  who 
died  January  17,  1917. 

When  his  country  entered  the 
World  War  and  a  call  was  issued  for 


Catholic  Chaplains,  Doctor  Munday 's 
ardent  young  soul  was  on  fire  to  do 
his  bit  for  his  fellow  Catholics  on  the 
firing  line  so  he  offered  his  services 
to  his  country.  He  was  accepted  in 
1918  and  sent  to  Fort  Sheridan,  near 
Chicago,  where  he  served  with  fidelity 
and  distinctive  honor  during  that 
dreadful  epidemic  of  the  Flu,  until 
finally  he  himself  fell  a  victim  to  the 
dread  disease.  He  died  a  martyr  to 
his  God  and  to  his  country  by  sacrific- 
ing himself  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of 
the  Catholic  heroes  who  faced  death 
that  their  country  might  live.  He 
died  February  1,  1919,  and  he  was 
buried  with  military  honors  from  St. 
Ambrose  Church,  Chicago.  His  re- 
mains lie  in  Calvary  cemetery  near 
Chicago  awaiting  the  General  Resur- 
rection. 

The  writer  of  these  lines  knew 
Father  Munday  well  and  got  him  to 
preach  the  Forty  Hours  Devotions  in 
Pittsfield,  Illinois. 

Never  shall  we  forget  the  burning 
eloquence  of  his  sermon  at  the  closing 
of  the  Forty  Hours.  His  words  still 
echo  in  our  ears  and  warm  our  heart. 
He  was  a  noble  priest.  His  death  was 
a  sad  loss  to  the  diocese. 


Reverend  William  Murphy 


Reverend  William  Murphy  was 
born  April  7,  1865,  in  London,  Eng- 
land. As  a  boy  he  attended  the  local 
school  at  Berkley  and  later  in  Prov- 
idence, Rhode  Island.  Having  grad- 
uated from  the  Grade  School,  he  en- 
tered the  Christian  Brothers  College 
where  he  made  his  classical  course. 
He  made  his  Theological  studies  in 
the  Grand  Seminary  at  Montreal, 
Canada,  and  in  Mount  St.  Mary 
Seminary,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  was 
ordained  priest  in  the  Boston  Cathe- 
dral by  Most  Reverend  John  Joseph 
Williams,  D.D.,  on  December  21, 1894. 

His  first  assignment  was  that  of 
Assistant  at  St.  Joseph  Church, 
Springfield,  Illinois.  After  having 
done  efficient  work  in  St.  Joseph  par- 
ish he  was  made  pastor  of  Neoga  with 


Edgewood,  Trowbridge  and  Sullivan 
as  Missions.  Later  he  was  made 
pastor  of  St.  Joseph  church,  Granite 
City,  which  in  those  days  meant  all 
of  Granite  City,  as  St.  Joseph  was  the 
only  Catholic  church  there.  Father 
Murphy  did  good  work  in  Granite 
City  and  succeeded  in  building  the 
combination  church  and  school  there. 
From  Granite  City  he  was  sent  to  St. 
Augustine  parish  at  Ashland,  Illinois. 
For  the  last  two  years  of  his  life  he 
was  sorely  afflicted  in  health.  The 
trouble  started  when  he  had  an  attack 
of  influenza.  He  sought  relief  in 
Southern  Texas,  but  all  in  vain.  Tu- 
berculosis wrought  such  havoc  in  his 
system  that  he  gradually  grew  weaker 
and  on  July  19,  1920,  he  surrendered 


677 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


his  soul  to  his  Creator  after  having 
been  fortified  with  the  rights  of  Holy 


Church    in    St.    Augustine    rectory, 
Ashland,  Illinois. 


Reverend  James  Murray 


Reverend  James  Murray,  son  of 
James  Murray  and  Elizabeth  Jane 
Fitzgerald  Murray  was  born  July  6, 
1884,  in  Springfield,  Illinois. 

Having  graduated  from  St.  Joseph 
School,  that  city,  his  parents  sent  him 
to  St.  Mary,  Kansas,  where  he  stud- 
ied under  the  care  of  the  Jesuit 
Fathers.  He  next  went  to  Quincy 
College  for  his  Philosophical  course, 
then  to  the  Grand  Seminary  of  Mon- 
treal, Canada,  and  finally  to  Mt.  St. 
Mary  Seminary  of  the  West,  Cincin- 
nati, Ohio,  for  his  Theological  course, 
Sacred  Scriptures  and  Rhetoric. 
There  he  was  ordained  to  the  Holy 
Priesthood  June  19,  1908. 

His  first  appointment  was  as  an 
assistant  at  the  Cathedral  in  Alton, 
where  he  labored  for  a  year.  From 
Alton  he  was  sent  to  Mt.  Sterling  to 
act  as  assistant  at  St.  Mary  Church. 
He  labored  there  for  two  years. 


From  Mt.  Sterling  he  was  sent  to 
Carrollton  to  be  assistant  to  Reverend 
David  Moroney  for  one  year.  From 
Carrollton  he  went  to  Ashland,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  labored  for  two  years 
as  assistant  in  St.  Augustine  parish. 
From  Ashland  he  was  sent  to  Spring- 
field to  become  assistant  to  Reverend 
P.  J.  O'Reilly,  pastor  of  St.  Joseph 
Church. 

He  labored  in  St.  Joseph  parish  for 
four  years,  or  until  his  death,  Oc- 
tober 22,  1918.  His  funeral  which 
was  held  from  St.  Joseph  Church  was 
well  attended  both  by  the  clergy  and 
the  laity.  His  bereaved  parents  were 
present  and  had  the  heartfelt  sym- 
pathy of  every  man,  woman  and  child 
in  their  great  sorrow.  His  remains 
rest  in  Calvary  Cemetery,  Springfield, 
Illinois. 


Reverend  Vincent  Nagler 
Whilst  his  predecessor's  tenure  of  Father  Nagler  was  of  frail  body  and 


office  lasted  but  from  September, 
1872,  to  May,  1873,  Father  Nagler 
served  St.  Mary  parish  of  Alton  like- 
wise, but  one  year,  from  May,  1873, 
to  May  15,  1874,  the  date  of  his  death. 


poor  health  and  unable  to  perform  his 
manifold  duties,  although  over-anx- 
ious to  comply  with  them.  Dropsy 
caused  his  death.  He  lies  buried  at 
Alton. 


Reverend  William  Neu 


In  exchange  for  Reverend  Theo- 
dore Bruener,  who  on  leaving  St. 
Mary  Parish  of  Quincy,  in  1874, 
had  accepted  the  rectorship  of  the 
Pio  Nono  Normal  School  of  St. 
Francis,  Wisconsin,  the  Archbishop 
of  Milwaukee  permitted  Reverend 
William  Neu  to  come  to  the  diocese. 
He  was  appointed  to  Bunker  Hill 
in  May,  1874.  The  new  pastor 
was  a  born  pedagogue  and  his  best 
exertions  were  used  in  that  direction. 
This  was  evidenced  by  the  flourishing 
parochial  school  which  at  once  he 
opened.     He    also     embellished    the 


church   and   reformed   the   choir   ac- 
cording to  the  Cecilian  idea. 

In  1878  Reverend  William  Neu  un- 
dertook the  building  of  a  small  church 
at  Gillespie  large  enough  to  accom- 
modate the  small  congregation.  To 
raise  the  means  sufficient  to  carry  out 
his  plan,  the  gifted  priest  delivered  a 
series  of  lectures  in  neighboring 
places.  In  1879  Father  Neu  returned 
to  Wisconsin  to  relieve  Father  Bruen- 
er of  his  duties  at  the  Normal.  In 
1889  Father  Neu  became  a  Religious. 
He  joined  the  Benedictine  Order  at 
Atchison,  Kansas,  and  was  henceforth 


678 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGT 


known  to  the  world  as  P.  Longinus, 
O.S.B. 

As  such  he  acted  as  assistant  at  the 
Abbey  church  until  1891,  was  pastor 
of  St.  Peter  church  at  Council  Bluffs, 
Iowa,  July,  1892  to  1897.  From 
January,  1898  to  1899,  Father  Lon- 
ginus presided  as  pastor  over  the 
Abbey  church  of  Atchison.  On  the 
3rd  day  of  March,  1899,  good  Father 
Neu  died  at  St.    Vincent    Hospital, 


Birmingham,  Alabama,  and  was 
buried  in  the  Abbey  cemetery  at  At- 
chison, March  7,  1899.  He  was  born 
at  Bocholt,  in  the  Diocese  of  Muens- 
ter,  July  23,  1846,  emigrated  with  his 
parents  to  America  in  December, 
1860,  and  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood by  Bishop  Henni  of  Milwaukee, 
at  St.  Francis  Seminary,  December 
21,  1871. 


Reverend  John  Neuhaus 


Practically  the  whole  priestly 
career  of  Father  Neuhaus  was  spent 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  State,  now 
the  Belleville  Diocese,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  four  months,  when  he  acted 
as  pastor  of  St.  Boniface  congregation 
of  Edwardsville,  and  attended  St. 
Michael  parish  of  Staunton,  which 
was  then  affiliated  to  St.  Boniface  of 
Edwardsville. 

Reverend  John  Neuhaus  was  born 
February  13,  1844,  at  Coesfeld  in 
Westphalia ;  studied  in  his  native  city 
and  at  Muenster,  and  was  ordained  a 
priest  by  the  Auxiliary  Bishop  of 
Muenster,  Right  Reverend  John  Boss- 
man  on  June  21,  1870.     He  was  sta- 


tioned at  Red  Bud,  October  29,  1870 
to  August  14,  1871 ;  at  Belle  Prairie 
from  August  15,  1871  to  March  17, 
1875,  and  attended  the  missions  of 
McLeansboro,  Mt.  Vernon,  Enfield, 
Carmi  and  Flora.  At  Edwardsville 
from  March  19,  1875  to  July  6,  1875, 
after  which  he  was  ordered  to  act  as 
chaplain  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Precious 
Blood  of  Ruma,  and  attended  from 
there  Glasgow  City,  now  Renault. 
This  young  Sisterhood  is  greatly  in- 
debted to  his  prudent  management 
for  its  spiritual  and  material  advance- 
ment. 

Father  John  Neuhaus  died  at 
Ruma,  February  22,  1905,  and  lies 
buried  in  the  parish  cemetery. 


Reverend  Wimar  Oberdoerster 


In  the  fall  of  1888  a  talented  and 
promising  young  priest,  Father  Ober- 
doerster, arrived  in  the  diocese  from 
Germany.  But  shortly  previous  there- 
to he  had  been  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood at  the  American  College  of 
Louvain,  in  Belgium.  Reverend  Wi- 
mar Oberdoerster  was  born  March  17, 
1860,  at  Lenhof,  near  Seelscheidt,  in 
the  Archdiocese  of  Cologne.  He  fin- 
ished his  classical  studies  in  the 
schools  of  his  native  place,  whilst  for 
the  completion  of  the  Seminary 
course,  philosophy  and  theology,  he 
was  directed  to  the  American  College 
of  Louvain,  because  of  his  decision  to 
spend  his  future  priestly  life  in  the 
American  missions.  When  the  time 
for  ordination  drew  near,  he  applied 
for  admission  into  the  Alton  diocese, 
where  he  was  readily  accepted.     On 


June  24,  1888,  the  class  of  young 
clerics  to  which  Father  Oberdoerster 
belonged,  was  raised  to  the  priest- 
hood. A  few  weeks  later  the  Alton 
diocese  extended  a  hearty  welcome  to 
the  genial  young  man,  who  was  in- 
troduced as  the  newly  appointed  as- 
sistant at  St.  Paul  of  Highland.  Dur- 
ing the  lengthy  absence  of  the  pastor, 
Reverend  Joseph  Meckel,  on  a  Euro- 
pean journey  which  was  to  include  a 
trip  to  the  Holy  Land,  the  young  as- 
sistant was  given  charge  of  the  parish 
affairs.  How  well  he  carried  out  his 
responsible  obligations  is  attested  by 
the  fact  that  immediately  upon  the 
return  of  the  pastor  to  Highland  the 
young  man  was  appointed  to  the  par- 
ishes of  Troy  and  Black  Jack.  Here 
he  performed  good  work  and  won  the 
love  and  esteem  of  every  one  in    a 


679 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


marked  degree.  After  several  years 
of  fruitful  labor  the  Ordinary  saw 
fit  to  transfer  Father  Oberdoerster  to 
the  prospering  young  parish  of  Pier- 
ron.  Here  he  completed  and  em- 
bellished what  his  predecessor  had  to 
leave  in  a  rather  unfinished  condition, 
church,  house  and  cemetery.  Hence 
the  Pierron  parish  under  his  prudent 
management  signally  developed,  both 
materially  and  spiritually.  It  grew 
in  numbers  and  waxed  strong,  so  that 
in  a  few  years  it  compared  favorably 
with  the  best  rural  congregations  of 


the  diocese,  thanks  to  the  good  men 
who  successively  guided  its  destiny. 
Sickness,  however,  dread  pneumonia, 
overtook  him  and  ended  the  precious 
life  and  valued  services  suddenly,  on 
Friday,  July  30,  1897,  at  St.  Louis 
hospital. 

He  was  buried  August  1,  in  the 
Catholic  cemetery  of  Pierron,  follow- 
ed thither  by  a  vast  concourse  of  peo- 
ple from  his  own  as  well  as  neigh- 
boring parishes  and  many  of  his  de- 
voted friends  and  admirers  of  the 
clergy. 


Reverend  Charles  Oberprantacher 


Reverend  Charles  Oberprantacher, 
after  the  transfer  of  Reverend  P. 
Peters  to  St.  Mary,  Alton,  was  ap- 
pointed to  succeed  him  as  pastor  of 
St.  Paul.  Prior  to  this  he  had  been 
pastor  of  the  parish  at  Millstadt, 
from  August,  1866,  to  August,  1868, 
where  he  succeeded  in  erecting  a 
$4,000  school  house;  from  1868  to 
1873,  pastor  at  Freeburg,  and  from 
November,  1873,  to  August,  1874,  at 
Edwardsville.  At  the  time  when  this 
change  of  pastors  was  made,  High- 
land was  not  a  desirable  place  for 
any  priest  to  covet.  Father  Ober- 
prantacher was  eminently  a  man  of 
peace,  and  with  his  coming  an  era  of 
peace  seemed  to  have  dawned  upon 
that  parish.  At  once  the  new  in- 
cumbent proceeded  to  make  some 
necessary  repairs  and  purchased  two 
lots  adjoining  the  church  property. 
New  spiritual  life  began  to  awaken 


in  the  parishioners  and  the  schools 
soon  flourished.  All  this,  however, 
was  to  be  of  short  duration,  for  with- 
in less  than  two  years  Father  Ober- 
prantacher sent  his  resignation  as 
pastor  of  Highland  and  asked  the 
Bishop  that  he  not  only  be  relieved  of 
his  charge  but  be  permitted  to  return 
to  his  native  land,  mountainous,  beau- 
tiful Tyrol.  At  the  end  of  May,  1876, 
he  left  Highland  and  sailed  for 
Europe,  never  to  return. 

Reverend  Charles  Oberprantacher 
was  born  March  19,  1829,  at  Biffian, 
in  the  Tyrolean  Alps.  He  was  or- 
dained at  Brixen,  July  15,  1855,  and 
came  to  America  in  July,  1866.  After 
his  return  to  Europe,  he  was  assigned 
a  large  parish  in  his  native  country. 
We  are  not  in  position  to  state  when 
and  where  our  former  diocesan  priest 
died,  nor  where  he  was  buried. 


Reverend  Joseph  H.  O'Connor 


Reverend  Joseph  H.  O'Connor  was 
born  at  Listowel,  County  Kerry,  Ire- 
land, on  November  19,  1873.  He 
made  his  preparatory  studies  in  the 
National  School  of  his  native  town, 
and  in  St.  Michael  College  in  that 
same  town.  When  fourteen  years  of 
age  he  won  a  three  year  scholarship 
for  St.  Brendan  Seminary,  Killarney, 
County  Kerry,  Ireland.  At  the  end 
of  those  three  years  he  entered  a 
competitive   examination  and  won  a 


six  year  scholarship  at  the  Irish  Col- 
lege in  Paris,  France.  Right  Rever- 
end James  Ryan,  D.D.,  adopted  him 
for  the  Alton  diocese  and  ordained 
him  a  priest  in  the  Alton  Cathedral 
in  December,  1894. 

His  first  assignment  was  that  of 
Assistant  to  Father  Timothy  Hickey 
at  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  where 
he  served  for  five  years.  He  was  then 
appointed    pastor    of    St.    Benedict 


680 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLEKGY 


Church,  Auburn,  Illinois,  with  Glen- 
arm,  Divernon,  Pawnee  and  South 
Fork  as  out-missions. 

This  zealous  young  priest  built  the 
church  at  Pawnee  and  rebuilt  the 
church  at  Auburn.  He  also  built  the 
parochial  residence,  and  had  planned 
to  build  in  Divernon  when  his  health 
failed. 

This  brave,  strenuous,  zealous 
young  priest  went  to  Colorado  in 
hopes  of  building  up  his  shattered 
health,  but  alas,  death  claimed  him  in 


Colorado.  He  died  January  1,  1905, 
at  the  age  of  31  years.  His  remains 
were  shipped  to  Auburn  for  funeral 
services,  but  interment  was  in  Calvary 
Cemetery,  Springfield.  His  death 
was  a  serious  loss  to  the  diocese.  He 
was  a  profound  and  brilliant  scholar, 
a  student  and  lover  of  music,  a  pa- 
triotic American,  a  fearless  defender 
of  the  Church,  an  enthusiastic  mem- 
ber of  the  Ancient  Order  of  Hiber- 
nians and  Knights  of  Columbus. 


Very  Reverend  Patrick  J.   O'Halloran,  Vicar  General 


This  popular  priest,  for  more  than 
25  years  pastor  of  St.  Patrick,  of 
East  St.  Louis,  was  one  of  the  most 
prominent  clergymen  of  the  state.  He 
was  born  August  15,  1830,  in  Bruff, 
County  Limerick,  Ireland.  At  the 
age  of  10  years  he  was  brought  to 
this  country  by  his  parents,  who 
settled  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  re- 
ceived his  education  at  Bardstown 
Seminary,  Kentucky,  and  was  finally 
graduated  from  Mount  St.  Mary,  Cin- 
cinnati, and  raised  to  the  priesthood 
in  1862.  Father  O'Halloran  held 
successively  the  pastorate  of  Jackson- 
ville, Bunker  Hill  and  Cairo,  in  each 
of  the  places  building  a  church.  Dur- 


ing his  incumbency  at  Bunker  Hill  he 
erected  also  St.  Michael  church  of 
Staunton,  in  1873,  and  greatly  dis- 
tinguished himself  for  his  financial 
ability  in  church  matters  and  was 
made  Vicar  General  of  the  diocese.  He 
built  a  parochial  residence  and  the 
convent  at  East  St.  Louis  and  more- 
over purchased  the  present  Mount 
Carmel  cemetery  for  $12,000.  Further- 
more Father  O'Halloran  organized  a 
building  and  loan  association  that  has 
built  seventy-two  homes  for  its  mem- 
bers. He  died,  greatly  regretted, 
December  29,  1898,  and  was  buried  in 
Mt.  Carmel  cemetery,  East  St.  Louis. 


Reverend  Joseph  O'Rourke 


Reverend  Joseph  O'Rourke,  son  of 
Joseph  O'Rourke  and  Catherine 
O  'Riley  O  'Rourke,  was  born  in  Coun- 
ty Longford,  Ireland,  June  18,  186-1. 
His  people  were  farmers  whose  Irish 
ancestry  extends  back  for  generations. 

Father  O  'Rourke  was  one  of  twelve 
children.  The  O  'Rourke  family  never 
heard  of  the  barn-yard  morality  back 
of  "regulated"  families.  The  human 
denizens,  whose  barn-yard  slogan  is 
"Few  and  good"  would  be  sadly  out 
of  place  among  the  O'Rourke  family, 
whose  slogan  was  "The  more  the  mer- 
rier and  the  better."  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
O  'Rourke,  rich  in  faith,  strong  in 
their  confidence  in  God,  the  giver  of 
all  good  gifts,  thanked  God  each  time 
that  He  sent  a  little  cherub  into  their 


happy  home.  They  felt  there  was 
always  room  for  one  more.  God 
blessed  the  O'Rourke  family  by  call- 
ing Joseph  to  the  sublime,  supreme 
heights  of  His  priesthood. 

Joseph  attended  the  National 
school  of  his  native  place,  made  his 
classical  course  at  Moyne  and  then  en- 
tered All  Hallows  College,  Dublin, 
where  he  graduated  with  honors.  He 
was  ordained  priest  by  the  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  O'Donnell,  on  June  24, 
1892,  in  All  Hallows  College  Chapel. 
With  him  were  ordained  forty-one 
other  young  priests.  He  and  some 
twelve  or  fifteen  other  young  priests 
came  to  America  together  and  were 
assigned  to  different  dioceses  of  the 
United  States. 


681 


DIOCESE    OF    SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Father  O'Rourke  arrived  in  the 
Alton  diocese  in  the  Fall  of  1892,  and 
his  first  assignment  was  t  hat  of  As- 
sistant at  Our  Saviour  Church,  Jack- 
sonville, Illinois.  On  January  1,  1896, 
he  was  promoted  to  the  pastorate  of 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Dalton  City, 
Illinois,  where  he  did  very  efficient 
work  for  his  people.  The  splendid 
work  done  at  Dalton  City  attracted 
the  attention  of  Bishop  Ryan  and  he 
was  promoted  to  the  pastorate  of 
Farmersville  on  September  1,  1899. 
He  found  the  church  located  four 
miles  out  in  the  country  and  he  at 
once  resolved  to  make  a  change  for 
the  better.  He  bought  a  good  site  in 
the  city  on  which  he  built  a  church 
and  a  rectory  that  were  the  pride  of 
the  parish.  During  his  twenty  years 
at  Farmersville,  Father  O'Rourke 
worked  faithfully  for  his  people  and 
left  a  permanent  impress  on  the  moral 
and  spiritual  life  of  the  community. 

On  June  1,  1919,  he  was  promoted 
to  the  important  pastorate  of  the 
Church  of  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling, 
Illinois.  For  some  years  his  health 
had  been  on  the  decline  and  every- 
thing was  done  to  obtain  a  cure,  but 


God  had  ordained  otherwise  and  his 
day's  work  was  done.  When  reduced 
to  a  mere  shadow  of  his  former  splen- 
did physique  he  went  to  St.  Mary 
Hospital,  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  He 
failed  to  recuperate.  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the 
diocese,  received  a  wire  from  the 
Sister  Superior  stating  that  Father 
O'Rourke  had  died  that  morning, 
Thursday,  January  17,  1927.  The  sad 
news  brought  grief  to  the  Bishop,  the 
clergy  and  the  laity  who  had  known 
him. 

The  remains  were  shipped  to  Mt. 
Sterling  and  funeral  services  were 
held  in  St.  Mary  Church  on  Tuesday 
morning,  January  22nd.  The  church 
was  crowded  with  a  sorrowing  people. 
The  sanctuary  was  filled  with  brother 
priests.  His  Bishop  Pontificated  at 
a  Solemn  High  Requiem  Mass  and 
preached  a  sermon  that  was  indeed  a 
tribute  to  the  dear,  good  Father 
O'Rourke. 

When  he  left  Farmersville  for  Mt. 
Sterling  his  heart  remained  behind 
him.  He  was  never  the  same  man 
afterwards. 


Reverend  Francis  Augustine  Ostrop 


Reverend  Francis  Augustine  Os- 
trop was  born  at  Dorsten  in  West- 
phalia, September  1,  1823.  From  his 
earliest  years  he  exhibited  an  ardent 
desire  to  enter  the  holy  ministry,  but 
his  parents  were  too  poor  to  enable 
him  to  accomplish  it.  For  seven  years 
he  worked  as  painter  and  cabinet 
maker.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he 
began  the  study  of  classics  in  his  na- 
tive place,  but  a  few  months  after- 
wards removed  to  Coesfeld.  Such  was 
his  diligence  and  application  to  study 
that  in  three  years  he  made  double 
time  and  went  through  six  classes.  At 
the  same  time,  as  a  means  of  support, 
he  gave  private  lessons  to  less  ad- 
vanced students.  After  graduating 
he  repaired  to  Muenster,  there  to 
study  philosophy  and  theology.  On 
leaving  Muenster  he  became  for  a 
while  a  tutor  in  the  family  of  Count 


Schmiesing-Kerstenbrock,  for  two 
years  he  acted  as  teacher  at  the  Osna- 
brueck  High  School,  giving  popular 
lectures  on  astronomy.  Afterwards 
for  five  years  he  had  charge  of  the 
Ibbenbueren  High  School. 

When  in  1857,  Bishop  Juncker 
went  to  Westphalia  to  recruit  aid  for 
his  diocese,  Francis  Ostrop  offered  his 
services,  which  were  gladly  accepted. 
He  reached  Alton,  November  11, 1857, 
was  sent  to  the  Carondelet  Seminary 
of  St.  Louis,  and  ordained  May  1, 
1858.  His  first  appointment  was  to 
St.  Mary  church  of  Alton.  He  found 
a  two-story  building,  erected  the  pre- 
vious year  by  Reverend  John  Menge, 
with  a  debt  of  $3,000.  On  Trinity 
Sunday,  1860,  a  tornado  destroyed 
the  building,  burying  in  its  ruins 
priest  and  housekeeper;  both,  how- 
ever,  were    safely    extricated     from 


682 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


their  perilous  plight.  He  was  anxious 
to  build  anew,  but  the  debt  had  first 
to  be  liquidated.  Unable  to  find  suf- 
ficient help  at  home  he  obtained  per- 
mission to  seek  it  abroad.  He  went, 
in  turn,  to  Cincinnati,  Covington,  St. 
Louis,  Quincy  and  Belleville,  and 
was  thus  enabled  to  begin  the  build- 
ing of  the  church,  110x50,  with 
steeple  100  feet  high.  He  also  built 
a  rectory  which  for  a  time  was  partly 
used  for  a  boys'  school,  the  girls  at- 
tending the  Ursuline  Academy.  In 
1869  he  built  a  High  School  at  the 
cost  of  $11,000. 

In  September,  1872,  he  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  St.  Boniface  parish 
of  Quincy.  There  he  soon  erected  a 
school,  at  the  time  one  of  the  finest 
parochial  school  buildings  in  the 
West,  purchased  property  and  was 
resolved  on  building  a  $100,000 
church,  which  no  doubt  he  would  have 
accomplished  had  not  the  debt  of 
$82,000  alarmed  the  Bishop  and 
aroused  opposition  and  protest  from 
the  members.    Hence  his  plan  failed. 


On  September  1,  1887,  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Carlinville,  there  to  become 
the  rector  of  St.  Joseph  parish.  The 
congregation  had  but  forty  families 
and  the  overhanging  debt  amounted 
to  $10,000.  The  condition  of  affairs 
seemed  desperate.  The  new  rector  in 
no  way  dismayed,  went  to  work  with 
all  energy,  started  four  associations, 
to  take  in  all  the  members,  the  re- 
ceipts going  to  the  benefit  of  the 
church.  He  soon  paid  the  whole  debt, 
built  a  suitable  school  for  which  he 
purchased  ground,  bought  a  rectory 
for  $2,200,  and  put  an  addition  30x35 
to  the  sanctuary  at  a  cost  of  $4,000. 
In  1891  his  health  was  failing  fast. 
He,  nevertheless,  during  the  winter 
1891-92,  attended  to  his  duties  with 
the  occasional  help  of  neighboring 
priests.  His  condition  continued  to 
grow  worse.  Father  Ostrop  realized 
the  nearness  of  the  last  summons  and 
duly  prepared  himself  for  the  last 
call.  He  piously  died  on  June  26, 
1892.  His  funeral  was  held  June  30, 
attended  by  the  Bishop,  forty  priests 
and  a  vast  concourse  of  people. 


Reverend  Adam  J.  Pennartz 


To  the  inscrutable  designs  of  Di- 
vine Providence  it  seemed  good  to  call 
from  hence  on  November  10,  1917, 
Reverend  Adam  J.  Pennartz,  pastor 
of  St.  Michael  parish  of  Sigel,  Illi- 
nois, dean  of  the  Effingham  district, 
and  member  of  the  board  of  diocesan 
examiners.  To  his  parishioners 
Father  Pennartz  proved  at  all  times 
a  wise  and  prudent  counsellor,  a  true 
father  and  friend.  In  the  perform- 
ance of  sacred  functions  no  one  was 
more  exact  and  conscientious  than  he. 
Great  were  the  results  he  achieved 
during  the  44  years  of  his  ministry. 
The  various  parishes  over  which  he 
was  placed  give  eloquent  testimony  of 
his  unflagging  zeal  and  devotion  to 
his  holy  calling — Areola,  Paris,  Ste. 
Marie,  particularly  however,  As- 
sumption (1881-88)  with  Taylorville 
as  mission  where  he  constructed  the 
present  church  edifice,    and    Spring- 


field (1886-96).  There  St.  Peter  and 
Paul  substantial  parochial  school 
building  stands  a  lasting  monument 
to  his  earnest  advocacy  of  things  edu- 
cational. The  splendid  condition  of 
St.  Michael's  congregation  of  Sigel, 
both  spiritual  and  material,  is  pre- 
eminently due  to  the  efforts  of  Father 
Pennartz.  Death  claimed  the  good 
pastor  on  March  10  at  St.  Anthony 
Hospital  of  Effingham  whither  he 
had  been  brought  for  treatment  and 
rest,  on  the  evening  of  November  10, 
1896. 

Father  Pennartz  was  born  July  7, 
1850,  at  Trevern  in  the  Archdiocese 
of  Cologne,  studied  at  the  American 
College  of  Louvain  and  was  ordained 
a  priest  at  Brussels  in  Belgium,  July 
27,  1873,  coming  to  this  country  and 
the  Alton  Diocese  in  October  of  that 
vear. 


683 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  George  Pesch 


Reverend  George  Pesch  was  born  at 
Aix  la  Chapelle,  July  18,  1862. 
Having  made  his  regular  course  of 
studies  in  his  native  land,  he  went  to 
All  Hallows  College,  Dublin,  Ireland, 
there  to  put  the  finishing  touch  to  his 
education  by  getting  a  knowledge  of 
the  American  language. 

He  was  ordained  in  Dublin  for  the 
Alton  diocese  June  24,  1885,  and 
came  direct  to  the  Alton  diocese.  His 
first  appointment  was  that  of  Assist- 
ant in  St.  Boniface  parish,  Quincy, 
Illinois.      His    next    assignment    was 


that  of  pastor  of  St.  Brigid  Church, 
Liberty,  Illinois. 

He  left  the  Alton  diocese  and 
joined  the  La  Crosse  Diocese  in  Wis- 
consin, where  he  was  assigned  to  the 
parish  of  Cadott,  Wisconsin.  In  July, 
1909,  he  was  promoted  to  the  impor- 
tant parish  of  Plain,  Wisconsin. 
There  he  labored  zealously  until  May 
25,  1918,  when  a  furious  tornado 
wrecked  the  church  and  rectory. 
Father  Pesch  was  so  seriously  injured 
that  he  died  on  June  7,  1918. 


Reverend  Peter  Peters 


Father  Peters  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Keppelen  in  Rhenish  Province, 
near  the  border  of  Holland,  on  April 
15,  1833.  He  pursued  a  course  in 
classics  in  his  home  town  and  then 
entered  the  Academy  of  Emmerich 
for  the  study  of  philosophy  and  the- 
ology. After  two  years  of  close  ap- 
plication to  his  studies  in  the  Acad- 
emy the  young  aspirant  emigrated  to 
the  United  States,  and  arrived  at  Al- 
ton in  1859.  Shortly  after  his  arrival, 
at  the  solicitation  of  Bishop  Juncker, 
who  had  been  consecrated  first  Bishop 
of  the  Alton  diocese  but  a  short  time 
previously,  he  embarked  for  Cape 
Girardeau,  Missouri,  and  completed 
his  theological  course  in  the  Seminary 
of  that  place.  On  April  21,  1861,  the' 
ambitious  young  cleric  was  ordained 
to  the  priesthood  by  Bishop  Juncker, 
celebrated  his  first  Holy  Mass  at  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  church  of  Springfield, 
where  Father  John  Janssen,  after- 
wards Bishop  of  Belleville,  a  country- 
man of  his,  was  pastor.  Father  Peter's 
first  appointment  was  to  St.  Mary  of 
Edwardsville.  After  two  years  serv- 
ice at  Edwardsville,  during  which 
time  he  erected  a  substantial  resi- 
dence and  started  a  parochial  school, 
Bishop  Juncker  sent  him  to  Highland, 
that  there,  in  the  roll  of  peacemaker, 
he  might  succeed  in  conciliating  op- 
posing   factions.     His     transfer     to 


Highland  was  in  1863  and  he  served 
there  eleven  years — until  1874.  Dur- 
ing all  these  years  he  ministered  faith- 
fully not  only  to  the  spiritual  needs 
of  his  Highland  people  but  likewise 
to  those  of  the  neighboring  St.  Eliza- 
beth parish  of  Marine.  At  this  latter 
place  he  was  instrumental  in  having 
a  parochial  residence  built.  Father 
Peter's  firmness  of  character,  to- 
gether with  his  model  priestly  bear- 
ing, gradually  brought  harmony.  He 
was  a  man  who  for  all  time  left  a  last- 
ing impress  upon  affairs  ecclesiastical 
of  Alton.  Soon  after  coming  to  this 
new  parish  he  labored  zealously  to 
further  the  status  of  the  parochial 
school  then  as  now  under  the  efficient 
management  of  the  Notre  Dame  Sis- 
ters. With  the  combined  efforts  of 
priest  and  teachers  excellent  results 
were  obtained  and  today  St.  Mary 
school  ranks  with  the  best  in  that  city. 
Father  Peters,  moreover,  was  a  man 
of  distinct  business  qualifications. 
Prudence  and  sagacity  advised  the 
purchase  of  adjoining  property;  thus 
it  was  that  in  a  quiet  and  undemon- 
strative way  lot  after  lot  and  house 
after  house  passed  into  the  ownership 
of  St.  Mary,  so  that  before  long  the 
parish  commanded  the  entire  block. 
He  rested  not  until  the  present  splen- 
did $60,000  church  was  erected,  a 
worthy  monument  of  Reverend  Peter 


684 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Peters.     Quietly   and   peacefully    he 
lived  a  most  useful  life  in  Alton,  and 

Reverend  Michael  Prendergast 


just  as  quietly  and  peacefully  was  his 
passing  on  March  5th,  1896. 


Father  Prendergast  was  born  at 
New  Park,  County  Wexford,  Ireland, 
in  the  year  1810.  He  studied  for  the 
priesthood  at  Carlow  College  and  was 
there  ordained  for  the  Archdiocese  of 
Dublin.  For  some  time  he  was  in  the 
mission  of  Anklow,  County  Wicklow. 
After  spending  ten  years  on  the  mis- 
sion in  Ireland,  he  came  to  the  United 
States,  affiliating  himself  with  the 
diocese  of  Chicago,  and  was  sent  at 
once  as  assistant  to  Reverend  Michael 
Carroll  of  Alton.  This  was  in  1853. 
In  the  following  year,  1854,  he  was 


sent  to  Decatur  to  become  the  first 
resident  rector  of  St.  Patrick.  He 
remained  two  years  at  Decatur,  from 
where  he  attended  Winchester,  Pitts- 
field  and  other  places  until  replaced 
by  Reverend  Thomas  Cusack.  Next 
we  find  him  starting  the  congregation 
of  Winona,  Minnesota.  In  1868  he 
was  at  Danville,  Illinois,  which  he 
left  to  the  charge  of  Batavia,  attend- 
ing at  the  same  time  Geneva  and  St. 
Charles.  He  died  at  Batavia,  March 
3,  1875,  and  was  buried  in  Calvary 
Cemetery,  Chicago. 


Reverend  Thomas  Quigley,  D.D. 


Reverend  Thomas  Quigley  was  or- 
dained in  1849  by  Archbishop  Ken- 
rick  of  St.  Louis.  He  was  a  subject 
of  the  Bishop  of  Chicago,  in  whose 
diocese  he  spent  almost  his  entire 
priestly  life.  Whilst  the  Illinois  Cen- 
tral Railroad  was  being  constructed, 
Father  Quigley  made  many  trips 
filong  that  line  and  his  success  with 
the  workers  is  said  to  have  been  mar- 
velous. In  1855  he  came  to  Spring- 
field as  pastor  of  the  old  St.  John 
church.     He  soon  formed  the  design 


of  erecting  a  new  building  and  plac- 
ing it  under  the  patronage  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  B.  V.  M.  Doctor 
Quigley  built  the  foundation  but  did 
not  remain  to  complete  the  work. 
When  leaving  he  was  replaced  by 
Reverend  Patrick  McElherne,  whilst 
he  assumed  charge  of  parish  work  in 
the  northern  (Chicago  and  Peoria) 
part  of  the  state. 

Reverend  Thomas  Quigley  was 
known  in  literary  circles  as  a  writer 
of  some  note. 


Reverend  Longintjs  Quitter 


Reverend  Longinus  Quitter  was 
born  February  26,  1830,  at  Daseburg, 
Westphalia,  studied  classics  at  Riet- 
berg  and  Warendorf,  and  philosophy 
at  Muenster.  He  came  to  this  coun- 
try in  1863,  entered  the  Seminary  of 
St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis  and 
was  elevated  to  the  priesthood  by 
Bishop  Juncker  at  Alton,  August  8, 
1865.  His  first  assignment  was  to 
St.  Marie,  Jasper  county  as  assistant, 
from  1856  to  1867 ;  then  became  rec- 


tor of  Mt.  Carmel,  1867  to  1872,  of 
Westwood,  1872  to  1874,  of  Vandalia, 
1878  to  1882  (during  which  incum- 
bency he  built  St.  Lawrence  church 
of  Greenville  in  1878)  ;  Madonnaville, 
1882  to  1886,  and  until  his  retirement 
on  account  of  protracted  illness  to  St. 
Mary  hospital,  East  St.  Louis,  a  short 
time  previous  to  his  death,  December 
5,  1891.  He  lies  buried  at  Lively 
Grove. 


Reverend  Charles  Raphael 


Father  Raphael  was  a  native  of 
Luxemburg,  born  at  La  Rochette, 
November  3,  1826.  He  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  1853  and  was  ordained  to  the 


the  priesthood — very  likely  at  the 
Seminary  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
by  Bishop  James  Oliver  Van  de  Velde 
— on  June   10,   1854.     After  his  or- 


685 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


dination  Father  Raphael  was  at  once 
assigned  to  the  parish  of  Teutopolis, 
where  he  stayed  from  July  to  Novem- 
ber, 1854-1856,  becoming  a  successor 
to  Reverend  Joseph  F.  Zoegel.  His 
next  appointments  were  those  of  Mill- 
stadt  and  Mascoutah.  In  1859  he  suc- 
ceeded the  pastor  of  St.  Mary  parish 
of  Brussels,  Reverend  John  Regal. 
Father  Raphael  commenced  the  erec- 
tion of  a  commodious  two-story  resi- 
dence for  the  rector ;  it  was  completed 
in  1862.  The  following  year  the  pres- 
ent church  was  commenced  and  made 


ready  for  Divine  Service.  Father 
Raphael  was,  however,  too  soon  re- 
moved to  accomplish  all  his  designs. 
Whilst  he  was  pastor  of  Brussels  he 
succeeded  in  building  the  first  log 
church  six  miles  above  Hardin,  now 
called  Michael.  Later  on,  in  1866,  he 
was  in  charge  of  Summit  Springs, 
Butler  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred 
in  1900,  he  was  a  chaplain  in  the 
Convent  of  the  Good  Shepherd  in 
Milwaukee. 


Reverend  A.  Ratte 


Father  Ratte  was  an  assistant  at  St. 
Boniface,  Quincy,  under  its  pastor, 
Father  John  Reis,  in  1857  and  1858, 
and  acted  as  pastor  of  the  parish  a 
few    months    until    the    coming    of 


Father  Shaefermeyer.  Father  Ratte 
thereupon  went  to  Cincinnati,  and 
later  returned  to  his  native  country, 
Germany.  He  is  said  to  have  been 
an  able  pulpit  speaker. 


Reverend  Francis  Nicholas  Recouvreur 


Father  Francis  Nicholas  Recouv- 
reur was  a  native  of  La  Belle,  France, 
born  in  the  Diocese  of  Nancy,  Janu- 
ary 23,  1833,  and  was  raised  to  the 
priesthood  by  Bishop  Juncker  in  the 
Alton  cathedral,  August  4,  1859. 

Father  Recouvreur  was  known  as  a 
great  organizer  and  church  builder. 
Almost  every  parish  over  which  he 
presided  during  his  long  priestly  life 
he  left  some  memento  of  his  zeal  and 
labor.  In  the  dioceses  of  Alton  and 
Peoria  this  good  man's  name  will  re- 
main a  benediction.  In  looking  over 
the  long  record  of  his  accomplish- 
ments we  find  him  to  have  been  active 
at  Assumption  in  1865,  Pittsfield, 
where  he  erected  a  church  and  frame 
rectory  in  1867,  and  opened  a  school 
in  1870;  Edwardsville,  1872,  from 
which  place  he  attended  Taylorville, 
where  he  built  a  substantial  parson- 
age and  bought  some  choice  lots  for 
a  new  church ;  Carrollton,  1873  to 
1877,  where  he  built  a  schoolhouse. 
After  this  he  displayed  his  activities 
in  the  Peoria  diocese,  at  Clinton, 
1879  to  1880;  Campus,  1881  to  1882; 
Dwight,  1882  to  1885 ;  Delavan,  1887, 
and  L'Erable,  1887  to  1890.     At  this 


juncture  Father  Recouvreur  returned 
to  the  Alton  diocese  and  was  assigned 
to  St.  Ubaldus  parish  of  New  Doug- 
las, where  at  once  he  commenced  to 
erect  a  parish  house  in  which  he  lived 
nine  years,  from  1890  to  1899,  the 
time  of  his  retirement  to  Kirkwood, 
Missouri. 

It  was  on  a  Saturday  night,  Oc- 
tober 24,  1908,  that  his  niece  was 
awakened  by  the  smell  of  gas.  She 
investigated  and  discovered  that  the 
fumes  came  from  her  uncle's  rooms. 
A  new  gas  stove  had  recently  been 
placed  in  his  room.  It  is  supposed 
that  the  aged  priest  went  to  sleep  in 
his  arm-chair  which  stood  in  front  of 
the  gas  stove  and  thus  became  as- 
phyxiated. 

The  funeral  took  place  from  St. 
Malachy  church,  St.  Louis,  and  was 
attended  by  many  of  the  clergy  who 
had  come  to  pay  their  last  tribute  of 
respect  and  pray  for  the  soul  of  their 
esteemed  venerable  confrere. 

Solemn  High  Mass  was  celebrated 
by  Reverend  F.  X.  Zabell,  D.D., 
countryman  and  former  fellow  stu- 
dent   of    deceased,    with    Reverend 


686 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Charles  L.  Souvay,  CM.,  as  deacon 
and  Reverend  William  Michael  of 
Pierron,  as  sub-deacon,  whilst  Very 
Reverend  Edward  Spalding  of  Alton, 


delivered  the  funeral  sermon  touch- 
ing on  the  long  and  useful  career  of 
the  departed  and  his  many  noble 
traits  of  character. 


Reverend  John  Regal 


Father  Regal  was  the  second  resi- 
dent pastor  of  Brussels.  He  was  a 
native  of  Nancy,  France,  and  gov- 
erned the  parish    of    Brussels    from 

Reverend  Francis  Reinhardt 


1853  to  1859.  He  was  the  first  priest 
to  conduct  Divine  Services  in  private 
houses  above  Hardin.  No  further  in- 
formation is  available. 


The  subject  of  this  biographical 
sketch  was  born  April  20,  1834,  at 
Fulda  in  Hessia,  a  place  forever  hal- 
lowed by  the  life  and  death  of  Ger- 
many's great  apostle,  St.  Boniface. 
Ordained  to  the  priesthood  on  St. 
Joseph's  day,  March  19,  1859,  by  the 
Bishop  of  that  city  and  diocese,  the 
young  levite  exercised  his  priestly 
functions  in  his  native  land  until  the 
year  1864,  when,  encouraged  by  the 
example  of  so  many  zealous  mission- 
aries and  the  appeal  for  priests  by  our 
American  Bishops,  young  Father 
Reinhardt  determined  to  devote  the 
remainder  of  his  life  to  the  Ameri- 
can missions.  Invited  by  Bishop 
Henry  Damian  Juncker,  he  came  to 
the  Alton  Diocese  where  the  sturdy, 
rugged  young  man  found  abundant 
opportunities  for  the  display  of  his 
zeal  and  talents.    He  was  successively 


appointed  to  positions  at  Quincy  with 
Fathers  Sehaefermeyer  and  Ostrop, 
to  Breese,  as  assistant  to  Father 
Reineke,  to  Highland  with  Reverend 
Joseph  Meckel,  to  "West  Woods,  Tay- 
lorville  and  the  chaplaincy  at  St. 
John  Hospital  of  Springfield,  where 
at  that  time  the  energetic  superioress, 
Venerable  Senior  Ulrica,  O.S.F.,  was 
erecting  the  fine  chapel  building. 

It  seems  that  in  the  latter  part  of 
the  eighties  his  health  became  serious- 
ly impaired;  to  seek  relief  for  a  shat- 
tered and  broken  constitution,  Father 
Reinhardt  obtained  permission  from 
his  ordinary  to  return  to  his  native 
country,  beautiful  Hessia,  where 
after  some  few  years  of  lingering 
sickness,  he  expired  on  August  25, 
1892,  at  the  village  of  Lettgenbrunn, 
near  the  city  of  Fulda. 


Reverend  John  Reis 


After  the  death  of  Father  Kuens- 
ter,  pastor  of  St.  Boniface,  Quincy, 
which  occurred  on  September  15, 
1857,  Bishop  Juncker  assigned  as  his 
successor  Father  John  Reis.  This 
priest  had  come  from  Missouri,  where 
at  Merrimac,  St.  Louis  county,  he  had 
acted  as  pastor  of  St.  Mary  parish.  He 
was  frail  and  sickly.  Foreseeing  the 
work  which  awaited  him   at    Quincy, 

Reverend 

The  first  resident  pastor  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  congregation  of  Col- 
linsville,  was  Reverend  J.  W.  Repis. 
He  was  a  Bohemian  by  birth  and 
was  sent  to  this  parish  in  1857.  He 
did  excellent  work  until  the  fall  of 


the  appointee  begged  to  be  excused, 
but  yielded  to  his  superior's  insist- 
ence. He  was  however  compelled,  the 
next  August  to  resign  the  pastorate 
of  St.  Boniface,  as  his  impaired  health 
broke  down  under  the  weight  of 
manifold  daily  duties.  He  retired 
from  active  pastoral  life  and  died  a 
few  years  afterwards. 

W.  Repis 

1858,  when  he  resolved  to  go  to  Ten- 
nessee, and  was  admitted  into  the 
diocese  of  Nashville,  where  he  av;is 
given  charge  of  St.  Mary  parish  in 
that  city. 


687 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  P.  Michael  Richard,  O.F.M. 


Father  Michael  was  born  Septem- 
ber 25,  1844,  at  Effelder,  near  Muehl- 
hausen,  in  the  Province  of  Saxony, 
studied  at  Heilingenstadt  and  en- 
tered the  Franciscan  Order  at  War- 
endorf  in  1861.  Having  completed 
the  theological  studies,  his  superiors 
sent  him  to  their  American  Missions 
in  1867.  The  following  year,  Decem- 
ber 4,  1868,  the  young  Franciscan 
Friar  received  Holy  Orders  from 
Archbishop  Kenrick,  in  St.  John 
Church,  St.  Louis. 

The  Franciscan  Order  sustained  a 
severe  loss  when  on  June  8,  1916, 
the  Very  Reverend  P.  Michael  Rich- 
ard, O.F.M. ,  died.  A  man  of  extraor- 
dinary mental  endowment  and  great 
moral  force  had  passed  away.  A 
brilliant  pulpit  orator,  deep  theolo- 
gian, an  ideal  retreat  master,  and 
above  all  a  sincere  pious  and  unaf- 


fected follower  of  St.  Francis,  was 
mourned  not  only  by  the  regular  but 
likewise  by  the  secular  clergy  of  this 
and  many  other  dioceses.  Wherever 
Father  Michael  was  known,  there  he 
was  honored,  respected  and  loved. 
The  impressions  he  created  are  to  be 
lasting.  The  Alton  diocese  is  par- 
ticularly affected  by  his  demise,  for 
it  was  at  Teutopolis  and  Quincy 
that  for  many  years  he  was  success- 
fully active  not  only  as  College  Rec- 
tor and  Convent  Guardian  but  like- 
wise as  pastor  of  various  parishes 
such  as  Antonius,  St.  Joseph  and 
Altamont. 

When  the  health  of  the  aged 
Father  began  to  fail,  he  was  retired 
to  the  Convent  of  Santa  Barbara  in 
sunny  California,  where  on  above 
mentioned  date  he  calmly  and  peace- 
fully expired  at  the  age  of  72  years. 


Reverend  A.  B.  Rinkes 


Among  the  teaching  staff  of  pro- 
fessors of  the  former  College  of 
Ruma  we  find  the  name  of  Reverend 
A.  B.  Rinkes  enumerated.  Before  he 
took  up  college  work  he  had  been 
actively  engaged  in  parish  work  at 
various  places  in  the  diocese.  In 
scanning  over  the  different  congre- 
gations, we  meet  him  as  pastor  of  St. 
Mary  parish  of  Pittsfield  in  1861- 
1862.  It  was  he  who  shortly  after 
coining  to  that  place  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  the  present  solid  brick  church 
in  1862  which  was  not  completed, 
however,  until  1864,  when  on  Christ- 
mas morning  the  first  Holy  Mass 
was  celebrated  therein.  The  next 
two  years,  from  1862  to  1864,  we  find 
him  installed  as  pastor  of  Mt.  Ster- 
ling, from  which  place  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Bunker  Hill  where  he  built 
the  Church  of  the  Annunciation.  His 
stay  here  lasted  but  two  years.     In 


1865  and  1866  he  served  Marshall. 
From  Marshall  it  seems  Father 
Rinkes  was  called  to  the  newly 
created  German  parish  of  East  St. 
Louis,  which  at  the  time  became  a 
factor  independent  of  St.  Patrick. 
He  was  still  young  and  energetic. 
Twenty-five  adults  represented  the 
full  parish.  Father  Rinkes  assembled 
the  children  for  daily  instructions 
and  thus  soon  established  the  first 
parish  school.  Next  he  purchased  a 
building  site,  and  the  erection  of  a 
two-story  frame  building  was  begun 
in  which  the  school  occupied  the  first 
and  the  church  the  second  floor.  The 
young  parish  was  placed  under  the 
protection  of  St.  Henry.  At  this 
time  Father  Rinkes  took  sick.  He 
left  East  St.  Louis  March  9,  1867, 
and  went  to  Ruma  to  accept  a  posi- 
tion as  college  professor.  He  died  a 
priest  of  the  Green  Bay  diocese. 


Reverend  Professor  Anthony  Roettger 


Reverend  Anthony  Roettger  was 
born  at  Velen,  Westphalia,  in  1850, 
made  his  classical  studies  at  Cosl'eld, 


studied  philosophy  and  theology  at 
the  University  of  Muenster  and  at 
Cincinnati,  Ohio.    After  having  been 


688 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ordained  a  priest  in  1874,  at  Alton, 
he  was  appointed  a  professor  of 
philosophy  at  the  Sacred  Heart  Col- 
lege of  Ruma,  Illinois,  where  he 
taught  for  two  years  during  which 
time  he  also  acted  as  rector  of  St. 
Boniface  parish  of  Edwardsville, 
Illinois.  From  1876  to  1878  he 
taught  philosophy  at  the  Theological 
Seminary  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales, 
near  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  Father 
Roettger  was  admired  for  his  pro- 


ficiency in  scholastic  philosophy  and 
theology,  unusual  for  such  a  young 
priest.  His  piety,  zeal,  and  cheerful 
character  endeared  him  to  his  fellow - 
professors,  priests,  students  and  ac- 
quaintances. Great  was  their  grief 
when  the  telegraph  flashed  the  news 
that  he  died  July  18,  1878,  after  but 
one  day's  illness  at  the  residence  of 
his  clerical  friend  at  Highland, 
where  he  intended  to  spend  a  part 
of  his  summer  vacation. 


Reverend  Bernard  Rossmoeller 


Born  at  Muenster,  in  Westphalia, 
he  was  raised  to  the  priesthood  in 
the  venerable  Cathedral  of  his  native 
city  in  1868.  Coming  to  this  country 
soon  after,  the  young  priest  was  as- 
signed as  assistant  to  Reverend  II. 
Schaefermeyer  of  Quincy,  October  5, 
1868  and  there  remained  until  Jan- 
uary 22,  1869.     In  1874  he  was  ap- 


pointed to  Fayetteville,  a  year  later 
to  Lebanon,  in  1876  to  Marine,  from 
1878  to  1884  to  Grafton,  and  from 
October,  1884  to  August,  1887,  to 
Smithon.  At  this  time  Father  Ross- 
moeller petitioned  the  Bishop  for 
permission  to  return  to  his  native 
country.  There  he  died  April  10, 
1891. 


Reverend  Anthony  Rustige 


Father  Rustige 's  native  country 
was  Westphalia,  where  he  was  born 
near  the  city  of  Paderborn  in  1841. 
In  that  city  he  completed  his  clas- 
sical studies,  prepared  himself  at  the 
American  College  of  Muenster  for 
the  priesthood  and  was  ordained  at 
Teutopolis  by  Bishop  Juncker  for 
the  Alton  diocese  in  1866.  He  was 
assigned  as  assistant  to  St.  Patrick's 
of  East  St.  Louis,  and  as  such,  had 
charge  of  the  congregations  of  Col- 
linsville  and  Lebanon  from  1866  to 
1868.  In  the  latter  part  of  Decem- 
ber, 1868,  he  succeeded  Reverend 
William  Kuchenbuch  as  pastor  of  St. 
Mary,  of  Edwardsville.  When  St. 
Boniface  parish  of  that  city  was 
started    he    relinquished    his    prior 


charge  to  Reverend  D.  Burne.  In- 
cessantly he  planned  and  worked  for 
the  good  of  the  new  parish  some  six 
years  and  until  his  frail  constitution 
yielded  to  undue  pressure  and  he  col- 
lapsed under  the  continued  strain  of 
mental  and  physical  exertion.  His 
physician  advised  the  young  priest 
to  seek  repose  and  rest  at  the  St. 
Mary  Hospital  of  St.  Louis.  All 
medical  skill  and  human  efforts, 
however,  proved  futile.  Father  Rus- 
tige had  done  his  work  at  the  ex- 
pense of  his  health.  Consumption 
had  set  in,  which  claimed  the  good 
and  zealous  worker  when  but  tfiirtv- 
three  years  old,  September  8,  1874. 
He  was  buried  in  Edwardsville. 


Reverend  Daniel  J.  Ryan 


Daniel  J.  Ryan  was  the  son  of  Wil- 
liam Ryan  and  Margaret,  nee 
Keough,  born  at  Kickapoo,  Illinois, 
August  3,  1852,  and  ordained  at  the 
Alton  Cathedral  by  Bishop  Baltes, 
June  29,  1876.  His  first  appointment 
was  to  Grafton,  where  he  labored  in 


1876-1877,  whence  he  was  assigned 
to  Virden,  where  he  remained  from 
1877  to  1881.  At  this  time  it  hap- 
pened that  Reverend  Manasses  Kane, 
founder  and  builder  of  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Springfield,  resigned.  No 
one    was    thought    more    capable   to 


689 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


handle  the  affairs  of  that  parish  than 
Father  Ryan,  who  during  the  next 
fifteen  years  proved  his  unquestioned 
ability  as  a  wise  and  prudent  pastor 
and  capable  administrator.  He  over- 
came difficulties  in  reducing  the 
heavy  debt,  built  a  commodious 
parochial  residence  and  supplied  the 
church  with  a  splendid  pipe  organ. 
Father  Ryan's  heart  and  mind  were 
centered  in  the  affairs  of  his  beloved 
St.  Joseph's,  which  increased  and 
developed  under  his  unflagging  care 
and  devotion  steadily  and  constantly. 
In  1896  he  was  requested  to  exchange 
places  with  Reverend  M.  Clifford,  of 
St.  Mary  parish,  Mt,  Sterling.  Father 
Ryan  continued  his  priestly  activity 
with  the  same  eagerness  and  zeal  in 
the  new  parish  as  he  was  wont  to 
practice  at  Springfield.  For  three 
years    he    successfully    directed    the 


destinies  of  the  Mt.  Sterling  charge, 
when,  on  November  23,  1899,  he  met 
with  a  serious  accident  which  was  to 
cause  his  premature  death.  On  that 
day  the  parochial  residence  burned 
down.  In  his  efforts  to  extinguish  the 
fire  and  save  his  home,  Father  Ryan 
sustained  injuries  which  ultimately 
proved  fatal.  With  the  house  he  lost 
his  library  and  all  the  church  records. 
The  badly  burned  pastor  was  rushed 
to  Our  Saviour  Hospital  at  Jackson- 
ville, where  the  best  of  medical  treat- 
ment was  given  him.  For  a  while  the 
patient  seemed  to  be  on  the  road  to  re- 
covery. But  this  was  delusive.  He 
lingered  until  July,  1900,  when  he 
had  to  yield  to  the  inevitable. 

Father  Ryan's  remains  were  buried 
in  the  Catholic  cemetery  of  Jackson- 
ville. 


Reverend  Lawrence  and  Reverend  Bernard  Michael  Ryan,  Twin  Brothers 


These  twin  brothers  were  born  on 
Christmas  Day,  1870,  in  County  Kill- 
kenny.  Their  parents  were  Michael 
Ryan  and  Mary  Tainly  Ryan.  His- 
tory has  it  that  they  were  two  lusty, 
healthy,  strenuous  Irish  babies  and 
the  pride  of  their  happy  parents  who 
regarded  them  as  God's  Christmas 
presents  to  them. 

Divine  Providence  had  marked 
them  as  His  own  to  serve  Him  in  far- 
off  America  as  His  priests. 

Having  completed  their  primary 
and  classical  studies,  they  entered  All 


Hallows  College,  Dublin,  where  they 
were  ordained  priests  in  1873.  They 
came  direct  to  Alton  where  Bishop 
Baltes  gave  them  a  hearty  welcome. 
Father  Lawrence  was  made  pastor  of 
Virden,  where  also  he  died  in  1877. 
His  brother,  Father  Michael  Ryan 
survived  him  and  died  as  pastor  of 
Virginia,  Illinois,  in  1892.  Both 
brothers  were  interred  in  Calvary 
Cemetery,  the  funeral  from  Immac- 
ulate Conception  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois. 


Reverend  Michael  Ryan 


Reverend  Michael  Ryan,  son  of 
Michael  Ryan  and  Mary  Finnally, 
was  placed  in  the  arms  of  his  parents 
a  Christmas  gift,  1850.  He  hailed 
from  Kil  Macow,  Ireland,  and  was 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  at  All  Hal- 
lows on  June  24,  1875.  From  1876 
to  1892,  the  year  of  his  death,  he 
proved  himself  a  persistent  and  faith- 
ful worker  at  Virginia 

A  good  natured  and  always  jovial 
man  was  the  late  pastor  of  Virginia, 
Father  Michael  Ryan.  Tall  of  stature, 


habitually  wearing  a  silk  hat,  he  tow- 
ered above  his  confreres  wherever  as- 
sembled. St.  Luke's  of  Virginia, 
held  out  but  precarious  emoluments 
to  its  pastor,  and  yet  he  seemed  the 
exemplification  of  contentment  which 
is  best  demonstrated  by  the  sixteen 
long  years  which  he  spent  in  this  poor 
mission  without  ever  insisting  upon  a 
change  for  the  better.  And  Father 
Ryan's  memory  remains  deeply  en- 
graven upon  the  hearts  of  the  faithful 
parishioners  of  Virginia  to  this  day. 


690 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Thomas  Ryan 


About  the  year  1852,  Reverend 
Thomas  Ryan  was  appointed  a  mis- 
sionary priest  of  Central  Illinois.  His 
territory  extends  nearly  all  over  the 
big  prairies.  He  covered  nine  coun- 
ties in  his  ministry.  Edgar,  Ver- 
milion, Champaign,  Douglas,  Clark, 
Cumberland,  Coles,  Shelby,  Moultrie 
and  part  of  Macon  county.  The  prin- 
cipal object  of  his  appointment  was 
to  look  after  the  religious  welfare  of 
those  employed  in  the  construction  of 
the  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Short- 
ly after  his  appointment  Father  Ryan 
undertook  the  erection  of  a  brick 
church  at  Urbana,  (Champaign) 
which,  however,  was  blown  down  by  a 
prairie  cyclone  just  as  the  men  were 
preparing  to  put  on  the  roof.  In  1853, 
when  he  lived  in  Baldwinville,  (North 
Arm),  he  is  known  to  have  attended 
Areola.  Some  years  later,  in  1856, 
Mattoon  was  organized  as  a  station. 
Father  Thomas  Ryan  was  appointed 
its  pastor  by  the  Chicago  Bishop,  and 
he  at  once  located  there.  In  1858  he 
commenced  the  first  church  building 
in  that  thrifty  town,  which,  however, 
was  not  finished  until  the  following 
year,  when  it  was  dedicated  by  Bishop 
Juncker.  The  number  of  resident 
Catholic  families  at  that  time  was  but 
eight.  The  visits  made  by  Father 
Ryan  over  his  extensive  territory 
were  neither  frequent  nor  regular. 
When  pastor  of  Mattoon  he  lived  in 


a  small  house,  and  in  it  he  died  in 
June,  1863. 

The  body  of  this  pioneer  of  religion 
in  the  West  lies  in  the  little  village 
churchyard  of  St.  Mary  of  the  Woods, 
Indiana. 

One  day  Father  Ryan  was  visited 
by  a  young  priest,  newly  ordained, 
and  just  starting  out  on  the  mission. 
"When  you  go  back  to  Alton,  tell 
the  Bishop  to  leave  you  here  with  me. 
I  am  too  old  and  feeble  to  attend  sick 
calls.  The  people  don't  mind  me  any 
more.  My  pews  are  rented  to  them 
for  $2.50  a  year,  and  the  blackguards 
won't  pay  me."  The  young  priest 
would  have  been  delighted  to  help  old 
Father  Tom,  but  the  Bishop  could 
not  spare  him. 

Physically  he  was  a  tall,  fine  look- 
ing old  gentleman.  He  had  overflow- 
ing Irish  wit  and  shrewdness  under 
his  jokes  and  funny  ghost  stories,  few 
gave  him  credit  for. 

Like  Father  Alleman  in  Northern 
Illinois,  Father  Ryan  traveled  most- 
ly on  foot  from  mission  to  mission. 
His  historian  vouches  for  the  fact 
that  during  retreat  time  he  kept  his 
fellow-priests  laughing  by  his  funny 
stories.  That  Father  Ryan  was  a 
zealous  priest  and  founder  of  future 
churches  in  Eastern  Illinois,  no  one 
can  dispute.  That  he  made  light  and 
merry  of  his  hardships  was  to  his 
credit  as  a  representative  of  the  buoy- 
ancy and  cheerfulness  of  his  race. 


Reverend  John  Sandrock 


Reverend  John  Sandrock  was  born 
near  Paderborn  in  Westphalia,  on 
November  4,  1833,  emigrated  to  this 
country  August  4,  1858,  and  was  or- 
dained to  the  priesthood  November 
19,  1858.  From  March  1,  1859,  until 
his  transfer  to  Alton,  in  1872,  he  act- 
ed as  pastor  of  St.  Marie. 

When,  in  September,  1872,  Rever- 
end Francis  Ostrop  was  transferred 
from  St.  Mary's  parish  of  Alton, 
to  assume  the  rectorship  of  St.  Boni- 
face congregation  of  Quincy,  Bishop 


Baltes  appointed  Reverend  John 
Sandrock,  at  the  time  pastor  of  St. 
Marie,  in  Jasper  County,  to  become 
his  successor  at  Alton.  He  was  a 
picture  of  robust  health,  though  his 
priestly  life  of  some  fourteen  years 
had  been  spent  in  hard  work,  accom- 
panied by  many  hardships  and  trials. 
A  pioneer  priest  he  had  been  inured 
to  these  many  austerities  and  self- 
denials.  Before  long  he  was  en- 
throned in  the  hearts  of  the  people  of 
Alton.     By    his    earnestness    of    de- 


691 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


meanor,  genuine  piety  and  eloquent 
&ermons,  he  soon  gained  their  respect 
and  affection  in  an  uncommon  de- 
gree. His  countrymen,  the  people 
from  the  Bichsfeld,  were  justly  proud 
of  him.  But  his  administration  of  the 
affairs  of  St.  Mary  were  to  be  rudely 
interrupted  by  premature  death.  Dur- 
ing the  smallpox  epidemic  in  1873 
he  contracted  the  disease  while    at- 


tending some  of  the  small-pox  suffer- 
ers. He  exposed  himself  to  the  con- 
tagion more  than  proper  caution 
would  have  warranted.  The  stricken 
priest,  forsaken  and  alone,  died  with- 
out the  consolation  of  his  church,  on 
May  10,  1873.  His  remains  were  in- 
terred in  the  Catholic  cemetery  of 
Alton. 


Reverend  Augustine  Sauer 


Reverend  Augustine  Sauer  was 
born  in  Baden,  Germany,  August  28, 
1847.  Having  completed  his  classical 
studies  he  entered  the  American 
Theological  Seminary  of  St.  Mauritz 
in  Muenster,  Germany,  which  at  that 
time  was  well  patronized  for  candi- 
dates for  the  American  Missions. 

Having  finished  his  ecclesiastical 
studies  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  supe- 
riors, he  was  ordained  priest  in  the 
Cathedral  of  Muenster  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Bossman  of  Muen- 
ster Diocese.  Shortly  after  his  arrival 
in  the  Alton  Diocese,  Bishop  Baltes 
appointed  him  Assistant  to  Reverend 
L.  Hinssen  of  Belleville,  Illinois,  in 
1872. 

In  the  year  1873  he  was  promoted 
to  the  pastorate  of  Petersburg  where 
he  labored  most  successfully  until 
1877.    He  then  returned  to  Belleville 


where  Bishop  John  Janssen  gave  him 
a  royal  welcome. 

Father  Sauer  organized  St.  Mary 
congregation,  built  the  brick  church 
and  opened  a  parochial  school. 
Father  Sauer  presided  over  the  des- 
tinies of  St.  Mary  in  Belleville  until 
1909,  and  from  1918  until  his  death 
he  faithfully  ministered  to  the  spir- 
itual needs  of  Sisters  and  patients  in 
St.  Elizabeth  Hospital,  Belleville, 
Illinois.  For  the  artistic  decorations 
of  its  beautiful  chapel,  he  himself 
collected  the  sum  of  $7,000.00,  simply 
because  he  was  an  enthusiastic  lover 
of  the  beautiful  in  Art.  His  library 
was  stocked  with  copies  of  the  fore- 
most masterpieces. 

He  died  May  15,  1922,  in  St.  Eliz- 
abeth Hospital.  He  was  75  years  old. 
Had  he  lived  until  May  25th,  he 
would  have  celebrated  the  Golden 
Jubilee  of  his  ordination. 


Vert  Reverend  Herman  Joseph  Schaefermeyer,  V.G. 


Father  Herman  Joseph  Schaefer- 
meyer was  born  July  18,  1818,  at 
Boke,  near  Paderborn,  Germany.  He 
was  elevated  to  the  priesthood  Au- 
gust 14,  1843,  and  worked  with  groat 
fervor  in  the  parish  of  Neiderwern- 
ger  until  setting  sail  for  America. 
He  arrived  in  America  September 
14,  1858. 

In  the  fifties  of  the  last  century 
our  young  diocese  hailed  amongst 
others  the  advent  of  a  loyal,  true 
and  self-sacrificing  priest,  one  who 
had  already  labored  with  apostolic 
zeal  for  more  than  fifteen  years  in 
the  Fatherland,  it  was  Reverend  Her- 
man J.  Schaefermeyer.     Highly  rec- 


ommended for  efficiency  and  priestly 
virtues  by  his  own  Ordinary,  the 
new-comer  from  Europe  was  cordial- 
ly welcomed  by  the  Bishop  of  Alton, 
and  at  once  assigned  to  the  pastorate 
of  St.  Boniface,  of  Quincy.  On  De- 
cember 18,  1858  the  new  pastor  for- 
mally took  charge  of  its  parochial 
affairs.  The  loyal  people  of  the 
parish  at  once  stood  by  their  pastor, 
seconded  his  views  and  helped  to 
carry  out  his  far-reaching  plans.  In 
fact,  Father  Schaefermeyer  was  just 
the  man  these  people  needed,  kind 
but  firm  and  energetic.  Reforms 
were  inaugurated  and  soon  new  life 
began  to  course  through  the  veins  of 


692 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


the  parish,  the  obstreperous  spirit  of 
former  days  became  subdued  and 
began  to  fade  and  vanish.  St.  Boni- 
face was  on  the  eve  of  an  era  of 
prosperity  and  progress.  It  was  at 
this  juncture  that  Father  Schaefer- 
meyer  suggested  to  the  Bishop  that 
he  extend  an  invitation  to  the  Ger- 
man Franciscans  to  come  and  locate 
in  the  diocese.  In  1859  they  came  to 
Quincy,  as  did  likewise  the  Sisters 
de  Notre  Dame. 

On  June  12,  1860,  Bishop  Juneker 
appointed  Father  Schaefermeyer  a 
Vicar  General,  which  appointment 
was  later  re-affirmed  by  his  succes- 
sor, Bishop  Baltes.  Between  the 
years  1859  and  1867,  Father  Schaef- 
ermeyer lent  a  helping  hand  in  the 
founding  of  St.  Francis  College,  St. 
Mary  Hospital  and  St.  Mary  Acad- 
emy ;  likewise  St.  Antonius  parish  of 
Melrose,  St.  Joseph  on  Columbus 
Koad  and  St.  Mary  parish  of  Quincy, 
owe  him  a  debt  of  gratitude  for  the 
interest  he  took  in  their  beginning 
and  subsequent  development. 


The  great  work  he  accomplished 
at  St.  Boniface  during  the  fourteen 
years  of  his  incumbency  has  been 
eloquently  told  by  Father  Bruener 
in  his  "History  of  the  Catholic 
Church  of  Quincy."  For  a  long 
time  it  had  been  Father  Schaefer- 
meyer's  desire  to  retire  from  the  tur- 
moil of  the  world  into  the  seclusion 
of  the  cloister.  Now  his  work  of  re- 
formation in  St.  Boniface  parish  had 
been  accomplished,  his  cherished 
wish  assumed  tangible  form  and  on 
September  23,  1872,  he  quietly  slip- 
ped away  from  Quincy  to  exchange 
the  Carmelite  habit  for  that  of  the 
Franciscans.  He  entered  the  Fran- 
ciscan Monastery  at  Teutopolis, 
where  from  thenceforth  he  became 
known  to  the  world  as  Father  Lib- 
orius,  O.F.M. 

After  a  long  and  patiently  borne 
illness,  he  died  at  St.  Francis  Monas- 
tery May  10,  1887,  and  was  buried 
on  the  13th  from  St.  Francis  Church. 
His  remains  were  deposited  in  St. 
Boniface  Cemetery,  of  Quincy. 

; 
Reverend  William  Schamoni 


Father  William  Schamoni  was  a 
native  of  Germany,  born  at  Holing- 
hausen,  Westphalia,  in  1835 ;  studied 
at  Teutopolis  and  Montreal.  At  the 
latter  place  he  was  ordained  in  April, 
1868. 

Among  the  number  of  assistant 
priests  who  served  St.  Boniface  par- 
ish of  Quincy,  we  find  the  name  of 
Reverend  William  Schamoni  enrolled. 
He  proved  to  be  an  efficient  helper  to 
the  pastor,  Father  Schaefermeyer. 
His  stay  there,  however,  lasted  only 
from  April  19  to  October  25,  1868, 
when  he  was  transferred  to  East  St. 
Louis  to  assume  temporary  charge  of 
St.  Henry's  congregation,  succeeding 
the  Reverend  Gerhard  Leve,  who  had 
been  ordered  to  Mascoutah.  When, 
on  January  26,  1869,  Reverend  Chris- 


topher Koenig  was  appointed  pastor 
of  St.  Henry,  Father  Schamoni  was 
assigned  to  the  parish  of  Red  Bud,  in 
Randolph  county.  We  next  find  him 
presiding  as  pastor  over  the  parish  at 
Lourdes,  and  later  on,  in  1877,  at 
Henry  and  Metamora  in  the  diocese 
of  Peoria,  where  he  became  favorably 
known  to  Bishop  and  priests,  for  his 
talents  and  energies  were  such  that 
success  attended  his  every  undertak- 
ing. This  was  forcibly  put  forth  by 
Bishop  Spalding,  for  when  Father 
Schamoni  died  at  Henry  in  1882,  the 
learned  and  eloquent  Bishop  deliver- 
ed a  most  impressive  funeral  sermon 
in  the  course  of  which  he  paid  un- 
stinted praise  to  the  efforts  and 
priestly  virtues  of  the  deceased. 


Reverend  Augustine  Schlegel 


Sublime  in  moral  courage  and 
exalted  in  ambition,  strictly  honor- 
able in  all  actions  and  true  in  all 


friendships,  Father  Schlegel  com- 
bined in  his  character  a  multitude  of 
virtues  which  elevated  him  far  above 


693 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


the  average  man.  By  his  forceful- 
ness  of  character  and  indomnitahle 
will  power  he  succeeded  where 
others  had  signally  failed.  He  was 
a  martinet  who  fearlessly  carried  out 
his  plans  once  they  seemed  plausible 
and  advantageous  to  the  interests  of 
religion  in  general  and  his  parish  in 
particular.  Little  did  he  care  for 
public  opinion  and  he  spurned  Ihe 
plaudits  of  men.  Plain  and  out- 
spoken, he  never  tried  to  hide  the 
meaning  of  his  sayings  by  equivocal 
and  ambiguous  language;  he  never 
minced  words  but  called  "a  spade" 
by  its  proper  name.  Castigating, 
for  instance,  the  stubborness  of  his 
own  country  people,  those  hailing 
from  Baden,  he  hesitated  not  to  call 
them  at  times  "Badische  Kuhhoer- 
ner, "  a  well  known  appellation  not 
very  flattering  and  yet  seemingly 
not  hurting  the  feelings  of  his  lis- 
teners to  any  appreciable  degree. 
Both  in  private  and  public  utter- 
ances he  held  to  his  opinions  and 
followed  his  convictions.  The 
height  of  his  ambition  was  to  do  his 
duty  well.  He  loved  his  Church  and 
his  country  with  equal  intensity.  Be- 
neath an  often  blunt  and  harsh  ex- 
terior there  pulsated  a  soft  and 
tender  heart  full  of  sympathy  and 
pity  for  his  fellow  men,  the  destitute. 
His  exalted  character,  his  intellec- 
tual powers,  his  extensive  and  varied 
learning  were  united  with  steady 
industrious  and  economic  habits.  To 
all  these  gifts  may  be  ascribed  the 
large  measure  of  success  which  he 
attained  in  the  various  parishes  over 
which  he  was  sent  to  preside,  Mt. 
Carmel,  Edwardsville  and  Highland. 
In  a  brief  historic  sketch  of  the  St. 
Boniface  congregation  of  Edwards- 
ville, he  is  spoken  of  as  "the  second 
founder"  of  that  parish. 


Reverend  Augustine  Sehlegel  was 
born  August  30,  1851,  at  Allmans- 
dorf,  in  Baden,  and  came  to  this 
country  when  he  had  finished  his 
classical  studies.  Here  St.  Francis 
Seminary,  near  Milwaukee,  became 
his  Alma  Mater.  And  when  his 
theological  studies  were  ended,  he 
received  ordination  from  Bishop 
Baltes  in  the  private  chapel  at  Alton, 
June  24,  1877.  Father  Schlegcl's 
first  appointment  was  to  Mt.  Carmel 
(now  Belleville  diocese),  where  he 
labored  diligently  for  some  four 
years  at  the  end  of  which — by 
mutual  agreement — he  exchanged 
places  with  Reverend  Gerard  Jans- 
sen,  then  pastor  of  St.  Boniface,  of 
Edwardsville.  His  stay  there  con- 
tinued from  1877  until  July  15,  1892. 
Here  he  is  styled — as  already  men- 
tioned— "the  second  founder"  of  the 
parish,  because  it  was  he  who 
brought  order  out  of  chaos,  intro- 
duced a  number  of  necessary  reforms 
and  caused  many  improvements  to  be 
made.  Thus  in  1882  a  new  school 
building  was  erected,  in  1889  the 
leaky  church  roof  covered  with  slate 
shingles,  in  1890  new  altars  pur- 
chased, a  Sister's  residence  con- 
structed in  1892,  a  new  pipe  organ 
installed  in  1894,  and  a  new  heating 
plant  two  years  later. 

The  zealous  and  untiring  priest, 
however,  could  not  draw  upon  his 
strength  supply  indefinitely.  His 
health  became  undermined  and,  a 
sick  man,  he  was  ordered  to  the  pas- 
torate of  St.  Paul,  of  Highland, 
whose  pastor  had  been  transferred 
to  St.  Mary,  of  Alton.  Father 
Sehlegel  suffered  with  cancer  of  the 
stomach  and  it  was  that  painful  af- 
fliction which  caused  his  death  at 
the  Hospital  of  Highland,  September 
24,  1903,  at  the  age  of  52  years. 


Reverend  Adolf  Schneider 


A  companionable  and  good-natured 
man  was  Reverend  Adolf  Schneider, 
who  after  a  brief  illness  of  but  a  few 
weeks,  was  claimed  by  death  at  the 
rectory  of  St.  Ann  parish  of  Edge- 


wood,  January  26,  1914.  An  abscess 
on  the  brain  had  caused  his  early  de- 
mise for  when  called  he  was  but  40 
years  old.  His  birthplace  was  Frank- 
fort, in  Germany. 


694 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


An  only  child  of  his  parents,  Adolf 
received  a  splendid  education.  De- 
sirous for  a  higher  spiritual  life  he 
decided  to  enter  the  service  of  the 
Church.  To  that  end  he  applied  for 
admission  to  the  Seminary  of  Knecht- 
stretten,  conducted  by  the  "Fathers 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,"  of  which  com- 
munity he  soon  became  a  member. 
Having  almost  finished  his  theological 
course,  he  decided  on  coming  to 
America.  At  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
Wisconsin,  he  completed  his  unfinish- 
ed ecclesiastical  studies,  was  or- 
dained by  Bishop  Eis,  in  St.  Peter 
Cathedral,  of  Marquette,  June  1, 
1901,  whose  diocese  he  had  joined, 
and  was  appointed  to  the  parish  of 
Grand  Marrais,  Michigan.  Here  he 
remained  several  years.  Not  being  ac- 
customed nor  acclimated,  however,  to 
the  severity  of  the  long  northern  win- 


ters and  the  keen,  icy  blasts  that 
sweep  the  northern  lakes  and,  im- 
pelled moreover  by  rather  more  per- 
sonal reasons,  Father  Schneider,  with 
his  Bishop's  permission  went  to  Dav- 
enport, Iowa,  to  become  an  assistant 
to  the  late  Monsignor  Niermann. 
After  a  stay  of  about  one  year,  he 
drifted  into  the  Alton  diocese,  where 
at  Collinsville  and  Quincy,  (St.  Boni- 
face and  St.  Mary's)  he  acted  as  as- 
sistant and  thereafter  was  sent  as 
pastor  to  Edgewood  where  he  was  un- 
expectedly summoned  away  from  the 
field  of  his  labors  by  death,  as  noted 
in  the  opening  lines  of  this  sketch. 

Funeral  services  were  held  at  Car- 
linville,  where  he  had  substituted  for 
a  while  during  the  illness  of  the  late 
Father  Ader.  His  remains  were 
huried  in  St.  Joseph  cemetery  of  that 
place. 


Reverend  Francis  X.  Schreiber 


Father  Francis  Xavier  Schreiber 
was  born  at  Warsburg,  in  the  diocese 
of  Paderborn,  December  16,  1834.  He 
came  to  this  country  November  3, 
1856,  and  received  Holy  Orders  from 
Archbishop  Kenriek  at  St.  Louis, 
June  26,  1858,  being  ordained  for 
the  diocese  of  Alton. 

During  his  activity  in  this  diocese 
we  meet  him  as  pastor  of  St.  Mary  of 
Carlinsville  in  1861,  and  later,  July 
38,  1867,  he  takes  charge  of  St.  Mary 
church  of  New  Berlin.  The  present 
handsome  brick  building  of  that  par- 
ish owes  its  existence  to  the  efforts  of 
Father  Schreiber.  Here  he  remained 
five  years  when  circumstances  com- 
pelled him  to  hand  in  his  resignation 


to  the  Bishop.  Father  Schreiber 's 
next  place  was  Vandalia,  1872  to 
1873.  From  there  he  moved  to  Henry 
and  then  came  the  important  charge 
of  Bloomington,  at  St.  Mary,  where 
he  became  the  first  resident  rector  of 
that  parish  from  1877  to  1881,  after 
which  it  went  over  into  the  hands  of 
the  Franciscan  Fathers.  At  this 
juncture  he  retired  from  active  pas- 
toral duty  and  lived  the  life  of 
seclusion  at  Havana,  Illinois.  When 
sickness  and  the  accompanying  in- 
firmities of  old  age  crept  upon  him  he 
betook  himself  to  the  Ursuline  con- 
vent of  St.  Louis,  where  he  peacefully 
expired  June  20,  1905.  His  remains 
were  interred  at  Arcadia,  Missouri. 


Reverend  John  Sheridan 


But  meagre  are  the  details  known 
cf  Father  Sheridan.  He  was  pastor 
of  St.  John  church  of  Carrollton,  and 
its  first    resident    pastor,    1864-1865, 


succeeding  Reverend  A.  Laurent. 
Father  Sheridan  thereupon  joined 
the  Cleveland  diocese,  where  he  died 
some  years  later. 


Reverend  F.  X.  Smith 


Father  Smith  was  the  son  of  Wil- 
liam J.  Smith  and  Alice  Whittaker, 
born  December  9,  1869,  and  ordained 


at  Mt.  St.  Mary,  Cincinnati,  by  Arch- 
bishop Elder,*  on  June  21,  1893. 
Among    the    various    minor    charges 


695 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


which  he  presided  over  was  that  of 
Brighton,  1896-1899.  Sickness  in- 
duced him  to  repeatedly  seek  a  change 
of     climate,     but     nevertheless,    the 


bright  young  priest  succumbed  to  an 
early  death  at  the  Alton  hospital 
November  28,  1905. 


Reverend  James  P.  Smith 


Reverend  James  Smith,  son  of  Pat- 
rick Smith  and  Mary  Galligan,  was 
born    August    15,    1848    at    Grosser- 


Laugh,  Ireland,  and  ordained  a  priest 
June  29,  1879,  at  the  Alton  Cathedral 
by  Bishop  Baltes.  He  was  buried  at 
Edwardsville. 


Reverend  Clement  Aloys  Sommer 


"God's  finger  touched  him  and  he 
slept."  That  which  was  mortal  of 
Reverend  C.  A.  Sommer  lapsed  quiet- 
ly into  death's  embrace  at  St.  Clara 
rectory  of  Altamont  during  the  mid- 
night hour  on  the  day  before 
Epiphany,  January  5,  1903.  His 
death  was  wholly  unexpected  by  his 
parishioners  and  confreres  of  the 
clergy  to  whom  the  cruel  news  came 
with  a  force  that  greatly  saddened. 
Strengthened  and  fortified  by  the  last 
sacraments  of  his  Church,  consoled 
by  the  presence  and  prayers  of  a 
brother  priest,  Father  Louis  Lam- 
mert,  and  a  good  Sister  of  Mercy  who 
knelt  by  the  bedside  when  the  end 
came,  he  passed  calmly  and  peacefully 
away.  Dreaded  pneumonia,  con- 
tracted during  the  previous  Christ- 
mas holidays  caused  his  premature 
demise.  And  no  wonder.  In  a  coun- 
try parish  a  priest  often  has  to  com- 
bine the  office  of  pastor  and  sexton 
in  one  person.  Aside  from  long  hours 
in  the  Confessional  and  that  not  in- 
frequently in  a  cold,  damp  and 
draughty  church,  he  trims  the  altars, 
rings  the  Angelus  bell  and  in  the 
early  morning  hour  kindles  the  fire  in 
the  church  stove  for  the  comfort  of 
his  people.  Father  Sommer  met  in 
the  struggles  of  his  priestly  life  mul- 
titudinous demands  with  unwaver- 
ing courage  and  unflagging  devotion, 
not  only  at  Altamont  during  the 
three  and  one-half  years  of  serv- 
ice, but  especially  during  the  four- 
teen years  labor  in  isolated  Calhoun 


county  at  Michael,  with  Kampsville 
and  Hardin  as  missions  attached  to 
his  parish,  in  all  of  which  places,  his 
name  has  become  a  household  word. 
The  good  which  he  accomplished  and 
the  seed  he  so  generously  has  sown 
by  word  and  example,  and  the  sac- 
rifices and  privations  he  so  cheerfully 
made  during  the  26  years  of  priestly 
life  surely  have  earned  a  generous 
reward.  Father  Sommer  was  a  man 
of  a  retiring  disposition,  unostenta- 
tious and  humble  in  all  his  doings. 

Father  Sommer  was  born  in  An- 
feld,  Westphalia,  July  26,  1852,  he 
graduated  in  his  classical  studies  at 
Paderborn,  became  thereupon  an 
alumnus  of  the  College  of  Muenster 
and  received  the  grace  of  Ordination 
in  the  venerable  Cathedral  of  Osna- 
brucek,  May  26,  1877.  Bishop  Baltes 
directed  the  young  priest  for  one  year 
to  Maynooth  in  Ireland,  there  to 
familiarize  himself  with  the  English 
language  ere  coming  to  America.  For 
fourteen  years  he  labored  in  Calhoun 
county  with  those  two  doughty 
pioneer  priests,  Fathers  Winterhalter 
and  Without,  and  on  the  death  of 
Father  Ostrop  was  transferred  to 
Carlinville.  There  as  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph  parish  he  worked  nine  years 
until  his  health  broke  down  and  he 
was  given  the  smaller  congregation 
of  Altamont,  where  after  three  and 
one-half  years  work  conscientiously 
performed  he  entered  eternal  rest. 
His  remains  were  interred  in  St. 
Anthony  cemetery  of  Effingham. 


696 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Joseph  Spaeth 


The  name  of  Father  Joseph  Spaeth 
will  forever  remain  linked  with  St. 
James  parish,  of  Decatur.  The  Ger- 
man Catholics  prior  to  1877  had  held 
membership  in  St.  Patrick,  but  grow- 
ing in  number  and  influence  Bishop 
Baltes  considered  it  opportune  to 
gather  them  into  a  separate  parish. 
This  was  done  in  1877  with  Father 
Spaeth  as  organizer  and  builder. 
Church,  school  and  rectory  were 
erected  and  before  long  St.  James 
enjoyed  progress  and  prosperity. 

Reverend  Joseph  Spaeth  was  born 
at  Blitzenreuthe  in  the  diocese  of 
Rottenburg,   in   Wuertemburg,    Ger- 


many, February  20,  1849;  came  to 
this  country  May  5,  1867;  studied 
theology  at  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
Milwaukee,  and  was  ordained  at  Al- 
ton, June  24,  1877.  From  Decatur 
he  was  transferred  to  Southern  Illi- 
nois, became  Cathedral  choir  direc- 
tor at  Belleville,  which  position, 
however,  he  soon  relinquished.  Early 
in  the  nineties  (1893),  he  joined  the 
Detroit  diocese,  where  he  displayed 
his  talents  to  great  advantage.  He 
died  as  pastor  of  the  German  St. 
Joseph  parish  of  Port  Huron,  Mich- 
igan, April  19,  1913.  He  was  buried 
in  Decatur. 


Reverend  Ferdinand  Stick 


Reverend  Ferdinand  Stick  was 
born  at  Birkesdorf,  in  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Cologne,  February  10, 
1839.  When  fifteen  years  of  age  he 
emigrated,  with  his  parents,  to  this 
country,  landing  on  our  shores  July 
1,  1854,  and  settling  near  Gutten- 
berg,  Iowa.  His  early  classical  edu- 
cation he  received  at  the  College  of 
Bardstown,  Kentucky.  Of  his  first 
arrival  at  the  college,  he  often  spoke. 
"When  I  presented  myself  there," 
he  related,  "I  was  but  a  small  little 
chap  and  about  as  green  as  you 
could  make  one.  I  wore  my  German 
cap  and  carried  my  few  belongings 
wrapped  up  in  a  multicolored  big 
bandana.  The  rector  and  professors 
were  much  amused  at  my  appear- 
ance." 

Young  Stick  carved  his  way 
through  college  and  splendidly  ac- 
quitted himself  in  his  studies.  Later 
he  was  sent  to  Teutopolis  to  finish 
the  prescribed  courses  in  philosophy 
and  theology,  at  the  end  of  which 
he  was  ordained  by  Bishop  Juncker, 
at  Alton,  December  6,  1863. 

With  the  passing  of  Father  Stick, 
the  ranks  of  the  diocesan  clergy  ex- 
perienced a  keen  void,  not  that  he 
was  one  of  the  few  Nestors  who  of 
a  bygone  generation  still  lingered 
among  them,  but  more  by  reason  of 
his   general   merits,   the   Bishop   ap- 


pointed him  a  dean  of  the  district, 
and  later  an  irremovable  rector  of 
St.  Paul  parish,  of  Highland.  Father 
Stick's  main  parochial  achievements 
rest,  however,  with  the  parish  of 
Mattoon,  where  his  memory  will  not 
die  until  the  oldest  member  thereof 
has  sunk  into  the  grave.  The  mo- 
tives of  the  well-intentioned  man 
were  at  times  misconstrued  by  evil- 
minded  persons,  such  as  he  experi- 
enced to  his  sorrow  whilst  pastor  of 
Pana. 

Months  prior  to  his  demise,  in 
July,  1911,  he  had  relinquished  paro- 
chial duties  and  had  retired,  a 
patient  to  the  hospital  of  Highland, 
where  he  resignedly  bore  his  afflic- 
tion, which  ultimately  culminated  in 
death — dropsy.  With  a  wonderful 
buoyancy  of  spirit  which  never  left 
him,  he  submitted  to  God's  holy  will 
and  calmly  awaited  the  day  and 
moment  when  the  Angel  of  Death 
was  to  beckon  him  from  hence.  Sur- 
rounded by  the  Community  of  the 
Good  Sisters,  Father  Stick  expired 
August  22,  1914,  attaining  the  age 
of  75  years  and  six  months. 

After  solemn  obsequies  which 
were  largely  attended  by  Bishop, 
clergy  and  laity,  his  mortal  remains 
were  buried  in  St.  Paul  Cemetery,  of 
Highland. 


697 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Joseph  Still 


Father  Still  was  born  in  Uerding- 
er,  Germany,  May  25,  1849.  He  made 
his  philosophical  and  theological 
studies  at  the  American  College  of 
St.  Mauritz,  Muenster,  and  was  or- 
dained to  the  priesthood  May  22, 
1875,  for  the  diocese  of  Alton.  He 
landed  in  New  York,  September  8, 
1875,  and  journeyed  at  once  to  Alton, 
where  he  received  the  appointment 
of  assistant  to  Father  Bartels  of  Ger- 
mantown,  which  position  he  held 
until  transferred  to  Quincy,  May  22, 
1880.  Being  told  to  start  there  the 
contemplated  new  St.  John  parish, 
young  Father  Still  flung  himself 
with  great  ardor  and  enthusiasm 
into  the  projected  work.  His  last 
achievement  shortly  before  his  death, 
was  the  purchase — jointly  with  the 
St.  Francis  Parish — of  that  fine  tract 
of  land,  now  Calvary  Cemetery, 
where  he  was  to  find  his  last  resting 
place. 


Father  Still  was  undaunted  by  re- 
verses. When  in  February,  1891,  St. 
Mary  Church  was  reduced  to  ashes 
he  came  to  the  rescue  with  his  money, 
his  advice  and  his  hands.  While  the 
embers  were  still  smouldering,  he 
was  working  with  hammer,  saw  and 
hatchet,  helping  to  erect  a  temporary 
structure  to  keep  the  congregation 
together,  which  answered  its  pur- 
pose while  the  present  beautiful 
house  of  worship  was  being  con- 
structed. Out  on  North  Tenth  street 
stand  a  number  of  monuments  which 
will  perpetuate  his  memory,  St. 
John  Church,  school  and  rectory,  and 
St.  Vincent  Home. 

In  his  passing  the  congregation 
lost  the  pastor  who  started  it  in  1880, 
the  man  who  loved  the  people  of  it 
and  the  friend  of  all  who  lived  with- 
in it.  Hence  the  universal  grief  and 
sorrow  on  the  day  of  his  funeral. 


Reverend  John  Storp 


Reverend  John  Storp  was  born  at 
Schapdetten,  Westphalia,  July  6, 
1850.  On  May  22,  1875,  he  was 
raised  to  the  priesthood  in  the  ven- 
erable St.  Ludger  Cathedral  of 
Muenster  and  landed  in  America  on 
September  20,  of  the  same  year. 

The  first  charge  assigned  to  the 
young  Levite  was  that  of  St.  Patrick 
of  Pana.  Reverend  F.  Lohmann,  then 
stationed  at  Hillsboro,  to  which  this 
pla?e  was  affiliated,  had  just  pur- 
chased a  residence  there  to  be  used 
as  a  rectory.  Father  Storp  then  be- 
came the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Pana,  1875-1877,  from  where  he  was 
transferred  to  Shelbyville,  where, 
during  four  years  of  unremitting 
toil  he  wrought  a  wonderful  change, 
erecting  the  present  brick  church  at 
a  cost  of  $6,000,  and  a  handsome 
brick  residence  at  a  cost  of  $2,000, 
and  causing  Shelbyville  to  become  an 
independent  and  self-sustaining  con- 
gregation. 

In    1881   he   was   assigned   to    St. 


Agnes,  of  Hillsboro,  to  which  No- 
komis  belonged  as  an  out-mission. 
Giving  to  both  places  his  attention, 
he  concluded  that  in  order  to  achieve 
lasting  results,  the  promising  and 
ever-growing  St.  Louis  Parish  of  No- 
komis  should  have  its  own  perman- 
ent pastor.  With  the  sanction  of  the 
Bishop,  Father  Storp,  in  1884,  pur- 
chased a  modest  dwelling  house  and 
took  up  his  residence  in  Nokornis, 
thus  becoming  its  first  resident 
pastor. 

Lillyville,  five  miles  distant,  was 
attended  from  Green  Creek.  It  had 
likewise  been  relinquished  by  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  and  Father  Storp 
attended  it  not  only  on  Sundays,  but 
likewise  often  on  week  days,  saying 
Mass  at  an  early  hour.  Not  wishing 
to  inconvenience  the  farmers  in  fur- 
nishing him  a  team,  especially  when 
the  busy  season  was  on,  he  would 
walk  the  distance  afoot. 

A   violent    attack    of    pneumonia, 


698 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


r- 


contracted  in  a  drafty  railroad  car 
when  coming  from  a  visit  to  St. 
Marie,  ended  the  precious  life  and 
useful  career  of  one  of  the  peers  of 


the  Alton  diocese  on  February  8, 
1902.  He  sleeps  within  the  shadow 
of  the  cross  in  the  little  cemetery  ad- 
joining the  church  in  Green  Creek. 


Reverend  James  Strembler,  D.D.,  LL.D. 


In  the  latter  part  of  the  sixties  the 
Cleveland  Diocesan  Seminary  was 
presided  over  by  a  brilliant  gifted 
man,  he  was  Reverend  Doctor  James 
Strembler.  In  1870,  however,  this 
same  Seminary  Rector  offered  his 
services  to  the  diocese.  They  were 
promptly  accepted  and  Father  Strem- 
ler  was  entrusted  with  the  care  of 
the  parish  of  Mattoon,  which  just 


then  had  been  made  vacant  by  the 
resignation  of  Father  Mangan. 
About  one  year  he  managed  the 
temporal  and  spiritual  affairs  of  Mat- 
toon,  when  on  December  11,  1870,  the 
Bishop  appointed  him  pastor  of  the 
Vandalia  parish,  which  place  he  held 
until  July,  1872.  No  further  par- 
ticulars are  available. 


Reverend  John  H.  Stuebe 


Deceased  was  the  eldest  son  of 
Christian  Stuebe  and  his  wife  Eliza- 
beth, nee  Bergkoetter.  He  was  born 
March  6,  1873.  When  eighteen  years 
old  he  entered  St.  Francis  College, 
of  Quincy,  for  he  had  determined  to 
dedicate  his  life  to  God  and  his  fel- 
low-men. Since  early  childhood  the 
thought  of  becoming  a  priest  had 
been  uppermost  in  his  mind.  Finish- 
ing the  prescribed  classical  course  at 
St.  Francis  College,  young  Stuebe 
thereupon  became  an  alumnus  of  St. 
Mary  Seminary,  Price  Hill,  Cincin- 
nati. March  2,  1901,  the  young  candi- 
date for  Holy  Orders  saw  his  fondest 
hopes  realized,  for  on  that  day  he 
was  ordained  a  priest  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Camillus  Maes  in  the  Cathedral 
of  Covington,  Kentucky. 

Having  filled  various  appointments 
as  an  assistant  priest,  such  as  St. 
Patrick,  Decatur;  St.  John  Hospital, 


Springfield,  and  St.  Mary,  of  Quincy, 
Father  Stuebe  was  appointed  to  the 
charge  of  St.  Charles  congregation 
at  Altamont,  January  9,  1903.  Dur- 
ing the  nine  years  of  splendid  pas- 
toral work  at  Altamont  he  proved 
himself  a  power  for  good  and  had 
caused  a  new  church  to  be  built  at 
St.  Elmo,  a  mission  attached  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  pastor  of  Alta- 
mont. In  the  midst  of  his  active  and 
fruitful  life,  however,  the  hard- 
working young  pastor  was  suddenly 
stricken  with  appendicitis,  and  at 
once  rushed  to  St.  Anthony  Hospital 
of  Effingham,  and  there  underwent  a 
surgical  operation  from  the  effects 
and  shock  of  which  he  soon  expired, 
June  2,  1912.  After  solemn  funeral 
services  his  remains  were  interred 
in  St.  Barbara  Cemetery  of  Okaw- 
ville,  his  native  town. 


Reverend  John  Sullivan 


Father  Sullivan  was  a  native  of 
County  Limerick,  Ireland,  and  a  sub- 
ject of  Archbishop  Kenrick  of  St. 
Louis.  The  erection  of  the  present 
spacious  St.  Malachy  Church  of  St. 
Louis,  is  the  result  of  Father  Sul- 
livan's efforts  while  pastor  of  that 
congregation.  Coming  to  the  Alton 
diocese  in  1865,  he  was  oppointed  to 
Marshall  and  some  time  later  to  the 
charge  of  Paris  where  he  served  in 


1866  and  1867.  Whilst  at  Marshall 
and  Paris  he  looked  likewise  after 
the  spiritual  interests  of  the  Cath- 
olics who  lived  in  and  around 
Charleston.  In  1867-1868  Father  Sul- 
livan acted  as  rector  of  St.  Francis 
Xavier  Church,  of  Jerseyville.  Dur- 
ing his  incumbency  he  started  the 
building  of  the  present  church,  a 
large  and  solid  structure.    Before  he 


699 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


saw  it  completed,  however,  he  be- 
came involved  in  financial  difficulties 
from  which  the  young  struggling 
parish  knew  not  how  to  free  itself. 
His  successor,  Father  Harty,  suc- 
ceeded in  clearing  up  the  trouble. 
Father  Sullivan  was  sent  to  Spring- 


field as  pastor  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception  Church  to  succeed  Father 
Louis  Hinssen.  The  newly  appointed 
pastor  enjoyed  his  stay  at  Spring- 
field but  a  short  while,  for  in  the  fol- 
lowing year,  1869,  he  died.  He  was 
buried  in  the  Springfield  cemetery. 


Reverend  Miles  J.  Sweeney 


Reverend  Miles  J.  Sweeney,  of 
Jacksonville,  Illinois,  died  September 
21,  1910,  in  the  twenty-fifth  year  of 
his  life,  and  the  third  of  his  priest- 
hood. His  mission  was  at  Riverton, 
near  Springfield,  where  his  affability, 
kindness  and  zeal  won  all  hearts  and 
endeared  him  to  all  who  knew  him. 

While  at  Riverton  he  superintended 
the  erection  of  Sacred  Heart  Church, 
Dalton  City,  Illinois,  which  was  to  be 
the  scene  of  his  future  labors,  but 
God  had  ordained  otherwise.  His 
priestly  life  was  to  be  grief,  but  in  the 


language  of  the  Holy  Bible  he  accom- 
plished much  in  a  short  time. 

Before  the  completion  of  Sacred 
Heart  church  he  fell  a  victim  to  his 
zeal.  He  returned  home  to  loving 
ones  where  everything  possible  was 
done  to  restore  him  to  health.  He  did 
recover  slightly,  but  only  for  a  short 
period.  He  visited  Chicago,  there  fell 
ill  again  and  died  almost  suddenly 
away  from  home  and  dear  ones.  Only 
one  sister  was  with  him  to  soothe  his 
dying  hour  and  convey  the  sad  news 
to  his  grief-stricken  family. 


Reverend  Francis  Tecklenburg 


Reverend  Francis  Tecklenburg 
was  a  native  of  Germany,  born  in 
May,  1851,  at  Auenshausen,  West- 
phalia. His  classical  studies  the 
young  student  pursued  partly  at 
Warburg  and  partly  at  Paderborn, 
graduating  in  1873.  Having  deter- 
mined upon  this  vocation,  the  tal- 
ented young  aspirant  matriculated 
the  following  year  at  the  University 
of  Muenster  and  a  year  later  at  that 
of  Wuerzburg.  For  the  theological 
studies  and  the  more  immediate  prep- 
aration for  Holy  Orders  he  became 
an  alumnus  of  the  American  College 
of    Louvain,    at    the    conclusion    of 


which  he  was  ordained  in  the  Cathe- 
dral of  Malines,  May  27,  1877.  In 
September  of  that  year  the  young 
priest  landed  at  Alton  and  was  as- 
signed at  once  to  the  parish  of  Beth- 
alto  where  soon  he  erected  a  paro- 
chial residence,  thus  becoming  the 
first  resident  pastor  of  the  place. 
Mitchell  was  then  affiliated  to  Beth- 
alto  and  depended  on  his  services. 
After  less  than  two  years'  faithful 
labor  young  Father  Tecklenburg  was 
summoned  by  death  in  May,  1880. 
He  lies  buried  in  St.  Mary  Cemetery, 
of  Alton. 


Reverend  Aloysius  Teppe 


Reverend  Aloysius  Teppe  was  born 
in  Volkmassen,  diocese  of  Fulda,  Ger- 
many, November  27,  1854,  of  good 
Catholic  parents.  He  received  his 
primary  education  in  the  Parochial 
School  of  his  native  city,  continued 
his  studies  in  the  Preparatory  Sem- 
inary at  Maberzell,  then  six  years  in 
the  Seminary  at  Fulda,  and  finally 


three  years  in  the  American  College 
at  Louvaine  in  Belgium. 

He  was  ordained  priest  by  the 
Papal  Nuncio,  Most  Reverend  Arch- 
bishop Vanutelli,  at  Brussels,  March 
31,  1877.  He  arrived  in  the  United 
States  October  28,  1877.  He  served 
as  assistant  to  Reverend  Father  Kane, 
pastor  of  St.  Joseph  Church,  Spring- 


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THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


field,  Illinois,  for  about  a  month. 
Bishop  Baltes  then  appointed  him 
pastor  of  St.  Maurice  Church,  Morris- 
onville,  Illinois,  with  a  mission  called 
Brown  Settlement,  now  Farmersville 
parish.  His  next  place  of  labor  was 
in  Morrisonville,  where  he  was  pastor 
for  seventeen  fruitful  years,  and 
where  he  built  the  beautiful  Gothic 
church  which  still  stands  as  a  mon- 
ument to  his  faith  and  zeal. 

The  Bishop  recognizing  his  ability 
and  merit  promoted  him  to  the  impor- 
tant pastorate  of  St.  James  Church, 
Decatur,  Illinois,  on  January  1,  1896. 

While  in  Morrisonville  he  proved 
himself  to  be  an  able  financier  and  a 
wise  counsellor,  and  this  reputation 
preceded  him  to  Decatur.  He  was  not 
long  in  Decatur  before  he  saw  the 
necessity  of  a  new  church,  but  before 


starting  work  on  it  he  laid  aside  quite 
a  sum  of  money  for  that  purpose. 

Before  the  beautiful  new  church 
was  completed  he  resigned  as  pastor 
because  of  poor  health  and  accepted 
a  Chaplaincy  in  St.  Mary  Hospital, 
Decatur,  on  September  1, 1911. 

He  celebrated  the  Golden  Jubilee 
of  his  Priesthood  in  April,  1927,  but 
he  was  too  weak  to  participate  in  the 
celebration  which  the  Bishop  and 
clergy  insisted  on  having. 

God  called  Father  Teppe  home  to 
receive  his  eternal  crown  on  the  first 
of  July,  1927.  On  the  Fourth  of  July 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  sang  a  Pontifical  Solemn  High 
Requiem  Mass  at  his  funeral  in  pres- 
ence of  about  fifty  priests  and  a  large 
concourse  of  the  laity.  His  remains 
rest  in  the  cemetery  of  St.  John  San- 
itarium, Riverton,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Denis  Tierney 


Father  Tierney  was  the  first  pas- 
tor of  the  young  congregation  of 
Charleston,  in  1865.  Soon  after  his 
arrival  the  congregation  purchased 
an  edifice,  used  as  a  Christian  church. 
Prior  to  that  time  Mass  had  been 
said    in    a    private    house.      Father 


Tierney  remained  in  Charleston  un- 
til 1868  when  the  church  was  con- 
sumed by  fire.  We  next  find  him,  in 
1869-1870,  pastor  of  the  parish  of 
Virden,  after  which  further  informa- 
tion fails. 


Reverend  Augustine  Tolton 


The  Diocese  of  Springfield  in  Illi- 
nois has  the  enviable  distinction  of 
having  had  within  the  ranks  of  its 
clergy  the  first  colored  priest  in  the 
United  States.  The  name  of  that 
highly  privileged  colored  youth  upon 
whose  head  the  divine  gift  of  the 
priesthood  descended  was  Augustine 
Tolton.  That  blessed,  privileged  col- 
ored boy  who  was  born  in  Slavery  and 
who  emerged  from  his  lowly  condi- 
tions, owed  much,  very  much  to  Rev- 
erend Peter  McGirr,  the  pastor  of  St. 
Peter  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and 
to  Reverend  P.  Michael  Richard, 
O.F.M.,  of  Quincy  College. 

Young  Tolton  attended  St.  Peter 
Parochial  school,  Quincy,  from  which 
he  graduated  with  distinction.  Father 
McGirr 's  discerning  eye  saw  a  priest- 
ly vocation  gleaming  through  the  life 


of  young  Tolton,  so  he  had  him  sent 
to  Quincy  College.  His  record  there 
was  a  proud  one  and  he  was  grad- 
uated with  honors.  Father  McGirr 
and  the  Franciscan  Father  continued 
their  interests  in  the  bright  colored 
boy  and  through  the  influence  of  the 
Franciscan  Superior  General  in 
Rome,  he  was  sent  to  Rome  and  re- 
ceived as  a  student  at  the  Propaganda 
College.  There  at  the  Center  of  Cath- 
olic Culture  and  Catholic  inspiration, 
the  fine  latent  qualities  of  the  poor 
Negro  boy  expanded  and  bloomed 
forth  in  all  their  beauty. 

All  this  proves  that  when  given 
proper  attention  and  placed  in  whole- 
some surroundings  the  colored  people 
have  in  them  the  pluck  and  the  ma- 
terial which  enable  them  to  rise  to 
heights    of    moral    and    intellectual 


701 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


grandeur  where  they  may  challenge 
their  white  brethren. 

Having  completed  his  theological 
course  in  the  Propaganda,  and  done 
so  with  honor,  he  was  ordained  priest 
by  his  Eminence  Cardinal  Parochi  on 
April  24,  1886.  Young  Augustine 
Tolton,  ordained  in  Rome  by  a  Car- 
dinal of  Holy  Church,  the  first  colored 
young  man  of  the  United  States  out 
of  over  ten  million  Negroes  a  priest! 

Father  Tolton  immediately  re- 
turned to  Quincy  and  celebrated  his 
first  Holy  Mass  in  St.  Boniface 
Church,  on  July  18,  1886. 

In  those  days  a  small  church  stood 
at  Seventh  and  Jersey,  but  today  it 
is  owned  by  John  Musolino,  the 
Wholesale  Fruit  Dealer,  and  used  by 
him  for  a  warehouse.  It  was,  for- 
merly a  Protestant  church  and  was 
bought  in  1866  by  Father  Schaefer- 
meyer  for  $7,000.00.  Father  Tolton 
used  that  church  for  his  services  and 
splendid  success  crowned  his  efforts 
among  the  colored  people  and  among 
the  white  people,  too.  But  it  seems 
that  jealousy  got  in  its  hideous  work 
and  Father  Tolton  had  his  own 
troubles. 

But  his  services  were  in  demand 
everywhere,  even  the  Great  Cardinal 


Gibbons  called  him  to  Baltimore  to 
labor  among  the  large  Catholic  col- 
ored population  there. 

A  Chicago  lady  named  Mrs.  Anne 
O'Neil,  about  this  time  gave  ten  thou- 
sand dollars  to  found  St.  Monica 
Church  for  the  colored  Catholics,  but 
she  insisted  that  Father  Tolton  should 
take  charge.  The  Archbishop  of 
Chicago  requisitioned  his  services  and 
Father  Tolton  with  his  Bishop's  ap- 
proval left  Quincy  and  went  to  Chi- 
cago on  November  28,  1889.  That  was 
a  sad  day  to  the  colored  Catholics  of 
Quincy,  but  a  blessed  day  to  those  in 
Chicago.  His  success  in  Chicago  was 
immediate,  but  his  health  failed,  he 
also  s\iffered  a  sun-stroke  and  he  died 
a  holy  death  on  July  9,  1897. 

We  are  told  it  was  his  dying  re- 
quest that  his  remains  be  brought 
back  to  Quincy  and  buried  in  St. 
Peter  Cemetery.  His  request  was  car- 
ried out  to  the  letter  and  his  body 
rests  in  St.  Peter  Cemetery.  Rever- 
end J.  J.  Driscoll  some  time  ago 
erected  two  plates,  one  over  the  grave 
of  Father  Tolton  and  the  other  over 
the  grave  of  Father  Kerr — the  only 
priests  buried  in  St.  Peter  Cemetery 
— one  a  white  man  and  one  a  colored 
— but  both  preistly  men  of  whom 
their  people  feel  proud. 


Reverend  Francis  Trojan 


Reverend  Francis  Trojan  was  born  assigned  to  Paderborn  in  1864,  Free- 

and  ordained  a  priest  in  Europe.  He  burg  1865-1868,  Millstadt  1868-1871, 


was  a  Bohemian  by  birth  and  hence 
his  first  appointment  was  that  of  as- 
sistant to  the  pastor  of  St.  John 
Nepomuk  Church,  St.  Louis,  a  Bo- 
hemian parish.  From  St.  Louis  he 
came  to  the  Alton  Diocese  and  was 


and  to  Collinsville  1871-1879,  after 
which  he  was  transferred  to  Lebanon. 
At  Lebanon  Father  Trojan's  life 
came  to  an  end  in  1881.  He  was 
buried  in  the  parish  cemetery  of 
Lebanon. 


Reverend  Julian  Turmel 


Father  Turmel  assumed  charge  of 
the  rectorship  of  the  Shelbyville  con- 
gregation in  1865,  becoming  thereby 
its  first  resident  pastor.  From  1870 
to  1873  he  was  rector  of  the  Pana 
parish,  by  which  he  likewise  became 
the  first  resident  priest  of  that  place. 
Whilst  stationed  at  Pana,  he  under- 


took the  extension  of  the  church 
building,  constructed  a  room  in  con- 
junction with  the  church  where  he 
lived  and  for  a  short  while  opened  a 
school.  During  the  Pana  pastorate 
he  turned  his  attention  to  promising 
Nokomis,  where  in  1871,  the  people 
had   resolved  on  building  a  church 


702 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


and  had  the  work  actually  done  that 
same  year.  St.  Louis,  King  of  France, 
became  the  patron  of  the  mission,  no 
doubt  from  the  fact  that  Father 
Julian  Turmel,  the  pastor  of  the 
church  was  a  native  of  Brittany, 
France.  As  the  people  were  mostly 
from  Ireland,  "a  tempest  in  a  tea- 
kettle" arose  on  that  score.  The 
Bishop  was  repeatedly  petitioned 
that  he  take  St.  Louis  (statue)  off 
the  Nokomis  pedestal  and  have  him 
superceded  by  St.  Patrick.  Their 
singular  request,  however,  was 
promptly  denied.  In  1874  Father 
Turmel  was  transferred  to  the  par- 
ish of  Winchester,  where  in  a  quiet, 


unostentatious  manner  he  continued 
his  good  offices  for  thirteen  years, 
until  1887,  at  the  expiration  of 
which  time  he  petitioned  for  permis- 
sion to  retire  from  pastoral  duty. 

When  Father  Turmel  was  priv- 
ileged to  look  back  upon  a  long,  well- 
spent  life  as  priest  in  God's  vineyard 
he  retired  from  active  work  to  spend 
some  time  in  the  seclusion  of  St.  John 
Hospital,  Springfield,  after  which  he 
wended  his  steps  westward  to  seek 
the  invigorating  climate  among  the 
Colorado  Rockies.  There  his  event- 
ful career  came  to  an  end  on  Jan- 
uary 12,  1910. 


Reverend  Albert  A.  Ulrich 


Within  the  space  of  a  few  years 
prosaic  Calhoun  county  sustained  in 
rather  rapid  succession  the   loss  of 
some    of    her    eminent    priests.      To 
those  who  were  claimed  by  inexor- 
able death  must  be  added  the  name 
of  one  who  at  all  times  had  proven 
himself  a   valiant   champion   of  the 
Cross,  who  was  an  able  and  ardent 
exponent    of   the    Faith,    a    zealous 
priest   and   ripe   scholar;    it   is   the 
name  of  Reverend  Albert  A.  Ulrich, 
the  quondam  pastor  of  St.  Anselm 
Church.      In    this    country    parish, 
Father  Ulrich  felt  rather  handicap- 
ped from  being  unable  to  properly 
utilize     his     accumulated     store     of 
knowledge  or  to  accomplish  results 
for  which  he  was  eminently  qualified. 
Proof   of  his  abilities   and   brilliant 
attainments  is  found  in  the  fact  that 
prior  to  his  advent  into  the  diocese, 
he  had  been  for  years  professor  of 
sciences    at    the    Jesuit    College    of 
Woodstock,  where  he  occupied  the 
chair  of  chemistry.    In  the  pulpit  he 
was  most  eloquent,  hence  his  supe- 
riors   had    sent    him    frequently    as 
missionary  into  various  eastern  cities 
to    conduct    missions    and    give    re- 
treats to  large  communities  of  men 
and  women.    In  this  connection  it  is 
pertinent  to  state  that  the  deceased 
priest  had  for  many  years  been  a 
member    of    the    Society    of    Jesus, 


which,  however,  he  had  left  shortly 
before   joining   the   clergy   force   of 
Alton.    He  was  of  a  very  sunny  dis- 
position, full  of  amiability  and  good 
cheer,    a    splendid    conversationalist 
and    a    man    of    mature    judgment. 
Having  acted  for  awhile  as  assistant 
to  the  pastor  of  Marshall,  the  Bishop 
soon  appointed  him  pastor  to  Kamps- 
ville,  made  vacant  by  the  transfer 
of  Reverend  J.  A.  Duval  to  Staunton 
Reverend  Albert  A.  Ulrich  was  a 
native    of    Breslau,    Germany,    born 
March  1,  1858.     His  classical  studies 
finished,  he  came  to  America  to  enter 
the  Novitiate  of  the  Jesuit  Order  at 
Woodstock,  Maryland,  where  in  due 
course   of  time  he  was  ordained  a 
priest   June   26,    1885.     He   proved 
himself  a   valuable   member   of  the 
community,    success    attending    his 
strenuous  efforts  in  the  various  fields 
of  labor  and  usefulness  to  which  the 
voice  of  his  superiors  called  him.    In 
1902,  Father  Ulrich  severed  connec- 
tion with  the  Order,  came  west  and 
was  admitted  into  the  Alton  Diocese, 
where  he  labored  most  zealously  for 
souls  for  more  than  six  years,  espe- 
cially as  pastor  of  Kampsville  and 
the  out-mission,  Belleview.    The  lat- 
ter place  he  attended  faithfully  once 
a  month,  making  a  drive  of  16  miles 
Sunday  mornings  after  having  said 
early  Mass  at  Kampsville.     Finally 


70:5 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


succumbing  to  a  very  painful,  linger- 
ing disease,  he  died  at  St.  Anthony 
Hospital,     St.     Louis,     Wednesday, 


March  24,  1909.  The  funeral  took 
place  at  Kanipsville  the  following 
Monday,  March  29. 


Reverend  Anthony  Vogt 


St.  Patrick  Church,  of  Decatur, 
owes  to  a  great  extent  its  present 
flourishing  condition  to  the  disinter- 
ested and  unselfish  labors  of  Rev- 
erend Anthony  Vogt,  who  ruled  over 
that  parish  from  1857  to  1870.  Not 
minimizing  nor  detracting  from  the 
merits  and  achievements  of  his  suc- 
cessors such  as  Fathers  Hickey, 
Maekin,  and  especially  the  wonder- 
ful progress  made  under  Reverend 
Jeremiah  Murphy,  yet  it  remains 
true  that  all  this  advancement  was 
built  more  or  less  upon  that  solid 
foundation  which  was  placed  there 
during  eleven  years'  faithful  service 
by  Father  Vogt.  The  small  church 
which  had  been  built  in  the  early 
days  of  the  existence  of  the  congre- 
gation by  Father  Cusack,  was  soon 
replaced  by  a  substantial  brick 
church  with  residence  adjoining. 
From  St.  Patrick,  as  center,  radiated 
Father  Vogt's  activities  in  many 
directions.  All  surrounding  towns 
and  hamlets  experienced  his  priestly 
ministrations.  He  attended  the  mis- 
sions of  Shelbyville,  Macon,  Marrow- 


bone, Moweaqua  and  Bement,  Ives- 
dale,  Monticello,  Cerro-Gordo,  Illiop- 
olis,  Buffalo,  Blue  Mound  and  Ston- 
ington.  In  1870  he  was  appointed 
pastor  of  Macon,  where  in  1867  he 
had  erected  a  church  in  honor  of  St. 
Stanislaus.  This  church  was  blown 
down  by  a  cyclone.  Father  Vogt 
went  again  to  work,  this  time  put- 
ting up  a  brick  church.  It  was 
no  sooner  built  than  it  too  was 
destroyed  by  a  cyclone.  Without 
losing  courage,  however,  he  set  to 
work  a  third  time  to  build  a  church 
in  his  Macon  parish.  This  church 
stands  to  the  present  day,  although 
somewhat  enlarged,  to  accommodate 
the  growing  membership  of  the  par- 
ish. From  Macon  he  moved  to 
Litchfield,  in  1873,  where  his  stay 
lasted  but  one  year.  Ruma  was  his 
next  parish.  Here  deceased  was  pas- 
tor for  almost  20  years  until  his 
transfer  to  the  Glen  Addie  Orphan- 
age near  Belleville,  some  few  months 
previous  to  his  death,  which  occurred 
May  25,  1903. 


Reverend  Arnold  Vollebreght 


Reverend  Arnold  Vollebrecht  was 
born  in  Holland,  March  9,  1853.  He 
studied  in  the  schools  of  his  native 
land,  was  ordained  priest  in  Holland, 
May  30,  1880. 

For  ten  years  he  labored  zealously 
among  the  people  of  his  native  coun- 
try for  God's  honor  and  the  salvation 
of  immortal  souls. 

On  the  advice  of  his  Superiors  he 
came  to  America  to  labor  as  a  mis- 
sionary among  the  Indians  of  Wis- 
consin. 

After  some  years  of  strenuous 
labors  in  Wisconsin,  he  was  made 
pastor  of  Holy  Family  parish,  East 
St.  Louis,  Illinois.  Having  labored 
there  succesfully  and  well  for  sev- 


eral years  he  was  appointed  pastor 
of  St.  Bridget  Church,  Liberty,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  served  his  people  most 
zealously  for  twenty-two  years.  He 
did  wonders  for  the  Catholic  people 
of  Liberty  and  its  mission,  Camp 
Point.  From  a  scattered  flock  he 
formed  a  well  organized  parish  well 
able  to  meet  all  its  obligations.  For 
several  months  he  suffered  from 
cancer  of  the  throat  and  he  died  in 
St.  Mary  Hospital,  Quincy,  Illinois, 
on  August  6,  1921. 

His  funeral  was  held  in  St.  John 
Church,  Quincy,  on  Tuesday  morn- 
ing, August  9th.  The  Office  of  the 
Dead    was   chanted    by   his   brother 


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THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


priests,  and  a  Solemn  High  Requiem 
Mass  was  offered  for  his  soul's  eter- 
nal rest. 

His  parishioners  from  Liberty  and 


Camp  Point  turned  out  one  hundred 
per  cent  for  his  funeral.  Interment 
was  made  in  Calvary  Cemetery, 
Quincy,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Sylvester  Wegener 
The  years  of  earnest  Church  work  that  he  purchased  there  a  residence 


of  Reverend  Sylvester  "Wegener  were 
productive  of  good  results.  He 
labored  in  Collinsville,  1867  to  1877 ; 
Paris,  1871  to  1873 ;  St.  Marie,  1873 
to  1874;  Beardstown,  1876  to  1877. 
After  his  ordination  in  1866,  being 
stationed  in  East  St.  Louis,  he  at- 
tended Collinsville  as  out-mission  for 
awhile.     It  was   during  this  period 


adjoining  the  church  with  a  large 
plot  of  ground  for  the  sum  of  $3,000. 
Whilst  at  Paris  he  built  a  church  at 
Charleston,  in  1872. 

Father  Wegener  was  born  at  Pad- 
erborn,  April  29,  1833 :  came  to 
America  in  1856,  and  was  ordained 
to  the  priesthood  November  22,  1864. 
He  died  in  Chicago. 


Reverend  William  J.  Weigand 


Reverend  William  J.  Weigand,  son 
of  John  Weigand  and  Elizabeth 
Leiser  Weigand,  was  born  April  12, 
1852,  in  Zanesville,  Ohio.  He  studied 
at  Ruma  College  and  in  St.  Francis 
Seminary,  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  He 
was  ordained  priest  on  November  10, 
1878,  in  the  Cathedral  at  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, by  the  Right  Reverend  Peter 
Joseph  Baltes,  D.D. 

His  first  assignment  was  to  Beards- 
town,  then  to  Pana ;  next  to  New  Ber- 
lin, where  he  labored  most  success- 
fully until  poor  health  obliged  him  to 
relinquish  his  pastoral  charge.  He 
retired  to  the  St.  Francis  Hospital  at 
Litchfield,  Illinois,  where  he  acted  as 
chaplain  for  some  years.  Finally  his 
health  became  so  poor  that  he  went 
to  St.  John  Hospital,  where  he  died 
June  30,  1925,  after  having  been  con- 
soled and  fortified  by  the  Sacraments 
of  Holy  Church. 


His  remains  lay  in  state  in  the 
Cathedral  Thursday  evening,  and  all 
that  night.  The  Knights  of  Columbus 
members  acted  as  a  guard  of  honor. 
Funeral  services  were  held  at  10  :30 
Friday  morning,  July  3rd.  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  was 
absent  from  the  city  attending  the 
Consecration  of  Right  Reverend  John 
Noll,  D.D.,  of  Fort  Wayne,  but  he 
managed  to  return  in  time  to  Pontif- 
icate at  the  funeral  services  and 
preach  a  sermon  that  was  indeed  a 
tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  saintly 
old  priest  whose  remains  lay  before 
him. 

The  Cathedral  was  filled  with  the 
members  of  the  laity  and  the  sanc- 
tuary with  the  clergy.  The  remains 
were  shipped  to  Mt.  Sterling  for 
burial  on  Saturday  morning,  July 
4,  1925. 


Reverend  Michael  Weis 


Father  Weis,  the  seventh  pastor  of 
St.  Boniface  Church,  was  born  in 
Bavaria,  in  the  town  of  Nuerbach, 
June  8,  1838,  the  oldest  of  nine  chil- 
dren, seven  boys  and  two  girls.  At 
the  age  of  thirteen  the  family  came 
to  America,  landing  in  New  York. 
For  the  first  five  years,  Michael  was 
employed  as  a  farm  hand  near  New 
York,  when  the  family  moved  to  Teu- 


topolis,  where  he  continued  to  follow 
the  same  occupation  at  the  same  time 
devoting  all  his  spare  moments  to 
useful  study.  After  a  short  time  he 
was  engaged  as  teacher  in  the  public 
school  of  Teutopolis,  and  after  one 
year  he  took  a  similar  position  in  St. 
Mary  Catholic  school  of  Edwards- 
ville,  remaining  two  years.  Believ- 
ing himself  called  to  the  Sacred  Min- 


705 


DIOCESE   OF    SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


istry,  he  entered  St.  Joseph  College 
of  Teutopolis.  Here  he  pursued  his 
studies  for  three  years,  and  later  en- 
tered the  Grand  Seminary  of  Mon- 
treal, lie  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 
hood at  Alton,  April  4,  1868,  and  at 
once  assigned  to  the  parish  of  Van- 
dal ia,  where  he  labored  one  year  and 
seven  months.  He  was  next  trans- 
ferred to  Marine,  and  a  short  time 
later  to  Effingham,  where  he  re- 
mained five  years,  and  constructed 
the  present  handsome  parish  church, 
St.  Anthony.    In  1877  ill  health  com- 


pelled him  to  seek  relief  in  Califor- 
nia, but  he  returned  after  some  time 
to  become  chancellor  of  the  diocese, 
which  position  held  until  January  1, 
1880,  when  at  his  own  request,  he 
was  sent  to  Grant  Fork,  and  after- 
wards to  Litchfield  and  Springfield, 
whence  on  November  10,  1887,  he 
came  to  Quincy,  as  pastor  of  St. 
Boniface  and  Dean  of  the  district, 
which  double  position  he  very  credit- 
ably filled  until  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred November  9,  1909. 


Reverend  Edward  Welsh 


Reverend  Edward  Welsh  was  born 
at  Litchfield,  Illinois,  October  1,  1863, 
and  was  the  son  of  Lawrence  Welch 
and  his  wife,  Catherine,  nee  Mc- 
Namara.  After  his  preparatory 
studies  he  entered  St.  Francis  Sem- 
inary, Wilwaukee,  but  before  his 
course  was  half  completed,  Bishop 
Baltes,  recognizing  the  good  qualities 
of  the  unusually  bright  student,  sent 
mm  to  the  American  College  of  Rome. 


There,  in  the  Eternal  City,  he  was 
elevated  to  the  priesthood  on  June  26, 
1888.  Returning  to  the  United  States, 
young  Father  Welsh  was  assigned  as 
assistant  at  the  Cathedral  of  Alton, 
where  he  worked  with  great  zeal. 
There  he  died  on  July  11,  1891.  His 
remains  were  forwarded  to  Litchfield, 
where  they  were  interred  in  the  par- 
ish cemetery  on  July  15,  1891. 


Reverend  Richard  Welsh 


A  native  of  Ireland,  Father  Welsh 
was  ordained  at  All  Hallows  on  June 
24,  1864.  In  1870  he  became  the  pas- 
tor of  St.  Patrick's,  Decatur,  where 


he  rendered  good  service  during  the 
four  years  of  incumbency.     He  died 
there  in  1874. 
Reverend  Blasius  Winterhalter 


Reverend  Blasius  Winterhalter,  a 
native  of  Baden,  was  born  at  St.  Peter 
in  the  Archdiocese  of  Freiburg,  on 
the  29th  day  of  January,  1833.  Hay- 
ing made  a  thorough  course  of  classi- 
cal studies  in  his  native  land,  he 
emigrated  at  the  age  of  20  years  to 
America,  landing  on  June  15th,  1853. 
Eleven  years  later,  April  17,  1864,  he 
was  elevated  to  the  priesthood  in  the 
Cathedral  church  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
and  was  assigned  at  once  as  assistant 
priest  to  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  church 
of  Springfield,  where  he  remained  one 
year.  His  fidelity  and  prompt  re- 
sponse to  duty  together  with  an 
earnest  effort  to  comply  with  the 
manifold  demands  of  his  sacred  call- 


ing, soon  gained  him  the  affection  and 
confidence  of  the  people. 

Father  Winterhalter  was  trans- 
ferred to  Piopolis, — "Belle  Prairie" 
as  it  was  called  in  those  days — and 
thence  to  Columbia.  In  these  two 
places  he  stayed  about  six  years  aft- 
er which  he  was  appointed  to  St. 
Mary  parish  of  Brussels,  Calhoun 
county. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  sixties, 
Father  Winterhalter  made  a  trip  to 
the  old  country.  Whilst  there  he  was 
successful  in  inducing  a  number  of 
Sisters  of  the  Precious  Blood  to  ac- 
company him  to  his  American  home 
in  Belle  Prairie  in  the  Alton  diocese 


706 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


and  be  active  as  teachers  in  the  paro- 
chial schools. 

Father  Winterhalter's  appointment 
as  pastor  of  St.  Mary  of  Brussels  in 
Calhoun  county  took  place  January 
19,  1871.  Here  he  rounded  out  a 
most  active  life  of  rarest  merit. 

When  he  felt  his  strength  waning 
and  infirmities  increasing,  he  petition- 
ed the  Bishop  for  permission  to  resign 
and  retire  from  active  service.  His 
petition  was  granted  and  good  Father 
Winterhalter    bade    farewell    to    his 


parishioners  on  February  18,  1907. 
He  retired  to  St.  Louis,  where  on  De- 
cember 21,  1907,  he  died  a  peaceful 
death,  caused  by  his  chronic  malady, 
bronchitis.  Solemn  obsequies  were 
held  in  the  Church  of  St.  Mary  of 
Perpetual  Help.  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  James  Ryan  presiding. 

Father  Winterhalter  attained  the 
biblical  age.  His  remains  were  de- 
posited in  Calvary  cemetery  of  St. 
Louis. 


Reverend  K.  J.  Withoff 


Reverend  K.  J.  Withoff  was  born 
at  Geffingheim,  Baden,  Germany,  Oc- 
tober 16,  1846.  He  was  ordained 
priest  in  the  Cathedral  of  Freiburg 
for  the  Diocese  of  Alton,  July  25, 
1874.  His  first  appointment  was  that 
of  Assistant  at  St.  Boniface  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois. 

We  next  find  him  at  Pfeifer,  Kan- 


sas, from  which  place  he  went  East. 
For  eleven  years  he  acted  as  Chaplain 
of  St.  Francis  Old  People's  Home  at 
Gardenville,  New  York.  From  there 
he  went  to  Lackawanna,  New  York, 
where  he  acted  as  pastor. 

He  died  on  February  25,  1925,  at 
St.  Mary  Hospital,  Lackawanna,  New 
York. 


Reverend  Franz  Without 


Father  Without  was  born  at  Miste, 
n  small  town  near  Paderborn  in  West- 
phalia, on  July  24,  1831,  and  was 
therefore  aged  79  years,  6  months  and 
12  days  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He 
was  educated  and  prepared  for  his 
holy  calling  in  his  native  country, 
landing  here  in  October,  1863.  Dur- 
ing the  following  winter  he  completed 
his  studies  and  on  April  17,  1864,  was 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  at  St. 
Mary  church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  by 
Right  Reverend  Henry  Damian 
Juncker,  D.D.,  first  Bishop  of  Alton. 
His  first  appointment  was  that  of  as- 
sistant to  Very  Reverend  Herman 
Schaefermeyer,  pastor  of  St.  Boniface 
church,  Quincy,  Illinois. 

For  almost  half  a  century  Father 
Without  served  his  Master  and  the 
Church,  and  thirty-eight  years  of 
blessed  ministrations  were  spent  by 
him  as  spiritual  guide  of  the  St. 
Joseph  congregation  of  Meppen,  in 
Calhoun  county.  Through  all  these 
years  he  proved  himself  faithful  and 
zealous  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties 


of  his  sacred  calling.  His  long  and 
useful  life  was  a  beautiful  exemplifi- 
cation of  priestly  virtues,  of  holy  zest 
and  zeal  for  God  and  the  souls  of  men. 
Every  one  liked  him.  By  his  humble, 
unobtrusive  manner  he  gained  the 
esteem  and  respect  of  all  who  came  in 
contact  with  him.  Father  Without 
was  a  man  of  uncompromising  prin- 
ciple ;  he  forgave  all  wrongs  but  de- 
manded and  insisted  upon  his  rights 
from  priest  or  layman.  Through  his 
unrelaxed  efforts,  aided  by  many  per- 
sonal sacrifices,  the  members  of  St. 
Joseph  parish  pride  themselves  upon 
having  one  of  the  best  appointed 
country  parishes  of  the  diocese,  a  sub- 
stantial rock  church  (1864),  a  com- 
modious rectory  (1866),  and  a  flour- 
ishing parochial  school  (1874),  which 
was  taught  in  former  years,  1865-74, 
by  himself,  then  by  lay-teachers,  but 
more  recently  is  in  charge  of  the  Sis- 
ters of  the  Precious  Blood.  Having 
been  for  so  many  years  practically 
isolated  in  peninsular  Calhoun,  and 
rarely  coming  in  close  contact  with 


707 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 


the  outer  world  and  its  pulsating  en- 
ergies, the  good  priest  had  his  pe- 
culiarities but  he  was  eminently 
sound. 

Reverend  John  Francis  Eberhard 
Without,  who  at  the  time  of  his  death 
was  the  Nestor  of  the  Diocesan  clergy 
(1864-1910),  passed  away  at  the  St. 
Mary  hospital,  Quincy,  Illinois,  on 
August  6,  1910,  being  then  in  his 
eightieth  year  of  life.     He  had  lived 


with  the  good  Sisters  in  quiet,  peace- 
ful retiremet  for  upwards  of  eight 
years,  relinquishing  parochial  work 
only  when  obliged  to  do  so  by  physi- 
cal infirmities  superinduced  by  old 
age.  Months  prior  to  his  death  he 
signally  failed  from  day  to  day,  his 
condition  became  such  that  no  hope 
for  ultimate  recovery  was  any  longer 
entertained.  A  paralytic  stroke 
hastened  the  end. 


Reverend  Charles  Wozniak 


Reverend  Charles  Wozniak  was 
born  of  good  Catholic  parents,  Jan- 
uary 19,  1892  at  Schoppinitz  in  Upper 
Silesia,  Poland.  He  made  his  primary 
grades  and  his  classical  studies  in  his 
native  land.  He  came  to  America  in 
1911  and  entered  the  Seminary  of 
Saints  Cyril  and  Methodius  at  Or- 
chard Lake,  Michigan.  Having  com- 
pleted his  philosophical  and  theolog- 
ical studies  there  he  was  ordained 
priest  by  Bishop  Keely  in  the  Cathe- 
dral of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Detroit, 
Michigan,  on  June  2,  1917. 

He  celebrated  his  first  holy  mass  in 
St.  Mary  Church,  Madison,  Illinois. 
His  first  assignment  was  that  of  As- 
sistant to  Reverend  F.  J.  Ostendorf, 
pastor  of  St.  James  Church,  Decatur, 
Illinois. 

In  December,  1918,  when  the  whole 
world  was  ablaze  with  war  and  when 
Polish  hearts  beat  high  for  Polish  in- 
dependence, the  fiery  soul  of  young 


Father  Wozniak  carried  his  body  over 
all  obstacles,  so  he  went  to  his  Bishop, 
Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D., 
and  received  his  permission  to  be  en- 
rolled as  a  Military  Chaplain  in  the 
Polish  army. 

He  went  to  Poland,  was  sent  to  the 
front,  saw  much  fighting,  won  the 
hearts  of  the  soldiers  and  the  high 
regard  of  General  Haller — so  great 
was  the  General's  love  for  Chaplain 
Wozniak  that  he  attended  the  funeral 
of  Father  Wozniak 's  mother,  who 
died  during  the  war. 

So  brave  and  so  gallant  was  the 
conduct  of  Father  Wozniak  that  he 
was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  a  Com- 
missioned Officer  in  which  capacity  he 
led  many  a  brilliant  charge  against 
the  enemy. 

After  the  war  he  became  a  Profes- 
sor in  a  college  at  Kattokitz  in  Pol. 
and.    He  died  December  6,  1923. 


Very  Reverend  Francis  Hubert  Zabel,  D.D. 


Very  Reverend  Francis  Zabel, 
D.D.,  D.C.L.,  R.D.,  was  born  Feb- 
ruary 19,  1839,  at  Erbeviller,  near 
Nancy,  Lorraine.  He  made  his 
grade  studies  in  the  home  municipal 
school  up  to  his  eleventh  year,  when 
his  parents  sent  him  to  a  private 
Latin  school  with  a  view  to  the  holy 
priesthood.  One  year  later  he  was 
sent  to  the  Pont-a-Mousson  Minor 
Seminary  where  he  studied  literature 
and  the  sciences  for  seven  years. 
He  made  his  philosophical  studies 


at  the  Major  Seminary  in  Nancy.  At 
that  time  Bishop  Juncker,  the  new 
Bishop  of  Alton,  visited  the  Nancy 
Seminary  and  appealed  for  volun- 
teers to  serve  in  the  Alton  diocese. 
Ten  warm  hearted,  zealous  young  stu- 
dents accepted  the  Bishop's  invita- 
tion, among  the  ten  and  the  youngest 
was  young  Zabel. 

He  was  sent  to  all  Hallows'  Col- 
lege, Dublin,  Ireland,  so  that  he  might 
become  proficient  in  the  English  lan- 
guage.     He    studied    there    for    two 


708 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


years,  after  which  he  went  to  Rome 
for  two  years  more.  While  in  Rome 
he  studied  theology  at  the  Gregorian 
University,  Cannon  Law  in  the  Ro- 
man University,  in  both  of  which  he 
graduated  with  honors  in  1862. 

He  was  ordained  priest  by  his 
Eminence,  the  Cardinal  Vicar  Patrizi. 
Before  leaving  Rome  for  America  he 
witnessed  the  magnificent  ceremony 
of  the  canonization  of  the  Japanese 
martyrs  by  Pope  Pius  IX,  sur- 
rounded by  more  than  three  hundred 
bishops  from  all  parts  of  the  Catholic 
world. 

Father  Zabel  reached  Alton  on  No- 
vember 21,  1862,  and  remained  there, 
making  himself  useful  until  May  13, 
1862,  when  the  Bishop  sent  him  to 
Springfield  as  Chaplain  at  the  Ursul 
line  Convent,  and  Assistant  at  the 
Immaculate  Conception  parish, 
Springfield.  Later  he  was  made  Ad- 
ministrator of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception parish  until  the  end  of  July, 
1864,  when  he  was  assigned  to  St. 
Patrick  church,  East  St.  Louis,  Illi- 
nois. There  he  passed  through  two 
sieges  of  the  dread  cholera,  once  in 
1866  and  again  in  1867. 

Under  his  auspices  the  Convent 
building  was  erected  in  1865,  '66,  '67, 
and  St.  Patrick  church  was  consider- 


ably enlarged  in  1872.  Towards  the 
end  of  1873  he  was  sent  to  St.  Pat- 
rick church,  Cairo,  Illinois,  where  he 
labored  until  the  end  of  1879.  Dur- 
ing  the  awful  visitation  of  1878,  he 
lived  with,  labored  for,  and  encour- 
aged his  afflicted  people  who  were 
decimated  by  the  ravaging  yellow 
fever. 

In  the  Fall  of  1879,  all  danger  of 
yellow  fever  gone,  he  left  for  Bunker 
Hill,  Illinois.  In  the  year  1884, 
Bishop  Baltes  sent  him  to  represent 
him  at  the  Third  Plenary  Council  of 
Baltimore,  as  the  Bishop  was  sick  at 
home.  Father  Zabel  took  an  active 
part  in  1889  in  the  First  Synod  held 
in  the  Alton  Diocese,  taking  the  part 
of  a  Promoter.  At  the  conclusion  of 
the  Synod  he  was  appointed  Dean  of 
Alton,  a  Diocesan  Consultor,  an  Ex- 
aminer of  the  clergy  and  Censor  of 
books. 

On  September  29,  1912,  he  cel- 
ebrated the  Golden  Jubilee  of  his 
priesthood.    He  died  April  24,  1920. 

At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was 
Chaplain  at  the  Ursuline  Convent, 
Alton,  Illinois. 

Father  Zabel  was  a  good  priest,  a 
very  able  priest — an  ornament  to  the 
diocese— an  honor  to  the  Church  and 
the  pride  of  his  people. 


Reverend  Joseph  F.  Zoegel 


After  the  transfer  of  Reverend 
Joseph  Kuenster  from  Teutopolis  to 
Quincy,  in  1850,  Bishop  Van  de 
Velde,  of  Chicago,  sent  Reverend 
Joseph  Zoegel  to  be  his  successor.  This 
priest  had  lately  arrived  in  the  dio- 
cese from  Strassburg,  Alsace.  His  ap- 
pointment to  that  parish  was  by  no 
means  an  enviable  one,  as  strife,  op- 
position and  dissension  had  been  of 
frequent  occurrence  and  often  em- 
bittered the  lives  of  the  various  pas- 
tors. With  the  advent  of  Father  Zoe- 
gel, things  seemed  to  take  a  different 
turn.  In  his  dealings  with  obstrep- 
erous characters  he  remained  firm  and 
assertive  and  succeeded  in  bringing 
many  around  to  espouse  his  viewpoint 


of  affairs  ecclesiastical.  Strongly  he 
advocated  the  building  of  a  large  new 
church  to  which  the  people  consented. 
In  the  selection  of  the  site,  however, 
serious  contentions  arose  which  final- 
ly were  adjusted  by  Bishop  Van  de 
Velde.  The  corner  stone  to  this  (the 
present)  church,  was  placed  July  18, 
1851,  by  the  Chicago  Bishop.  Of  this 
ceremony,  Bishop  Van  de  Velde 's 
diary  contains  the  following  account : 
"The  sixth  Sunday  after  Pentecost 
was  a  happy  day  for  the  Catholics  of 
Teutopolis.  Early  in  the  morning  the 
people  began  to  arrive  from  the 
country.  Bishop  said  Mass  at  7 
o'clock  and  the  procession  was  formed 
about  9 :00 ;  it  was  headed  by  the  chil- 


709 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


dren  of  the  parish,  these  were  follow- 
ed by  the  members  of  St.  Peter's  So- 
ciety wearing  their  badges,  and  the 
latter  by  nearly  the  whole  congrega- 
tion, the  men  preceding  and  the 
women  following  the  Bishop  and  his 
attendants.  The  procession  moved 
amid  the  discharges  of  musketry  from 
the  old  church.  The  Bishop  walked 
under  a  canopy,  vested  in  alb  and 
cope,  with  mitre,  and  crozier  and  was 
attended  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Fisher, 
pastor  of  St.  Mary,  in  cope;  Reverend 
J.  Zoegel  in  chasuble,  and  Reverend 
Father  Busschots  in  stole  and  sur- 
plice. The  ceremonies  of  laying  the 
corner  stone  were  performed  with  the 
usual  solemnities,  during  which  the 
Bishop  addressed  the  people  in  Eng- 
lish, after  which  Reverend  Busschots 


delivered  an  appropriate  discourse  in 
German  on  the  text:  "Thou  Art 
Peter."  High  Mass  was  sung  by  Rev- 
erend Father  Zoegel,  at  which  the 
Bishop  assisted  attended  by  the  other 
two  clergymen.  All  was  joy  and  hap- 
piness. At  night  the  good  people  of 
Teutopolis  got  up  a  torchlight  pro- 
cession and  came  to  the  priest's  resi- 
dence to  thank  the  Bishop  and  his  at- 
tendants. Thus  terminated  the  joyful 
day  which  will  long  be  remembered 
by  the  members  of  the  congregation 
of  Teutopolis." 

From  Teutopolis  Father  Joseph  F. 
Zoegel  returned  to  Chicago  in  1854. 
In  later  years  he  joined  the  diocese 
of  Buffalo  and  became  stationed  in 
1860  as  pastor  of  Langford,  New 
York. 


Reverend  Anthony  Zurbonsen 


Reverend  Anthony  Zurbonsen  was 
born  in  Warendorf,  near  Muenster  in 
Westphalia,  Germany,  August  15, 
1860,  and  was  therefore  sixty-six 
years  old  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
January  21,  1927.  When  in  1874  the 
Prussian  Government  inaugurated 
the  so-called  "Kulturkampf "  against 
the  Catholic  Church  in  Prussia,  and 
all  religious  Orders  were  exiled  from 
the  Fatherland,  the  sons  of  St.  Fran- 
cis, whose  Motherhouse  at  that  time 
was  at  Warendorf,  where  they  had 
been  established  for  250  years  from 
the  time  of  the  Reformation,  decided 
to  emigrate  to  North  America,  where, 
in  1859,  they  had  already  founded 
missions  at  Teutopolis  and  Quincy, 
Illinois,  and  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Sev- 
eral young  men,  among  them  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  young  Anthony 
Zurbonsen,  fifteen  vears  old,  accom- 
panied them  to  their  new  field  of 
labor  in  the  Vineyard  of  the  Lord.  In 
1875  they  arrived  in  Teutopolis,  Illi- 
nois, where  Zurbonsen  took  up  his 
classical  studies  at  St.  Joseph  Col- 
lege, conducted  by  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  of  the  St.  Louis  Province. 
Having  finished  his  classical  .studies 


there,  he  affiliated  with  the  Diocese 
of  Alton  and  was  sent  by  the  Bishop, 
Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes, 
to  continue  his  studies  in  the  Grand 
Seminary,  Montreal,  Canada,  and  he 
finally  completed  his  theological 
studies  in  St.  Francis  Seminary,  Mil- 
waukee, Wisconsin.  Having  graduated 
with  high  honors,  he  was  ordained 
Priest  June  29,  1885,  by  the  Most 
Reverend  Archbishop  Sebastian  Mess- 
mer,  in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Francis 
Seminary.  His  first  Mass  was  cele- 
brated in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church, 
Naperville,  Illinois,  where  his  father- 
ly friend  and  countryman,  Reverend 
August  Wenker  was  pastor.  He  was 
assisted  by  Father  Wenker  with 
Father  B.  Hasse  of  Petersburg,  Illi- 
nois, as  Deacon,  and  Father  C.  Krek- 
enberg  of  Springfield  as  Subdeacon, 
and  Father  IT.  Bangen  of  Aurora  as 
Master  of  Ceremonies,  all  from  War- 
endorf, his  own  birthplace. 

His  first  appointment  was  at  Grant 
Fork,  now  Saline,  near  Highland,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  worked  zealously  from 
1885  to  1888.  From  there  he  was 
sent  to  Staunton,  Illinois,  where  he 
served  for  ten  years  to  1898,  and  later 


710 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


at  Ashland  and  Raymond  to  1906. 
From,  1906  to  1920  he  worked  most 
zealously  and  successfully  as  pastor 
of  St.  Mary's  congregation,  Quincy, 
Illinois,  when  finally  on  account  of 
failing  health  he  was  forced  to  resign 
his  pastorate  to  the  keen  regret  of 
his  parishioners  and  his  fellow  priests 
to  whom  he  had  endeared  himself  by 
his  kind  and  genial  character,  and 
accepted  the  Chaplaincy  at  St.  John 
Sanitarium,  Springfield,  Illinois. 
Though  a  sick  man  himself,  he  nev- 
ertheless, worked  among  the  consump- 
tives and  epileptics  at  that  Institution 
which  is  under  the  direction  of  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Francis  of  Springfield, 
Illinois,  until  finally  his  enfeebled 
health  broke  down  completely  and  he 
died  January  21,  1927.  His  death  at 
St.  John  Sanitarium  was  a  fitting 
crown  for  his  kind,  priestly  and  beau- 
tiful life.  His  funeral  services  in  the 
beautiful  Chapel  were  attended  by 
more  than  forty  priests  and  a  large 
number  of  people  from  Springfield, 
Quincy,  Raymond,  Ashland  and  other 
parishes  of  the  Diocese  where  he 
served  so  faithfully.  His  Bishop, 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  of 
Springfield,  preached  the  funeral  ser- 
mon in  which  he  paid  a  high  tribute 
to  the  noble  character  of  the  deceased. 
"Wherever  Father  Zurbonsen  lived 
and  labored,"  said  the  Bishop,  "he 
endeared  himself  to  all,  young  and 
old,  rich  and  poor,  Catholic  and  non- 
Catholic;  his  life  was  a  poem  filled 
with  high  and  holy  ideals."  His  mor- 
tal remains  were  laid  to  rest  at  the 
foot  of  the  cross  in  the  beautiful 
cemetery  of  the  Sanitarium. 

Father  Zurbonsen  was  a  writer  of 
some  renown,  a  student  of  art  and  a 
lover  of  books.  He  was  an  occasional 
contributor  to  the  Illinois  State  His- 
torical Society  and  also  to  the  Illinois 
Catholic  Historical  Review  as  well  as 
the  Western  Catholic  of  Quincy, 
Illinois. 

For  the  Illinois  Catholic  Historical 
Review  he  had  contributed  a  series  of 
articles  concerning  the  establishment 


of  the  Hospital  Sisters  of  St.  Francis 
at  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  its  branch 
houses  in  Illinois,  Wisconsin  and  late- 
ly even  in  China;  and  it  was  only  by 
his  death  that  he  was  prevented  from 
continuing  that  series  of  highly  inter- 
esting articles.  He  was  an  interesting 
writer;  his  "Rambles  Through 
Europe,  the  Holy  Land  and  Egypt ; ' ' 
his  trips  to  "Yellowstone  Park,  Ore- 
gon and  California,"  "From  Illinois 
to  Rome,"  and  others  were  published 
in  book  form  and  widely  read ;  also 
his  articles  written  for  the  Western 
Catholic  of  Quincy,  Illinois.  He  also 
published  a  prayerbook," Ave  Maria" 
which  found  a  wide  circulation ;  also 
a  book  "In  Memoriam"  of  all  the 
priests  who  had  worked  in  the  Dio- 
cese of  Alton  and  had  been  called  by 
death  from  the  scenes  of  their  labors, 
and  another  "Bead  Roll"  of  the  de- 
ceased Franciscan  Sisters. 

Proofs  of  his  fine  artistic  taste  may 
be  seen  at  St.  Mary  Church,  Quincy, 
Illinois,  in  the  beautiful  paintings 
and  statuary  imported  by  him  from 
Tyrol,  especially  in  the  beautiful 
"Pieta"  and  the  wonderful  scene  of 
the  "Last  Supper"  carved  in  wood, 
as  antependium  of  the  High  Altar  in 
that  Church. 

Father  Zurbonsen  left  three  broth- 
ers, a  sister  and  many  other  relatives 
in  Germany.  Frederick  Zurbonsen, 
formerly  Professor  at  the  University 
of  Muenster,  now  retired;  Bernard, 
formerly  Captain  of  the  North  Ger- 
man Lloyd  of  Bremen,  likewise  now 
retired ;  Joseph,  at  home  in  Waren- 
dorf ,  Sister  Regulata,  Superior  of  the 
Motherhouse  of  the  Hospital  Sisters 
of  St.  Francis  at  Muenster,  and  many 
nieces  and  nephews.  One  of  his 
nieces,  Miss  Paula  Zurbonsen,  entered 
the  Sisterhood  of  the  Hospital  Sisters 
of  St.  Francis,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
last  year  and  is  now  Sister  Regula. 

May  Almighty  God  be  a  merciful 
Judge  to  him  and  grant  him  eternal 
rest.  This  is  the  pious  wish  of  his 
lifelong  friend  and  countryman,  Rev- 
erend C.  Krekenberg. 


711 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


2.     IN  THE  CHURCH  MILITANT 
Reverend  James  Ahern 


Father  Ahern  was  born  at  Cragg, 
Birdhill  County,  Tipperary,  Ireland, 
on  March  7,  1882.  He  received  his 
classical  studies  in  St.  Munchin's 
College,  Limerick,  Ireland,  and  the- 
ological studies  in  St.  Patrick's  Sem- 
inary, Thurles,  Ireland.  Was  ordain- 
ed priest  May  25,  1907,  in  St.  Peter's 
Seminary  Chapel,  Wexford,  by  the 
Right  Reverend  James  Browne,  D.D., 


Bishop  of  Ferns,  Ireland.  His  first 
appointment,  October  16,  1907,  was 
that  of  assistant  at  the  Immaculate 
Conception  Church,  Mattoon,  Illinois. 
His  subsequent  appointments  were : 
October  1,  1912,  St.  Michael's 
Church,  Hume,  Illinois,  pastor,  and 
October  15,  1925,  St.  Alexius  Church, 
Beardstown,  Illinois,  where  he  still 
resides. 


Reverend  Christopher  Stephen  Bell 


Father  Bell,  born  of  Irish  parents 
in  Jersey  County,  Illinois,  February 
1,  1866,  received  his  education  in  St. 
Meinrad  College  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Was 
ordained  by  the  Most  Reverend  John 
J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  June  15,  1898,  in 
Kenrick  Seminary.  His  first  appoint- 
ment occurred  July  1,  1898,  when  he 
was   sent   as   pastor   of   St.    Patrick 


Church,  Grafton,  Illinois.  His  sub- 
sequent appointments  were :  Septem- 
ber 1,  1903,  St.  Catherine  Church, 
Virden,  Illinois;  May  15,  1906,  St. 
Mark  Church,  Winchester,  Illinois; 
November  1,  1921,  St.  Maurice 
Church,  Morrisonville,  Illinois,  and 
June  26,  1926,  St.  Bartholomew 
Church,  Murrayville,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Agnelle  John  Bleser 


Father  Bleser,  born  April,  1884,  on 
Dutch  River,  S.  S.  "Vanderland" 
Treis  on  Mosel,  Germany,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  Franciscan  Convent 
Seminaries  of  Indianapolis,  Cleve- 
land and  St.  Louis,  and  the  Vicariate 
Seminary,  Tungyuanfang,  China.  Or- 
dained priest  by  the  Most  Reverend 
John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  in  St.  An- 
thony Church,  St.  Louis,  Missouri, 
June  30,  1905.  His  first  appointment, 
after  his  ordination,  July,  1905,  was 
that  of  assistant  of  St.  Anthony 
Church,  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  His  sub- 
sequent activities  may  be  thus  enu- 
merated: August,  1906,  St.  Mary 
Church,  Memphis,  Tennessee,  assist- 
ant; December,  1907,  Immaculate 
Conception  Cathedral,  Sianfu,  China, 
assistant,  acting  at  the  same  time  as 
secretary  to  the  Bishop;  August, 
1909,  Holy  Trinity  Church,  Mission 
District,  Meishien,  China,  pastor;  Oc- 
tober,   1911,   Holy   Guardian   Angels 


Church,  Crefeld,  Germany,  assistant 
for  five  months;  March,  1916,  St. 
Michael  Indian  Mission,  Keshena, 
Wisconsin,  assistant  for  four  months ; 
October,  1917,  St.  Benedict  Church, 
Jordan,  Minnesota,  pastor  for  four 
months;  January,  1918,  St.  Anthony 
Church,  Mancelona,  Michigan,  pastor 
for  two  months;  March,  1918,  Cook 
County  Infirmary,  Oak  Forest,  Illi- 
nois, chaplain  for  three  months; 
April,  1920,  St.  Peter  Church,  Chi- 
cago, Illinois,  and  April,  1924,  St. 
Anselm  Church,  Kampsville,  Illinois, 
pastor.  Father  Bleser  was  missionary 
in  China,  on  and  off,  between  1907- 
1920.  In  1914-15-17,  he  acted  as 
military  chaplain  with  the  German 
and  Turkish  Army  during  the  World 
war  and  Jap  Army  in  Siberia.  Father 
Bleser  specialized  in  Chinese  lan- 
guage and  acted  as  teacher  of  Eng- 
lish, German  and  French  in  the 
Japanese  College  at  Sianfu,  China, 
during  1917  to  1919. 


712 


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Rev  Bernice  Aschenba*  h.  O.F.M.,  Ass't,  St.  Francis,  Quincy.  Rev.  E.  A.  Burtle,  Ad. 
st  Barbara  Springfield.  Rev.  J.  J.  Bri  me,  An..  St.  Mary's,  Minn.  Vi  kv  Rev.  ll.  B.  Den- 
oenhardi  RD  St  Boniface,  Quincy.  Rev.  Joseph  E.  Drackert,  Ass't,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
ltl\  .1  .!  Driscoll,  Pastor,  St.  Peter,  Quincy.  Rev.  J.  A.  Duval,  Chaplain,  Catholic  Chil- 
dren's Home,  Alton.  Rev.  Joseph  Enright,  Ass't,  Blessed  Sacrament,  Springfield.  Rev. 
Isiimiki    Kiisski  \i  w.  O.F.M.,  Teutopolis. 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  John  P.  Brennan 


Father  Brennan,  born  at  Phoenix- 
ville,  Pennsylvania,  June  24,  1863, 
received  his  intellectual  training  in 
St.  Charles  College  and  St.  Bonaven- 
ture  Seminary.  Was  ordained  in  Al- 
legheny, New  York,  June  20,  1889, 
by  the  Right  Reverend  Stephen  Vin- 
cent Ryan,  D.D.,  in  St.  Bonaventure 


Seminary.  Since  his  ordination,  he 
has  served  in  the  following  places : 
July  4,  1889,  St.  Peter  Church,  Quin- 
cy,  Illinois,  assistant,  and  on  Feb- 
ruary 18,  1892,  was  commissioned  to 
establish  a  new  parish  and  erect  the 
St.  Rose  of  Lima  Church  in  Quincy, 
Illinois. 


Reverend  John  Sylvester  Brockmeier 


Father  Brockmeier,  born  December 
29,  1894,  at  Covington,  Kentucky, 
was  educated  in  Quincy  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Was 
ordained  June  6,  1925,  in  the  Immac- 
ulate Conception  Cathedral,  Spring- 
field,   Illinois,    by    Right    Reverend 


James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.  Since  his 
ordination  he  has  filled  the  position 
of  assistant  of  St.  Mary  Church, 
Venice,  Illinois.  Father  Brockmeier 
holds  the  degree,  A.B.  He  is  at  pres- 
ent also  editor  of  The  Venice  Herald, 
a  weekly  Catholic  Newspaper  which 
he  organized. 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Brune 


On  February  14,  1885,  Father 
Brune  was  born  at  Westphalia,  Mis- 
souri, of  American  parents.  Was  edu- 
cated at  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois  ,and  Mt.  St.  Mary  of 
the  West  Seminary,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
Was  ordained  June  16,  1909,  in  the 
Cathedral  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  the 
Most  Reverend  Henry  Moeller,  D.D. 

Reverend  Ernest 


Since  his  ordination,  he  has  been  as- 
signed to  the  following  churches: 
June  20,  1909,  St.  Mary  Church,  Al- 
ton, Illinois,  assistant;  June  16,  1919, 
St.  Mary  Church,  Brussels,  Illinois, 
pastor,  and  on  June  16,  1924,  was  ap- 
pointed administrator  of  St.  Mary 
Church,  Alton,  Illinois. 

A.  Burtle 


Father  Burtle  was  born  of  Ameri- 
can parents,  October  17,  1895,  at 
Glenarm,  Illinois.  Was  educated  at 
Georgetown  University  and  Kenrick 
Seminary,  Webster  Grove,  Missouri. 
Was  ordained  June  10,  1923,  in  the 
Chapel  Seminary,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri,  by  Most  Reverend  John  J. 
Glennon,  D.D.    Was  appointed  assist- 


ant at  Mattoon,  Illinois,  July  1,  1923 ; 
Professor  and  Director  of  Discipline 
at  Routt  College,  Jacksonville,  Illi- 
nois, October  1,  1925,  and  administra- 
tor of  St.  Barbara  Church,  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  June,  1927.  Father 
Burtle  holds  the  degree,  A.B.  and  is 
also  chaplain  in  the  Reserve  Corps. 

Reverend  Edmond  D.  Butler 


Father  Butler,  born  at  Thurles 
County,  Tipperary,  Ireland,  April  4, 
1891,  received  his  classical  education 
in  Rockwell  College,  All  Hallows  and 
St.  John  Seminary,  Waterford,  Ire- 
land. Was  ordained  by  Right  Rever- 
end Bernard  Hackett,  D.D.,  in  the 
Cathedral  at  Waterford  City,  Ireland, 
June  11,  1916.  Since  his  coming  to 
the  Diocese,  he  has  been  appointed  to 


these  various  places:  St.  Mary 
Church,  Marshall,  Illinois,  assistant; 
St.  Ann  Church,  Edgewood,  Illinois, 
pastor  pro  tempore  St.  Mary  Church, 
Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois,  assistant ;  St. 
Sebastian  Church,  Waverly,  Illinois, 
pastor,  with  Hagaman  as  mission,  and 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Franklin,  Illi- 
nois, with  Waverly  as  mission. 


713 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Edward  James  Cahill 


Father  Cahill  was  born  December 
28,  1889,  at  Chatham,  Sangamon 
County,  Illinois,  of  Irish  parents.  He 
was  educated  in  Quincy  College,  St. 
Kenrick  Seminary,  St.  Louis,  and  the 
St.  Thomas  Seminary,  Denver,  Colo- 
rado, Catholic  University  of  America, 
Washington,  D.  C.  He  was  ordained 
priest  June  14,  1917,  at  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, St.  Louis,  by  Most  Reverend 
John  J.  Glennon,  Archbishop  of  St. 
Louis,  and  holds  the  degrees  of  A.B., 
and  A.M.  Father  Cahill  has  made 
special  studies  in  Education,  Econom- 


ics, Sociology  and  Biology  and  has 
been  appointed  Diocesan  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools  of  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield,  and  Chaplain  of  the 
Ursuline  Academy.  Since  his  ordina- 
tion, Father  Cahill  has  filled  the  fol- 
lowing appointments  :  June  30,  1917, 
Church  of  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville, 
Illinois,  assistant.  July  1,  1922,  Cath- 
olic University,  Washington,  D.  C, 
student.  September  8,  1924,  Routt 
College,  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  Pro- 
fessor. June  26,  1926,  Ursuline  Acad- 
emy, Springfield,  Illinois,  Chaplain. 


Reverend  Edmund  Aloysdjs  Carey 


Father  Carey  was  born  of  Irish- 
American  parents,  on  May  12,  1886, 
at  Springfield,  Illinois.  Was  educated 
in  St.  Ignatius  College,  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois, Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri,  and  Notre  Dame 
University,  Notre  Dame,  Indiana.  On 
June  13,  1916,  he  was  ordained  priest 
by  Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.,  in  the  chapel  at  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Since 
bis  ordination,  he  has  given  his  serv- 
ices in  the  following  places:  July  1, 
1IU6,  St.  Agnes  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  assistant;  July  1,   1918,   St. 


Theresa  Academy,  Decatur,  Illinois, 
chaplain,  September  1,  1920,  St.  Mary 
Church,  Pawnee,  Illinois,  assistant ; 
September  15,  1923,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Marshall,  Illinois,  assistant ;  April  7, 
1924,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illi- 
nois, assistant;  July  1,  1925,  Camp 
Colgan,  Springfield,  Illinois,  chap- 
lain; September  1,  1925,  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Benld,  Illinois,  administra- 
tor; October  18,  1927,  St.  Mark 
Church,  Winchester,  Illinois,  admini- 
strator, and  in  1928  chaplain  to  the 
Bishop. 


Very  Reverend  Patrick  Francis  Carroll,  R.D. 


Dean  Carroll,  born  at  Janesville, 
Wisconsin,  of  Irish  parents,  Septem- 
ber 10,  1855,  was  educated  in  St. 
Francis  Seminary,  Milwaukee,  Wis- 
consin. Was  ordained  priest  June  29, 
1881,  at  Alton,  Illinois,  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D. 
His  first  appointment  was  on  July  8, 
1881,  when  he  was  assigned  to  the 
Cathedral  at  Alton,  Illinois,  as  assist- 


ant. On  June  21,  1882,  was  appointed 
pastor  of  St.  Mary  Church,  Litchfield, 
Illinois,  where  he  still  resides.  The 
Very  Reverend  Dean  is  not  only  the 
Dean  of  the  Litchfield  Deanery  but 
he  is  also  a  member  of  the  Diocesan 
School  Board  and  a  Diocesan  Con- 
suitor — a  member  of  the  Advisory 
Board  to  the  Bishop. 


Reverend  John  J.  Clancy 


Father  Clancy,  born  June  24,  1867, 
at  Ballyhea,  County  Cork,  Ireland, 
received  his  education  in  St.  Patrick 
College,  Carlow,  Ireland,  St.  Mary's 
Seminary,  Baltimore,  Maryland,  St. 
Viator    College,    Kankakee,    Illinois, 


and  the  Catholic  University  of  Amer- 
ica, Washington,  D.  C.  Was  ordained 
by  Right  Reverend  James  Ryan,  D.D., 
in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral,  Al- 
ton, Illinois,  August  15,  1891.  Since 
his  ordination,  he  has  been  assigned 


714 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


to  the  following  places :  July  1,  1893, 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Dalton  City, 
Illinois,  pastor;  February  1,  1894,  St. 
Catherine  Church,  Virden,  Illinois; 
September  1,  1899,  St.  James  Church, 
Riverton,  Illinois,  with  Buffalo,  as  a 
mission,  and  October  1,  1914,  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  St.  Francis  Xavier 


Church,  Jerseyville,  Illinois,  with 
Whitehall  and  Roodhouse  as  missions. 
During  his  ministrations,  Father 
Clancy  completed  the  Church  at  Dal- 
ton City  and  remodeled  and  enlarged 
St.  James  Church  at  Riverton,  Illi- 
nois. 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Connolly 


Father  Connolly,  born  January  6, 
1879,  at  Cashel,  County  Tipperary, 
Ireland,  was  educated  in  Rockwell 
College  and  St.  Patrick  Seminary, 
Ireland.  The  Most  Reverend  Thomas 
Fennaly,  D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  at 
Thurles,  Ireland,  June  21,  1905.  After 
his  arrival  in  the  United  States,  he 
was  assigned  to  the  following  places: 
October  12,  1905,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  as- 


sistant; October  1,  1910,  St.  Peter 
Church,  Petersburg,  Illinois,  pastor; 
August  1,  1918,  Chaplain  in  the 
United  States  Army;  December  15, 
1918,  St.  Peter  Church,  Petersburg, 
Illinois,  pastor,  and  July  1,  1919,  St. 
Charles  Church,  Charleston,  Illinois. 
Father  Connolly  served  as  chaplain  in 
the  United  States  Army  at  Camp  Tay- 
lor during  the  war. 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Corcoran 


Father  Corcoran,  born  May  6,  1868, 
at  Castlebar,  Mayo  County,  Ireland, 
was  educated  in  St.  Mary  College, 
Emmitsburg,  Maryland,  St.  Vincent 
Seminary,  Beatty,  Pennsylvania,  and 
Our  Lady  of  Angels  University, 
Niagara,  New  York.  Was  ordained 
September  25,  1895,  in  Buffalo,  New 
York  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Ryan,  D.D.  Since  his  ordination,  he 
has  been  assigned  to  the  following 
places:  July  1,  1896,  St.  Agnes 
Church,    Springfield,    Illinois,   assist- 


ant; January  1,  1897,  St.  James 
Church,  Riverton,  Illinois,  pastor, 
with  Buffalo  as  a  mission;  September 
1,  1902,  St.  Isidore  Church,  Bethany, 
Illinois;  July,  1904,  St.  James  Church, 
Neoga,  Illinois,  with  Trowbridge  and 
Edgewood  as  missions;  July  1,  1906, 
Holy  Trinity  Church,  Stonington, 
Illinois,  and  July  1,  1918,  St.  Mary 
Church,  Taylorville,  Illinois.  From 
September,  1895,  to  July,  1896,  at- 
tended the  Catholic  University  of 
America,  Washington,  D.  C. 


Reverend  Michael  Costello 


Father  Costello,  born  in  County 
Kerry,  Ireland,  October  5,  1888,  was 
educated  in  St.  Brendan  College,  Kil- 
larney,  Ireland;  St.  Michael  College, 
Listowel,  Ireland;  All  Hallows  Col- 
lege, Dublin,  Ireland;  and  American 
College,  Rome,  Italy.  Was  ordained 
priest  June  1,  1912,  in  Rome,  Italy, 
by  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Respighi. 
Since  his  coming  into  the  Diocese,  he 
has  received  the  following  appoint- 
ments :  October  1,  1912,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton,  Illinois, 


assistant;  November  1,  1920,  St. 
Michael  Church,  Mitchell,  Greenfield, 
Illinois,  pastor;  July  1,  1922,  St. 
Elizabeth  Church,  Mitchell,  Illinois, 
and  September  1,  1924,  Right  Rever- 
end James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  sent  him 
to  Granite  City  to  establish  a  new 
parish  and  erect  a  combination 
school  and  church.  Father  Costello 
succeeded  and  is  now  the  proud  pas- 
tor of  the  Sacred  Heart  congrega- 
tion. 


715 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Thomas  Costello 


Father  Costello,  born  September  7, 
1868,  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  of  Irish- 
American  parents,  was  educated  in 
St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis,  Illi- 
nois, and  Kenriek  Seminary.  Was  or- 
dained by  Most  Reverend  John  J. 
Kain,  D.D.,  June  12,  1896,  in  St. 
Louis,  Missouri.  Since  his  ordination, 
he  has  labored  in  the  following  places : 
June  12,  1896,  St.    Bridget    Church, 


Liberty,  Illinois,  pastor ;  July  5,  1899, 
St.  Mary  Church,  Carlinville,  Illi- 
nois ;  May  9,  1907,  St.  John  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  Areola,  Illinois,  and 
November  12,  1925,  St.  John  the 
Evangelist  Church,  Carrollton,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  now  resides.  He  re- 
modeled the  Church  at  Liberty  and 
Carlinville,  Illinois,  and  the  rectory 
at  Areola,  Illinois. 


Reverend  William  M.  Costello 


Father  Costello,  born  in  County 
Kerry,  Ireland,  August  23,  1869,  re- 
ceived his  intellectual  training  in  St. 
Brendan's  College,  Killarney  and 
Irish  College,  Paris,  France.  Was  or- 
dained September  24,  1893,  by  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Coffey,  D.D.,  in  the 
Cathedral  at  Killarney.  Since  his  or- 
dination, he  has  filled  the  following 
positions :  November  1,  1893,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton, 
Illinois,  assistant ;  January  6,  1894, 
Immaculate  Conception  Church,  Mat- 
toon,  Illinois;  June  1,  1895,  Immacu- 
late Conception  Church,  Pittsfield, 
Illinois,  pastor;  January  1,  1898,  St. 
Isidore's  Church,    Bethany,    Illinois; 


September  1,  1900,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Church,  Springfield,  Illinois; 
assistant;  May  1,  1903,  St.  Charles 
Borromeo  Church,  Charleston,  Illi- 
nois, pastor;  May  15,  1919,  St.  Mary 
Church,  New  Berlin,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor. While  still  holding  this  pos- 
ition, he  was  appointed  on  August 
1,  1924,  vice  president  of  Routt 
College,  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  and 
member  of  the  Diocesan  School 
Board.  Father  Costello  spent  one 
year  at  the  Mission  House  and 
Catholic  University,  Washington,  D. 
C.  He  built  a  beautiful  brick  rectory 
and  remodeled  the  church  at  New 
Berlin. 


Reverend  Jeremiah  Cronin 


Father  Cronin,  born  at  Cork,  Ire- 
land, August  20,  1880,  received  his 
education  in  St.  Colman  College,  Fer- 
moy,  County  Cork,  and  St.  Patrick 
Seminary,  Carlow,  Ireland.  Was  or- 
dained by  Most  Reverend  Archbishop 
Bruchesi,  D.D.,  in  Montreal,  Canada, 
December  17,  1904.  His  first  appoint- 
ment was  on  December  22,  1904,when 
he  was  appointed  assistant  of  St. 
Peter  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois.     His 


subsequent  appointments  were :  Nov- 
ember, 1906,  St.  Rose  of  Lima  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  assistant ;  October  1, 
1908,  St.  Luke  Church,  Virginia,  Illi- 
nois, pastor;  October  1,  1915,  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  Effingham,  Illinois; 
September  12,  1918,  St.  Thomas 
Church,  Newton,  Illinois,  and  Janu- 
ary 20,  1925,  St.  Mary  Church,  Paris, 
Illinois,  a  position  he  still  fills. 


Reverend  John  Crosson 


Father  Crosson,  born  December  3, 
1871,  at  Carrigallen,  Ireland,  was 
educated  in  All  Hallows  College,  Dub- 
lin, and  St.  Mary  Seminary,  Long- 
ford, Ireland.  Was  ordained  priest 
June  24,  1902,  in  All  Hallows  College, 
by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Nicolaus, 


D.D.  Since  his  ordination  he  has  been 
appointed  to  these  various  places : 
October  1,  1902,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Paris,  Illinois,  assistant,  and  April  1, 
1905,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude  Church, 
Gillespie,  Illinois.  Father  Crosson 
now  resides  at  Gillespie,  Illinois. 


716 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Michael  Joseph  Crowley 


Father  Crowley,  born  November  24, 
1889  in  Castlegregory,  County  Kerry, 
Ireland,  received  his  education  in  St. 
Brendan  College,  Killarney,  and  St. 
John  Seminary,  Waterford,  Ireland. 
Right  Reverend  Richard  Sheehan, 
D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  June  21, 
1914,  in  the  Cathedral  of  Waterford. 
Since  his  coming  into  the  Diocese,  he 
has  labored  in  the  following  places : 
October,  1914,  St.  Mary  Church,  Mar- 
shall, Illinois,  assistant ;  November  25, 
1914,  St.  Patrick    Church,    Decatur, 


Illinois;  July,  1919,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Church,  Shelbyville,  Illinois, 
pastor;  November,  1919,  St.  John 
Church,  Coffeen,  Illinois,  with  Pan- 
ama and  New  Douglas  as  missions  and 
in  April,  1926,  was  assigned  pastor  of 
St.  Mary  Church,  Neoga,  Illinois,  with 
Trowbridge  for  a  mission.  Father 
Crowley  built  the  Sacred  Heart 
Church  at  Panama,  decorated  St. 
John  Church  at  Coffeen  and  enlarged 
the  parochial  residence  of  that  place. 


Reverend  Matthew  Joseph  Cummins 


Father  Cummins,  born  at  Bally- 
bach,  Wexford,  Ireland,  on  November 
11,  1877,  was  educated  in  St.  Joseph 
Abbey  and  St.  Melleray  Abbey,  Ire- 
land. Was  ordained  by  Most  Rever- 
end Michael  Fogarty,  D.D.,  Lord 
Bishop  of  Killaloe,  Ireland,  in  St. 
Joseph  Abbey,  Roscrea,  Ireland,  De- 
cember 17,  1904.  Since  his  ordina- 
tion, he  has  labored  in  these  various 
places:    St.  John  Church,  Hill  City, 


Minnesota,  pastor;  Cathedral  Church, 
Duluth,  Minnesota;  Italian  Church, 
Duluth,  Minnesota;  St.  Mary,  Keus- 
ten,  Minnesota ;  St.  Anthony  Church, 
Cumberland,  Wisconsin ;  Blessed  Sac- 
rament Church,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
assistant;  St.  Theresa  Academy,  De- 
catur, Illinois,  chaplain,  and  St.  Pat- 
rick Church,  Grafton,  Illinois,  pastor, 
with  Beltress  as  a  mission. 


Reverend  Francis  Curran 


Father  Curran,  born  May  17,  1874, 
in  Ireland,  was  educated  in  Mt.  Mell- 
ray,  County  Waterford,  and  Mt.  St. 
Mary  of  the  West  Seminary,  Cincin- 
nati, Ohio.  Was  ordained  priest  June 
18,  1905,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  Most 
Reverend  Henry  Mueller,  D.D.  On 
July  1,  1905,  he  was  appointed  assist- 


ant of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois;  on  July 
1,  1908,  pastor  of  St.  Mary  Church, 
Neoga,  Illinois,  with  Trowbridge  for  a 
mission,  and  in  July,  1917,  pastor  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  Church, 
Pittsfield,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Peter  D.  Curran 


Father  Curran,  born  April  11, 
1884,  at  Cavan,  Ireland,  was  educated 
in  St.  Mary  College,  Longford  and  St. 
Kieran  Seminary,  Kilkenny,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Brownrigg,  D.D.,  at  Kilkenny, 
June  14,  1908.  Since  his  coming  to 
the  Diocese,  he  has  been  assigned  to 


the  following  places :  October  8, 1908, 
St.  Francis  Navier  Church,  Jersey- 
ville,  Illinois,  assistant;  October  1, 
1910,  St.  Rose  of  Lima  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  October  5,  1914, 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Dalton  City, 
Illinois,  pastor. 


Reverend  Thomas  Edward  Cusack: 


Father  Cusack,  born  at  Indian 
Creek,  Monroe  County,  Missouri, 
August  20,  1872,  received  his  intellec- 


tual training  in  St.  Joseph  College, 
Teutopolis,  Illinois,  Mt.  St.  Mary  of 
the  West  Seminary,  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 


717 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


and  Catholic  University  of  America, 
Washington,  D.  C.  Was  ordained  at 
the  Catholic  University,  Washington, 
D.  C,  by  Right  Reverend  J.  J.  Kain, 
D.D.,  on  June  20,  1895.  Since  his  or- 
dination, he  has  been  assigned  to  the 
following  places:  July  15,  1895,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, assistant;  July  15,  1903,  St. 
Mark  Church,  Winchester,  Illinois, 
pastor;  May  15,  1906,  St.  Maurice 
Church,  Morrisonville,  Illinois;  Nov- 


ember 1,  1921,  St.  John  the  Evange- 
list Church,  Carrollton,  Illinois,  and 
November  29,  1925,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Church,  Mattoon,  Illinois. 
Father  Cusack  built  a  modern  brick 
convent  for  the  Sisters  at  Carrollton, 
Illinois  and  remodeled  the  school 
building.  In  Mattoon,  Illinois  he 
built  a  magnificent  brick  rectory. 
Father  Cusack  is  a  Diocesan  Con- 
suitor  and  a  Prosynadal  Judge. 


Reverend  Daniel  F.  Daly 


Father  Daly,  born  at  Abbeyfeale, 
County  Limerick,  Ireland,  December 
21,  1892,  made  his  classical  studies  in 
St.  Michael  College,  Listowel,  Ireland, 
and  his  seminary  studies  in  St.  Pat- 
rick Seminary,  Carlow,  Ireland.  On 
June  2,  1917,  Right  Reverend  Patrick 
Foley,  D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  in 
St.   Patrick   Seminary   Chapel,    Car- 

Reverend  Michael 

Father  Davis  was  born  in  County 
Sligo,  Ireland,  on  August  15,  1853. 
Was  educated  in  the  College  and  Uni- 
versity of  Niagara,  New  York.  Was 
ordained  on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy 
Name,  1880,  at  Toronto,  Canada,  by 
Most  Reverend  Archbishop  Lynch, 
D.D.  His  first  appointment  was  at 
St.  Denis  Church,  Shipman,  Illinois, 

Very  Reverend  Henry  B. 


low,  Ireland.  Since  his  coming  into 
the  Diocese,  he  has  served  at  the  fol- 
lowing places :  January  1,  1918,  St. 
Theresa  Academy,  Decatur,  Illinois, 
chaplain;  July  1,  1918,  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Alton,  Illinois,  assistant,  and 
on  July  1,  1922,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  appointed  him  pastor  of  St. 
Norbert  Church,  Hardin,  Illinois. 

Jefferson  Davis 

in  1891.  His  subsequent  appoint- 
ments were :  1897,  St.  Bernard 
Church,  Auburn,  Illinois,  pastor; 
1902,  St.  Luke  Church,  Virginia,  Illi- 
nois; 1910,  St.  Isidore  Church,  Beth- 
any, Illinois;  1916,  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Grafton,  Illinois,  and  1925, 
Holy  Family  Church,  Athens,  Illi- 
nois. 

Degenhardt,  R.D.,  M.R. 


Dean  Degenhardt,  born  May  16, 
1855,  at  Alton,  Illinois,  was  educated 
in  St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis, 
Illinois,  and  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
Wisconsin.  Was  ordained  August  15, 
1879  in  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral, 
Alton,  Illinois,  by  Right  Reverend 
Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.  Since  his 
ordination,  he  has  served  faithfully  in 
the  following  places :     September    1, 

Reverend  John 

Father  Dolack,  born  January  10, 
1901,  at  Pueblo,  Colorado,  of  Slo- 
venian parents,  was  educated  in  the 
Josephinum  College  and  Seminary, 
Columbus,  Ohio.  Was  ordained  priest 
on  June  11,  1927,  in  the  Chapel  of  St. 
Joseph  Home  for  the  Aged,  Spring- 

718 


1879,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Al- 
ton, Illinois,  pastor,  and  on  July  1, 
1910,  was  transferred  to  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois, as  pastor  of  St.  Boniface 
Church.  Was  made  irremovable  rector 
cf  St.  Boniface  Church  in  July,  1910. 
In  1912,  was  appointed  Dean  of  the 
Quincy  Deanery.  Dean  Degenhardt 
is  a  Diocesan  Consultor. 

P.  Dolack 

field,  Illinois,  by  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.  Owing  to  the 
crying  need  of  a  Slovenian  speaking 
priest,  he  was  at  once  appointed  pas- 
tor of  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Virden, 
Illinois,  where  he  now  resides. 


THE  DIOCESAN   CLERGY 


Reverend  Michael  F.  Donahue 


Father  Donahue,  born  June  20, 
1889,  in  County  Cavan,  Ireland,  was 
educated  in  St.  Kieran  College  and 
St.  Patrick  Seminary,  Ireland.  Was 
ordained  priest  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Brownrigg,  D.D.,  of  Ossory, 
June  13,  1915,  at  Kilkenny,  Ireland. 


Since  his  coming  into  the  Diocese, 
November  1,  1915,  has  acted  as  assist- 
ant at  St.  Mary  Church,  Paris,  Illi- 
nois, and  on  November  1,  1921,  was 
appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Church,  Macon,  Illinois, 
now  resides. 


Stanislaus 
where    he 


Reverend  James  J.  Dougherty 


Father  Dougherty,  born  July  8, 
1864,  at  Rochester,  New  York,  of 
Irish-American  parents,  was  educated 
in  Assumption  College,  Canada,  and 
St.  Bonaventure  Seminary,  Alle- 
gheny, New  York.  Was  ordained 
priest,  June  21,  1892,  by  Right  Rever- 
end Stephen  V.  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Buffalo,  New  York.  Since  his  com- 
ing to  the  Diocese,  he  has  served  in 
turn  the  following  places  :  July,  1892, 
Immaculate    Conception    Church, 


Springfield,  Illinois,  assistant ;  Aug- 
ust, 1892,  St.  Raymond  Church,  Ray- 
mond, Illinois,  pastor;  February, 
1895,  Immaculate  Conception  Church, 
Shelbyville,  Illinois;  July,  1897,  St. 
Athanasius  Church,  Roodhouse,  Illi- 
nois; July,  1904,  St.  Isidore  Church 
Bethany,  Illinois,  and  on  September, 
1924,  owing  to  ill  health,  was  appoint- 
ed Chaplain  of  St.  Mary  Hospital,  De- 
catur, Illinois. 


Reverend  Edward  J.  Douglas 


Father  Douglas,  born  May  16,  1885, 
at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  was  educated 
in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Mt.  St.  Mary  of 
the  West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Was  or- 
dained, June  16,  1909,  in  the  Cathe- 
dral at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  Most  Rev- 
erend Henry  Moeller,  D.D.  His  first 
appointment  on  July,  1909,  was  that 
of  assistant  at   SS.   Peter  and  Paul 


Cathedral,  Alton,  Illinois.  His  subse- 
quent appointments  were :  October, 
1911,  St.  Anselm  Church,  Kamps- 
ville,  Illinois,  pastor;  October,  1919, 
St.  Elizabeth  Church,  Mitchell,  Illi- 
nois, and  October,  1919,  he  was  sent 
to  Wood  River,  Illinois,  to  organize  a 
new  parish  and  built  the  present  com- 
bination St.  Bernard  Church  and 
school  building. 


Reverend  Daniel  Joseph  Doyle 


Father  Doyle,  born  January  6, 
1886,  at  Killarney,  Ireland,  received 
his  education  in  St.  Brendan  College, 
Killarney,  and  St.  Patrick  Seminary, 
Carlow,  Ireland.  Was  ordained  June 
11,  1911,  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Foley,  D.D.  Since  his  coming  into 
the  Diocese,  he  has  filled  the  following 
places:  September  20,  1911,  St. 
John's  Church,  Carrollton,  Illinois, 
assistant ;  June  10,  1912,  Our  Saviour 


Church,  Jacksonville,  Illinois;  Nov- 
ember 4,  1912,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Pittsfield,  Illinois,  pastor;  April  6, 
1913,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Grafton, 
Illinois;  November  10,  1913,  St. 
Charles  Church,  Charleston,  Illinois; 
September  5,  1914,  St.  Ann  Church, 
Edgewood,  Illinois,  and  October  1, 
1918,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Effing- 
ham, Illinois. 


Reverend  Joseph  Edward  Drackert 


Father  Drackert,  born  September 
23,  1896,  at  Altamont,  Illinois,  was 
educated  in  St.  Joseph  College,   St. 


Louis,  Missouri,  Quincy  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.    Was 


719 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ordained  by  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  in  the  Immaculate 
Conception  Cathedral,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  June  6,  1925.     Since  his  or- 


dination, he  has  served  as  assistant  in 
St.  Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illinois, 
where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Driscoll,  M.R. 


Father  Driscoll,  born  May  19,  1867, 
at  Alton,  Illinois,  of  Irish-American 
parents,  was  educated  in  St.  Meinrad 
College,  Meinrad,  Indiana,  Kenrick 
Seminary,  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and 
Mission  House,  Washington,  D.  C. 
"Was  ordained  by  Most  Reverend  John 
Joseph  Kain,  D.D.,  in  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, St.  Louis,  Missouri,  May  19, 
1894.  His  first  appointment  was  in 
May,  1894,  when  he  was  sent  as  assist- 
ant to  St.  John  Church,  Carrollton, 
Illinois.  His  subsequent  appoint- 
ments were :  March,  1895,  Immacu- 
late Conception  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois,   assistant;  January   1,   1896, 


St.  Maurice  Church,  Morrisonville, 
Illinois,  pastor  pro  tempore ;  October 
16,  1897,  St.  Charles  Church,  Charles- 
ton, Illinois;  July,  1903,  St.  John 
Church,  Carrollton,  Illinois;  July, 
1 907,  St.  Francis  Xavier  Church,  Jer- 
seyville,  Illinois,  and  October  14, 
1914,  was  assigned  as  irremovable  rec- 
tor of  St.  Peter  Church,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois. Father  Driscoll  was  on  the 
Apostolic  Mission  Band  for  six  years. 
He  built  the  church  and  rectory  in 
Charleston,  Illinois,  and  a  school 
house  in  Carrollton,  Illinois.  Father 
Driscoll  is  one  of  the  Diocesan  Pro- 
synodal  Judges. 


Reverend  Joiin  August  Duval 


Father  Duval  was  born  at  Col- 
linsville,  Illinois,  June  17,  1872,  of 
American  parents.  Was  educated  in 
St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis,  Illi- 
nois, Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the  West,  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  and  Kenrick  Seminary, 
Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  On  June 
18,  1895,  was  ordained  priest  by  Most 
Reverend  J.  Kain,  D.D.,  in  the  chapel 
at  Kenrick  Seminary.  After  his  or- 
dination he  labored  in  the  following 
places :  June  15,  1895,  St.  Boniface 
Church,  Edwardsville,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; August  15,  1895,  St.  Paul 
Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  assistant; 
June  1,  1897,  St.  Anselm  Church, 
Kampsville,  Illinois,  pastor;  March  I, 
1901,  St.  Gertrude  Church,  Grantfork, 
Illinois;  June  1,  1907,  St.  Michael 
Church,   Staunton,   Illinois,    and    on 


June  1,  1924,  owing  to  near  blindness, 
he  became  a  patient  in  the  Alexian 
Brothers  Hospital,  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri. On  his  return  to  active  duty, 
was  assigned  on  June  11,  1926,  to  St. 
Mary  Church,  Paris,  Illinois,  as  ad- 
ministrator; October  10,  1926,  St. 
John  Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
assistant  chaplain,  and  on  October  26, 
1926,  was  appointed  Diocesan  Direc- 
tor, Superintendent  and  Chaplain  of 
the  Catholic  Children's  Home,  Alton, 
Illinois.  Father  Duval  bears  a  repu- 
tation as  a  builder,  having  to  his 
credit  the  following  buildings:  St. 
Agnes  Church,  Belview,  Illinois;  St. 
Anselm,  School,  Kampsville,  Illinois; 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Livingston, 
Illinois,  and  rebuilt  St.  Gertrude 
Church,  Grantfork,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Ernest  John  Eckhard 


Father  Eckhard,  born  at  Alton, 
Illinois,  of  German  parents,  Novem- 
ber 9,  1880,  received  his  classical  edu- 
cation in  the  Josephinum  College, 
Columbus,  Ohio,  and  his  theological 
education  at  the  same  place.  Was  or- 
dained  by    Right    Reverend    James 


Hartley,  D.D.,  June  9,  1906,  at  Col- 
umbus, Ohio.  His  first  appointment, 
June  15,  1907,  was  that  of  assistant 
chaplain  in  St.  John  Hospital,  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  On  October  1,  1912, 
was  assigned  to  the  Holy  Ghost  Church 
Jerseyville,   Illinois,   as  pastor,   with 


720 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


"Westwoods  as  a  mission  and  on  May 
25,  1919,  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Boniface  Church,  Edwardsville,  Illi- 


nois, a  church  which  he  completely 
renovated  shortly  after  his  appoint- 
ment. 


Reverend  Joseph  Anthony  Enriqht 


Father  Enright  was  born  of  Irish 
parents,  in  Chicago  on  the  27th  day  of 
April,  1900,  and  was  educated  in 
Quigley  Preparatory  Seminary,  Chi- 
cago; St.  Mary  Seminary,  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  and  the  Catholic  Univer- 
sity of  America,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Was  ordained  December  19,  1925,  in 
the  Crypt  of  the  National  Shrine  of 
the   Immaculate    Conception,   Brook- 


land,  D.  C,  by  Right  Reverend 
Thomas  J.  Shanan,  S.T.D.,  J.U.L., 
LL.D.  At  the  Catholic  University  he 
specialized  in  Sociology  and  Psychol- 
ogy and  holds  a  degree  of  Master  of 
Arts.  On  June  6,  1926,  was  appoint- 
ed assistant  pastor  of  the  Blessed  Sac- 
rament Church  in  the  Episcopal  City, 
a  position  which  he  still  fills. 


Reverend  John  J.  Enriqht 
Father  Enright,  born  at   Listowel,  assigned  to  the  following  places:  Oc- 


Ireland,  March  25,  1883,  was  edu- 
cated at  St.  Michael  College,  Listowel, 
Ireland,  and  All  Hallows  College,  Dub- 
lin, Ireland.  Was  ordained  priest 
June  24,  1906,  by  the  Right  Reverend 
P.  J.  O'Connor,  D.D.,  in  All  Hallows 
Seminary,  Dublin,  Ireland.  Since  his 
coming  into  this  Diocese,  he  has  been 


tober,  1906,  St.  Benedict  Church,  Au- 
burn, Illinois,  assistant;  March,  1907, 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois; November,  1907,  St.  Mary 
Church,  Paris,  Illinois,  and  was  cre- 
ated pastor  of  St.  Lawrence  Church, 
Greenville,  Illinois,  in  October,  1910. 


Reverend  Michael  Enriqht 


Father  Enright,  born  October  1, 
1886,  at  Listowel,  Ireland,  received 
his  classical  education  in  St.  Michael 's 
College,  Listowel,  and  his  seminary 
training  in  All  Hallows  College,  Dub- 
lin, Ireland.  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Gilmartin,  D.D.,  of  Clonfert,  or- 
dained him  priest  in  All  Hallows  Col- 
lege, Dublin,  Ireland,  June  24,  1910. 
His  first  appointment  after    his    or- 

Reverend  George 

Father  Faller,  born  at  Newton, 
Illinois,  September  2,  1889,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Was 
ordained  priest  June  13,  1918,  at  St. 
Louis,  Missouri,  by  Most  Reverend 
John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.  Since  his  or- 
dination he  has  labored  in  the  follow- 
ing places:  July  1,  1918,  St.  Paul 
Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  assistant ; 
April  25,  1919,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude 
Church,   Gillespie,   Illinois;    July    1, 

721 


dination  was  that  of  assistant  at  the 
Immaculate  Conception  Church, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  October  1,  1910. 
Since  then  he  has  filled  the  following 
two  places  as  pastor :  December  1, 
1915,  St.  Norbert  Church,  Hardin, 
Illinois,  and  July  1,  1922,  St.  Michael 
Church,  Greenfield,  Illinois,  with 
Hagaman  for  a  mission. 

Elmo  Faller 

1919,  St.  Mary  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois; July  15,  1922,  St.  Anselm 
Church,  Kampsville,  Illinois,  pastor; 
April  11,  1924,  St.  John  Hospital, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  chaplain;  Nov- 
ember 5,  1926,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Cathedral,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
assistant ;  July  7,  1927,  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  admini- 
strator, and  August  21,  1927,  St. 
Michael  Church,  Sigel,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor. 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Charles  Joseph  Panning 


Father  Fanning,  born  October  8, 
1882,  at  Castlepollard,  Ireland,  was 
educated  in  St.  Finian  Seminary, 
Navan,  and  St.  Peter  College,  Wex- 
ford, Ireland.  Was  ordained  June 
24,  1909,  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Kelly,  D.D.,  in  All  Hallows  College, 
Ireland.  Since  his  ordination,  he  has 
labored  in  the  following  places :  Oc- 
tober 1,  1909,  St.  John  Church,  Car- 


rollton,  Illinois,  assistant ;  March  17, 
1910,  St.  Mary  Church,  Mt.  Sterling, 
Illinois;  October  1,  1913,  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Grafton,  Illinois,  pastor,  and 
May  1,  1919,  St.  Isidore  Church, 
Bethany,  Illinois,  the  position  which 
he  still  fills.  From  Bethany,  Father 
Fanning  attends  the  spiritual  needs 
of  the  Catholics  at  Lovington,  Illi- 
nois. 


Reverend  John  Raphael  Fannon 


Father  Fannon,  born  November  17, 
1874,  of  Irish-American  parents,  at 
Zanesville,  Ohio,  received  his  scholas- 
tic training  in  St.  Thomas  School, 
Zanesville,  Ohio,  and  theological 
studies  in  the  Dominican  House  of 
Studies,  Somerset,  Ohio,  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Sebastian  Martinelli,  D.D., 
September  28,  1899.  For  twenty-four 
years     he     worked     as     missionary 


throughout  the  United  States.  On 
May  29,  1924,  he  was  appointed  by 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  chaplain  of  St.  Theresa  Acad- 
emy, Decatur,  Illinois,  and  on  April 
28,  1925,  was  assigned  to  the  pastorate 
of  St.  John  Church,  Coffeen,  Illinois, 
with  New  Douglas  and  Panama  as 
missions. 


Reverend  Thomas  Fennessy 


Father  Fennessy  was  born  in  Coun- 
ty Tipperary,  Ireland,  on  December 
21,  1875.  After  receiving  his  college 
education  at  Killaloe,  and  his  sem- 
inary training  at  St.  Patrick  Sem- 
inary, Carlow,  Ireland,  was  ordained 
June  1,  1901,  in  St.  Patrick  College 
Chapel,  Carlow,  by  Right  Reverend 
Patrick  Foley,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Kil- 
dare  and  Leighlin.    He  served  as  sec- 


retary to  the  late  Bishop  James  Ryan, 
of  Alton,  Illinois,  from  1901  to  1908. 
October  1,  1908,  he  was  sent  to 
Springfield,  Illinois,  to  organize  a  new 
congregation  under  the  patronage  of 
St.  Patrick.  In  1926,  was  appointed 
"Procurator  Fiscalis"  by  Right  Rev- 
erend James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  and 
also  Diocesan  Director  of  the  Holy 
Name  Society. 


Reverend  Charles  John  Flori 


Father  Flori,  born  at  Carlinville, 
Illinois,  of  German-Swedish  parents, 
April  9,  1885,  was  educated  in  the 
Pontifical  College  and  Seminary, 
Josephinum,  Columbus,  Ohio.  Was 
ordained  priest  June  13,  1912,  by 
Right  Reverend  James  J.  Hartley, 
D.D.,  in  Columbus,  Ohio.     Since  his 


ordination,  he  has  been  assigned  to 
the  following  places :  July  1,  1912,  St. 
Anthony  Church,  Effingham,  Illinois, 
assistant ;  October  15,  1913,  St.  Val- 
entine Church,  Bend,  (Oblong)  Illi- 
nois, pastor,  and  April  15,  1919,  St. 
Joseph  Church,  Paloma,  Illinois,  with 
Bloomfield  and  Mendon  for  missions. 


Very  Reverend  Monsignor  Martin  Joseph  Foley 


Monsignor  Foley,  born  December  22, 
1872,  at  Ballinvalley,  County  Sligo, 
Ireland,  was  educated  in  St.  Mary 
Colltcje,  Dunkirk,  New  York,  and  St. 
Joseph  Seminary,  Baltimore,    Mary- 


land. Was  ordained  in  Baltimore,  by 
His  Eminence,  James  Cardinal  Gib- 
bons, D.D.,  Di'fomber  8,  1898.  From 
1898  to  1907,  was  engaged  in  conduct- 
ing missions  and   delivering   lectures 


722 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


throughout  the  United  States  and 
Canada.  In  1907,  was  appointed  to 
St.  Peter  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  as 
assistant.  His  subsequent  appoint- 
ments were :  1913,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Church,  Pittsfield,  Illinois, 
pastor,  and  in  1917,  was  appointed 
chaplain  of  the  Soldiers'  and  Sailors' 
Home,  Quincy,  Illinois,  in  order  to 
better  enable  him  to  edit  the  Western 


Catholic,  a  Catholic  paper  which  he 
started  on  May  29,  1919.  Father 
Foley  was  raised  by  Pope  Pius  XI  to 
the  dignity  of  Monsignor  and  invest- 
ed by  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Grif- 
fin, D.D.,  in  the  chapel  of  Quincy  Col- 
lege, August  3,  1927,  in  recognition  of 
his  work  in  the  field  of  journalism 
and  as  editor  of  the  Western  Catholic. 


Very  Reverend  Francis  F.  Formaz 


The  subject  of  this  sketch,  the  Very 
Reverend  Dean  Francis  F.  Formaz, 
son  of  Francis  E.  Formaz  and  Marie 
Michellod,  was  born  in  the  French 
part  of  Switzerland  in  the  year  1874. 
Shortly  afterwards,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Formaz,  taking  with  them  their  fam- 
ily, emigrated  (for  the  second  time) 
to  the  United  States  and  settled  in  St. 
Louis,  Missouri.  By  the  time  young 
Francis  reached  the  age  of  seven  both 
his  parents  were  dead,  whereupon  he 
was  entrusted  to  the  care  of  a  near 
relative,  a  Mr.  Tissier,  whom  he  still 
remembers  with  gr/ateful  affection. 
He  made  his  grade  and  high  school 
studies  at  the  local  Grammar  School 
and  the  St.  Louis  University  Acad- 
emy, respectively,  and  at  the  age  of 
seventeen  was  ready  to  enter  college. 
At  this  highly  speculative  and  roman- 
tic period  of  every  normal  boy's  life, 
Francis  was  called  upon  (without  the 
kindly  advice  of  parents)  to  settle  the 
puzzling  problem  of  a  future  pro- 
fession. But  the  intelligent  young 
lad  was  equal  to  the  occasion  as  sub- 
sequent events  proved,  for,  after  due 
deliberation,  he  decided  that  his  mis- 
sion in  life  was  to  be  a  priest,  and 
having  once  put  his  hand  to  the  spir- 
itual plow  there  was  no  turning  back. 
With  the  priesthood  in  view  he  made 
his  classical  and  philosophical  studies 
at  Quincy  College,  and  from  there 
went  to  Price  Hill,  Diocesan  seminary 
of  Cincinnati,  where,  after  complet- 
ing a  distinguished  theological  course, 
he  was  ordained  priest  on  June  17, 
1898. 

His  first  mission  in  this  diocese  was 
the  assistantship  in  St.  Anthony  par- 


ish at  Effingham,  Illinois.  After  a 
stay  there  of  little  more  than  a  year 
he  was  sent  by  the  Bishop,  Right  Rev- 
erend James  Ryan,  to  the  Catholic 
University,  Washington,  D.  C,  where 
he  received  the  degrees  of  S.T.B.  and 
S.T.L.,  his  specialty  being  Church  his- 
tory. On  his  return  from  the  Catho- 
lic University  he  became  assistant  to 
the  well  known  Dean  Crowe,  pastor  of 
Our  Saviour  Church,  Jacksonville, 
Illinois.  And  now  begins  that  part  of 
his  career  as  a  priest  and  educator 
with  which  we  are  here  particularly 
concerned. 

Because  of  the  revealing  light  it 
throws  upon  the  personality  and  work 
of  Father  Formaz  during  22  years  of 
service  in  Jacksonville,  I  take  the  lib- 
erty of  quoting  extensively  from  an 
appreciatory  article  which  appeared 
in  the  "Wag"  of  1923  (The  "Wag" 
is  a  paper  written  and  edited  by  the 
Routt  students  and  published  month- 
ly during  the  school -year)  on  the  oc- 
casion of  his  silver  jubilee  to  the 
priesthood. 

"In  August  of  the  year  1901," 
writes  Joe  Dollar,  the  author  of  the 
article,  and  one  of  Routt's  most  bril- 
liant students,  "a  young  man  came  to 
Our  Saviour  Church  at  Jacksonville, 
Illinois,  to  take  up  his  duties  as  an  as- 
sistant. Small  of  stature,  long  raven 
hair  brushed  back  in  pompadour 
style,  intelligent  brown  eyes  framed 
in  glasses,  his  whole  appearance  be- 
spoke culture  and  scholarship.  An 
earnest  and  hard  worker,  he  put  his 
shoulder  to  the  wheel,  and  Dean 
Crowe  the  Pilot,  then  in  failing 
health,  gladly  dropped  the  burden  of 


723 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


his  work  upon  the  shoulders  of  his 
able  assistant.  He  went  about  his 
duties  in  a  quiet  but  effective  way.  .  .  . 

"He  was  in  the  parish  not  quite  a 
year  when  Dean  Crowe  voiced  his  in- 
tentions of  starting  a  Catholic  High 
School.  After  much  doubt  and  hesi- 
tation on  his  part,  and  a  great  deal 
of  encouragement  on  the  part  of 
Father  Formaz,  the  school  was  open- 
ed. For  fifteen  years,  acting  in  every 
capacity  from  principal  to  janitor,  he 
labored  in  the  school.  So  occupied 
was  he  in  the  performance  of  these 
duties  and  so  seldom  did  he  have  time 
for  social  intercourse,  that  the  people 
of  the  parish  described  him  as  'wear- 
ing a  path  from  the  rectory  to  the 
college. ' 

"At  the  death  of  Dean  Crowe  in 
1915,  Father  Formaz  took  his  place  in 
the  parish  and  school.  What  could 
be  more  fitting  than  that  the  man 
who  had  accomplished  so  much  for 
the  advancement  of  the  parish  and 
school  should  ultimately  be  placed  at 
the  head  of  both  ? 

"A  few  years  ago  he  was  offered  a 
seat  in  the  University  of  Illinois,  as 
Professor  of  Religion.  The  same  year 
he  was  made  Dean  by  the  Bishop." 

Continuing,  the  writer  sums  up  his 
intellectual  qualities  and  attainments 
thus:  "He  is  a  student,  can  converse 
in  Latin,  French,  Spanish,  German 
and  Italian,  can  play  the  violin  and 
organ,  can  draw;  is  an  able  teacher, 
a  splendid  talker,  a  good  imperson- 
ator, and  an  interesting  conversation- 
alist," 

Well,  the  passage  of  years  has  ef- 
fected no  great  change  in  Father  For- 
maz, either  physically  or  mentally.  In 
body,  he  maintains  the  same  student- 
like proportions,  and  in  mind  he  is 
given  to  the  same  intellectual  pur- 
suits, as  those  which  characterized  his 
early  youth  and  priesthood.  He  has 
&  great  fondness  for  books,  regarding 
them  as  his  most  delightful  and  in- 
formative friends.  Music  with  him  is 
almost  a  passion,  and  practically 
every  evening  he  may  be  seen  in  the 
church,  for  hours  at  a  time,  playing 


the  pipe  organ,  which  to  him  is  the 
monarch  of  musical  instruments. 

What  impresses  one  most  in  the 
study  of  Father  Formaz'  labors  in 
Jacksonville,  is  his  unselfish  and  ef- 
ficient work  in  the  field  of  Catholic 
higher  education.  His  name  and  that 
of  Routt  College  are  inseparably  en- 
twined. To  speak  of  the  one  can 
scarcely  be  done  without  a  mention  of 
the  other.  True  indeed,  it  was  the 
venerable  Dean  Crowe  that  sowed  the 
plant  of  learning  known  as  Routt  Col- 
lege. But  who  diligently  cultivated 
that  plant  and  brought  it  to  bounte- 
ous fruition  if  it  be  not  Reverend 
Francis  F.  Formaz?  For  was  he  not, 
during  almost  two  dozen  years, 
Routt's  guiding  genius,  sacrificing  on 
the  altar  of  its  welfare  every  power 
of  his  versatile  mind  and  every  un- 
selfish interest ! 

Few  people  now  fully  realize  the 
discouraging  difficulties  presented  by 
the  infant  institution.  It  had  a  small 
and  weak  beginning — two  ill-furnish- 
id  rooms  in  the  present  Boarding 
House,  half  a  dozen  pupils  between 
boys  and  girls,  and  the  energetic 
Father  Formaz  as  sole  teacher.  Many 
were  the  doubting  Thomases  who 
looked  upon  the  venture  as  doomed  to 
a  speedy  and  dismal  failure.  But  like 
most  skeptics  they  were  wrong,  for 
soon  the  school,  under  the  inspiring 
leadership  of  the  young  priest  showed 
signs  of  growth  and  stability.  It  had 
evidently  come  to  stay,  and,  within  a 
few  years,  broadening  its  scope,  it 
had  added  a  College  department  to  a 
full  High  School  course. 

Then  along:  came  the  Routt  family, 
the  most  notable  convert  family  to  the 
Catholic  Faith  that  Jacksonville,  or 
perhaps  this  diocese,  ever  had.  This 
wealthy  and  generous  family  offered 
to  defray  half  the  expenses  of  a  suit- 
able new  school  building  provided  the 
parish  would  pay  the  other  half.  The 
proposition  was  gladly  accepted  by 
Dean  Crowe  and  the  present  fine 
building  was  erected.  Later  the  same 
family  in  conjunction  with  Our 
Savior  parish,  put  the  College  on  a 
secure  financial  basis  by  establishing 


724 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


a  liberal  endowment  fund,  the  inter- 
est from  which  covers  current  ex- 
penses. Thus  it  has  come  to  pass  that 
if,  today,  the  wolf  of  institutional 
poverty  should  find  its  way  to  the 
door  of  Routt  it  must  be  because  he 
has  been  given  the  wrong  address. 

Most  appropriately  the  College 
bears  the  name  of  its  generous  bene- 
factors, and  that  honored  name, 
"Routt"  shall  ever  be  held  in  grate- 
ful benediction  by  all  who  know  and 
appreciate  what  good  it  has  meant  to 
advanced  Catholic  education  in  this 
diocese. 

That  Routt  College  has  thus  far 
made  steady  progress  will  appear 
from  a  comparison  of  the  following 
interesting  figures.  It  began  twenty- 
six  years  ago  with  five  or  six  pupils 
and  one  teacher,  in  a  small  room  with 
soap  boxes  for  seats.  Today,  it  has  a 
large,  modernly  equipped  class-build- 
ing; a  floating  average  of  one  hun- 
dred fifty  students;  a  staff  of  eleven 
teachers,  made  up  of  seven  Domini- 
can sisters,  three  priests,  and  one  lay 
teacher;  and  quite  a  valuable  prop- 
erty in  lands  and  houses.  The  growth, 
if  you  will,  has  not  been  phenomenal, 
but  it  has  been  substantial  and  en- 
couraging, bearing  with  it  the  prom- 
ise of  a  bright  future.  The  main 
cause  of  this  consoling  progress,  few 
will  dispute,  is  found  in  the  teaching 
and  administrative  ability  of  Father 
Formaz. 

Time — and  time  only  can  reveal  the 
value  of  a  teacher 's  work — has  proven 
conclusively  that  Father  Formaz  dur- 
ing his  years  in  the  class-room  was  a 
most  successful  teacher.  To  be  con- 
vinced of  this  fact  one  has  only  to 
consider  the  number  of  his  students 
of  both  sexes  who  have  gone  forth 
and  made  for  themselves  honorable 
names  in  the  different  callings  of  life. 

Then  too,  mention  must  be  made  of 
the  substantial  success  he  has  had 
with  the  Summer  School  he  founded 
for  the  Dominican  sisters  of  Spring- 
field in  1912.  Every  summer  many  of 
the  Sisters  of  St.  Dominic  avail  them- 
selves of  the  courses  offered,  and  all 
are  enthusiastic  in  praise  of  the  excel- 


lent and  helpful  quality  of  the  work 
done.  Through  this  Summer  School, 
even  yet  so  little  known,  the  peda- 
gogical ideas  of  its  founder  are  be- 
ginning to  have  a  widespread  influ- 
ence. 

In  the  light  of  his  past  work  it  can 
be  truly  stated  that  he  has  the  quali- 
ties, innate  and  acquired,  demanded 
of  a  good  teacher.  He  knows  his  sub- 
jects thoroughly,  and  a  habit  of  wide 
reading  coupled  with  a  keen  power  of 
selective  assimilation  gives  to  his 
thoughts  and  words  a  rich  fullness 
evocative  of  the  pupils'  interest  and 
respect.  He  approaches  all  debatable 
questions  objectively,  but  with  that 
nice  sympathy  of  heart  so  invaluable 
to  a  true  and  living  interpretation  of 
things  human.  Among  his  other  splen- 
did teaching  assets  are :  a  judicious 
sympathy  with  his  students,  a  pene- 
trating insight  to  their  individual 
needs,  and  a  happy  faculty  for  com- 
municating his  thoughts.  Towards  the 
various  teaching  methods  that  glut 
the  forum  of  modern  American  ped- 
agogy and  loudly  clamor  for  atten- 
tion, his  attitude  closely  follows  that 
wise  old  precept :  "Be  not  the  first  by 
whom  the  new  is  tried,  nor  yet  the 
last  to  lay  the  old  aside." 

In  short,  Father  Formaz  has  the 
gift  of  teaching,  and  that  is  no  small 
or  common  gift  among  men.  And  it 
is  to  his  undying  credit  that  he  has 
used  that  gift  to  the  best  of  his  abil- 
ity in  promoting  the  interests  of 
Catholic  education. 

It  is  exceedingly  gratifying  to  the 
author  of  these  lines  to  find  that  the 
high  estimation  he  has  formed  of 
Father  Formaz,  as  a  priest,  scholar 
and  teacher,  on  a  short  but  intimate 
acquaintance,  is  in  full  accord  with 
the  written  and  verbal  testimony  of 
trustworthy  witnesses.  The  love  and 
respect  his  parishioners  and  students 
bear  him  were  demonstrated  in  a  very 
practical  manner  some  years  ago 
when  they  presented  him  with  a  check 
for  twenty  thousand  dollars  on  the 
occasion  of  his  twenty-fifth  anniver- 
sary in  the  priesthood. 


725 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Finally,  whatever  future  glory 
shall  accrue  to  Routt  as  a  higher  in- 
stitution of  Catholic  learning — and 
our  hopes  and  praj'ers  are  ardent  in 


that  respect — will  be  in  no  small 
measure  attributable  to  the  gallant 
and  almost  single-handed  efforts  of 
Father  Formaz  in  the  difficult  past. 


Reverend  August  Forster 


Father  Forster,  born  in  the  Pala- 
tinate, Germany,  November  15,  1866, 
received  his  education  in  St.  Francis 
Solanus  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and 
Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the  West,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.  Was  ordained  in  the  Cathedral 
at  Cincinnati,  Ohio  by  Most  Reverend 
William  Henry  Elder,  D.D.,  June  21, 
1 894.  Since  his  ordination  he  has  re- 
ceived the  following  appointments: 
July  12,  1894,    St.    Jerome    Church, 


Troy,  Illinois,  pastor,  with  Black  Jack 
for  a  mission;  August  28,  1895,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; Octoberr  1,  1895,  St.  Ubaldus 
Church,  New  Douglas,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor; later  he  served  St.  John  Church, 
Coffeen,  Illinois,  and  finally  on  April 
4,  1904,  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph  Church,  Ramsey,  Illinois. 
Father  Forster  holds  the  degrees, 
A.B.,  and  A.M. 


Reverend  Patrick  Joseph  Fox 


Father  Fox,  born  in  County  Leit- 
rim,  Ireland,  March  17,  1878,  was 
educated  in  St.  Joseph  College,  and 
Carlow  Seminary,  Ireland.  Was  or- 
dained June  4,  1911,  at  Carlow,  Ire- 
land, by  Right  Reverend  Patrick 
Foley,  D.  D.  His  first  appointment 
in  this  diocese  was  in  October,  1911, 
when  he  was  sent  as  assistant  to    St. 


Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illinois.  In 
1918,  he  served  in  the  World  War  as 
Chaplain.  October,  1919,  was  made 
pastor  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Church, 
Divernon,  Illinois,  with  Glenarm  as 
a  mission  and  in  April,  1927,  was 
transferred  to  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Mary  Church,  Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois, 
with  Bluffs  as  a  mission. 


Reverend  John  Baptist  Franz 


Father  Franz,  born  of  German- 
American  parents,  at  Springfield, 
Illinois,  October  29,  1896,  received  his 
classical  studies  in  Quincy  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  his  theological 
studies  in  Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri.  He  was  ordained 
June  13,  1920,  by  Most  Reverend 
John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  in  Kenrick 
Seminary  Chapel,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri.  Since  his  ordination,  his 
activities  have  been  numerous  and 
various:  July  1,  1920,  St.  Theresa 
Academy,  Decatur,  Illinois,  chaplain, 
and  October  1,  1920,  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Granite  City,  Illinois,  assist- 


ant. On  October  1,  1920,  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  James  Ryan,  D.D.,  of 
happy  memory,  sent  him  to  the  Apos- 
tolic Mission  House  and  the  Catholic 
University  of  America,  Washington, 
D.  C,  to  prepare  for  mission  work  in 
the  Diocese.  In  June,  1921,  he  was 
appointed  a  member  of  the  Diocesan 
Mission  Band.  In  January,  1927, 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  appointed  him  secretary-treas- 
urer of  the  Jubilee  Cathedral  Fund, 
and  in  May,  1927,  he  was  appointed 
administrator  of  St.  Mary  Church, 
Farmersville,  Illinois.  Father  Franz 
holds  the  degrees  A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  Jesse  L.  Gatton,  Ph.D.  ;  S.T.L. 


On  May  17,  1889,  Father  Gatton 
was  born  of  American  parents  at 
Pawnee,  Illinois.  After  receiving  his 
college  training  in  St.  Francis  Solan- 
us College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  he  went 


to  Rome,  and  attended  the  North 
American  College  and  University  of 
"Propaganda  Fidei,"  where  he  earn- 
ed the  degrees  Ph.D.,  and  S.T.L.  On 
December  22,  1917,  he  was  ordained 


726 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


in  Rome  by  Most  Reverend  Americo 
Bevilacque,  D.D.  Upon  his  return 
to  the  States,  August  12,  1918,  Rever- 
end Doctor  Gatton  was  appointed 
chaplain  of  St.  John  Hospital, 
Springfield,  Illinois.     On    April    10, 


1924,  he  was  sent  as  director  of  the 
Diocesan  Catholic  Children's  Home, 
Alton,  Illinois,  and  on  June  26,  1926, 
was  transferred  again  to  St.  John 
Hospital,  Springfield,  as  assistant 
director. 


Reverend  Anthony  Gerken 


Father  Gerken  was  born  on  Sep- 
tember 27,  1884,  in  Hegensdorf 
County,  Bueren,  Germany.  He  re- 
ceived his  college  training  at  Bueren, 
Brilon,  and  Paderborn,  Germany. 
Right  Reverend  Charles  Joseph 
Schulte,  D.D.,  ordained  him  April  7, 
1911,  at  Paderborn,  Germany.  After 
his  ordination,  he  was  assigned  to  the 


following  places:  April,  1911,  St. 
Gertrude  Church,  Wattenscheid,  Ger- 
many, assistant ;  July,  1915,  Sacred 
Church,  Werne-Bochum,  Germany, 
assistant.  Whilst  on  a  mission  to  the 
United  States,  he  was  appointed 
Chaplain  of  St.  John  Hospital, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  January,  1926. 


Very  Reverend  Monsignor  Amos  E.  Giusti,  J. CD. 


Monsignor  Giusti,  born  at  Oneta, 
Lucca,  Italy,  on  January  19,  1885, 
was  educated  in  St.  Francis  Solanus 
College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  Mt.  St.  Mary 
of  the  West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and 
Appollinaire,  Rome,  Italy.  He  was 
ordained  priest  June  20,  1913,  in  the 
Cathedral  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by 
Most  Reverend  Henry  Moeller,  D.D. 
His  first  appointment,  June  28,  1913, 
was  that  of  assistant  at  St.  Peter 
Church,  Quincy,  Illinois.  His  subse- 
quent appointments  were :  March, 
1919,  St.  Mary  Church,  Mt.  Sterling, 
Illinois,  administrator;  June  28, 
1919,  St.  Sebastian  Church,  Waverly, 
Illinois,  pastor,  with  Hagaman  for  a 
mission;  December  1,  1922,  St.  James 
Church,  Riverton,  Illinois,  with  Buf- 


falo and  Sangamon  County  Poor 
Farm  for  missions.  Father  Giusti 
specialized  in  Canon  Law  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Appollinaire  during  the 
years  1924-25.  Upon  his  return  to  the 
Diocese  on  November  1,  1925,  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  ap- 
pointed him  Vice  Chancellor  of  the 
Diocese,  Actuarius  of  the  Matrimonial 
Court,  and  chaplain  of  Our  Lady  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  Convent,  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  In  June,  1927,  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  ob- 
tained for  him  the  dignity  of  Mon- 
signor (Private  Chamberline  to  His 
Holiness).  On  November  1,  1927,  was 
appointed  "Censor  Liborum. "  Mon- 
signor Giusti  holds  the  degrees  A.B. ; 
A.M.  and  J.C.D. 


Reverend  John  J.  Goff 


Father  Goff,  born  November  22, 
1895,  at  Virginia,  Illinois,  received  his 
college  training  in  Quincy  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  theological  train- 
ing in  Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri.  On  June  24,  1924, 
Most    Reverend    John    J.    Glennon, 


D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  in  St.  Fran- 
cis Xavier  Church,  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri. Since  his  ordination,  he  has 
been  serving  in  the  capacity  of  assist- 
ant at  St.  John  Church,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois. Father  Goff  holds  the  degree, 
A.B. 


Reverend  John  Henry  Gramke 


Father  Gramke,  born  at  Quincy, 
Illinois,  June  7,  1881,  of  Irish-Ger- 
man parents,  received  his  college  edu- 
cation in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 


Quincy,  Illinois,  and  his  seminary 
training  in  Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the  West 
Seminary,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Was  or- 
dained priest  May  21,  1910,  in    the 


727 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


chapel  of  the  Josephinum  Pontifical 
College,  Columbus,  Ohio,  by  Right 
Reverend  James  J.  Hartley,  D.D.  His 
first  appointment  in  the  Diocese  oc- 
curred June  8,  1910,  when  he  was  sent 
as  assistant  at  St.  Paul  Church, 
Highland,  Illinois.  His  subsequent 
appointments  were :  July  1,  1911,  St. 
Paul   Church,   Highland,   Illinois,   as 


administrator,  and  July  1,  1919,  Holy 
Ghost,  Jersey ville,  Illinois,  pastor, 
with  Westwoods  as  a  mission.  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  ap- 
pointed him  member  of  the  Diocesan 
Building  Commission  in  1926,  and 
Diocesan  Director  of  the  Priests' 
Eucharistic  League.  Father  Gramke 
holds  the  degree,  A.B. 


Reverend  Francis  Joseph  Gribbin 


Father  Gribbin,  born  May  12,  1888, 
at  Drumee,  Castlewellan  County, 
Down,  Ireland,  was  educated  in  St. 
Francis  Solanus  College,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois, and  Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri.  Was  ordained  June 
6,  1920,  in  Kenrick  Seminary  by  Most 
Reverend  John  J.  Glennon,  D.D. 
Since  his  ordination  he  has  received 


the  following  appointments :  July  1, 
1920,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral, 
Alton,  Illinois,  assistant;  October  4, 
1920,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Livings- 
ton, Illinois,  pastor;  June  26,  1926, 
St.  Elizabeth  Church,  Robinson,  Illi- 
nois, and  August  22,  1927,  Mother  of 
Dolors  Church,  Vandalia,  Illinois, 
where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  Alphonsus  James  Harte 


Father  Harte,  born  of  American 
parents,  at  Chicago,  Illinois,  April  22, 
1901,  was  educated  in  the  Cathedral 
College,  Chicago,  Illinois,  St.  Mary 
of  the  Lake,  Chicago,  Illinois,  and 
Kenrick    Seminary,    Webster    Grove, 


Missouri.  Was  ordained  priest  June 
6,  1925,  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  by  the 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.  After  his  ordination,  he  was  as- 
signed assistant  at  St  .Patrick  Church, 
Decatur,  Illinois. 


Reverend  George  Hensey 


Father  Hensey,  born  March  29, 
1877,  at  Farmingdale,  Illinois,  of 
American  parents,  was  educated  in 
St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis,  Illi- 
nois, St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  Mt.  St.  Mary  Sem- 
inary of  the  West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
and  Catholic  University,  Washington, 
D.C.  Was  ordained  priest  June  21, 
1903,  in  the  Cathedral  at  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  by  Most  Reverend  Henry  Moel- 
ler,  D.D.  Since  his  ordination,  he 
has  been  assigned  to  the  following 
places:   July  1,  1903,  SS.  Peter  and 


Paul  Church,  Alton,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; July  1,1904,  St.  Patrick  church, 
Pana,  Illinois;  July  1,  1905,  St. 
Michael  Church,  Hume,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor; July  1,  1909,  St.  Michael 
Church,  Greenfield,  Illinois,  with 
Hagaman  as  a  mission ;  October 
1,  1910,  St.  Alexius  Church,  Beards- 
town,  Illinois,  and  October  1,  1925, 
St.  Mary  Church,  Carlinville,  Illinois. 
Father  Hensey  was  a  member  of  the 
Diocesan  Mission  Band  for  six  years, 
having  graduated  at  the  Mission 
House,  Washington,  D.  C.  He  holds 
the  degrees,  A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  James  Q.  Heslin 


Father  Heslin,  born  February  12, 
1895,  at  Cloone,  County  Leitrim,  Ire- 
land, was  educated  in  St  Kieran  Col- 
lege, Kilkenny,  Ireland,  St.  Mary 
Seminary,  Moyne,  and  in  the  Nation- 
al University   of   Ireland.      Was   or- 


dained in  St.  Mary  Cathedral,  Kil- 
kenny, Ireland,  June  8,  1919,  by 
Right  Reverend  George  J.  Burton, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  Bristol,  England. 
Since  coming  to  the  Diocese,  he  has 
served  the  following  places :  January 


728 


Rev.  John  J.  Coin,.  Ass't  St.  John.  Quincy.  Rev.  .John  II.  Gramke,  Pctstor,  Holy 
aiiust.  ■hfsiiii-iUc.  Hi\.  Fuwt'is  Gribbin,  Pastor,  \  <i,ni<iii<i.  .  .  .  Rev.  George  ili\->\. 
Pastor,  st.  Mary,  Garlinville.  Rev.  Georgi  B.  Hobbs,  Ass't,  Our  Savior,  Jacksonville. 
Rev.  Josepb  M.  a.  Hoffman,  Ass't.  si.  Boniface,  (.nun,,,  .  .  .  Rev.  John  J.  Hogan, 
Ass't,  SS.  Peter  awl  Paul,  Collinsville.  Rev.  .1.  .1.  Hoi  mes,  Ass't,  st.  Mom.  vt.  Sterling. 
Rev.  Egbert  Hi  stei:.  O.F.M.,  Ass't,  st.  Francis,  Quim 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


17,  1920,  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Mattoon,  Illinois,  assistant; 
October,  1924,  St.  Joseph  Home  for 
the  Aged,  Springfield,  Illinois,  chap- 


lain; January  1,  1926,  St.  Anthony 
Hospital,  Effingham,  Illinois,  chap- 
lain, and,  at  the  same  time,  pastor  of 
St.  Mary  Church,  Shumway,  Illinois. 


Reverend  John  Murphy  Heslin 


Father  Heslin,  born  at  Carrigallen, 
Leitrim,  Ireland,  May  1,  1882,  was 
educated  in  St.  Mary  College,  Moyne, 
and  St.  John  Seminary,  Waterford, 
Ireland.  Was  ordained  at  Water- 
ford,  Ireland,  bv  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Sheehan,  D.D.,  June  21,  1908. 
Since  his  coming  to  this  Diocese,  he 
has  served  in  the    following    places: 


October,  1908,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Marshall,  Illinois,  assistant;  Septem- 
ber, 1913,  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Shelbyville,  Illinois,  pastor; 
July,  1919,  Holy  Trinity  Church, 
Stonington,  Illinois,  and  November, 
1921,  St.  Agnes  Church,  Hillsboro, 
where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  Daniel  Joseph  Higgins 


Father  Higgins,  born  at  Limerick, 
Ireland,  March  17,  1881,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Patrick  Classical  School, 
Bruff,  County  Limerick,  Ireland,  and 
St.  Patrick  College,  Thurles,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  June  16,  1907,  by  Most 
Reverend  Archbishop  Thomas  Fen- 
nally,  D.D.,  in  St.  Patrick  Cathedral, 


Thurles,  Ireland.  Since  his  ordina- 
tion, he  has  been  appointed  to  the  fol- 
lowing places :  September  10,  1907, 
St.  Agnes  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois, assistant;  October  1,  1914,  An- 
nunciation Church,  Bunker  Hill,  Illi- 
nois, pastor,  July  1, 1919,  Assumption 
Church,  Assumption,  Illinois. 


Reverend  George  Eustace  Hobbs 


Father  Hobbs,  born  at  Jacksonville, 
Illinois,  November  8,  1898,  was  edu- 
cated in  Routt  College.  Jacksonville, 
Illinois;  Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois; Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri,  and  DePaul  Univer- 
sity, Chicago.    Was  ordained  by  Most 


Reverend  John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  in 
Kenrick  Seminary  Chapel,  June  10, 
1922.  On  July  1,  he  was  appointed 
assistant  of  Our  Saviour  Church, 
Jacksonville,  Illinois.  Father  Hobbs 
has  the  degree,  A.B. 


Reverend  Joseph  M.  A.  Hoffmann 


Father  Hoffmann,  born  March  27, 
1877,  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  was  edu- 
cated in  Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois ;  Mt.  Angel,  Oregon,  and  Kenrick 
Seminary,  Webster  Grove,  Missouri. 
Was    ordained    June    11,    1927,    by 


Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Joseph 
Home  for  the  Aged,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois. Since  his  ordination  he  has 
been  laboring  as  assistant  of  St.  Boni- 
face Church,  Quincy,  Illinois. 


Reverend  John  J.  Hogan 


Father  Hogan,  born  at  Kilmallock, 
Ireland,  on  July  21,  1896,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Munchin  College,  Lim- 
erick, Ireland,  and  St.  John  College, 
Waterford,  Ireland.  Was  ordained 
priest  June  15,  1919,  in  the  Cathedral 


at  Waterford,  Ireland,  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Bernard  Hackett,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  Waterford  and  Lismore.  Since  his 
coming  to  the  Diocese,  he  has  been 
assigned  to  the  following  places : 
November  18,  1919,  St.  Mary  Church, 


729 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Marshall,  Illinois,  assistant;  Septem- 
ber 15,  1923,  St.  Mary  Church,  Paw- 
nee, Illinois,  assistant,    and   July   4, 


1924,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church, 
Collinsville,  Illinois,  where  he  now 
resides. 


Reverend  August  M.  Hohl 


Father  Hohl,  born  of  German  par- 
ents at  Springfield,  Illinois,  August 
26,  1880,  received  his  education  in  St. 
Francis  Solanus  College,  Quincy  Illi- 
nois, and  the  Grand  Seminary,  Mon- 
treal, Canada.  Most  Reverend  Henry 
Moeller,  D.D.,  ordained  him  priest 
June  21,  1907,  in  the  Cathedral  at 
Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Since  his  ordina- 
tion Father  Hohl  has  labored  in  the 


following  places:  June  21,  1907,  St. 
John  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant, and  November  30,  1917,  Forty 
Martyrs  Church,  Tuscola,  Illinois, 
pastor,  with  Villa  Grove  for  a  mis- 
sion. Since  that  time  he  has  erected  a 
beautiful  brick  church  at  Tuscola.  He 
is  now,  in  1927,  pastor  of  St.  Paul 
Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  with  St. 
Jacob  and  Pocahontas  as  missions. 


,i>  James  Joseph  Holmes 


Father  Holmes,  born  January  5, 
1899,  in  the  County  of  Limerick,  Ire- 
land, received  his  education  in  the 
Christian  Brothers  College,  St.  Kier- 
an  Seminary,  and  the  University  of 
Dublin.  Was  ordained  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Downey,  D.D.,   of  the 


Diocese  of  Ossory,  in  Kilkenny,  Ire- 
land, June  10,  1923.  Since  his  com- 
ing  into  the  Diocese,  he  has  served  as 
assistant  of  St.  Mark  Church,  Venice, 
Illinois,  September  10,  1923,  and  St. 
Mary  Church,  Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois, 
July  7,  1925,  a  position  which  he  now 
holds. 


Reverend  James  Joseph  Howard,  D.D.,  M.R. 


Reverend  Doctor  Howard,  born 
August  19,  1859,  of  Irish  parents,  at 
St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  was  educated  in 
the  Sacred  Heart  College,  Ruma,  Illi- 
nois, Diocesan  College,  of  the  Diocese 
of  Alton,  Alton,  Illinois,  St.  Theresa 
Academy,  Grand  Seminary,  Montreal, 
Canada,  and  North  American  College, 
Rome,  Italy.  Was  ordained  priest  on 
June  3,  1882,  by  his  Eminence  Car- 
dinal Monaco  Le  Valletta.  Whilst  at- 
tending the  pontifical  College  "De 
Propaganda  Fidei,"  he  received  the 
degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity.  On  his 
return  to  the  United  States  in  August, 
1883,  was  appointed  assistant  at  the 
old    Cathedral,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 


Alton,  Illinois,  was  made  pastor  of 
St.  Catherine  Church,  Virden,  Illi- 
nois, November,  1887,  and  in  October, 
1888,  was  assigned  pastor  of  St.  Ag- 
nes Church,  Springfield,  Illinois.  In 
1925  Right  Reverend  Bishop  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  declared  his  parish  an 
irremovable  rectorate.  Reverend  Doc- 
tor Howard  is  not  only  a  member  of 
the  Diocesan  School  Board  and  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  the  Examin- 
ers of  the  Clergy,  but  also  a  member 
of  the  Advisory  Board  to  the  Bishop 
— a  Diocesan  Consultor.  Doctor  How- 
ard built  a  beautiful  up  to  date  school 
building  and  rectory  in  St.  Agnes 
parish. 


Reverend  Louis  Hufker 


Father  Hufker  was  born  March  9, 
1885,  of  German-American  parents  at 
Alton,  Illinois.  He  received  his  edu- 
cation in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  the  University 
of  Innsbruck,  Innsbruck  Tyrol.  Was 


ordained  priest  June  19,  1908,  in  the 
Cathedral  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by 
Most  Reverend  Archbishop  Henry 
Moeller,  D.D.  He  holds  the  degrees 
A.B.  and  A.M..  Since  his  ordination, 
he  has  filled  the    following    appoint- 


730 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ments:    July  1,  1908,  SS.  Peter  and  ition  which    he    still    holds.     During 


Paul  Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant. June,  1927,  he  was  created 
pastor  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Cathedral,  Springfield,  Illinois,  a  pos- 


this  time,  he  was  active  in  Boy  Scout 
work  and  directed  the  activities  of  the 
Catholic  Instruction  League  and 
other  social  agencies. 


Reverend  Anton  Maria  Jaschke 


On  December  6,  1883,  Father 
Jaschke  was  born  at  Bendorf,  (Rhein) 
Germany.  Was  educated  in  the  Gym- 
nasium in  Ehrenbreitstein,  Mission- 
ary Seminary  at  Limburg  (Lahn)  and 
Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the  West,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.  Was  ordained  priest  June  21, 
1907  by  Most  Reverend  Henry  Moel- 
ler,  D.D.  Father  Jaschke  was  assign- 
ed to  the  following  places  after  his  or- 
dination :  July  2,  1907,  St.  Paul 
Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  assistant ; 
October,  1907,  St.  Joseph  Hospital, 
Highland,  Illinois,  chaplain,  attend- 
ing at  the  same  time  the  missions,  St. 


Jacob  and  Pocahontas;  December  1, 
1910,  St.  Gertrude  Church,  Grant- 
fork,  Illinois,  pastor ;  July  1,  1918,  St. 
Jerome  Church,  Troy,  Illinois,  with 
Black  Jack  as  a  mission;  July,  1920, 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Mt.  Sterling,  Illi- 
nois ;  October,  1924,  St.  Anthony  Hos- 
pital, Effingham,  Illinois,  chaplain, 
with  Shumway  as  a  mission,  and  Jan- 
uary 6,  1925,  St.  Joseph  Home  for  the 
Aged,  Springfield,  Illinois,  chaplain. 
Father  Jaschke  specialized  in  church 
music  and  in  1925,  Right  Reverend 
James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  appointed 
him  Diocesan  Director  of  Music. 


Reverend  Clement  H.  Johannes 


Father  Johannes,  born  at  Quincy, 
Illinois,  of  German-American  parents, 
April  10,  1860,  received  his  intellec- 
tual training  in  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin;  Major  Sem- 
inary and  Laval  University,  Montreal, 
Canada.  Right  Reverend  Edward 
Charles  Fabre,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Mon- 
treal, ordained  him  priest  at  Mon- 
treal on  December  20,  1884.  Since 
his  ordination,  he  has  labored  in  the 
following  places :  February  8,  1885, 
Our  Saviour  Church,  Jacksonville, 
Illinois,  assistant,  May  10,  1885,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Mound  City,  Illinois, 
pastor.  May  24,  1885,  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Bloomfield,  Illinois,  pastor, 
with  Liberty  and    Camp    Point    for 


missions;  October  1,  1888,  St.  Bridget 
Church,  Liberty,  Illinois,  with  Camp 
Point  for  a  mission;  June  30,  1892, 
St.  Michael  Church,  Michael,  Illinois, 
with  Kampsville,  and  Hardin  for  mis- 
sions; November  1,  1895,  St.  Anselm 
Church,  Kampsville,  Illinois,  and 
July  1,  1897,  was  appointed  pastor  of 
St.  Louis  Church,  Nokomis,  Illinois. 
Father  Johannes  built  a  beautiful 
modern  school  and  convent  at  Noko- 
mis. He  holds  the  degree,  S.T.B.  He 
is  a  Diocesan  Consultor  and  the 
Diocesan  Director  of  the  Apostleship 
of  Prayer.  Since  his  appointment  to 
Nokomis,  he  has  erected  a  modern 
brick  school  building  and  Sisters' 
Convent  at  that  place. 


Reverend  Joseph  P.  Jordan 


Father  Jordan,  born  November  28, 
1887,  at  Farmersville,  Illinois,  was 
educated  in  St.  Viator  College  and 
Seminary,  Bourbonais,  Illinois.  Was 
ordained  September  18,  1920,  in  the 
Cathedral  at  Peoria,  Illinois,  by  Right 
Reverend  Edmund  M.  Dunn,  D.D. 
Since  his  ordination,  he  has  served  as 


assistant  of  St.  Mary  Church,  Taylor- 
ville,  Illinois;  pastor  of  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Grafton,  Illinois,  and  on 
August  27,  1927,  was  appointed  pas- 
tor of  the  Forty  Martyrs  Church, 
Tuscola,  Illinois,  with  Villa  Grove  as 
a  mission. 


731 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Michael  Kearns 


Father  Kearns  first  saw  the  light  of 
day  at  Sligo,  Ireland,  on  February  23, 
1898.  Received  his  College  training 
in  Maynooth  College,  and  made  his 
Theological  studies  in  St.  Muredach 
Seminary,  Ballina,  Mayo.  He  was  or- 
dained priest  on  April  22,  1923,  at 
Ballina,  Mayo,    by    Right    Reverend 


James  Naughton,  D.D.  He  holds  a 
degree  A.B.  of  the  National  Univer- 
sity, Dublin.  April  29,  1923,  he 
served  as  assistant  in  St.  Constantine 
Church,  Govan,  Glasgow;  May  1, 
1926,  St.  Anthony  Church,  Govan, 
Glasgow,  and  April  29,  1927,  in  St. 
Agnes  Church,  Springfield,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Francis  Bernard  Kehoe 


Father  Kehoe  was  born  March  17, 
1869,  at  Waverly,  Illinois.  Was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Mary  College,  St.  Mary, 
Kansas;  Mt,  St.  Mary  of  the  "West, 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  the  Catholic 
University  of  America,  Washington, 
D.  C.  Was  ordained  priest  June  17, 
1896,  in  the  Seminary  Chapel,  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  by  the  Most  Reverend 
William  H.  Elder,  D.D.  Father  Ke- 
hoe has  attended  the  Catholic  Univer- 
sity for  two  years,  during  which  time 
he  specialized  in  Moral  Theology,  and 
Scripture,  also  held  the  position  as 
Auditor  in  English  under  Stoddard 
and  Egan.  Upon  the  completion  of 
his  studies,  he  was  assigned  to  the  fol- 
lowing places:  July  1,  1896,  St.  Mary 


Church,  Shelbyville,  Illinois,  admini- 
strator; June  20,  1897,  St.  Augustine 
Church,  Ashland,  Illinois;  July  1, 
1898,  St.  Mary  Church,  Shelbyville, 
Illinois;  August  1,  1899,  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; July  1,  1901,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Neoga,  Illinois;  September  1,  1902, 
St.  Denis  Church,  Shipman,  Illinois; 
August  1,  1903,  St.  Michael  Church, 
Greenfield,  Illinois,  and  September  1, 
1907,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois. Father  Kehoe  holds  the  degrees 
A.B.  and  S.T.B.  While  pastor  of 
Greenfield,  he  built  the  present  frame 
church  of  St.  Catherine  at  Hagaman, 
Illinois,  which  he  afterwards  attended 
from  Greenfield  as  a  mission. 


Reverend  George  Joseph  Kenney 


Father  Kenney,  born  February  28, 
1889,  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Michigan,  re- 
ceived his  training  in  St.  Francis 
Solanus  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and 
Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri.  The  Most  Reverend  John 
J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  ordained  him  priest 
June  14,  1917,  in  Kenrick  Seminary. 


Since  his  ordination,  he  has  been  as- 
signed to  the  following  places:  July 
1,  1917,  Immaculate  Conception 
Cathedral,  Springfield,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant, and  January  24,  1925,  St.  Cath- 
erine Church,  Virden,  Illinois,  pastor, 
with  Girard  and  Standard  City,  for 
missions. 


Reverend  Linus  G.  Kipping 


Father  Kipping,  born  at  Bahner, 
Pittis  County,  Missouri,  May  22, 
1884,  of  German-American  parents, 
was  educated  in  Conception  College, 
Conception,  Missouri,  St.  Francis 
Seminary,  Wisconsin  and  Mt.  St. 
Mary  of  the  West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
Was  ordained  priest  June  16,  1909, 
by  the  Most  Reverend  Henry  Mueller, 
D.D.,  in  the  Cathedral  at  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.  Since  his  ordination,  he  has 
served  in  the  following  places:    July 


1,  1909,  St.  John  Hospital,  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  assistant,  July  1,  1910, 
St.  Boniface  Church,  Edwardsville, 
Illinois,  assistant;  March  1,  1911,  St. 
Michael  Church,  Michael,  Illinois, 
pastor;  October  1,  1912,  St.  Elizabeth 
Church,  Mitchell,  Illinois;  October  1, 
1919,  St.  Alphonsus  Church,  Brigh- 
ton, Illinois,  with  Beltress  for  a  mis- 
sion, and  March  1,  1921,  St.  Mark's 
Church,  Venice,  Illinois,  where  he 
now  resides. 


732 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  John  Joseph  Klaes 


Father  Klaes,  born  December  15, 
1887,  at  Weidenbach,  Germany,  was 
educated  in  St.  Francis  Solanus  Col- 
lege, Quincy,  Illinois,  American  Col- 
lege, Louvain,  Belgium,  and  Canis- 
ianum,  Innsbruck,  Austria.  Was  or- 
dained by  Right  Reverend  Sigismund 
Waitz,  D.D.,  in  the  Holy  Trinity 
Church,  Innsbruck,  Austria,  June  30, 


1915.  On  October  15,  1915,  he  was 
sent  as  assistant  to  St.  Mary  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois;  on  April  25,  1919, 
St.  Paul  Church,  Highland,  Illinois, 
and  on  July  1,  1920,  was  appointed 
pastor  of  St.  Jerome  Church,  Troy, 
Illinois,  with  Black  Jack  as  a  mission. 
Father  Klaes  holds  the  degrees  A.B. 
and  A.M. 


Reverend  Fred  W.  Klasner 


Father  Klasner,  born  at  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, of  German  parents,  May  24, 
1899,  was  educated  in  Quincy  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.    Was 


ordained  by  the  Most  Reverend  John 
J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  June  10,  1922,  in 
the  chapel  of  Kenrick  Seminary, 
Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Since  his 
ordination,  he  has  been  assistant  at 
St.  James  Church,  Decatur,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Charles  F.  Knaperek 


Father  Knaperek,  born  of  Slo- 
venian parents  at  Jablonka,  Slovakia, 
September  10,  1896,  received  his  train- 
ing in  St.  Procopius  College  and  Ken- 
rick Seminary,  Webster  Grove,  Mis- 
souri, was  ordained  June  13,  1920,  by 
Right  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.,   in   Kenrick   Seminary   Chapel, 


Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Since  his 
ordination,  he  has  filled  the  following 
places :  June  30,  1920,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Church,  Collinsville,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant, and  on  August  18,  1921,  was 
appointed  pastor  of  the  Slovenian 
Church,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive,  Illi- 
nois. Father  Knaperek  holds  the 
degree  A.B. 


Reverend  Charles  H.  Krekenberg 


Father  Krekenberg,  born  in  Waren- 
dorf,  Province  Westphalia,  Septem- 
ber 2,  1859,  made  his  classical  studies 
at  the  Gymnasium  of  his  home  town 
and  his  philosophical  studies  at  the 
American  College,  Louvain,  Belgium. 
Was  ordained  at  Simpelfeld,  Holland, 
May  19,  1883,  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Laurent,  D.D.,  exiled  Bishop 
of  Luxemburg.  Since  his  ordination, 
he  has  been  assigned  to  the  following 

Reverend  Anthony 

Father  Kunsch,  born  in  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  of  German-American  par- 
ents, January  14,  1882,  was  educated 
in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Grand  Sem- 
inary, Montreal,  Canada.  Was  or- 
dained by  Most  Reverend  Paul  Bru- 
chesi,  D.D.,  in  St.  Jacob  Cathedral, 
Montreal,  Canada,  December  17, 
1904.    Since  his  ordination,    he    has 


places :  September  22,  1883,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois, assistant ;  February  22,  1884, 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois, first  pastor  and  founder,  and 
July  1,  1920,  owing  to  ill  health,  was 
appointed  chaplain  of  St.  Vincent 
Home  for  the  Aged  in  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois. Father  Krekenberg  built  the 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  its  rectory, 
school  and  Sisters'  house. 

George  Kunsch,  S.T.L. 

been  appointed  to  these  various 
places:  December  29,  1904,  St.  Boni- 
face Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant, and  March  15,  1920,  Immaculate 
Conception  Church,  Pierron,  Illinois, 
pastor.  Father  Kunsch  holds  the  de- 
grees A.B.,  A.M.,  and  S.T.L. ,  and 
built  the  present  school  building  at 
Pierron. 


73J 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Revekend  Joseph  Albert  Labno 


Father  Labno,  born  July  11,  1901, 
at  Chicago,  Illinois,  of  Polish  parents, 
received  his  education  in  St.  Ignatius 
College,  Chicago,  Polish  Seminary, 
Orchard  Lake,  Michigan,  and  St.  Paul 
Seminary,  St.  Paul,  Minnesota.  Was 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  December 


21,  1926,  in  St,  John  Hospital  Chapel, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  by  Right  Rever- 
end James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.  On  Janu- 
ary 4,  1927,  he  was  appointed  assist- 
ant of  St.  Mary  Church,  Madison,  Illi- 
nois, a  position  which  he  now  holds. 


Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Louis  W.  Lammert,  R.  D. 


Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Lam- 
mert was  born  April  10,  1852,  at  Iser- 
lohn  in  Westphalia,  Germany.  He 
was  educated  in  Iserlohn  Magdeburg 
College,  Erfurt,  in  Fulda  Seminary 
and  St.  Francis  de  Sales  Seminary, 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin.  Was  or- 
dained June  29,  1876,  in  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton,  Illinois, 
by  Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph 
Baltes,  D.D.  His  first  appointment 
was  on  July  2,  1876,  as  pastor  pro 
tempore  of  St.  Henry  Church,  East 
St.  Louis,  Illinois.  His  subsequent 
appointments  were:  August  16,  1876; 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Cairo,  Illinois, 
pastor;  August  1,  1897,  St.  James 
Church,  Decatur,  Illinois,  pastor,  and 
January  1,  1896,  St.  Anthony  Church, 
Effingham,  Illinois,  where  he  is  still 
doing     splendid     work.     Monsignor 


Lammert  was  appointed  member  of 
the  Diocesan  Matrimonial  Board  on 
February  27,  1889,  and  appointed 
"Officialis"  of  the  same  Tribunal  in 
January,  1926,  an  office  he  held  up 
to  July,  1927.  Was  appointed  Dean 
of  the  Effingham  Deanery,  November, 
1917.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Diocesan  Board  of  Examiners  of  the 
Clergy  and  up  to  November  1,  1927, 
held  the  position,  "Censor  Libro- 
rum. "  His  Golden  Sacerdotal  Jubilee 
was  celebrated  in  1926.  Father  Lam- 
mert was  elevated  by  Pope  Pius  XI 
to  the  dignity  of  Domestic  Prelate,  at 
the  request  of  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  D.D.  The  Bishop  invest- 
ed him  with  the  purple  in  Aiigust, 
1927,  in  St.  Anthony  Church,  Effing- 
ham, Illinois,  before  a  large  gathering 
of  monsignors,  priests  and  people. 


Reverend  James  Landers 


At  Annascaul,  County  Kerry,  Ire- 
land, on  July  31,  1902^  Father  Lan- 
ders was  born.  He  was  educated  at 
St.  Brendan,  Killarney,  and  in  St. 
Kieran,  Kilkenny,  Ireland.  He  was 
ordained  priest   by    Right    Reverend 


James  Downey,  D.D.,  in  St.  Mary 
Cathedral,  Kilkenny,  Ireland,  on  May 
30,  1926.  Since  his  adoption  to  this 
Diocese,  September  10,  1926,  he  has 
served  as  assistant  at  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Francis  J.  Lawler 


Father  Lawler,  born  June  10,  1895, 
at  Quincy,  Illinois,  was  educated  in 
Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  St. 
Viator  College,  Bourbonnais,  Illinois, 
and  St.  Paul  Seminary,  St.  Paul, 
Minnesota.  Was  ordained  May  29, 
]926,  by  Right  Reverend  James    A. 

Reverend  George 

Father  Link,  born  August  17,  1896, 
at  Gillett,  Wisconsin,  of  German 
American  parents,  was  educated    in 


Griffin,  D.D.,  in  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Cathedral,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois. Since  his  ordination  he  has 
served  as  assistant  in  St.  Francis 
Xavier  Church,  Jerseyville,  Illinois. 
Father  Lawler  holds  the  degree  A.B. 

Matthew  Link 

Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illinois; 
Kenrick  Seminary  and  St.  Louis  Uni- 
versity.   Was  ordained  by  Most  Rev- 


734 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


.■•end  John  J.  Glennon  in  the  chapel 
<,f  Kcnrick  Seminary,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri,  June  12,  1921.  His  first 
nppointment  was  in  July,  1921,  when 
he  was  sent  as  assistant  to  St.  Boni- 
face Church,  Quincy,  Illinois.  His 
.subsequent  appointments  were :  July, 


1922,  St.  Mary  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, assistant,  looking  after,  at  the 
same  time,  the  mission  at  Brighton, 
and  in  1927,  St.  Joseph  Church, 
Benld,  Illinois,  pastor.  Father  Link 
holds  the  degrees  of  A.B.  and  A.M. 

Reverend  Optatus  Loefler,  O.F.M. 


Father  Loeffler,  born  at  Effelder, 
Cermany,  September  19,  1872,  was 
educated  in  St.  Joseph  College,  Teu- 
topolis,  Illinois,  in  their  House  of 
Studies,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and  in  St. 
Louis,  Missouri.  Was  ordained  priest 
by  Most  Reverend  John  Joseph  Kain, 
D.D.,  July  4,  1896,  in  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri. Since  his  ordination,  he  has 
filled  the  following  positions :  1897, 
Indian  Missions,  Ashland,  Wisconsin ; 


1900,  Indian  Missions,  Harbor 
Springs,  Michigan;  1908,  Indian  Mis- 
sions, Odanah,  Wisconsin.  In  1918, 
he  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Fran- 
cis Solanus  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois, 
with  St.  Antonius,  Illinois,  for  a  mis- 
don.  In  1927,  Father  Loeffler  was 
appointed  Vice  Provincial  of  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  Province. 


Reverend  Francis  Augustine  Lucius 


Father  Lucius  was  born  on  July  30, 
1882,  at  Bismarck,  Missouri,  of  Ger- 
man-Irish parents.  Was  educated  in 
St.  Francis  Solanus  College,  Quincy, 
Illinois,  and  St.  Mary  Seminary,  Bal- 
timore, Maryland.  Was  ordained 
priest  June  19,  1908,  by  the  late 
James  Cardinal  Gibbons,  D.D.,  at  Bal- 
timore, Maryland.  Since  his  ordina- 
tion, he  has  labored  in  the  following 


places :  July  1,  1908,  St.  Boniface 
Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assistant ; 
September  1,  1908,  St.  Thomas 
Church,  Newton,  Illinois,  with  Die- 
terich  as  a  mission;  March  1,  1910, 
St.  Mary  Church,  New  Berlin,  Illi- 
nois, and  January  1,  1911,  Church  of 
the  Visitation,  Alexander,  Illinois, 
pastor.  Father  Lucius  holds  the  de- 
grees A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  John  Lupton 


Father  Lupton,  born  at  Newry, 
Ireland,  June  14,  1874,  received  his 
education  in  St.  Colman  College, 
\ewry,  Ireland ;  Irish  College,  Rome, 
and  Propaganda  College,  Rome,  Italy. 
Was  ordained  June  4,  1898  by  His 
Eminence,  Cardinal  Cassetta  in  St. 
John  Lateran  Basilica,  Rome.  His 
first  appointment  took  place  in  July, 
1898,  when  he  was  sent  as  assistant  to 
Annaclone  and  Drumballaroney,  Ire- 


land. His  subsequent  appointments 
were :  October,  1900,  Banbridge,  Ire- 
land, assistant;  March,  1903,  Lough- 
briekland,  Ireland  ;  November  3,  1905, 
St.  Augustine  Church,  Ashland,  Illi- 
nois, assistant;  February  19,  1909,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Pawnee,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor, with  South  Fork  for  a  mission 
and  on  January  22,  1925,  St.  Thomas 
Church,  Newton,  Illinois,  a  position 
which  he  now  fills. 


Reverend  Dominic  Francis  Lydon 


Father  Lydon,  born  August  28, 
1891,  in  Shammar  County,  Mayo,  Ire- 
land, was  educated  in  St.  Nathy  Col- 
lege, Ballagliaderrin  and  All  Hallows, 
Dublin,  Ireland ;  Catholic  University 
of  Ireland,  and  Catholic  University  of 


America,  Washington,  D.  C.  Was  or- 
dained June  20,  1920,  in  All  Hallows 
College,  Dublin,  Ireland.  Since  his 
coming  to  the  Diocese,  he  has  labored 
in  the  following  places:  1921,  Visita- 
tion Church,  Illiopolis,  Illinois,  assist- 


735 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


ant,  and  1922,  St.  Mary  Church,  Mt. 
Sterling,  Illinois.  During  his  scholas- 
tic term,  1925-26,  he  attended  the 
Catholic  University  of  America, 
Washington,  D.  C,  and  in  1926-27, 
specialized  in  school  administration 
work  in  St.  Louis  University.    In  the 


fall  of  1927,  he  was  sent  to  Routt 
College,  by  Right  Reverend  James  A. 
Griffin,  D.D.,  and  took  up  his  duties 
as  Dean  of  Studies  and  professor. 
Father  Lydon  holds  the  degrees  A.B. 
and  A.M. 


Reverend  Patrick  J.  Mallot 


Father  Malloy,  born  October  25, 
1889,  in  Queen's  County,  Ireland,  was 
educated  in  St.  Thomas  Aquinas  Col- 
lege, Columbus,  Ohio,  and  Kenrick 
Seminary,  Webster  Grove,  Missouri. 
Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  December 
21,     1918,     in     Kenrick     Seminary 


Chapel.    Since  his  ordination,  Father  mission. 


Reverend  Bernard  N.  Manning 


Malloy  has  been  assigned  to  the  fol- 
lowing places :  January  15,  1919,  St. 
Mary  Cathedral,  Lincoln,  Nebraska, 
assistant;  October  20,  1921,  St.  Pat- 
rick Church,  Alton,  Illinois ;  June  29, 
1924,  St.  Alphonsus  Church,  Brigh- 
ton, Illinois,  with  St.  John  the  Evan- 
gelist Church,  Medora,  Illinois,  as  a 


Father  Manning,  born  February  20, 
1886,  at  Ballymahon,  County  Long- 
ford, Ireland,  received  his  education 
in  St.  Mel  College,  Longford,  Ireland, 
and  St.  John  Seminary,  Waterford, 
Ireland.  Was  ordained  priest  June 
19,  1910,  in  St.  Patrick  Seminary,  at 
Maynooth,  by  Most  Reverend  William 


J.  Walsh,  D.D.  Since  his  coming  to 
the  Diocese,  he  has  served  the  follow- 
ing places :  October  30,  1910,  St.  Pat- 
rick Church,  Alton,  Illinois,  assistant, 
and  on  July  1,  1910,  pastor  of  St. 
Barbara  Church,  Witt,  Illinois,  where 
he  now  resides. 


Reverend  Marc  S.  Marangos,  Ph.  D. 


Father  Marangos,,  born  February 
2,  1894,  at  Sira,  Greece,  of  Hellenes 
parents,  was  educated  in  the  Lyceaum 
Leonianum,  Collegium  Urbanum  and 
Propaganda  University,  Rome.  Was 
ordained  by  His  Eminence,  Basilio 
Cardinal   Pompili,    D.D.,    in    Rome, 


Italy,  March  30,  1918.  Since  his  com- 
ing into  the  Diocese,  has  worked  in 
the  capacity  of  a  missionary  and  later 
assigned  administrator  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  Livingston,  Illinois, 
where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  John  Marion 


Father  Marion,  born  of  American 
parents,  January  13,  1883,  at  Leroy, 
Wisconsin,  received  his  classical  edu- 
cation in  St.  Lawrence  College,  Cal- 
ven,  Illinois,  and  theological  training 
in  Mt.  St.  Mary  Seminary  of  the 
West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Most  Rever- 
end Henry  Moeller,  D.D.,  ordained 
him  priest  in  St.  Peter  Cathedral, 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  June  21,  1907.  His 


first  appointment  was  to  St.  Thomas 
Church,  Newton,  Illinois,  assistant, 
on  June  30,  1907.  His  subsequent  ap- 
pointments were  assistant  of  St.  Boni- 
face Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  June 
29,  1908;  pastor  of  St.  Alphonsus 
Church,  Brighton,  Illinois,  June  30, 
1911,  and  pastor  of  St.  Ann  Church, 
Edgewood,  Illinois,  July  1,  1919. 


736 


^>     ^1 

■ 

-*<F/  '  ^.-      fl 

1 

J 

k,*4**        ■ 

1 

I 


Rev.  Anton  M.  Jaschkk,  Chaplain,  St.  Joseph  Home,  Springfield.  Rev.  M.  Kearns. 
Ass't,  St.  Aimes,  Sprmgfield.  Rev.  L.  G.  Kipping,  Venice.  .  .  .  Rev.  James  Landers. 
Ass't,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield.  Rev.  Francis  J.  Lawler,  Ass't,  St.  Francis,  Jerseyville. 
Rev.  John  Marion,  Pastor,  St.  Ann.  Edge-wood.  .  .  .  Rev.  Peter  F.  Masterson,  Ass't. 
St.  Joseph.  Springfield.  Rev.  F.  S.  Mazir,  Pastor.  Sacred  Heart,  Lillyville.  Rev.  Charles 
Meagher,  Ass't,  St.  Mary.  Edwardsville. 


Quincy — Notre  Dame  Academy,   Grotto,   Library,   Auditorium  .  .  .  Quincy — St.    Vin- 
cent's Home  for  the  Aged,  Rev.  C.  Kreckenburg,  Chaplain,  Cemetery. 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Francis  Aloystos  Marks 


Father  Marks,  born  June  28,  1859, 
of  German  parents  at  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri, was  educated  in  St.  Francis 
College,  Milwaukee,  "Wisconsin,  and 
St.  Meinrad  Seminary,  Indiana.  Was 
ordained  May  20,  1883,  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Peter  Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  at 
Breese,  Illinois.    Since  his  ordination, 


Father  Marks'  activities  have  been 
confined  to  two  places :  November, 
1883,  Holy  Ghost  Church,  Jerseyville, 
Illinois,  pastor,  with  "Westwoods  as  a 
mission,  and  September  1,  1910,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Collinsville, 
Illinois. 


Reverend  Jerome  Leo  Marley 


Father  Marley,  born  of  Irish-Amer- 
ican parents,  March  20,  1885,  at  No- 
komis,  Illinois,  received  his  classical 
education  in  Quincy  College,  Quincy, 
Illinois,  and  theological  training  in 
Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri.  Was  ordained  June  10, 
1922,  in  Kenrick  Seminary  Chapel  by 


Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.,  Archbishop  of  St.  Louis.  On 
July  1,  1922,  was  assigned  assistant 
at  St.  Patrick  Church,  Alton,  Illinois, 
and  on  June  29,  1924,  was  appointed 
pastor  of  St.  Barbara's  Church, 
Batchtown,  Illinois.  Father  Marley 
holds  the  degree,  LL.B. 


Reverend  Patrick  Henry  Masterson 


Father  Masterson,  born  at  Long- 
ford, Ireland,  March  2, 1877,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Mary  College,  Mayne,  St. 
Mel,  Longford  and  St.  John,  Water- 
ford.  Was  ordained  January  8,  1905, 
in  St.  Malachy,  Belfast,  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Henry,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Down  and  Connor.  Since  his  com- 
ing to  this  Diocese,  he  has  been  as- 
signed to  the  following  places :  April 
2,  1905,  St.  Mary  Church,  Paris,  Illi- 


nois, assistant ;  September  15,  1907, 
St.  Francis  Church,  Jerseyville,  Illi- 
nois, administrator ;  September  20, 
1908,  St.  Ubaldus  Church,  New  Doug- 
las, Illinois,  pastor;  October  1,  1913, 
St.  Catherine  Church,  Virden,  Illi- 
nois, and  June  29,  1924,  St.  Michael's 
Church,  Staunton,  Illinois.  Father 
Masterson  built  the  new  Church  at 
Staunton. 


Reverend  Peter  Francis  Masterson 


Father  Masterson,  born  November 
11,  1895,  at  Aughnacliffe,  County 
Longford,  Ireland,  was  educated  in 
St.  Mary  College,  Moyne,  County 
Cavan  ;  and  St.  Peter  Seminary,  Wex- 
ford, Ireland.  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Codd,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Feons,  Ireland, 
ordained  him  priest  June  11,  1922,  in 

Reverend  F 

Father  Mazir  was  born  of  Slovene 
parents,  on  September  30,  1873,  at 
Sy.  Ana  v  Slov.  Goricah,  Jugoslavia. 
Was  educated  in  the  State  Gym- 
nasium, Maribor,  Jugoslavia  and 
Celovec,  Austria.  Right  Reverend 
Prince  Bishop  Joseph  Kahn,  D.D.,  or- 
dained him  priest  July  20,  1889,  in 


St.  Peter  Seminary  Chapel,  Wexford, 
Ireland.  Since  his  ordination,  he  has 
filled  the  following  appointments : 
November,  1922,  Visitation  Church, 
Illiopolis,  Illinois,  and  December  23, 
1922,  St.  Joseph  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  assistant. 

rancis  S.  Mazir 

the  Cathedral  at  Celovec,  Austria.  Be- 
fore coming  to  America,  he  filled  the 
following  positions  in  Austria :  Aug- 
ust 14,  1899,  St.  Michael  Church, 
Pliberk,  Austria,  assistant;  October 
30,  1900,  St.  Andrew  Church,  Vrata, 
Austria,  administrator;  February  15, 
1901,  St.    Nicolaus    Church,    Kamp, 

737 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Austria,  administrator ;  September  15, 
1901,  St.  Margaret  Church,  Velik- 
ovec,  Austrian  pastor.  Since  his  ar- 
rival in  America,  he  has  been  as- 
signed to  the  following  places :  Aug- 
ust 10,  1905,  St.  Agnes  Church,  St. 
Paul,  Minnesota,  assistant;  August  2, 
1907,  St.  Paul  Church,  Nicollet, 
Minnesota,  pastor;  September  15, 
1909,  St.  Walburga  Church,    Rogers, 

Reverend  Leo 

Father  McDonald,  born  at  Hardin, 
Illinois,  September  1,  1887,  of  Irish 
parents,  received  his  intellectual 
training  in  St.  Viator  College  and 
Seminary,  Bourbonais,  Illinois.  Was 
ordained  in  the  Holy  Name  Cathedral, 
Chicago,  Illinois,  September  21,  1917, 
by  His  Eminence  George  Cardinal 
Mundelein,  D.D.  Since  his  ordination, 
he  has  filled  the  following  places: 
July  1,  1918,  Sacred  Heart  Church, 


Minnesota;  September  1,  1911,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Loretto, 
Minnesota;  August  1,  1912,  St.  John 
Church,  Searles,  Minnesota,  and 
March  18,  1915,  St.  Barbara  Church, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  where  he  built  a 
magnificent  rectory.  On  December  7, 
1927,  he  was  transferred  as  pastor  at 
Lillyville,  Illinois. 

James  McDonald 

New  Berlin,  Illinois,  pastor  pro  tem- 
pore; May  15,  1919,  St.  Charles 
Church,  Charleston,  Illinois,  pastor, 
pro  tempore;  July  1,  1^I0<-SS.  Simon 
and  Jude  Church,  Gillespie,  Illinois, 
assistant,  and  July  13,  1924,  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  the  Ascension 
Church,  Mt.  Olive,  Illinois,  a  position 
which  he  still  fills.  Father  McDonald 
holds  the  degree  A.B. 


Reverend  Thomas  Francis  McGrath 


Father  McGrath,  born  at  Jersey 
City,  New  Jersey,  April  7,  1872,  of 
Irish-American  parents,  received  his 
training  in  St.  Mary  College,  St. 
Mary,  Kansas,  and  North  American 
College,  Rome,  Italy.  Was  ordained 
July  25,  1895,  in  Rome,  Italy,  by  His 
Eminence,  Cardinal  Parrocchi.  His 
first  appointment  after  his  ordination, 
in  1896,  was  St.  Francis  Xavier 
Church,  Jerseyville,  Illinois,  assistant. 
His   subsequent   appointments   were : 


1897,  St.  Luke  Church,  Virginia,  Illi- 
nois, pastor;  1899,  St.  Michael 
Church,  Michael,  Illinois;  1904,  Holy 
Trinity  Church,  Stonington,  Illinois; 
1907,  St.  Mary  Church,  Neoga,  Illi- 
nois; 1909,  Mother  of  Dolors  Church, 
Vandalia,  Illinois,  and  1919,  Visita- 
tion Church,  Illiopolis,  Illinois,  with 
Niantic  for  a  mission.  Father  Mc- 
Grath rebuilt  the  Church  at  Niantic 
after  fire  had  destroyed  the  old 
Church  completely. 


Reverend  Peter  Paul  McGuinness 


Father  McGuinness,  born  July  11, 
1881,  at  Manorhamilton,  County  Lei- 
trim,  Ireland,  was  educated  in  St. 
Patrick  College,  County  Cavan  and  in 
the  Seminary  at  Carlow,  Ireland. 
Ordained  June  14,  1908  in  Carlow 
Seminary  by  Right  Reverend  Patrick 
Foley,  D.D.  Upon  his  coming  to  the 
D'ocese,  he  was  sent  as  assistant  of 
St.  Mary  Church,  Mt.   Sterling  Illi- 


nois, October  1,  1908.  His  subse- 
quent appointments  were :  February 
15,  1909,  St.  Augustine  Church,  Ash- 
land, Illinois,  assistant;  October  1, 
1911,  St.  Denis  Church,  Shipman, 
Illinois,  pastor ;  December  4,  1922,  St. 
Bartholomew  Church,  Murrayville, 
Illinois,  and  June  26,  1926,  St. 
Maurice  Church,  Morrisonville,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  Joseph  McKeogh 


Father  McKeogh,  born  at  Killaloe, 
County  Clare,  Ireland,  July  21,  1891, 
received  his  education  in  St.  Flannan 


College,  Ennis,  County  Clare,  and  St. 
Patrick  Seminary,  Carlow,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  in  St.  Patrick  Semin- 


738 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ary  chapel,  Carlow,  Ireland,  June  4, 
1916,  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Foley,  D.D.,  of  Kildare  and  Leighlin. 
Since  his  coming  into  the  Diocese,  he 
has  served  the  following  places :  Nov- 
ember 10,  1916,  St.  Mary  Church,  Mt. 


Sterling,  Illinois,  assistant ;  October 
25,  1918,  St.  Joseph  Church,  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  and  December  22,  1922, 
St.  Denis  Church,  Shipman,  Illinois, 
pastor. 

Reverend  Richard  McKeogh,  D.D. 


Father  McKeogh,  born  August  18, 
1886,  at  Cashel  County,  Tipperary, 
Ireland,  was  educated  in  Pennybridge 
College,  Sussex,  England,  Columbus 
Seminary,  Hawthorne,  New  York, 
Catholic  University  of  America, 
Washington,  D.  C,  and  Apollinaire, 
Rome,  Italy.  Was  ordained  Decem- 
ber 23,  1911,  in  St.  Mary  Seminary 
Chapel,  Baltimore,  Maryland,  by  His 
Eminence,  James  Cardinal  Gibbons, 
D.D.  Since  his  ordination,  he  has 
served  in  the  following  places :  June, 
1912,    St.    Joseph    Church,    Granite 


City,  assistant;  May,  1914,  St.  Cath- 
erine Church,  Virden,  Illinois;  Nov- 
ember, 1922,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
Church,  Collinsville,  Illinois ;  June, 
1924,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude  Church, 
Gillespie,  Illinois;  December,  1924, 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Benld,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant, and  August,  1927,  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  Lillyville,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant. Father  McKeogh  has  the 
degree,  D.D.  He  specialized  in  Canon 
Law  in  the  Apollinaire  University  at 
Rome.  Owing  to  ill  health,  he  is  now 
on  sick  leave. 


Reverend  Timothy  McKeogh 


Father  McKeogh,  born  at  Killaloe, 
County  Clare,  Ireland,  October  17, 
1886,  was  educated  in  St.  Flannan 
College  and  All  Hallows  Seminary, 
Dublin.  Was  ordained  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Morrisroe,  D.D.,  in  All 
Hallows  College,  Dublin,  June  23, 
1912.  Since  his  coming  into  the  Dio- 
cese, he  has  received  the  following  as- 
signments :    October,   1912,  Immacu- 


late Conception  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  assistant;  November,  1914, 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Granite  City,  Illi- 
nois; May,  1916,  St.  Ubaldus  Church, 
New  Douglas,  Illinois,  pastor ;  Novem- 
ber, 1920,  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Shelbyville,  Illinois,  pastor, 
and  September  1,  1924,  St.  Elizabeth 
Church,  Mitchell,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Charles  Augustine  Meagher 


Father  Meagher,  born  September 
10,  1893,  at  Livermore,  Iowa,  of 
American  parents,  was  educated  in 
St.  Boniface  College,  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri,  and 
Manitoba  University,  Winnipeg,  Mon- 
treal, Canada.  Ordained  priest  by 
Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon,  D.D. 
en  June  14,  1919,  in  Kenrick  Semin- 
ary Chapel,  Webster  Grove,  Missouri. 

Reverend  John 

On  December  4,  1853,  Father 
Merscher  was  born  of  German-Ameri- 
can parents  at  Aviston,  Illinois.  He 
was  educated  at  St.  Joseph  College, 
Teutopolis,  Illinois,  and  St.  Francis 


On  July  1,  1919,  he  was  assigned  to 
St.  Patrick  Church,  Decatur,  Illinois, 
as  assistant,  and  transferred  on  July 
1,  1925,  to  St.  Mary  Church,  Ed- 
wardsville,  Illinois.  From  Edwards- 
ville  he  attends  the  Mission  at  Glen 
Carbon,  Illinois,  a  Mission  lie  organ- 
ized and  whose  church  he  built. 
Father  Meagher  holds  the  degree  A.B. 

William  Merscher 

Seminary,  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin. 
Right  Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Baltes, 
D.D.,  ordained  him  a  priest  on  De- 
cember 26,  1876,  in  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Cathedral,    at    Alton,    Illinois. 

739 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Since  his  ordination,  he  served  the 
following  places :  January  12,  1877, 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Olney,  Illinois; 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Stonington,  Illi- 
nois; Immaculate  Conception,  Bridge- 
port, Illinois;  February  14,  1884,  St. 
Peter  Church,  Petersburg,  Illinois; 
St.  Mary  Church,  Greenview,  Illinois ; 
December  1,  1885,  St.  Augustine 
Church,  Ashland,  Illinois ;  September, 


1893,  St.  Elizabeth  Church,  Mitchell, 
Illinois;  July  14,  1898,  St.  Mary 
Church,  Taylorville,  Illinois;  July  1, 
1920,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  In  1924  he  quietly 
celebrated  his  Golden  Sacerdotal 
Jubilee.  On  July,  1927,  he  retired  to 
St.  John  hospital,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois, on  account  of  ill  health  . 


Reverend  William  Michael 


Father  Michael,  born  of  German- 
American  parents  at  Quincy,  Illinois, 
on  February  12,  1863,  was  educated 
in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  St.  Meinrad 
Seminary,  Indiana.  Was  ordained 
by  Right  Reverend  Bishop  Chatard, 
D.D.,  in  St.  Meinrad  Seminary 
Chapel,  June  15,  1889.  Since  his  or- 
dination he  has  filled  the   following 


places:  September,  1889,  St.  Clara 
Church,  Altamont,  Illinois,  pastor; 
1890,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  assistant ;  July, 
1892,  St.  Gertrude  Church,  Grant- 
fork,  Illinois,  pastor ;  September, 
1897,  Immaculate  Conception  Church, 
Pierron,  Illinois,  and  October,  1911, 
Carlinville,  Illinois.  Father  Michael 
holds  the  degrees  A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  James  Ryan  Molony 


Father  Molony  was  born  on  August 
15,  1890,  at  Rathclooney,  Quin, 
County  Clare,  Ireland.  He  attended 
St.  Alannan  College  and  All  Hallows, 
Ireland.  Was  ordained  June  21, 
1914,  in  All  Hallows  College,  Ireland, 
by  Right  Reverend  Dr.  Dwyer,  D.D., 
Bishop  of  Maitland.  Upon  his  ar- 
rival in  the  States,  he  was  assigned  to 
the  following  places :  September  29, 
1914,  St.  Mary  Church,  Mt.  Sterling, 
Illinois.    On  account  of  illness,  he  re- 


turned to  Europe  and  on  January  1, 
1918,  was  assigned  to  Walthamstow, 
London,  England,  in  the  Church  of 
St.  George,  assistant,  and  on  Decem- 
ber 1,  1918,  was  appointed  pastor  of 
St.  George  Church,  Ness  Road,  Shoe- 
buryness,  England.  On  his  return  to 
America,  October  28,  1921,  he  was 
assigned  as  chaplain  at  the  Ursuline 
Novitiate,  Alton,  Illinois,  where  he 
still  resides. 


Reverend  Timothy  M.  Moloney 


Father  Moloney,  born  at  Limerick, 
Ireland,  August  5,  1892,  was  educated 
in  the  Sacred  Heart  College,  Lim- 
erick, Ireland,  All  Hallows  College, 
and  the  Royal  University  of  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  June  25, 1916,  by  Right 
Reverend   Bishop   Hackett,   D.D.,   in 


All  Hallows  College,  Dublin.  Since 
his  coming  into  the  diocese,  he  has 
served  as  assistant  of  St.  John 
Church,  Carrollton,  Illinois,  and  pas- 
tor of  St.  Peter  Church,  Petersburg, 
Illinois.  Father  Moloney  holds  the 
degree  A.B. 


Reverend  John  Peter  Moroney 


Father  Moroney,  born  August  9, 
1868,  at  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  was 
educated  in  St.  Joseph  College,  Teu- 
topolis,  Illinois,  St.  Mary  College, 
Kansas,      and      Kenrick      Seminary, 


Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Was  or- 
dained June  8,  1895,  by  Most  Rever- 
end John  J.  Kain,  D.D.,  Archbishop 
of  St.  Louis,  in  the  Cathedral  of  that 
city.     Since    his    ordination    he    lias 


740 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


served  the  following  places:  July  1, 
1895,  St.  Lawrence  Church,  Green- 
ville, Illinois,  pastor;  July  1,  1898, 
Mother  of  Dolors  Church,  Vandalia, 
Illinois,  and  July  1,  1908,  St.  Pat- 
rick's Church,  Pana,  Illinois.    Father 


Moroney  built  the  rectory,  the  Huber 
memorial  hall  and  the  new  beautiful 
St.  Patrick  church  at  Pana. 

Father  Moroney  is  a  member  of  the 
Diocesan  Building  Commission. 

Reverend  James  J.  Murnane 


Father  Murnane,  born  at  Killa- 
loe,  Ireland,  May  4,  1882,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Flannan  College,  Ennis 
and  All  Hallows,  Dublin,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  June  24,  1909,  in  All 
Hallows,  Dublin,  by  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Kelly,  D.D.  Since  his  coming 
into  the  Diocese,  he  has  in  turn  filled 
the  following  places:  October  8, 
1909,  St.  Michael  Church,  Greenfield, 

Very  Reverend  Jeremiah 

Dean  Murphy,  born  1856,,  at 
Cullen,  Ireland,  was  educated  in  St. 
Brendan  College,  Killarney,  Ireland, 
and  St.  Francis  Seminary,  Mil- 
waukee, Wisconsin.  Was  ordained 
priest  by  Right  Reverend  Peter 
Joseph  Baltes,  D.D.,  June  29,  1880,  in 
the  Cathedral  at  Alton,  Illinois.  His 
first  appointment  was  at  Virden,  St. 
Catherine  Church,  pastor.  His  subse- 
quent appointments  were :    1882,   St. 


Illinois,  pastor  pro  tempore ;  May  15, 
1910,  St.  Agnes  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  assistant;  October  1,  1910, 
St.  Alexius  Church,  Beardstown,  Illi- 
nois; October  1,  1915,  Holy  Family 
Church,  Athens,  Illinois,  with  Can- 
trail  for  a  mission,  and  on  July  15, 
1925,  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Mary  Church,  Pawnee,  Illinois. 

Murphy,  R.D.,  M.R. 

Joseph  Church,  Cairo,  Illinois;  1886, 
Our  Saviour  Church,  Jacksonville, 
Illinois ;  1888,  St.  Mark  Church,  Win- 
chester, Illinois;  1892,  Immaculate 
Conception  Church,  Mattoon,  Illi- 
nois; 1898,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Deca- 
tur, Illinois.  Dean  Murphy  is  not 
only  a  Rural  Dean  but  also  an  irre- 
movable rector.  He  built  the  mag- 
nificent stone  St.  Patrick  Church  at 
Decatur. 


Reverend  George  M.  Nell 


Father  Nell,  born  at  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois, of  German  parents,  August  3, 
1887,  was  educated  in  St.  Francis 
Solanus  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and 
Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the  West,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.  Was  ordained  June  20,  1913, 
by  Most  Reverend  Henry  Moeller, 
D.D.,  in  the  Cathedral  at  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.  Since  his  ordination,  he  has  re- 
ceived the  following  appointments : 
July  1,  1913,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  assistant;  November 
1,  1913,  St.  Anthony  Church,  Effing- 
ham, Illinois,  and  on  July  1,  1922,  he 


was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Island  Grove,  Illi- 
nois, (Teutopolis,  Illinois).  Since 
1920,  Father  Nell  organized  and  di- 
rected Parish  Activities  Service  with 
headquarters  at  Effingham,  Illinois. 
From  1920  to  1922,  acted  in  the  ca- 
pacity of  State  Spiritual  Director  of 
the  Young  Men's  Section  of  Catholic 
Union  of  Illinois  and  from  1922  to 
1924,  National  Spiritual  Director  of 
Gonzaga  Union.  Father  Nell  holds 
the  degrees  A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  Frederick  Neveling 


Father  Neveling,  born  at  Bochum, 
Westphalia,  Germany,  August  22, 
1878  was  educated  at  Warburg,  Ger- 
many; Bamberg,   Bavaria,   and  Fri- 


bourg  Suisse  and  Muenster,  West- 
phalia. Was  ordained  July  28,  1901, 
at  Bamberg,  Bavaria,  by  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Bamberg.  His  first  appoint- 


741 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ment  was  that  of  secretary  to  Bishop 
Biker  in  Stockholm,  Sweden.  Since 
his  coming  into  this  Diocese,  he  has 
served  the  following  places :  February 
25,  1905,  St.  Boniface  Church. 
Quincy,  Illinois,  assistant;  April, 
1905,  St.  Mary  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois;   September,    1905,     St.     Mary 


Church,  Sainte  Marie,  Illinois;  May, 
1907,  St.  Mary  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois; April,  1909,  St.  Anselm  Church, 
Kampsville,  Illinois,  pastor,  and  Sep- 
tember, 1911,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Green  Creek,  Illinois,  where  he  still 
resides. 


Reverend  Frederick  A.  Nibbling 


Father  Niebling,  born  at  Rochester, 
New  York,  February  26,  1871,  of  Ger- 
man-American parents,  was  educated 
in  Our  Lady  of  Angels  Seminary,  and 
Niagara  University.  Ordained  priest 
June  8,  1895  by  Right  Reverend 
Stephen  Vincent  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop 
of  Buffalo,  New  York.  Since  his  or- 
dination he  has  served  in  the  follow- 


ing places :  July  7,  1895,  St.  Boniface 
Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assistant; 
January  1,  1905,  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Lillyville,  Illinois,  pastor; 
June  16,  1911,  St.  Joseph  Church,  Mt. 
Sterling,  Illinois,  and  July  1,  1920, 
Quincy,  Illinois.  Father  Niebling 
built  a  large  modern  parochial  school 
in  Quincy. 


Reverend  Denis  O'Brien 


Father  O'Brien  was  born  July  15, 
1880,  at  Cappawhite,  Tipperary,  Ire- 
land. Was  educated  in  St.  Patrick 
College  and  St.  Patrick  Seminary, 
Thurles,  Tipperary,  Ireland.  The 
Most  Reverend  Thomas  Fennally  or- 
dained him  priest  June  22,  1905,  in 
St.  Patrick  Cathedral,  Thurles,  Tip- 
perary, Ireland.    Since  his  ordination 

Reverend  James 


he  has  filled  the  following  positions: 
September  1905  Our  Saviour  Church, 
Jacksonville,  Illinois,  assistant ;  Sep- 
tember, 1909,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Al- 
ton, Illinois;  October,  1910,  St. 
Michael  Church,  Greenfield,  Illinois, 
pastor,  and  October,  1920,  St.  Augus- 
tine Church,  Ashland,  Illinois. 

J.  O'Donoghue 


Father  O'Donoghue,  born  Septem- 
ber 4,  1895,  in  Corglass,  Longford 
County,  Ireland,  received  his  educa- 
tion in  St.  Mary  College  and  St. 
Pf ter  College,  Wexford,  Ireland.  Was 
ordained  June  15,  1919,  in  St.  Peter 
College  Chapel,  Wexford,  Ireland,  by 
RigLt  Reverend  William  Codd,  D.D. 


Since  his  ordination  he  has  served  in 
the  following  places :  January  17, 
1920,  Our  Saviour  Church,  Jackson- 
ville, Illinois,  assistant,  and  on  Sep- 
tember 28,  1924,  was  appointed  pas- 
tor of  St.  Joseph  Church,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling, Illinois,  where  he  still  resides. 

Reverend  Joseph  O'Dwyer 


Father  O'Dwyer,  born  at  Thurles, 
Ireland  March  19,  1888,  was  edu- 
cated in  Mt.  Melleray  College,  Water- 
ford,  Ireland,  March  19,  1888,  was 
educated  in  Mt.  Melleray  College, 
Waterford,  Ireland,  and  St.  John 
Seminary  of  the  same  place.  Was  or- 
dained priest  June  16,  1912,  in  the 
Cathedral  at  Thurles,  by  Most  Rever- 
end Thomas  Fennelly,  D.D.  Since  his 
coming  to  the  Diocese,  he  has  served 


faithfully  the  following  places :  Sep- 
tember 1,  1912,  Our  Saviour  Church, 
Jacksonville,  Illinois,  assistant;  June 
18,  1913,  St.  Luke  Church,  Virginia, 
Illinois,  pastor  pro  tempore;  Septem- 
ber 1,  1913,  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant, and  October  1,  1915,  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  St.  Luke  Church, 
Virginia,  Illinois,  a  position  which  he 
now  fills. 


742 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Morgan  John  0  'Flaherty 


Father  0 'Flaherty,  born  October  1, 
1880,  at  Ardfert,  County  Kerry,  Ire- 
land, was  educated  in  St.  Brendan 
College,  Killarney,  and  St.  Patrick 
Seminary,  Carlow,  Ireland.  Was  or- 
dained June,  1904,  by  Right  Reverend 
P.  J.  Foley,  D.D.,  in  St.  Patrick  Col- 
lege, Carlow,  Ireland.  Since  his 
coming  into  the  Diocese  he  has  worked 
in  the  following  vineyards  of  the 
Lord:   October,    1904,    Our   Saviour, 


Church,  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; June,  1906,  St.  Norbert  Church, 
Hardin,  Illinois,  pastor;  February, 
1908,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Dalton 
City,  Illinois;  October,  1914,  St. 
James  Church,  Riverton,  Illinois,  with 
Buffalo  for  a  mission;  October,  1922, 
Mother  of  Dolors  Church,  Vandalia, 
Illinois,  and  October,  1925,  St. 
Michael's  Church,  Hume,  Illinois, 
with  Brocton  for  a  mission. 


Reverend  Daniel  O 'Grady 


Father  Daniel  O 'Grady  was  born 
February  5,  1896,  of  Irish  parents  in 
Ireland.  He  was  educated  in  St.  Jar- 
lath  College,  Tuam ;  All  Hallows 
Seminary,  Dublin,  and  the  National 
University  of  Ireland.  He  was  or- 
dained priest  on  June  19,  1921,  in 
Dublin  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
O'Doherty,  D.D.,  and  holds  the  de- 
gree of  A.B.  Since  his  ordination, 
Father  O  'Grady  has  filled  the  follow- 


ing appointments:  October  19,  1921, 
St.  John  Church,  Carrollton,  as  assist- 
ant ;  November,  1923,  as  Chaplain  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  Academy,  Spring- 
field, Illinois;  June,  1924,  Assistant 
at  St.  Mary  Church,  Paris,  Illinois, 
and  in  January,  1925,  was  appointed 
assistant  at  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Cathedral  at  Springfield,  Illinois, 
an  appointment  which  he  still  holds. 


Reverend  Daniel  J.  O'Hanlon 


Father  O'Hanlon,  born  July  2, 
1896,  in  County  Kerry,  Ireland,  was 
educated  in  Gonzaga  High  School, 
Washington,  D.  C,  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri,  and 
Georgetown  University,  Washington, 
D.  C.  Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glen- 
non,  D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  in  St. 


Louis,  Missouri,  June  10,  1923.  On 
October  4,  1923,  he  was  sent  as  assist- 
ant to  St.  Michael  Church,  Staunton, 
Illinois.  On  December  1,  1924,  was 
transferred  to  St.  Mary  Church,  Tay- 
lorville,  Illinois,  and  on  February  11, 
1928,  was  appointed  assistant  pastor 
of  St.  Peter  church,  Quincy,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Michael  J.  O'Mullane 


Father  O  'Mullane,  born  January  3, 
1888,  at  Kanuturk,  County  Cork,  Ire- 
land, received  his  education  in  Mun- 
gret  College,  All  Hallows,  Royal  Uni- 
versity of  Ireland,  and  Catholic  Uni- 
versity of  America,  Washington,  D. 
C.  Was  ordained  December  22,  1910, 
in  St.  Mary  Seminary  Chapel,  Balti- 
more, Maryland,  by  the  late  James 
Cardinal  Gibbons,  D.D.  On  Novem- 
ber 1,  1911,  was  appointed  assistant 
of  the  old  Cathedral  at  Alton,  Illinois, 


acting  at  the  same  time  as  chaplain  of 
the  Ursuline  Academy,  and  Director 
of  the  Cathedral  School.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1912,  he  was  appointed  pastor  of 
St.  Michael  Church,  Michael,  Illinois, 
and  in  November,  1921,  was  sent  to 
St.  Mark  Church,  Winchester,  Illinois, 
where  he  still  resides.  Father  O'Mul- 
lane specialized  in  Sociology  and 
Canon  Law  at  the  Catholic  University 
of  America,  Washington,  D.  C,  and 
holds  the  degrees  A.B.  and  A.M. 


743 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Charles  W.  Oppenheim 


Father  Oppenheim,  born  at  Schnec- 
tady,  New  York,  November  8,  1866, 
received  his  college  and  seminary 
training  in  St.  Francis  College  and 
Seminary,  Trenton,  New  Jersey.  Was 
ordained  by  Right  Reverend  Thomas 
M.  A.  Burke,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Albany, 
in  Albany,  New  York,  January  19, 
1896.  Since  his  ordination  his  activi- 
ties have  been  various,  namely :  Mav, 

1896,  SS.  Peter    and    Paul    Church, 
Camden,  New  Jersey,  assistant ;  May, 

1897,  Instructor  of  History  and  Sci- 


ences in  St.  Francis  College,  Trenton, 
New  Jersey,  and  rector  of  St. 
Anthony's  Church,  Hightstown,  New 
Jersey;  January,  1905,  St.  Anthony 
Church,  Jeffersonville,  Indiana,  rec- 
tor; May,  1905,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant, and  July  1,  1907,  St.  Raymond 
Church,  Raymond,  Illinois,  pastor. 
Father  Oppenheim  built  the  present 
beautiful  brick  church  at  Raymond, 
Illinois. 


Reverend  Charles  A.  O'Reilly 


Father  O'Reilly,  born  May  29, 
1865,  at  Amboy,  Lee  County,  Illinois, 
of  American  parents,  was  educated  in 
St.  Joseph  College,  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
and  Niagara  University,  Niagara 
Falls,  New  York.  Was  ordained  June 
11,  1892,  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Steven  Vincent   Ryan,   D.D.,   in  the 


University  of  Niagara.  Since  his  or- 
dination, he  has  labored  in  the  fol- 
lowing places:  July  18,  1892,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton, 
Illinois,  assistant,  and  August  1,  1893, 
was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Mary 
Church,  Edwardsville,  Illinois,  a  pos- 
ition which  he  still  fills. 


Reverend  Patrick  Joseph  0  'Reilly 


Father  0  'Reilly  was  born  in  Drom- 
ard,  Ireland,  on  September  15,  1854. 
He  was  educated  in  St.  Mary  Sem- 
inary, Ireland,  and  Grand  Seminaire, 
Montreal,  Canada,  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  Fabre  ordained  him  at  Mon- 
treal, Canada,  December  22,  1883. 
Father  O  'Reilly  has  served  the  follow- 
ing places:  January  14,  1884,  St. 
Catherine  Church,  Virden,  Illinois; 
October  1,  1886,  St.  Sebastian  Church, 
Waverly  Illinois;  July  1,  1887,  Sacred 


Heart  Church,  Franklin,  Illinois; 
July  1,  1897,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Al- 
ton, Illinois,  and  September  1,  1907, 
St.  Joseph  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois. Since  his  pastorate  in  St. 
Joseph  Church,  he  erected  a  mag- 
nificent school  on  the  corner  of  Fifth 
and  Eastman  Avenue,  and  improved 
the  church  property  and  rectory. 
Father  O'Reilly  is  a  Diocesan  Con- 
suitor — a  member  of  the  Bishop's 
Advisory  Board. 


Reverend  Philip  Joseph  O'Reilly 


Father  O'Reilly  was  born  on  May 
29,  1891,  at  Drumbaldry,  County 
Lonjrford,  Ireland.  Was  educated  in 
St.  Mary  College,  County  Longford, 
St.  Peter  Seminary,  Wexford  and 
Catholic  University,  Washington, 
D.  C.     Was  ordained  at  the  Catholic 


University,  Washington,  D.  O,  by 
Most  Reverend  J.  T.  McNichols,  D.D., 
on  June  17,  1920.  His  activities  as  a 
priest  have  been  confined  to  St.  Man- 
Church,  Paris,  Illinois,  assistant, 
November  1,  1921,  and  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Alton,  Illinois,  July  1,  1924. 


Reverend  Francis  Joseph  Ostendorf 


Father  Ostendorf,  born  at  Effing- 
ham, Illinois,  March  7,  1876,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopo- 


lis,  Illinois,  and  old  Kenrick  Semin- 
ary, St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Most  Rev- 
erend John  J.  Kain,  D.D.,  ordained 


744 


Rev.  Daniel  O'Grady,  Ass't,  Cathedral.  Springfield.  Rev.  D.  J.  O'II.vm.in.  Ass'l. 
St.  Peter,  Quincy.  Rev.  P.  O'Reilley,  Ass't,  St.  Patrick,  Alton.  .  .  .  Rev.  F.  J.  Ostendokf, 
Pastor.  St.  James.  Decatur.  Rev.  VVm.  O'S'i  i.i.ivan.  Pastor.  Stonington.  Rev.  Max  J. 
Philipp,  Chaplain,  St.  John  Sanitarium,  Springfield.  .  .  .  Rev.  George  II.  Powell,  Ass't, 
St.  Joseph.  Granite  City.  Rev.  Charles  C.  Sandon,  Routt  College,  Jacksonville.  Ki> 
F.  C.  WcHLEPPHORST,  Ass't,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


him  priest  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  on 
June  9,  1899.  Since  his  ordination, 
he  has  labored  in  the  following  par- 
ishes :  June  9,  1899,  St.  Anthony 
Church,  Effingham,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; July  1,  1903,  St.  Mary  Help  of 


Christians  Church,  Green  Creek,  Illi- 
nois, pastor,  and  September  1,  1911, 
St.  James  Church,  Decatur,  Illinois. 
Father  Ostendorf  not  only  beautified 
the  Church  property,  but  also  erected 
a  magnificent  school  at  Decatur. 


Reverend  William  O  'Sullivan 


Father  0 'Sullivan,  born  at  Coach- 
ford,  County  Cork,  Ireland,  Septem- 
ber 20,  1888,  was  educated  in  the 
Christian  Brothers  College,  Cork,  and 
St.  Patrick  Seminary,  Carlow,  Ire- 
land. Was  ordained  by  Right  Rever- 
end Patrick  Foley,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Kildare  and  Leighlin,  in  the  College 
Chapel  at  Carlow,  Ireland,  May  25, 
1913.  His  first  appointment  after 
coming  to  the  Diocese  was  October  1, 


1913,  when  he  was  sent  as  assistant  to 
St.  Mary  Church,  Marshall,  Illinois. 
His  subsequent  appointments  were : 
October  1,  1915,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant ;  November  6,  1926,  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Pana,  Illinois,  administrator, 
and  May,  1927,  Holy  Trinity  Church, 
Stonington,  Illinois,  a  position  which 
he  now  fills. 


Reverend  Maximilian  Joseph  Philipp 


Father  Philipp,  born  April  29, 
1873,  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  of  Ger- 
man parents,  received  his  entire  train- 
ing in  the  Pontifical  College  Joseph- 
inum,  Columbus,  Ohio.  Was  ordain- 
ed priest,  July  2,  1900,  in  the  Pon- 
tifical College  Josephinum,  by  His 
Excellency,  Sebastian  Martinelli, 
Apostolic  Delegate.  On  July  15,  1900, 


he  was  appointed  professor  in  the 
Pontifical  College  Josephinum  and 
chaplain  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
at  Columbus,  Ohio.  Father  Philipp 
taught  Natural  History,  Zoology, 
Botany,  Universal  History,  German 
and  Higher  Geography.  Whilst  at 
Josephinum,  he  founded  a  Natural 
Science  Museum. 


Reverend  William  Arthur  Pietsch 


Father  Pietsch,  born  at  Berlin, 
Germany,  on  February  7,  1875,  was 
educated  in  the  Royal  Gymnasium, 
Germanicum,  Germany,  and  the  Gre- 
goriana  University,  Rome,  Italy.  Was 
ordained  priest  September  1,  1906,  in 
St.  Patrick  Cathedral,  Lead,  South 
Dakota,  by  Right  Reverend  John  N. 
Stariha,  D.D.  His  first  appointment 
was  at  St.  Mary  Church,  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, in  July,  1907,  as  assistant.  His 
subsequent  appointments  were :  July, 
1908,  SS.  Peter    and    Paul    Church, 


Collinsville,  Illinois,  assistant;  Oc- 
tober, 1910,  St.  Paul  Church,  High- 
land, Illinois ;  December,  1910,  Holy 
Ghost  Church,  Jerseyville,  Illinois, 
pastor;  August,  1914,  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Lillyville,  Illinois;  August, 
1918,  St.  Mary  Church,  Pierron,  Illi- 
nois; August,  1920,  St.  Bridget 
Church,  Liberty,  Illinois,  and  August 
7,  1927,  St.  John  the  Baptist  Church, 
Areola,  Illinois.  Father  Pietsch  has 
specialized  in  Archaeology. 


Reverend  Joseph  Postner 


Father  Postner,  born  May  27,  1861, 
at  Dayton,  Ohio,  of  German-Ameri- 
can parents,  was  educated  in  St. 
Francis  Gymnasium,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  and  St.  Francis  Seminary,  Mil- 


waukee, Wisconsin.  Was  ordained 
priest  June  24,  1884,  by  Right  Rever- 
end  Peter  J.  Baltes,  D.D.  Since  his 
ordination,  he  has  labored  in  these 
various  parishes :   August  5,  1884,  St. 


745 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


W, 


|HJV 


Mary  Church,  Shawneetown,  Illinois, 
pastor ;  January  23,  1885,  St.  Mary 
Church,  Paris,  Illinois ;  July  15,  1898, 
St.  Michael    Church,    Staunton,    Illi- 


nois, and  June  1,  1907,  St.  John  the 
Baptist  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois.  In 
1927,  he  built  a  large  modern  convent 
for  his  school  Sisters. 


Reverend  George  Harold  Powell 


Father  Powell,  born  at  Alton,  Illi- 
nois, of  Irish-American  parents,  May 
5,  1894,  was  educated  in  Quincy  Col- 
lege, Quincy,  Illinois,  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri,  Apos- 
tolic Mission  House  and  Catholic  Uni- 
versity of  America,  Washington,  D. 
C.  Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.,  ordained  him  priest  June  10, 
1922,  in  Kenrick  Seminary,  St.  Louis, 
Missouri.    Since  his  ordination  he  has 


been  appointed  to  the  following 
places:  July  1,  1922,  St.  Michael 
Church,  Staunton,  Illinois,  assistant; 
October  1,  1923,  St.  Joseph  Church 
Granite  City,  Illinois,  assistant,  and 
member  of  the  Diocesan  Mission 
Band.  He  served  in  the  Army  Infan- 
try, May,  1918,  to  November  of  the 
same  year  and  qualified  for  commis- 


sion. 


Reverend  William  Lawrence  Quatman 


On  April  3,  1877,  Father  Quatman 
was  born  at  Altamont,  Illinois,  of  Ger- 
man-Irish parents.  Was  educated  in 
St.  Joseph  College, Teutopolis,  Illinois; 
St.  Francis  College,  Quincy,  Illinois, 
and  Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the  West  Sem- 
inary, Cincinnati,  Ohio.  On  June  21, 
1903,  was  ordained  priest  in  the 
Chapel  of  Mt.  St.  Mary  Seminary, 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  Most  Reverend 
Archbishop  Henry  Moeller,  D.D.  As 
i'.ssistant,  he  served  July  1,  1903,  St. 
Anthony  Church,  Effingham,  Illinois ; 
September  1,  1903,  St.  Patrick 
Church,    Decatur,    Illinois;    July    1, 


1905,  St.  Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illi- 
nois ;  on  June  1,  1906,  he  was  appoint- 
ed first  resident  pastor  of  the  Forty 
Martyrs  Church,  Tuscola,  Illinois,  or- 
ganizing at  the  same  time  the  Sacred 
Heart  congregation  at  Villa  Grove, 
Illinois;  December  1,  1917,  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  pastorate  of  St.  Michael 
church,  Sigel,  Illinois,  and  August  21, 
1927,  pastor  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
church  in  the  Episcopal  City.  Since 
his  appointment  to  Sigel,  he  has 
served  as  the  ' '  Defensor  Vinculi ' '  on 
the  Matrimonial  court  of  the  Diocese. 


Reverend  Daniel  J.  Quinn 


Father  Quinn  was  born  July  4, 
1881,  of  American  parents  at  Spring- 
field, Illinois.  He  made  his  classical 
studies  in  St.  Francis  Solanus  Col- 
lege, Quincy,  Illinois;  his  theological 
studies  in  St.  Meinrad,  Indiana.  Was 
ordained  June  5,  1909,  in  the  Sem- 
inary Chapel  of  St.  Meinrad,  by  Right 
Reverend  Dennis  O'Donaghue,  D.D. 


Since  his  ordination,  he  has  labored  in 
the  following  places :  June  15,  1909, 
St.  Benedict  Church,  Auburn,  Illi- 
nois, assistant,  and  November  1,  1913, 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  same 
church,  a  position  which  he  still  holds. 
Father  Quinn  built  the  St.  Joseph 
brick  church  at  Chatham,  Illinois. 
Chatham  is  a  mission  of  Auburn. 


Reverend  Joseph  A.  Reis 


Father  Reis,  born  November  2, 
1884,  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  was  educated 
in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  St.  Nicolaus  Convic- 
tus,  Innsbruck,  and  Imperial  Univer- 


sity, Innsbruck,  Austria.  On  July 
26,  1911,  he  was  ordained  priest  by 
Right  Reverend  Francis  Larand, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  Brixen,  Tyrol,  Aus- 
tria, in  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Trin- 


746 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


ity,  Innsbruck,  Austria.  Since  his  or- 
dination, he  has  been  appointed  to 
these  various  places:  October  1,  1911, 
St.  Paul  Church,  Highland,  Illinois, 
assistant;  November  10,  1915,  St. 
Vincent  Home  for  the  Aged,  Quincy, 
Illinois,   first   resident   chaplain,   De- 


cember 1,  1917,  St.  John  the  Baptist 
Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assistant, 
and  on  July  5,  1924,  he  was  appointed 
pastor  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Church, 
Oconee,  Illinois,  where  he  still  re- 
sides. 


Reverend  Lubert  Riesen,  M.R. 


On  July  10,  1852,  Father  Riesen 
was  born  of  German  parents  at  Sten- 
dal,  Saxony.  He  was  educated  in  the 
German  Gymnasium,  Mt.  St.  Mary 
Seminary,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Wurz- 
burg  and  Tubingen  in  Germany,  and 
in  the  University  of  Louvain,  Bel- 
gium. On  the  completion  of  his 
studies,  he  came  to  Alton,  Illinois,  and 
on  June  29,  1876,  was  ordained  priest 
by  Right  Reverend  Peter  J.  Baltes, 
D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton.  He  remained 
with  Bishop  Baltes  about  two  years, 
and  attended  poor  missions.  In  1879, 
he  was  appointed  to    Flora,    Illinois, 


and  attended  the  missions,  Edgewood, 
Salem,  Fairfield  and  Enfield,  Illinois. 
Tn  ten  years  he  was  transferred  to 
Murphysboro,  Pinkneyville,  Dubois 
and  Freedom;  October,  1887,  Sigel, 
Illinois.  In  October,  1896,  was  ap- 
pointed irremovable  rector  of  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  where  he  still  resides.  Father 
Riesen  celebrated  his  Golden  Sacer- 
dotal Jubilee,  June  27,  1926.  On  this 
occasion,  the  Papal  Blessing,  cabled 
from  Rome,  was  read.  Solemn  Mass 
Coram  Episcopo  was  celebrated  by 
the  Jubilarian. 


Reverend  Andrew  Elliott  Robinson,  S.T.L. 


Father  Robinson,  born  at  Cleator, 
Moor,  England,  December  22,  1892,  of 
Irish  parents,  was  educated  in  St. 
Francis  Solanus  College,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois, Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri,  and  the  Catholic 
University  of  America.  He  was  or- 
dained December  21,  1918,  in  Kenrick 
Seminary  Chapel,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri,  by  Most  Reverend  Arch- 
bishop John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.  His 
first  appointment  occurred  January  1, 
1919,  when  he  was  sent  as  assistant  to 


St.  Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illinois. 
His  subsequent  appointments  were : 
June,  1924,  chaplain  of  Camp  Col- 
gan,  Springfield,  Illinois;  August  15, 
1926,  St.  Mary  church,  Carlinville, 
Illinois,  pastor  pro  tempore,  and  on 
October  13,  1926,  St.  James  Church, 
Riverton,  Illinois.  Father  Robinson 
specialized  in  Church  History  and 
Canon  Law  in  the  Catholic  Univer- 
sity of  America  and  Rome.  He  holds 
the  degrees,  S.T.L.  and  J.C.B. 


Very  Reverend  Dennis  J.  Ryan,  R.D. 


Dean  Ryan,  born  August  5,  1876,  at 
Alton,  Illinois,  of  Irish-American  par- 
ents, was  educated  in  St.  Joseph  Col- 
lege, at  Teutopolis,  Illinois,  Our  Lady 
of  Angels  Seminary,  Niagara  Falls, 
N.  Y.,  and  the  Catholic  University  of 
America,  Washington,  D.  C.  Was  or- 
dained priest  June  1,  1901,  at  Buffalo, 
New  York,  by  Most  Reverend  Arch- 
bishop Quigley,  D.D.  His  first  ap- 
pointment was  that  of  assistant  of  St. 
Joseph  Church,  Springfield,  Illinois, 


July  1,  1901.  His  subsequent  ap- 
pointments were :  June,  1902,  St. 
Denis  Church,  Shipman,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor; June,  1903  St.  Mark  Church, 
Winchester,  Illinois;  1904,  St.  Bene- 
dict Church,  Auburn,  Illinois.  From 
Auburn,  Illinois,  aided  by  Father 
Quinn,  he  took  care  of  St.  Bernard's 
Church,  Glenarm,  Illinois,  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  Divernon,  Illinois,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Pawnee,  Illinois,  and 
St.  Michael  Church,  South  Fork,  Illi- 


747 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


nois.  In  1913,  he  was  appointed  pas- 
tor of  St.  Joseph  Church,  Granite 
City,  Illinois.  Dean  Ryan  has  the  dis- 
tinction of  being  the  first  member  of 
the  Diocesan  Mission  Board  and  later 
becoming  its  leader.     In  1925,  Right 


Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  ap- 
pointed him  Dean  of  the  Alton  Dean- 
ery. Dean  Ryan  holds  the  degrees 
A.B.  and  S.T.B.  He  built  the  new 
combination  Church  and  School  at 
Granite  City. 


Reverend  Lawrence  C.  Ryan 


Father  Ryan  was  born  at  Thurles, 
County  Tipperary,  Ireland,  on  April 
23,  1883 ;  was  educated  in  St.  Patrick 
College  and  St.  Peter  Seminary,  Ire- 
land, and  ordained  priest  on  June  14, 
1908,  by  Most  Reverend  Abraham 
Brownrigg,  D.D.,  in  the  Cathedral  of 
St.  Kieran,  Kilkenny.  Since  his  or- 
dination he  ministered  at  the  follow- 
ing places :   October  1,  1908,  Immacu- 


late Conception  Church,  Springfield, 
Illinois;  October  12,  1912,  St.  Sebas- 
tian Church,  Waverly,  Illinois;  and 
St.  Catherine  Church,  Hagaman,  Illi- 
nois; June  1,  1919,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Farmersville,  Illinois.  During  his 
pastorate  at  Farmersville,  he  erected 
a  magnificent  combination  grade  and 
high  school.  In  the  early  part  of  1927 
he  took  ill  and  is  now  on  sick  leave. 


Reverend  Morgan  Ryan 


Father  Ryan,  born  January  12, 
1888,  in  Upper  Church,  Thurles 
County,  Tipperary,  Ireland,  received 
his  college  training  in  Mount  Mellray, 
"Waterford,  and  his  theological  train- 
ing in  St.  John  Seminary,  Waterford, 
Ireland.  On  June  21,  1914,  he  was 
ordained  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Sheehan,  D.D.,  in  St.   John   Church, 


Waterford,  Ireland.  Since  his  com- 
ing to  this  Diocese,  he  has  served  in 
the  following  places  :  October  1,  1920, 
St.  Theresa  Academy,  Decatur,  Illi- 
nois, chaplain ;  June  2,  1925,  St.  Fran- 
cis Hospital,  Litchfield,  Illinois,  chap- 
lain, and  January  2,  1926,  St.  Vincent 
Hospital,  Taylorville,  Illinois,  chap- 
lain, a  position  which  he  now  holds. 


Reverend  Charles  Cornelius  Sandon 


Father  Sandon,  born  March  7, 1897, 
at  Decatur,  Illinois,  was  educated  in 
Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and 
Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri.  His  first  appointment  as 
priest,  June  30,  1922,  was  that  of  as- 
sistant at  St.  Clara  Church,  Alta- 
mont,  Illinois,  attending  at  the  same 
time  the  missions  Shumway,  St.  Elmo, 
and  Avena.  His  subsequent  appoint- 
ments were :  September  1,  1924,  Sac- 
red Heart,  Springfield,  Illinois,  chap- 


lain ;  January  14,  1925,  Immaculate 
Conception  Church,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois, assistant ;  May  1,  1926,  St. 
Theresa  Academy,  Decatur,  Illinois, 
chaplain,  and  on  June  1,  1926,  was 
appointed  assistant  at  Our  Saviour 
Church,  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  filling 
at  the  same  time  the  position  of  Direc- 
tor of  Athletics  at  Routt  College  of 
that  city.  Father  Sandon  holds  the 
degree  A.B. 


Reverend  Edmund  Joseph  Scanlan 


Father  Scanlon,  born  October  30, 
1892,  at  Gurtmagee,  Killaloe,  County 
Clare,  Ireland,  was  educated  in  St. 
Flannan  College,  Ennis,  All  Hallows 
College,  Dublin  and  the  National  Uni- 
versity of  Ireland.  He  was  ordained 
May  5,  1918,  in  All  Hallows  College, 
by  Right  Reverend  Edward  Mulhern, 


D.D.  In  April,  1918,  he  was  appoint- 
ed assistant  at  St.  Peter  Church, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  in  1927,  pastor 
of  St/ Bridget  Church,  Liberty,  Illi- 
nois. He  is  at  present  acting  as  as- 
sistant editor  of  the  Western  Catholic, 
published  at  Quincy,  Illinois.  He 
holds  the  degree  A.B. 


748 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  Stephen 

Father  Schauwecker,  born  at  West- 
phalia, Missouri,  January  29,  1876,  of 
German-American  parents,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Mt.  St.  Mary- 
Seminary  of  the  West,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.  Was  ordained  by  Most  Rever- 
end Henry  Mueller,  D.D.,  in  St.  Peter 


C.  Schauwecker 

Cathedral,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  on  June 
16,  1909.  On  July  1,  1909,  was  ap- 
pointed assistant  in  Alton  Illinois, 
and  on  June  1,  1919,  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph  Church,  Meppen,  Illinois. 
Father  Schauwecker  built  a  large 
school  at  Meppen. 


Reverend  Francis  Clement  Schlepphorst 


Father  Schlepphorst,  born  at 
Quincy,  Illinois,  December  30,  1897, 
of  German  American  parents,  re- 
ceived his  classical  education  in 
Quincy  College  and  Seminary, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Most 


Reverend  John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  or- 
dained him  priest  June  10,  1922,  in 
Kenrick  Seminary  Chapel,  Webster 
Grove,  Missouri.  Since  that  time,  he 
has  served  as  assistant  of  St.  Anthony 
Church,  Effingham,  Illinois.  He  holds 
the  degree  A.B. 


Reverend  Henry  Bernard  Schnelton 


Father  Schnelten,  born  January 
31,  1892,  of  German-American  par- 
ents, at  Quincy,  Illinois,  was  educated 
in  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Mt.  St.  Mary  of 
the  West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Was  or- 
dained May  29,  1915,  in  the  Cathe- 
dral at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  Most 
Reverend  Henry  Moeller,  D.D.  Since 
his  ordination,  he  has  served  in  the 


following  places:  June  10,  1915,  St. 
Paul  Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant, attending  at  the  same  time  the 
two  missions,  St.  Jacob  and  Pocahon- 
tas; July  1,  1918,  St.  Gertrude 
Church,  Grantfork,  Illinois,  pastor; 
June  1,  1919,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Alton,  Illinois,  assistant,  and  July  1, 
1924,  St.  Mary  Church,  Brussels,  Illi- 
nois, pastor. 


Reverend  David  L.  Scully 


Father  Scully,  born  May  6,  1893,  at 
Ballyagrou,  Limerick,  Ireland,  re- 
ceived his  education  in  St.  Viator  Col- 
lege, Kankakee,  Illinois,  Mt.  St.  Mary 
of  the  West  Seminary,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  and  Catholic  University  and 
Apostolic  Mission  House,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.  Was  ordained  June  17, 
1916,  in  the  Cathedral  at  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  by  Most  Reverend  Moeller,  D.D. 
Since  his  ordination  he  has  filled  the 
following  positions :  June  1,  1916,  St. 


Joseph  Church,  Granite  City,  Illi- 
nois, assistant,  and  November  1,  1924, 
St.  Mary  Church,  Madison,  Illinois, 
pastor.  Since  his  appointment  to 
Madison,  Illinois,  he  has  built  a  mag- 
nificent combination  school  and 
church  building.  Father  Scully  has 
written  a  book,  "My  Master's  Busi- 
ness," published  by  Herder  Book 
Company  and  for  four  years  labored 
as  a  member  of  the  Diocesan  Mission 
Band. 


Reverend  Michael  Sheehy 


Father  Sheehy,  born  September  27, 
1895,  at  Ballingam,  Limerick,  Ire- 
land, was  educated  in  St.  Munchins 
College,  Limerick,  Ireland,  and  St. 
John  Seminary,  Waterford,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  by  Right  Reverend 
Bernard  Hackett,  D.D.,  June  15, 
1919,  at  the  Cathedral  at  Waterford, 


Ireland.  Since  his  coming  to  the  Dio- 
cese, he  was  appointed  assistant  at  St. 
John  Church,  Carrollton,  Illinois,  on 
December  28,  1919,  and  on  November 
1,  1921,  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Michael  Church,  Michael,  Illinois, 
where  he  now  resides. 


749 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Francis  Sheils 


Father  Sheils  was  born  on  March 
28,  1883,  in  Crosskeys,  County  Cavan, 
Ireland.  Was  educated  in  St.  Patrick 
College,  Kilmore;  St.  Patrick  Sem- 
inary, Carlow,  and  Royal  University. 

Was  ordained  priest  June  14,  1908, 
in  St.  Patrick  Seminary  Chapel,  Ire- 
land, by  Right  Reverend  Patrick 
Foley,  D.D.  Since  his  ordination,  he 
has  filled  the  following  appointments : 


October  8,  1908,  as  assistant  at  St. 
Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illinois;  Oc- 
tober 1,  1910,  St,  Barbara  Church, 
Witt,  Illinois;  October  1,  1915,  assist- 
ant at  St.  Francis  church,  Jerseyville, 
Illinois;  February  14,  1926,  assistant 
at  the  Cathedral  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield,  Illinois.  He 
is  now  absent  on  sick  leave. 


Very  Reverend  Monsignor  William  Thomas  Sloan 


Monsignor  Sloan,  born  at  Long 
View,  Illinois,  May  6,  1884,  of  Irish- 
American  parents,  was  educated  in 
St.  Francis  Seminary,  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  St.  Francis  College,  Quin- 
cy,  Illinois,  Kenrick  Seminary,  Web- 
ster Grove,  Missouri,  and  Catholic 
University  of  America,  Washington, 
D.  C.  Was  ordained  priest  June  13, 
1916,  in  Kenrick  Seminary  Chapel, 
by  Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.  His  first  appointment  July  1, 
1916,  was  that  of  assistant  of  Our 
Saviour  Church,  Jacksonville,  Illi- 
nois. His  subsequent  appointments 
were :  August  11,  1919,  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  Livingston,  Illinois, 
pastor;  May  1,  1921,  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Granite  City,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant, and  June  20,  1924,  St.  Catherine 
Church,  Virden,  Illinois,  pastor. 
Monsignor    Sloan    prepared    himself 


for  mission  work  in  the  Mission 
House  at  Washington,  D.  C,  and  be- 
came a  member  of  the  Diocesan  Mis- 
sion Band,  a  position  which  he  filled 
for  three  years  with  his  headquarters 
at  Granite  City,  Illinois.  In  January, 
1925,  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Grif- 
fin, D.D.,  appointed  him  Diocesan 
Director  of  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith  with  his  headquarters  at  1301 
West  Monroe  St.,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois. Under  his  wise  management 
the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  has 
made  great  strides.  Computation 
shows  that  this  Diocese  leads  all 
others  in  per  capita  donations.  In 
June,  1927,  he  was  elevated  by  Pope 
Pius  XI  to  the  dignity  of  Monsignor. 
(Private  Chamberline  to  His  Holi- 
ness.) Monsignor  Sloan  holds  the 
degrees  A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  Andrew  Smith 


Father  Smith,  born  August  6,  1880, 
at  Kill,  County  Kaven,  Ireland,  was 
educated  in  St.  Malachy  College, 
Belfast,  and  Carlow,  Ireland.  Was 
ordained  in  June,  1907,  by  Right 
Reverend  Bishop  Foley,  D.D.,  at  Car- 
low,  Ireland.  Since  his  domicile  in 
America,  he  served  the  following 
places:  October,  1907,  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Decatur,  Illinois,  assistant, 


and  December,  1914,  Sacred  Heart 
Church,  Franklin,  Illinois.  In  1925, 
Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  commissioned  him  to  create  a 
new  parish  in  Decatur,  Illinois,  a 
task  which  he  successfully  accom- 
plished. He  is  now  pastor  of  this 
new  combination  church  and  school, 
known  as  St.  Thomas  Church. 


Reverend  Timothy  G.  Smith 


Father  Smith,  born  at  Butterant, 
County  Cork,  Ireland,  January  14, 
1891,   was   educated   in   St.    Colman 


College,  Fermoy,  County  Cork,  and 
St.  John  College,  Waterford,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  priest  by  Most  Rev- 


750 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


erend  Richard  Alphonsus  Sheehan, 
D.D.,  at  the  Cathedral  of  the  Most 
Holy  Trinity,  Waterford,  Ireland, 
June  20,  1915.  Since  his  arrival  in 
the  Diocese,  he  has  served  the  follow- 
ing places:  October  26,  1915,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Marshall,  Illinois,  as- 


sistant ;  October  23,  1916,  St.  Theresa 
Academy,  Decatur,  Illinois,  chaplain  ; 
December  12,  1917,  St.  Agnes  Church, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  assistant,  and 
1927,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Diver- 
non,  Illinois,  with  Glenarm  as  a 
mission. 


Reverend  Peter  J.  Smyth 


Father  Smyth  was  born  at  Ban- 
agher,  Kings  County,  Ireland,  on 
July  30,  1895.  He  made  his  studies 
in  Mt.  St.  Joseph  College,  Roscrea; 
All  Hallows,  Dublin,  and  in  the  Na- 
tional University  of  Ireland,  where 
he  received  his  A.B.  degree.  Was 
ordained  priest,  June  22,  1919,  in  All 
Hallows,  by  Right  Reverend  Bishop 
Gorman,  D.D.,  of  Sierra  Leone, 
Africa.  Upon  his  arrival  in  the 
Diocese,   the   late   Bishop    Ryan    as- 


signed him  on  March  1,  1920,  to  the 
Visitation  Church,  Uliopolis,  Illinois, 
assistant;  November  9,  1920,  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Cathedral,  Alton, 
Illinois,  assistant.  In  1926  Father 
Smyth  attended  the  St.  Louis  Univer- 
sity, and  today  is  superintendent  of 
the  Marquette  Catholic  High  School 
at  Alton,  Illinois.  Under  his  direc- 
tion, the  High  School  has  made  un- 
usual progress. 


Reverend  Christian  Augustas  Snyder 


SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  1888,  in  St.  Mein- 
rad  Seminary  Chapel  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Bishop  Chatard,  D.D.  Since 
his  ordination,  he  has  worked  in  va- 
rious places  throughout  the  Diocese. 

Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Edward  L.  Spalding,  V.O. 


Father  Snyder,  born  at  Altoona, 
Pennsylvania,  February  8,  1855,  re- 
ceived his  education  in  St.  Joseph 
College,  Teutopolis,  Illinois,  St. 
Mary,  Kansas,  and  St.  Meinrad,  In- 
diana.   Was  ordained  on  the  Feast  of 


The  history  of  the  Diocese  of 
Springfield  for  the  seventy-five  years 
of  its  existence  would  be  but  poorly 
and  imperfectly  assembled  unless 
there  was  written  into  its  pages  a 
generous  and  genuine  appreciation 
of  the  long  and  fruitful  career  of  its 
present  Vicar  General,  the  Right 
Reverend  Monsignor  Edward  L. 
Spalding. 

Monsignor  Spalding  is  a  member 
of  that  celebrated  family  of  Ken- 
tucky Spaldings  whose  sons  have 
spread  such  lustre  upon  the  history 
of  the  Church  in  America — Most 
Reverend  Martin  John  Spalding, 
Archbishop  of  Baltimore,  author, 
orator  and  churchman;  Most  Rever- 
end John  Lancaster  Spalding,  Bish- 
op of  Peoria,  and  later  Titular 
Archbishop  of  Scitopolis,  philos- 
opher, lecturer,  essayist  and  cultured 


scholar — and  others  whose  works 
and  accomplishments  for  God  and 
Church  are  buried  in  the  seclusions 
of  Religious  Life.  Of  this  great 
family  the  gifted  Maurice  Francis 
Egan  writes,  "To  American  Cath- 
olics, Kentucky  has,  next  to  Mary- 
land, an  air  of  that  romance  which 
is,  as  a  rule,  the  glamor  of  historical 
traditions.  The  position  of  the 
Spaldings  and  other  families  who 
stood  unfaltering  among  the  perils 
of  faith  and  patriotism,  will  always 
be  a  point  of  light  in  the  chronicles 
of  their  neighborhood  and  their 
states.  Kentucky  has  always  stood 
for  manliness,  boldness  and  simplic- 
ity, and  the  old  family  seems  to  have 
valued  culture  rather  than  mere  ped- 
igree, and  character  than  wealth  or 
intrinsic  things.  In  almost  every  State 
of  the  Union  one  can  find  the  descend- 


751 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ants  of  the  Kentuckians  whose 
Fathers  kept  the  Faith  and  they  are 
still  fighting  the  good  fight." 

Monsignor  Spalding  traces  his  an- 
cestry back  to  the  family  of  that 
name  whose  members  came  to  Ken- 
tucky from  Maryland  shortly  after 
the  Revolutionary  War ;  and  still 
farther  back  to  the  Catholics  who 
came  to  Maryland  in  the  middle  of 
the  Seventeenth  Century  to  escape 
the  persecutions  in  England.  He  was 
born  at  Bardstown,  Kentucky,  at  the 
beginning  of  the  Civil  war,  August 
17,  1860,  the  eldest  of  nine  children. 
As  a  boy  he  served  Mass  in  the  old 
Cathedral  at  Bardstown  (now  St. 
Joseph  Church),  and  after  finishing 
his  grades  in  the  parochial  school,  en- 
tered St.  Joseph  College  in  his  native 
town.  This  institution  was  for  many 
years  the  glory  and  pride  of  Bards- 
town. To  this  seat  of  learning  stu- 
dents came  from  many  States  of  the 
Union,  especially  from  the  South ; 
but  after  the  Civil  War  it  lost  much 
of  its  patronage.  However,  when 
young  Edward  Spalding  sought  ad- 
mission as  a  student,  St.  Joseph  was 
still  well  known  as  a  center  of  higher 
learning. 

After  the  completion  of  his  course 
of  studies  at  St.  Joseph  College,  Ed- 
ward Spalding  made  application  to 
Bishop  John  Lancaster  Spalding  of 
Peoria  to  study  for  that  diocese.  He 
was  accepted  and  sent  to  the  Amer- 
ican College,  Louvain,  Bulgium,  for 
his  philosophical  and  theological 
studies.  On  returning  to  the  United 
States  after  his  ordination  to  the 
priesthood,  on  June  24,  1887,  he  was 
sent  as  assistant,  first  to  the  Very 
Reverend  Dean  Weldon,  pastor  of 
Holy  Trinity  Church,  Bloomington, 
Illinois,  and  after  a  few  months  was 
transferred  as  assistant  to  Father 
James  Ryan,  pastor  of  St.  Columbia 's 
Church,  Ottawa,  Illinois.  Realizing 
the  character  and  worth  of  his  young 
assistant,  Father  Ryan  when  conse- 
crated Bishop  of  Alton,  three  months 
later,  took  Father  Spalding  with  him 
to  his  See  City.    Monsignor  Spalding 


was  Bishop  Ryan's  Chancellor 
throughout  his  long  Episcopate  of 
thirty-five  years  during  the  last  ten 
of  these,  his  Vicar  General  also.  At 
the  death  of  Bishop  Ryan  he  was 
named  by  the  Consultors  Administra- 
tor of  the  Diocese.  Right  Reverend 
Bishop  James  Griffin  upon  his  in- 
stallation as  Bishop  and  the  transfer 
of  the  See  to  Springfield,  immediately 
reappointed  Monsignor  Spalding 
Vicar  General;  and  at  the  new 
Bishop's  request,  on  his  Jubilee  Visit 
to  Rome  in  August,  1925,  Father 
Spalding  was  named  Domestic  Pre- 
late to  Pius  X.  The  appointment 
met  the  most  hearty  approval  of  the 
clergy,  who  assembled  almost  to  a 
man  at  his  investiture  in  the  old 
Cathedral  at  Alton. 

Monsignor  Spalding's  official  life 
in  the  Diocese  extending  as  it  does 
over  more  than  half  the  Diamond 
years,  of  which  this  book  is  a  record, 
has  made  him  the  idol  and  inspiration 
of  the  Clergy.  A  priest  of  Apostolic 
spirit  and  guided  by  Apostolic  stand- 
ards, he  has  developed  a  character  re- 
plete with  gentleness  and  kindness,  a 
disposition  always  genial  and  courte- 
ous and  yet  with  all,  possessed  of  an 
administrative  ability  which  wins  con- 
fidence, and  makes  compliance  a 
pleasure.  Always  the  thoughtful, 
perfect  gentleman,  cultured  and  hos- 
pitable ;  always  the  amiable  pastor, 
gentle,  considerate,  respected,  ad- 
mired and  emulated  by  each  of  his 
many  assistants,  who  were  to  him 
always  co-workers,  never  inferiors ;  al- 
ways the  patient,  prompt  and  prudent 
Chancellor,  smoothing  the  difficulties 
of  many  a  priest;  able,  tireless  and 
willing  at  every  personal  sacrifice  to 
second  and  support  his  Bishop  with 
a  loyalty  that  knew  no  wavering. 
Monsignor  Spalding  is  today  the  pride 
of  his  Diocese,  the  idol  of  its  clergy, 
the  priestly  priest,  the  fruit  of  whose 
labors,  the  example  of  whose  priest- 
hood and  the  influence  of  whose  per- 
sonality will  long  endure  and  bear 
fruit  in  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  and 
far  beyond  its  confines.     In  the  Dia- 


f52 


Rev.  Francis  Shiels,  Ass't,  Cathedral,  Springfield.  Rev.  Peteb  J.  Smyth.  Ass't,  SS. 
Peter  arid  Paul.  Alton.  Rev.  John  J.  SVi.i.iv.w.  Ass't,  St.  Mam.  Paris  .  Rev.  \Y.  A 
Toomky.  Ass't  St.  Mary.  Taylorville.  Rev.  W.  1!.  Whalen,  Ass't,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 
Alton.  Rev.  A.  J.  Wolf.  Ass't,  SS.  Peter  ami  Paul.  Springfield.  .  .  .  Rev.  William 
Ckoke,  Ass't.  Cathedral.  Springfield.  Rev.  Victob  C.  Goyke,  Director  of  Charities 
Springfield. 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


mond  Jubilee  celebration  much  of  the 
blessings  for  which  we  are  today 
grateful,  much  of  the  history  of  which 
we  are  today  proud,  should  be  a  spe- 
cial joy  to  him,  for  many  of  the  bless- 


ings and  much  of  the  History  are  of 
his  making,  certainly  of  his  inspira- 
tion. The  Diocese  would  be  lonesome 
without  Eight  Reverend  Monsignor 
Edward  L.  Spalding,  Vicar  General. 


Reverend  Walter  Henry  Speeman 


Father  Speeman,  born  at  Krefeld, 
Rhineland,  Germany,  January  25, 
1881,  received  his  education  in  King 
William  College,  Krefeld,  Germany, 
and  Holy  Cross  College,  Udem,  Hol- 
land ;  Grand  Seminary,  Montreal,  and 
Laval  University,  Montreal,  Canada. 
Was  ordained  on  June  29,  1906,  by 
Most  Reverend  A.  Langevin,  D.D.,  in 
Canada.  From  1906-11,  he  was 
off  duty  on  account  of  illness.  His 
first  appointment  was  in  1911,  when 
he  was  assigned  assistant  at  the 
Church  of  St.  Louis,  Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania.  His  subsequent  ap- 
pointments were    as    follows :    1912- 


1917,  worked  as  a  missionary  in  Mass- 
achusetts ;  from  1917-1920,  assisted  at 
the  Holy  Family  Church,  Jefferson 
Place,  Union  Hill,  New  Jersey;  in 
1921,  St.  Mark  Church,  Venice,  Illi- 
nois, assistant;  1921-1923,  St.  Al- 
phonsus  Church,  Brighton,  Illinois, 
pastor;  1924,  St.  Joseph  Church, 
Springfield,  Illinois,  and  Our  Saviour 
Church,  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  where 
he  substituted;  October  15,  1925, 
Mother  of  Dolors  Church,  Vandalia, 
Illinois,  pastor,  and  1927,  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  of  St.  Elizabeth 
Church,  Robinson,  Illinois.  Father 
Speeman  holds  the  degree  A.B. 


Reverend  Anthony  John  Stengel 


Father  Stengel,  born  September  22, 
1874,  of  German  parents  in  Sanga- 
mon County,  State  of  Illinois,  was 
educated  in  St.  Francis  Solanus  Col- 
lege, Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick 
Seminary,  St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Was 
crdained  priest  in  the  Seminary 
chapel  by  Most  Reverend  John  J. 
Kain,  D.D.,  June  9,  1899.     Since  his 


ordination  he  has  labored  in  the  fol- 
lowing places :  July  15,  1899,  St. 
John  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; June  1,  1907,  St.  Gertrude 
Church,  Grant  Fork,  Illinois,  pastor; 
December  1,  1910,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Brussels,  Illinois,  and,  July  1,  1919, 
St.  Aloysius  Church,  Litchfield,  Illi- 
nois. 


Reverend  Clement  Thomas  Stolze,  D.C.L. 


Reverend  Doctor  Stolze,  born  April 
25,  1890,  of  German-American  par- 
ents at  Edwardsville,  Illinois,  was 
educated  in  St.  Francis  Solanus  Col- 
lege, Quincy,  Illinois,  University  of 
Innsbi-uck,  Austria,  and  Leonianum 
University,  Rome,  Italy.  Was  or- 
dained by  the  Right  Reverend  Prince- 
Bishop  Francis,  D.D.,  Bishop  of 
Brixen,  Tyrol,  on  June  27,  1913,  at 
Innsbruck,  Austria.  Returning  to 
America,  he  was  assigned  to  the  fol- 


lowing places:  August  1,  1913,  St. 
Jerome  Church,  Troy,  Illinois,  ad- 
ministrator ;  October  1,  1915,  St.  John 
Hospital,  Springfield,  Illinois,  chap- 
lain ;  June  1,  1918,  St.  Boniface 
Church,  Edwardsville,  Illinois,  pas- 
tor, and  July  1,  1918,  Annunciation 
Church,  Bunker  Hill.  Doctor  Stolze 
is  responsible  for  the  new  mission  of 
Wilsonville,  Illinois,  a  mission  which 
lie  serves  at  the  present  time.  Doctor 
Stolze  holds  the  degree  D.C.L. 


Reverend  Joseph  Charles  Straub 


Father  Straub  was  born  on  Novem- 
ber 4,  1873,  at  Burgstadt,  Bayern, 
Germany.     He  was   educated    in    St. 


Andrew  College,  Rochester,  New 
York,  St.  Bernard  Seminary,  Roch- 
ester, New  York,  taking  one  year  post- 


753 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


graduate  work  at  the  University  of 
Innsbruck,  Tyrol,  Austria.  Was  or- 
dained June  11,  1898  at  Rochester, 
New  York,  by  Right  Reverend  Ber- 
nard McQuaid,  D.D.  Since  his  or- 
dination he  has  filled  the  following 
places:  July,  1899,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant ;  May,  1905,  St.  John  Hospital, 
Springfield,  Illinois.  In  September, 
1905,  he  was  appointed  director  of  St. 


John  Hospital,  and  since  that  time 
has  so  enlarged  that  building  as  to 
make  it  one  of  the  largest  hospitals 
in  the  Country.  He  also  built  a  large 
hospital  for  the  crippled  children  and 
those  suffering  from  the  White  Plague 
and  a  Mother  house  for  the  Sisters  of 
the  III  Order  of  St.  Francis,  with  a 
chapel  costing  over  a  quarter  of  a 
million  dollars. 


Reverend  Jorw  Joseph  Sullivan 


Father  Sullivan,  born  July  6,  1899, 
in  County  Kerry,  Ireland,  received 
l.is  training  in  St.  Brendan  College, 
Killarney,  Ireland,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  On 
May  29,  1926,  Right  Reverend  James 


A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  ordained  him  priest 
in  the  Cathedral  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield,  Illinois.  On 
June  18,  1926,  he  was  appointed  as- 
sistant of  St.  Mary  Church,  Paris, 
Illinois,  where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  James  A.  Telken 


Father  Telken,  born  August  2, 
1884,  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  of  Ger- 
man parents,  was  educated  in  St. 
Francis  Solanus  College,  Quincy,  Illi- 
nois, Mt.  St.  Mary  Seminary,  Cincin- 
nati, Ohio  and  St.  Louis  University. 
Was  ordained  priest,  June  19,  1909, 
in  the  Cathedral  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
by  Most  Reverend  Henry  Mueller, 
D.D.     Since  his    ordination,    he    has 


been  appointed  to  these  various 
places :  St.  Mary  Church,  Quincy, 
Illinois,  assistant;  St.  Aloysius 
Church,  Litchfield,  Illinois,  pastor; 
St.  Anselm  Church,  Kampsville,  Illi- 
nois; St.  Boniface  Church,  Quincy, 
Illinois,  assistant;  St.  Paul  Church, 
Highland,  Illinois,  assistant,  and  St. 
Theresa  Academy,  Decatur,  Illinois, 
chaplain. 


Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Michael  A.  Tarrent 


Monsignor  Tarrent  was  born  on 
July  7,  1879,  at  Springfield,  Illinois. 
He  was  educated  in  St.  Francis  Sol- 
anus  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and  St. 
Mary  Seminary,  Baltimore,  Mary- 
1  md.  He  was  ordained  priest  by  the 
lite  James  Cardinal  Gibbons,  D.D., 
in  the  Cathedral  in  Baltimore,  Mary- 
land, on  June  21,  1904.  The  late 
James  Ryan,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Alton, 
assigned  him  as  temporary  assistant 
at  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois,  on  June 
28,  1904.  On  July  9,  1904,  he  was 
called  to  Alton  Illinois,  as  assistant  at 
the  Cathedral.  In  1908,  he  was  made 
secretary  to  Bishop  Ryan.  In  1919 
he  was  entrusted  with  the  erection  of 
the  much  needed  new  Diocesan  Catho- 
lic Children's  Home,  a  project  which 
he  carried  successfully  to  completion 


in  1922.  From  1922  to  March  17, 
1924,  while  still  secretary  to  the 
Bishop,  he  was  appointed  superin- 
tendent of  the  Home.  After  the  in- 
stallation of  Right  Reverend  James 
A.  Griffin,  D.D.,  as  Bishop  of  the  Dio- 
cese of  Springfield,  in  Illinois  (the 
old  Alton  Diocese)  Monsignor  Tar- 
rent was  appointed  Chancellor  of  the 
Diocese,  and  on  September  1,  1924, 
was  commissioned  to  establish  a  new 
parish  in  the  southwest  part  of  the 
Episcopal  city.  Recognizing  his  abil- 
ity and  the  wonderful  works  done  in 
the  Diocese,  the  Pope  at  the  instance 
of  Right  Reverend  James  A.  Griffin, 
D.D.,  elevated  him  to  the  rank  of  Do- 
mestic Prelate  in  June,  1927.  Mon- 
signor Tarrent  holds  the  degrees, 
A.B.;  A.M.  and  S.T.B. 


754 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


Reverend  William  A.  Toomey 


Father  Toomey  was  born  at  Green- 
hills,  Crecora,  Limerick,  Ireland,  on 
May  3,  1883.  Was  educated  in  St. 
Munchins  College,  Limerick  and  St. 
John  Seminary,  Waterford,  Ireland. 
Was  ordained  by  Right  Reverend 
Richard  Sheehan,  D.D.,  in  the  Cathe- 
dral at  Waterford,  Ireland,  June  21, 
1908.  Since  his  arrival  in  the  Di- 
ocese, he  has  been  assigned  to  these 
various  places :  October  1,  1908,  St. 
Rose  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois;  Oc- 
tober  1,    1910,   St.   Joseph   Church, 


Granite  City,  Illinois;  May  31,  1911, 
Ascension  Church,  Mt.  Olive,  Illi- 
nois; July  4,  1924,  Holy  Trinity 
Church,  Stonington,  Illinois;  October 
12,  1924,  St.  Mary  Church,  Carlin- 
ville,  Illinois ;  June  30,  1925,  Immac- 
ulate Conception  Church,  Mattoon, 
Illinois;  December  1,  1925,  St.  John 
the  Baptist  Church,  Areola,  Illinois, 
and  October,  1927,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Taylorville,  Illinois,  where  he  now 
resides. 


Reverend  Arthur  John  Vanspeybroeck 


Father  Vanspeybroeck,  born  at 
Lille,  France,  of  Belgium-French 
parents,  November  6,  1875,  was  edu- 
cated in  St.  Mary  College,  Kansas, 
Grand  Seminary,  Montreal,  and  St. 
John  Memramcook,  New  Brunswick, 
Canada.  Was  ordained  priest  April 
20,  1902,  at  Valley  Field,  Province 
of  Quebec,  Canada,  by  Right  Rev- 
erend Medard  Emrad,  D.D.  After 
his  ordination,  he  worked  in  the 
Diocese  of  Concordia,  Kansas,  and 
when,  on  June  26,  1924,  he  came  to 
this  Diocese,  he  was  assigned  as  as- 


sistant at  St.  Patrick  Church,  Alton, 
Illinois.  On  February  2,  1925,  was 
appointed  Administrator  of  St.  Mary 
Church,  Pawnee,  Illinois,  and  on 
July  6,  1925,  administrator  of  St. 
Rita  Church,  Kincaid,  Illinois.  Be- 
fore his  ordination,  he  was  professor 
of  French,  English  and  Latin  at  the 
Holy  Cross  College,  Farnham  and 
St.  John  University,  Memramcook, 
Canada.  Father  Vanspeybroeck 
built  and  paid  for  a  large  brick 
school  at  Kincaid. 


Reverend  Peter  Joseph  Virnich 


Father  Virnich,  born  at  Lenders- 
dorf,  County  Dueren  (Rhineland)  of 
German  parents,  June  22,  1848,  was 
educated  in  the  Gymnasium  at  Duer- 
en; Louvain  American  Seminary, 
and  Louvain  University,  Belgium. 
Was  ordained  priest  July  27,  1873, 
at  Brussels  by  the  Papal  Nuncio. 
Since  his  ordination  he  has  labored 
in  the  following  places:  December 
3,  1873,  Our  Lady  of  Mt.  Carmel,  Mt. 
Carmel,  Illinois,  pastor  with  St. 
Francisville,  Grayville  and  St.  Sebas- 
tian as  missions;  March  23,  1876,  St. 
Agnes    Church,    Hillsboro,    Illinois, 


pastor,  with  Nokomis  and  Raymond 
as  missions  and  October  25,  1881,  was 
appointed  pastor  of  the  Assumption 
Church,  Ste.  Marie,  Illinois.  Father 
Virnich  is  Dean  of  the  Diocesan 
Clergy.  He  built  a  church  at  Ste. 
Marie  which  was  dedicated  on  May 
24,  1894.  In  the  fall  of  1893  he 
opened  a  parochial  school  and  in 
1926  he  saw  the  completion  of  a  mag- 
nificent hall.  Father  Virnich  is 
greatly  loved  and  respected  by  all 
and  that  accounts  for  his  long  pas- 
torate at  Ste.  Marie,  where  he  still 
resides. 


Reverend  James  P.  Walsh 


Father  Walsh  was  born  February 
3,  1877,  of  Irish-American  parents  at 
Decatur,  Illinois.     He  was  educated 


at  St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the 
West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  Creigh- 


755 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


ton  University,  Omaha,  Nebraska. 
Was  ordained  June  21,  1907  by  Most 
Reverend  Henry  D.  Moeller,  D.D., 
in  the  Cathedral  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 
His  first  appointment  was  to  St. 
Benedict    Church,    Auburn,    Illinois, 


June  25,  1907.  His  subsequent  ap- 
pointments were:  pastor  of  St. 
Michael  Church,  Hume,  Illinois, 
July  1,  1909,  then  pastor  of  St.  Clare 
Church,  Altamont,  Illinois,  October 
1,  1912,  a  position  he  still  fills. 


Reverend  John  Bernardine  Wardein 


Father  Wardein,  born  March  13, 
1870,  at  Pausram,  Moravia,  Austria, 
of  German  parents,  was  educated  in 
St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis,  Illi- 
nois, St.  Francis  Solanus  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Most  Rev- 
erend John  J.  Kain,  D.D.,  ordained 
him  priest  June  12,  1897  in  Kenrick 
Seminary  Chapel,  St.  Louis,  Mis- 
souri.   His  first  appointment  was  on 


July  11,  1897,  as  assistant  of  St. 
Paul  Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  with 
St.  Jacob,  Illinois  for  a  mission.  His 
subsequent  appointments  were :  Sep- 
tember 14,  1905,  St.  Michael  Church, 
Michael,  Illinois,  pastor;  September 
1,  1910,  St.  Joseph  Church,  Meppen, 
Illinois,  and  June  1,  1919,  St.  Ger- 
trude Church,  Grantfork,  Illinois,  a 
position  which  he  now  fills. 


Reverend  Oscar  John  Wendel  Wernet 


Father  Wernet,  born  of  Alsatian 
parents,  December  2,  1877,  at  Can- 
ton, Stark  County,  Ohio,  received  his 
college  training  in  St.  Jerome  Col- 
lege, Kitchener,  Ontario,  Canada, 
and  theological  training  in  St.  Mary 
of  the  West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Was 
ordained  June  22,  1906,  in  St.  Peter 
Cathedral,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  by  Most 
Reverend  Henry  Moeller,  D.D.  He 
received  his  first  appointment  July  1, 
1906,  as  assistant  of  St.  Patrick 
Church,  Decatur,  Illinois,  and  Chap- 
lain at  the  Wabash  Railroad  Hospital 


of  that  city.  His  subsequent  appoint- 
ments were :  August  1,  1906,  St. 
Paul  Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant; July  1,  1907,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul  Church,  Springfield,  Illinois; 
July  1,  1908,  Sacred  Heart  Church, 
New  Berlin,  Illinois;  March  1,  1910, 
St.  Thomas  the  Apostle  Church, 
Newton,  Illinois,  with  Dieterich  as  a 
mission,  and  on  November  1,  1910, 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  Immac- 
ulate Conception  Church  at  Dieter- 
ich, Illinois.  Father  Wernet  holds 
the  degree,  Ph.B. 


Reverend  William  B.  Whalen 


Father  Whalen  was  born  October 
25,  1896,  at  Grafton,  Illinois,  of 
American  parents.  Was  educated  at 
Quincy  College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  and 
Kenrick  Seminary,  Webster  Grove, 
Missouri.  Ordained  June  10,  1922, 
in  Kenrick  Seminary  Chapel  by  Most 
Reverend  John  J.  Glennon,  D.D. 
Since  his  ordination  he  has  filled  the 


following  positions:  June  13,  1922, 
St.  Patrick  Church,  Pana,  Illinois,  as- 
sistant, and  chaplain  of  the  Huber 
Memorial  Hospital ;  March  25,  1923, 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Alton, 
Illinois,  assistant  and  chaplain  of  the 
Ursuline  Convent  of  the  Holy  Fam- 
ily. Father  Whalen  has  the  degree 
A.B. 


Reverend  Anton  Wieneke 


Father  Wieneke,  born  at  Benning- 
hausen,  Germany,  January  15,  1869, 
received  his  education  in  the  Gymna- 
sium in  Paderborn,  Germany,  St. 
Francis    Solanus    College,     Quincy, 


Illinois,  and  Mt.  St.  Mary  of  the 
West,  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Ordained 
by  Most  Reverend  William  Henry 
Elder,  D.D.,  in  the  Cathedral  at  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio,  June  19,  1895.     Since 


756 


THE  DIOCESAN  CLERGY 


his  ordination  he  has  filled  the  fol- 
lowing positions :  June  22,  1895,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois,  assist- 
ant; July  13,  1899,  St.  Jerome 
Church,   Troy,   Illinois,   pastor,   and 


August  8,  1914,  St.  Elizabeth  Church, 
Marine,  Illinois,  pastor.  Father 
Wieneke  holds  the  degrees  A.B. 
and  A.M. 


Reverend  Lawrence  H.  Winking 


Father  Winking,  born  November 
3,  1895,  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  received 
his  college  training  in  Quincy  Col- 
lege, Quincy,  Illinois,  and  his  the- 
ological training  in  Kenrick  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri.  Was 
ordained  June  14,  1919  by  Most  Rev- 
erend John  J.  Glennon,  D.D.,  in 
Kenrick  Seminary.  He  received  his 
first  appointment  July  1,  1919,  when 


he  was  sent  as  assistant  to  St.  Mary 
Church,  Quincy,  Illinois.  His  subse- 
quent appointments  were :  July  1, 
1920,  St.  Paul  Church,  Highland, 
Illinois;  July  1,  1923,  St.  Anthony 
Hospital,  Effingham,  Illinois,  chap- 
lain, and  September  1,  1924,  Immac- 
ulate Conception  Church,  Shelby- 
ville,  Illinois,  with  Sullivan  as  a  mis- 
sion. Father  Winking  holds  the 
degrees  A.B.  and  A.M. 


Reverend  Joseph  Aloysius  Mary  Wilson 


Father  Wilson,  born  September  17, 
1864,  at  East  Boston,  Massachusetts, 
was  educated  in  the  North  American 
College  and  Propaganda  University, 
Rome,  Italy.  Was  ordained  May  24, 
1902,  in  St.  John  Lateran,  Rome, 
Italy,  by  His  Eminence  Cardinal 
Respighi.  His  first  appointment, 
July  10,  1902,  was  that  of  assistant 
to   St.   Joseph   Church,    Springfield, 


Illinois.  His  subsequent  appoint- 
ments were:  March  24,  1905,  First 
Resident  Pastor,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Pawnee,  Illinois,  with  South  Fork 
for  a  mission;  February  15,  1908, 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Effingham, 
Illinois,  and  October  1,  1915,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Marshall,  Illinois, 
where  he  now  resides. 


Reverend  Albert  John  Wolf 


Father  Wolf  was  born  August  23, 
1899,  Alton,  Illinois,  of  American 
parents.  He  was  educated  in  Quin- 
cy College,  Quincy,  Illinois,  in  Ken- 
rick Seminary,  Webster  Grove,  Mis- 
souri. On  June  24,  1924,  Most  Rev- 
erend   John    J.    Glennon,    D.D.,    or- 


dained him  priest  in  the  Cathedral  of 
St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Since  his  or- 
dination he  has  been  assigned  to  the 
following  places:  July  12,  1924,  St. 
Boniface  Church,  Quincy,  Illinois ; 
July,  1927,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
Church,  Springfield,  Illinois. 


Reverend  Bernard  Wubbe 


Father  Wubbe,  born  February  11, 
1886,  at  the  Hague,  Holland,  received 
his  collegiate  training  in  Holland 
and  his  theological  training  in  Mt. 
St.  Mary  of  the  West,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio.     Was  ordained  priest  May  21, 

1910,  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  by  Right 
Reverend  James  Hartley,  D.D.  Since 
his  ordination,  he  has  labored  in  the 
following  places:  1910,  St.  Mark 
Church,    Venice,    Illinois,    assistant ; 

1911,  St.  Mary  Church,  Quiricy,  Illi- 


nois, assistant;  1912,  St.  John  Hos- 
pital, Springfield,  Illinois,  chaplain; 
1915,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Oconee, 
Illinois,  pastor;  1924,  St.  Rita 
Church,  Kincaid,  Illinois;  1924,  Ur- 
suline  Academy,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
chaplain;  1926,  Catholic  Children's 
Home,  Alton,  Illinois,  director  and 
chaplain,  and  1926,  St.  Valentine 
Church,  Bend,  Illinois,  where  he  still 
resides.  Father  Wubbe  constructed 
the  school  at  Oconee. 


757 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


Reverend  Stanislaus  Otto  Yunker 


On  February  16,  1894,  Father 
Vunker  was  born  of  German-Lith- 
uanian parents  at  Alexandrowa, 
Lithuania.  He  was  educated  at  Til- 
sit, Germany,  in  Quincy  College, 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  Kenriek  Sem- 
inary, Webster  Grove,  Missouri. 
Most  Reverend  John  J.  Glennon, 
D.D.,  ordained  him  in  the  chapel 
of  Kenriek  Seminary,  Webster 
Grove,    on    June    10,    1923.      Since 


his  ordination  he  has  served  the  fol- 
lowing places :  June  15,  St.  Paul 
Church,  Highland,  Illinois,  assistant ; 
December  1,  1924,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul  Church,  Springfield,  Illinois, 
pastor.  Father  Yunker  holds  a  de- 
gree A.B.  Since  his  appointment  as 
pastor  of  St.  Vincent  Church,  Father 
Yunker  has  had  the  Church  beauti- 
fully decorated  and  the  Rectory 
remodeled. 


758 


CHAPTER  XIII 
THE  DIOCESAN  SOLDIERY 

"War  is  under  no  circumstances  a  pleasant  or  agreeable  thing  to  contemplate, 
but  realities  must  be  bravely  confronted,  and  Catholics  would  fail  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duty,  both  to  God  and  country,  if  they  shirked  their  responsi- 
bilities as  citizens  and  proponents  and  defenders  of  the  right.  It  is  gratifying 
that  Catholics  of  this  country  have  no  apologies  to  make  in  this  connection.  In 
every  war  in  which  our  country  has  been  involved,  they  have  played  their  full 
part.  Men  of  distinction  have  arisen  out  of  the  Catholic  ranks  in  every  such 
emergency,  and  it  is  a  matter  of  just  pride  that  more  than  the  quota  of  man- 
power has  always  been  recruited  from  the  Catholic  ranks. 

In  another  Chapter  will  be  found  references  to  the  part  played  by  some 
distinguished  Catholics  in  other  wars,  but  here  it  seems  sufficient  to  say  that 
in  the  great  World  War  of  recent  memory,  although  the  Catholics  are  credited 
with  less  than  one-fifth  of  the  population  of  the  United  States,  the  military  forces 
of  the  late  war  were  in  excess  of  thirty-five  per  cent  Catholic,  and  the  naval 
forces  in  excess  of  forty-five  per  cent  Catholic  according  to  the  reports  of  the 
War  Department.  On  this  data  more  than  one  million  Catholics  were  in  the 
service. 

Thanks  to  several  earnest  men  in  and  out  of  public  office,  a  fairly  accurate 
record  of  the  late  war  is  in  existence  and  is  being  put  in  understandable  and 
permanent  order.  If  we  are  not  able  now  to  give  accurate  data  for  the  whole 
of  the  country,  which,  no  doubt,  we  soon  will  be,  we  at  least  have  been  fortunate 
in  securing  quite  satisfactory  data  with  reference  to  service  men  from  the  Dio- 
cese of  Springfield  in  Illinois.  At  the  instance  of  the  National  Catholic  Welfare 
Association,  the  Dioceses  and  Parishes  throughout  the  country  were  set  to  work 
to  gather  names  and  records  of  service  men,  and,  under  the  direction  of  Right 
Reverend  James  A.  Griffin,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  Monsignor  Martin  J.  Foley, 
Editor  and  Publisher  of  "The  Western  Catholic,"  prosecuted  the  work  vigor- 
ously, and,  with  general  co-operation  and  the  assistance  of  all  the  pastors  and 
many  others,  procured  the  list  of  names  of  service  men  which  follows. 

It  is  feared  that  many  of  the  young  men  who  went  to  the  Colors  from  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield  are  omitted,  and  if  that  be  so,  it  is  the  source  of  sincere 
regret.  This  account  is  made  in  no  spirit  of  boasting,  but  is  primarily  intended 
as  a  tribute  to  the  valiant  young  men  who  served  their  country,  and  as  a  recog- 
nition and  appreciation  of  their  labors  and  sacrifices  as  well  as  of  the  love  and 
patriotism  of  their  parents  and  families. 

The  records  of  Catholic  men  who  entered  the  military  or  naval  establishments 
of  the  United  States  during  the  World  War  were  accrued  from  the  parishes  and 
societies  of  the  Diocese.    No  record  of  the  religious  affiliations  of  service   men 

759 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 

generally  is  maintained  by  the  Government.  In  order  to  have  such  records  of  our 
Catholic  men,  the  data  had  to  be  gleaned  from  local  sources  so  as  to  know  who 
were  Catholics. 

With  the  approval  of  the  Bishop,  the  Western  Catholic  maintained  a  lively 
campaign  of  publicity  in  behalf  of  this  data  throughout  1924.  The  results  were 
filed  with  the  Bureau  of  Historical  Records  of  the  National  Catholic  Welfare 
Conference.  This  list  of  recorded  service  men  as  it  appears  was  obtained  from 
the  N.  C.  W.  C,  Bureau  of  Historical  Records. 

The  State  of  Illinois  gave  318,301  men  to  the  Colors.  This  was  five  per  cent 
of  the  War-time  population.  The  population  of  this  diocese  at  that  time  of  the 
war  was  87,000  souls.  On  the  basis  of  the  state's  population  under  arms, 
namely  five  per  cent — our  representative  contribution  in  the  way  of  man  power 
could  not  be  said  to  be  greater  than  such  per  cent  of  our  population,  which 
would  call  for  about  4350  Catholic  men  from  our  parishes.  There  are  here 
listed  5038. 

The  graves  of  our  Catholic  dead  in  the  American  World  War  cemeteries 
overseas  have  been  searched  out  by  the  Bureau  of  Historical  Records,  N.  C. 
W.  C,  and  blessed  by  a  chaplain  at  the  direction  of  the  N.  C.  W.  C. 

DIOCESAN  WAR  CHAPLAINS 

Xo  war  service  made  a  greater  impression  upon  the  men  in  the  service 
than  that  of  the  chaplains,  and  while  all  chaplains  won  the  love  and  esteem  of 
the  boys  in  the  camps  and  in  the  ranks,  none  was  more  truly  loved  or  highly 
respected  than  the  Catholic  priest  who  was  at  all  times  and  under  all  conditions 
at  the  behest  of  the  soldier  boys,  planning  and  executing  for  their  welfare  and 
well-being. 

The  government  recognized  the  value  of  a  great  Chaplaincy  and,  immedi- 
ately upon  the  opening  of  the  war,  provided  for  such  a  service.  Fairness  was 
observed  in  the  distribution  of  chaplains  amongst  various  religious  denomina- 
tions, and  equality  in  the  treatment  was  reasonably  enforced. 

The  Knights  of  Columbus,  with  the  approval  of  Church  authorities,  early 
offered  assistance  in  supplying  chaplains  and  with  the  consent  of  the  several 
Bishops  sent  priests  designated  by  the  Bishop  as  chaplains  in  the  service,  pay- 
ing the  necessary  expense  of  their  transportation  and  maintenance.  These  chap- 
lains called  "Knights  of  Columbus  Chaplains"  were  afterwards  made  official 
government  chaplains  and  everyone  of  them  rendered  valuable  service.  Several 
such  chaplains  were  selected  from  the  Diocese  of  Springfield  and  served  to  the 
best  of  their  ability  and  opportunities. 

The  following  sketches  are  given  both  for  the  interest  they  must  elicit  and 
in  honor  of  the  distinguished  Diocesan  Priests : 

Reverend  Edward  A.  Broadman 

Reverend  Edward  A.  Broadman  commissioned  Chaplain  in  the  U.  S.  Navy 
on  March  28,  1910,  served  on  the  U.  S.  S.  New  York  in  Alongapo,  P.  I. ;  U.  S.  S. 

760 


THE  DIOCESAN  SOLDIERY 

Maine ;  U.  S.  S.  Missouri ;  U.  S.  S.  New  Hampshire ;  U.  S.  S.  Vermont  and  was 
for  a  time  at  the  U.  S.  Training  Station,  Great  Lakes,  Illinois. 

During  the  World  War,  was  stationed  at  Paris  Island,  C.  S.  with  the  United 
States  Marines  and  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina  training  camp  as  Chaplain  of 
the  United  States  Navy  in  charge  of  twelve  thousand  to  eighteen  thousand  men. 

After  the  War  he  served  thirty-eight  months  on  the  U.  S.  S.  New  York, 
was  then  sent  to  Mar  Island,  California  and  from  there  to  the  U.  S.  S.  West 
Virginia,  becoming  Fleet  Chaplain  of  the  United  States  Atlantic  Fleet  on  the 
Staff  of  Admiral  McKean,  U.  S.  N.  in  1925.  In  September,  1926,  he  was  ordered 
to  the  Receiving  Ship  at  San  Francisco,  California  and  then  to  the  Training 
Station,  Newport,  Rhode  Island. 

Father  Broadman  has  been  honored  five  times  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States  with  a  commission  and  now  holds  the  rank  of  Captain. 

Prior  to  receiving  his  commission  in  the  Navy,  he  served  as  Assistant  for 
three  years  in  Mattoon,  Illinois,  and  as  pastor  of  Witt,  Illinois,  for  five  years. 

Captain  Edward  A.  Broadman  is  now  fifty  years  of  age. 

Reverend  John  Joseph  Connolly 

Father  Connolly  enlisted  in  the  United  States  Army  on  July  5th,  1918. 
After  extensive  training  at  Camp  Taylor,  Kentucky,  he  was  assigned  to  hospital 
work  in  both  Camp  Taylor  and  Camp  Grant.  During  service  he  held  the  rank 
of  First  Lieutenant. 

Reverend  James  Joseph  Dunne 

Reverend  James  Joseph  Dunne  was  born  in  Thurles,  Tipperary,  Ireland,  in 
the  year  1887.  He  made  his  primary  studies  in  the  National  School  of  his  native 
town,  and,  being  a  bright  boy,  his  parents  sent  him  to  College.  He  was  ordained 
a  priest  in  St.  Patrick  College  Chapel,  Thurles,  Ireland,  in  1912. 

He  immediately  came  to  America,  reached  Alton  in  September,  1912,  and 
immediately  upon  arrival  was  appointed  as  Assistant  to  Father  Higgins,  pastor 
of  Immaculate  Conception  Church,  Mattoon,  Illinois.  On  February  8,  1913,  he 
applied  for  his  American  Citizenship  papers,  and  on  March  6,  1918,  his  final 
hearing  was  held  in  presence  of  Judge  McNutt  in  the  Mattoon  City  Court. 

Towards  the  end  of  the  war  he  volunteered  to  act  as  a  Knights  of  Columbus 
Chaplain.  His  intentions  were  to  go  to  France  as  a  Chaplain  under  the  auspices 
of  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  But  the  Armistice  was  signed  November  11,  1918, 
and  in  December  that  same  year  Father  Dunne  fell  a  victim  to  the  dreaded  Flu. 

While  on  a  mission  of  mercy  at  the  beds  of  stricken  ones,  he  himself  was 
struck  down  and  he  died  a  victim  to  Influenza-pneumonia  on  December  7,  1918. 
His  funeral  services  were  held  in  Mattoon  and  were  largely  attended  by  the 
clergy  and  laity.    Over  forty  priests  were  present  at  his  funeral. 

Reverend  Charles  J.  Flori 
Father  Flori,  now  pastor  of  Saint  Joseph's  Church,  Paloma,  Illinois,  was 
accepted  as  Chaplain  of  the  United  States  Army  in  October,  1918,  but  failed  to 
receive  his  call  to  active  duty,  owing  to  the  armistice. 

761 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

Reverend  Patrick  J.  Fox 

During  the  World  War,  Father  Fox  served  as  Knights  of  Columbus  Chap- 
lain at  Mesves  Hospital  Center  in  France  from  October,  1918,  to  October,  1919. 
During  this  time  he  was  also  attached  to  the  Evacuation  Hospital  No.  24.  In 
April,  1919,  he  was  attached  to  the  Base  Hospital  108  at  Mesves.  Father  Fox 
now  holds  the  Commission  of  Lieutenant  in  the  Reserve  Corps  of  the  United 
States  Army. 

Reverend  Amos  E.  Giusti 

Father  Giusti  was  accepted  as  Chaplain  of  the  United  States  Army  in 
October,  1918,  but  owing  to  the  cessation  of  war,  failed  to  see  service. 

Reverend  Joseph  P.  Munday. 

Father  Munday  was  born  of  Charles  and  Bride  Munday,  in  Litchfield, 
Illinois,  on  December  19,  1896.  He  was  educated  in  the  Parochial  school  in 
Litchfield,  St.  Francis  College,  Quincy,  St.  Viator,  Kankakee,  and  the  Catholic 
University,  Washington,  D.  C,  where  he  was  ordained  on  October  25,  1908.  In 
1909,  he  entered  the  American  College  in  Rome  and  made  a  two  year  course. 
When  he  came  back  to  his  home  Diocese,  he  was  assigned  to  Newton  as  pastor. 

When  the  World  War  came,  with  the  approval  of  the  Bishop,  he  offered  his 
services  as  Chaplain.  He  was  accepted  in  1918,  assigned  to  Fort  Sheridan  and 
served  with  great  fidelity  in  the  Flu  epidemic  and  unfortunately  he  himself 
fell  a  victim  and  gave  his  life. 


7< 


THE  DIOCESAN   SOLDIERY 


GOLD  STARS 


Killed  in  Action 


BAST,  John  K.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
yille. 

BEIERMAN,  Frank  H.,  St.  Raymond, 
Raymond. 

BENSON,  Leo  W.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

BENSON,  Richard,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

BEYERS,  Bernard  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BINGAMON,  Alfred  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Deca- 
tur. 

BROXTON,  Geo.,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

CASSIDAY,  Hugh  R.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

CASSIDAY,  Leo,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

CONLIN,  Edw.  Pius,  St.  Isadore,  Bethany. 

COOK,  Harvey  J.,  St.  Michael,  Green- 
field. 

DEISS,  Herman  Robt,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

DELKER,  Ferd,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

DEVLIN,  Chas.  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

FERRARI,  Henry  J.,  St.  James,  Riv- 
erton. 

FISCHER,  Thos.,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

FITZGERALD,  Frank,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

FITZGIBBONS,  Robt.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

FRISSE,  Theo.,  St.  Gertrude,  Grantfork. 

HERKHAUS,  Henry  W.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HERMAN,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 

HOFFMAN,  Theo.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

JAGODZENSKI,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

JURKOVICH,  Samuel,  Ascension,  Mt. 
Olive. 

KEANE,  Theo.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KEEFE,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

KELLEY,  John  F.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KELLY,  John  F.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KHATZ,  Frank,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

KNIERY,  Edw.  A.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

LACHNY,  Geo.,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

LIPPOLDT,  Jos.  C,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

LUBBE,  George  W.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

McCABE,  Leo,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 


MCLAUGHLIN,   Peter,    SS.     Simon    and 

Jude,  Gillespie   (Canadian  Forces). 
MAGUIRE,  Chas.  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
MAGUIRE,  Geo.,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Alton. 
MAHONEY,  Martin,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
MEINHART,  John  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 

Grove. 
MILEWSKI,  Ignatius,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 

Madison. 
MOGAN,  Chas.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
MULRANEY,  Wm.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
MURPHY,  John  J.,  Sacred  Heart,    New 

Berlin. 
OSTENDORF,   Henry   N.,   St.   Mary,  Ed 

wardsville. 
POHLMAN,  Francis,  St.  Mary,  Brussels 
PRANCHEVICH,    Ant.,    St.    Vincent    de 

Paul,  Springfield. 
REILLY,  John  And.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring 

field. 
SCHERER,  Carl  H.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 

Alton. 
SCHROEDER,  Henry  H.,    St.    Boniface 

Quincy. 
SIEPKER,  Clem  W.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
SIMON,  Chas.  Henry,  St.  Patrick,  Spring 

field. 
SLEKIS,   ,    St.    Vincent    De     Paul 

Springfield. 
SOMMERS,  Jos.   C,  St.   Joseph,   Spring 

field. 
SPINNER,  Jos.,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
STREAKER,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 
SVAGZDJS,  Stephen,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul 

Springfield. 
TERFORD,     Arthur     C,     St.     Boniface 

Quincy. 
TIMKO,  Louis,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 
TOMSCO,  Joseph,     Holy     Trinity,     M  t 

Olive. 
WALSH,  Jos.  L.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville 
WHALEN,  Thomas  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Graf 

ton. 
YURKOVICH,      Sam,      Ascension,      Mt. 

Olive. 
YURKOVICH,   Matthew,  Ascension,    Mt 

Olive. 


763 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN   ILLINOIS 


Soldiers  Wounded  in  World  War 


AMBURG,  Fred,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 
BARCUS,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 
DACY,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
DAY,  Walter,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
FELLHAUER,  Erwin,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 
FREEMAN,  Curtis,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 
GORMAN,  Martin  L.,    St.    Isadore,    Far- 

mersville. 
GREELEY,  John,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 
LYNCH,  Stanley,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 
McCLINTOCK,    Lawrence,    St.     Patrick, 

Grafton. 


MAMMOSSER,  Bernard,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

OZANIC,  Henry,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

PETERS,  Chas.,  St.  Mary,  Neoga 

PALLFY,  Henry,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

REAVY,  Earl,  St.  Joseph,  SpringfleM. 

REAVY,  Geo.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

RYAN,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

STEPHENS,  Rogers,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

WESTENDORF,  Aloysius,  Immaculatn 
Conception,  Dieterich. 


Reported  Dead 


ADELMAN,  Frank,  Sac.  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

CASSELMAN,  Louis,  St.  Charles,  Casey. 

CLARK,  John,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

COLEMAN,  Matthew,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

DOWLING,  Jos.  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

FEHRENBACH,  John,  St.  Mary,  West- 
woods. 

FITZGIBBONS,  Robert  Earl,  St.  Francis, 
Jerseyville. 

FITZSIMONS,  Robert,  St.  Michael, 
Greenfield. 


FRANZ,  Arthur,  Imm.  Conception, 
Springfield. 

HOGAN,  Arthur,  St.   Patrick,  Decatur. 

KAHRHOFF,  Wm.  H.,  St.  Louis,  No- 
komis. 

LOBMIER,  Urban  G.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

McBRIDE,  Harry,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

RISSI,  Bernard,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

SCHNELTEN,  Herman,  St.  John,  Car- 
rollton. 

VOSS,  Henry,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop  Creek. 

ZIPPRICH,  Frank  A.,  Imm.  Conception, 
Carlinville. 


Died  From  Effects  of  War 


ANERINO,  Frank,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

ARTER,  Harold,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

BADAMO,  Anthony,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

BERGSCHNEIDER,  W.  J.,  Sacred  Heart, 
New  Berlin. 

BETZ,  Adolph,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

BIERMAN,  Frank  X.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

BOCKHOLD,  Jerome,  St.  Anthony, 
Quincy. 

BOEING,  Anthony,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

BOGDAJEWICZ,  Henry,  O.  L.  Czesto- 
chowa, Madison. 

BORDENKIRCHER,  Geo.,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

BOUREY,  Jos.  O.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BOUREY,  Michael  R.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

BRAY,  Martin,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

BRAY,  Wm.,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

BROHAMER,  Lawrence,  St.  John,  Cof- 
feen. 

BUENKER,  Edw.  J.,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

CAMPBELL,  Orville,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 


CANNON,  Edw.  E.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

CHRISTOPHER,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

COAKLEY,  Jas.  M.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

COLE,  Wilson,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

CONNOR,  Arthur  C,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

DERWIN,  Edw.  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DREW,  Frank  E.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

DUNIGAN,  Mark,  St.  Elizabeth,  Rob- 
inson. 

DUNLOP,  Geo.  A.,  St.  Mary,  New  Berlin. 

DUNN,  Chas.  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

EPLEY,  John  H.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

EVANKE,  Michael,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

EWEN,  Tim,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

FEDERER,  Edgar  W.,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

FELDHAKE,  Otto,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

FERENBACH,  John  F.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

FITZGIBBONS,  John  Edw.,  St.  Alphon- 
sus,  Brighton. 


764 


THE  DIOCESAN  SOLDIERY 


GALLAGHER,  John,  St.  Elizabeth,  Rob- 
inson. 

GANNINGER,  Geo.  W.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

GILMARTIN,  John  H.,  St.  Louis,  No- 
komis. 

GORDEN,  Chas.  R.,  St.  Elizabeth,  Rob- 
inson. 

GRAVES,  Frank  D.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GRIFFIN,  Henry  J.,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

HANNING,  Wm.,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 

HARNEY,  Jos.  M.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

HAUGH,  Wm.  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

HAWKINGS,  Wm.,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

HENDRICKS,  Gerhard,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

HILDEBRAND,  Chas.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HILL,  John  B.,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

HIRBE,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HOEFLINGER,  Ed.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

HUBERT,  Adam,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

JONES,  John  Q.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

JURGENS,  Harry,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

KAHRHOFF,  Wm.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

KELTER,  Jas.  C,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

KINSELLA,  Raymond,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

KLEINSNITTGER,  Edw.,  St.  Patrick, 
Alton. 

KLUG,  Edw.  Wm.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

KNEBEL,  Albert  L.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KNOFSKI,  Theophil,  St.  James,  Decatur. 

KOWLOSKY,  Jos.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

LAHEY,  Robert  Leo,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

LIEBLER,  Albert,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant- 
fork. 

LONG,  David,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

LONG,  Robert,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

McMEANS,  Clarence,  St.  Mark,  Win- 
chester. 

MANNIX,  Walter,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MATTHEWS,  Dudley,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

MEYER,  John,  St.  Anslem,  Kampsville. 

MEYERS,  Alfred,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

MICRL,  Eugene  X.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

MILLER,  Chas.  Jos.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

MONCKTON,  Richard,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

MONCKTON,  Thos.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

MOORE,  John  M.,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 


MOSCHENROSE,  Edw.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

MOSES,  Jos.  F.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

MULVANEY,  Dore,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

NIEMERG,  Henry  J.,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop 
Creek. 

NOLAN,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

PERKS,  Chas.  Pat,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

PETROVICH,  Frank,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

PHALM,  John  S.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

QUATTO,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

RAEF,  Severine  A.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

REDING,  John  A.,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

REISACHER,  Frank,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

RICE,  Lorenzo,  St.  John  Baptist,  Quincy. 

ROBB,  Francis  V.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

ROURKE,  Richard  J.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

RUDDEN,  Emmet,  St.  Rose,  Quincy. 

SAUER,  Francis  C.  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

SCHERER,  Cecil,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

SCHMITT,  Chas.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

SCHNEIDER,  Henry  L.,  St.  Michael, 
Michael. 

SCHORLE,  Otto,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

SCHUELTEN,  Herman,  St.  John,  Carroll- 
ton. 

SCHUTTE,  John,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

SCHWEHR,  Henry  L.,  St.  Gertrude, 
Grantfork. 

SEROCKEY,  Michael,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

SHERLOCK,  F.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Shelbyville. 

SKINNER,  Wm.  Doy,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

SMENT,  Jos.  Leo,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

SMITH,  Geo.,  St.  Mary,  Lovington. 

SNADDEN,  John  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

SPINNER,  Jos.,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

SPINNER,  Tony,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

STABEN,  Carl,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

STISCHAK,  Frank,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

STRUIF,  Leo,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

STUCKER,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

SUDKAMP,  Lawrence,  St.  Michael, 
Sigel. 

TAGGART,  Peter,  St.  Joseph,  Buffalo. 

TIIOELE,  Chas.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

TOPPMEIER,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 


765 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


VERCRUYSEE,  Adolph,  St.  Clara,  Alta- 

mont. 
VERNEUIL,   Jos.,   SS.   Peter    and    Paul, 

Collinsville. 
VERNICK,  Paul,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
VOGEL,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

The  Diocesan 

ABRAMS,  Thos.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

ACKER,  Ambrose,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ACKER,  Andrew,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ACKER,  Clement,  St.   Mary,  Alton. 

ACKER,  Frank  P.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ACKERMAN,   Chas.,   St.   Michael,   Staun- 
ton. 

ACKERMANN,  Aug.,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 

ACKERMANN,     Wm.     B.,     St.      Michael, 
Staunton. 

ADAM,  Albert,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

ADAM,  Hubert,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

ADAM,  Leo,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

ADAM,  Louis,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

ADAMS,  George,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

ADAMS,  Harry  L.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

ADELHARDT,  George,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

ADOLFS,  Frank  W.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

ADOLFS,  Wm.,  S.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

AGLES,  Chas.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

AIELLO,  Phil,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

ALBLINGER,     Gus,     Assumption,      Ste 
Marie. 

ALBLINGER,  John  J.,  Assumption,    Ste. 
Marie. 

aLBRECHT,  Joseph,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

ALBRIGHT,  Henry,   St.   Patrick,   Spring- 
field. 

ALBRIGHT,  Robert  W.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

ALBRIGHT,  Theodore  Jos.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

ALBRIGHT,    Walter,    St.    Maurice,    Mor- 
risonville. 

ALDINGER,  Rich.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ALEWELT,    Carl,   SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 
Springfield. 

ALEWELT,    Wm.,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 
Springfield. 

ALHIANS,  Jos.,  Assumption,  St.  Marie. 

ALLEN,  Chas.  L.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

ALLEN,   John   Cullen,   Immaculate    Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

ALLISON,  Cornelius,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

ALLISON,    Joseph,    St.     Joseph,     Spring- 
field. 

ALTHAUS,      Elmer,     Assumption,      Ste. 
Marie. 

ALTHAUS,     Joseph,     Assumption,     Ste. 
Marie. 

ALTHOFF,  Ben,  St.  Francis,    Teutopolis. 


VOGT,  Ernest  Carl,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

WEIBRING,  Herman  J.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

WILLIS,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ZIPPRICH,  Frank,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

Roll  op  Honor 

ALTHOFF,  Geo.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

ALTHOFF,  Gerry  A.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

AMAN,  Ray  L.,  St.  Joseph,   Decatur. 

AMBERG,  Frank,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

AMBS,  John  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

AMBS,  Leo  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

AMBURN,  Thomas  H.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

AMEN,  Donald  P.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

AMKAMP,  Walter,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

AMMANN,  Robert  H.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

AMRHEIN,  Carl,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

AMRHEIN,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

AMRHEIN,  Nic,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Ber- 
lin. 

AMRHEIN,    Wm.,     Sacred     Heart,    New 
Berlin. 

ANDERSON,  George  M.,  St.  Peter, 
Quincy. 

ANDERSON,  John,  St.  Sebastian,  Wav- 
erly. 

ANDERSON,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  Trow 
bridge. 

ANDERSON,  Wm.  H.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

ANDREAS,  Henry  eleven,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

ANDREAS,  John,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

ANDREAS,  William,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude. 
Gillespie. 

ANDREWS,  Howard,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

ANDRIGHETTI,  Louis,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

ANGELL,  Herman,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

ANGELL,  Raymond,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

ANTENEN,  John,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

ANTEY,  Frank  J.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

APKEN,  John  H.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

APPENZELLAR,  Albert,  St.  James,  De- 
catur. 

ARDISON,  Peter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

ARING,  Robert,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

ARMBRUSTER,  O.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

ARMSTEAD,  Robert,  (Colored),  St. 
Patrick,  Alton. 


766 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


ARMSTRONG,  D.  Dwight,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

ARMSTRONG,  James  S.,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 

ARMSTRONG,  Ray,  Assumption,  St. 
Marie. 

ARNOLD,  Louis,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

ARNOLD,  Roman  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

ARSENAU,  Stanislaus,  St.  James,  De- 
catur. 

ARTER,  Charles,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

ARTH,  Edward,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

ARTH,  Louis  C,  SS.  Peter  &  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

ARTH,  Raphael  A.,  SS.  Peter  &  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

ARTH,  Rudolph  C,  SS.  Peter  &  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

ARTH,  Walter,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

ARTHUR,  Ethrun,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

ASCHAUER,  Albert,  SS.  Peter  &  Paul, 
Springfield. 

ASCHBACHER,  J.  O.,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 

ASCHEMANN,  Albert,  St.  Anthony, 
Quincy. 

ASCHEMANN,  John,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

ASCHEMANN,  Lawrence,  St.  Anthony, 
Quincy. 

ASCHEMANN,  Ralph,  St.  Francis  Sola- 
nus,  Quincy. 

ASCHEMANN,  Rudolph,  St.  Anthony, 
Quincy. 

AUFENORDE,  Henry  J.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

AUFFENORDE,  Henry,  St.  Patrick, 
Trowbridge. 

AUSTIN,  Jas.,  Sacred  Heart,  Effingham. 

AVENA,  Sandro,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

AYLWARD,  James,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

AYLWARD,  John  R.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

AYLWARD,  Nich.  W.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

BAALMAN,  Herman,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 
BACH,  Andrew,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
BAHN,  George,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 
BAILEY,  Clarence,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
BALCHIUNAS,    Charles,    St.    Peter    and 

Paul,  Collinsville. 
BALINAS,  Stanley,  Holy  Family,  Athens. 
BALLARE,  John  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
BALTER,   John   P.,   St.   Peter  and   Paul, 

Springfield. 
BALTHROPE,    Edwin,    St.    Boniface, 

Quincy. 
BALTZ,    George,     St.    John     Evangelist, 

Carrollton. 


BANGE,  George,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

BANGHAT,  John,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

BANNON,  Edw.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BANNON,  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BANNON,  Thomas,   St.   Patrick,   Pana. 

BANOVIC,  John,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

BANSBACH,  Otto,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

BANTNER,  Wm.  Emmet,  Assumption, 
Assumption. 

BARBATTI,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

BARBUSCH,  Andrew,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BARCELINO,  John,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

BARCH,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

BARGBAUER,  Cornelius,  Assumption, 
St.  Marie. 

BARGER,  Leo,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

BARGER,  Robert  Lee,  St.  Francis  Sola- 
nus,  Quincy. 

BARLAGE,  Harry  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

BARLOW,  John,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

BARRETT,  Edw.  H.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

BARRETT,  Geo.  F.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

BARRETT,  John,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

BARRY,  Joseph  F.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

BARRY,  Ralph,  St.  Isadore,  Farmersville. 

BARRY,  Richard,    St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

BARRY,  T.  F,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

BART,  Fred,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

BARTHELME,  Lester  L.,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

BARTLING,  Chas.  A.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

BARTMAN,  Wm.  C,  St.  Aloysius,  Litch- 
field. 

BARTSCH,  Chas.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

BARTSCH,  Gabriel,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

BARUZZINI,  Louis,  St.  Catherine,  Vir- 
den. 

BARY,  Jas.  E.,  Jr.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BASLER,  Edgar,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pierron. 

BASSHAMM,  Ben  M.,  St.  Michael,  Green- 
field. 

BASSO,  Louis,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

BASSOLO,  John,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

BAST,  Prank  M.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

BAST,  Michael,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

BAST,  Phillip  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 


767 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN    ILLINOIS 


BASTIAN.  Albert,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

BALER,  Frank  Joseph,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

BAUER,  George  H.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

BAUER,  Irvin,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

BAUJAN,  F.  W.,  St.  Alexis,  Beardstown. 

BAUJAN,  G.  O.,   St.  Alexis,  Beardstown. 

BAUJAN,  H.  C,  St.  Alexis,  Beardstown. 

BAUJAN,  P.  C,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 

BAUJAN,  Raymond,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

BAUM,  Edgar,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

BAUM,  Louis,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

BAUMANN,  Anthony,  St.  Francis  Sola- 
nus,  Quincy. 

BAUMANN,  Ralph,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

BAUMGARDNER,  Roy,  St.  Alexius, 
Beardstown. 

BAUREY,  Michael,    St.   Barbara,  Witt. 

BAYER,  Earl,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

BAYER,  J.,   St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

BEAGHAN,  John  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

BEAGHAN,  Peter  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

BEALL,  John  R.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

BEAN,  Charles  R.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

BEARDEN,  Alfred,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

BEARDEN,  William,  St.  Benedict,  Au- 
burn. 

BEASLER,  Frank,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

BEATTY,  Leroy,    St.    Catherine,    Virden. 

BEAVER,  Harry,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

BEAVER,  Walter,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

BECHDOLT,  Henry  B.,  St  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

BECHLER,  Joseph,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

BECK,  Alfred,  St.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

BECKER,  August,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

BECKER,  Henry  C,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

BECKER,  John  J.,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

BECKER,  Joseph,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

BECKER,  Louis,  St  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

BECKER,  Roman,   St.   Patrick,  Pana. 

BECKER,  Valentine,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

BECKER,  Wm.,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

BECKER,  Wm.  J.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

BECKMIER,  Henry,  St.  Ann,  Edgewood. 

BECKS,  Joe,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

BECKS,  Theodore,   St.   John,   Quincy. 


BEDNAR,  Fred,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

BEDNARCHIK,  And.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Virden. 

BEDUHN,  Frederic,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

BEEDLE,  Harry,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

BEEKER,  Roman,   St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BEELER,  Leon,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

BEGAN,  Jos.  M.,  Sacred  Heart,  Effing- 
ham. 

BEGAN,  Louis  E.,  Sacred  Heart,  Effing- 
ham. 

BEHRENDT,  Frank  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

BEHRENS,  Herman,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

BEISER,  Louis,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

BELGER,  Arthur,    St.    Boniface,    Quincy. 

BELL,  John,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  Spring- 
field. 

BELL,  Ray,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

BELL,  Wm.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  Spring- 
field. 

BELL,  Wm.,   St.   Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

BELLAR,    Frederick,    St.    Peter,   Quincy. 

BELLM,  John  V.,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant- 
fork. 

BELLM,  Arthur,  St.  Gertrude,  Grantfork. 

BELLM,  Philip,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

BELLM,  William,   St.   Michael,  Michaels. 

BELUIM,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

BEMER,  Leo,   St.  Mary,  Alton. 

BENDER,  Frank,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

BENKEN,  Bernard  B.,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

BENNES,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

BENSON,  Anthony  Leo,  St.  Isadore, 
Farmersville. 

BENTLEY,  David  L,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

BENZ,  Frank,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

BERG,  Frank  L.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

BERGANIA,  Alfred,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

BERGBOWER,  Cornelius,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

BERGBOWER,  Leo  B.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

BERGBOWER,  Urban  B.,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

BERGENER,  Chas.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BERGER,  Chas.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

BERGER,  Henry  L.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

BERGFELD,  John,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 


768 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


BERGFELD,  Vincent,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

BERGHOWER,  Hebert,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

BERGIN,  D.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BERGIN,  Joseph,   St.   Patrick,  Pana. 

BERGMAN,  Herman  N.,  St.  Peter, 
Quincy. 

BERGSCHNEIDER,  Anton,  St.  Mary, 
Alexander. 

BERGSCHNEIDER,  D.  J.,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

BERGSCHNEIDER,  Arche,  Sacred  Heart, 
New  Berlin. 

BERGSCHNEIDER,  Sylvester,  Sacred 
Heart,  New  Berlin. 

BERNARD,  Emil  L.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

BERNARD,  Wm.  E.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

BERNER,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

BERNING,  Herman  W.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,  Mattoon. 

BERROYER,  Emil,    St.    Patrick,    Pana. 

BERROYER,  Wm.  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BERSIG,  John,  St.  Rose,  Montrose. 

BERSIG,  Henry,  St.  Rose,  Montrose. 

BERTER,  Karl,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

BERTIN,  Henry,    St.    Patrick,    Pana. 

BERTMAN,  Alois,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

BERTMANN,  Leo  E.,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

BERTOLINO,  Ernest,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

BERTORELLO,  Mike,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

BERTRAM,  Frank,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

BERTRAM,  John,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

BESS,  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

BESSING,  Herbert,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

BESSLING,  John,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

BEYERS,  Benjamin,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BEYERS,  Henry  C,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BEYERS,  Paul  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

BIAGO,  Antonacci,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

BIANCO,  Francis,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

BIANCO,  Joseph,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

BIBECKS,  Peter,  St.   Barbara,  Witt. 

BIERMANN,  Theo.,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop 
Creek. 

BIERSCHENK,  Edw.,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 

BIESER,  Albert,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Col- 
linsville. 

BIGGANE,  Jos.,  F.,  St.  Lawrence,  Green- 
ville. 

BILECKS,  Milse,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

BILLHARTZ,  Wm.,    St.    Paul,    Highland. 

BILPUSH,  Geo.,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 


769 


BILUNAS,  John,     St.     Peter    and     Paul, 
Collinsville. 

BINGAMON,  Daniel      P.,      St.      Patrick, 
Decatur. 

BINGAMON,  George      E.,      St.      Patrick. 
Decatur. 

BIRCH,  Francis,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

BIRCH,  Thomas    F.,    St.    Peter,    Peters- 
burg. 

BIRCHER,  Xavier,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

BIRES,  George,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

BIRES,  Michael,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olivr. 

BITTERBERG,  Henry   E.,    St.   Raymond. 
Raymond. 

BLACKBURN,  William,    St.    Mark,   Wiv 
Chester. 

BLACKMAN,  Everett,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

BLACKMAN,  Hunter  U.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

BLAESING,  Albert,   St.   Francis,   Quincy. 

BLAHA,  Wm.,    St.   Peter  and    Paul,   Col- 
linsville. 

BLAIR,  Andy  J.,  Visitation,  Illiopolis. 

BLAKE,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

BLAKELY,  Walter,   St.   Peter  and   Paul. 
Alton. 

BLANCHFIELD,  Frank,      St.      Benedict. 
Auburn. 

BLASCEK,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

BLEAKLEY.  Ben  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

BLICKHAN,  Albert,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

BLOEMER,  Ben,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

BLOEMKE,  Joseph,     St.     Boniface,     Ed- 
wardsville. 

BLONDIAN,  Andrew,     Assumption,     As- 
sumption. 

BLOOMFIELD,    Bernard,     Immaculate 
Conception,  Carlinville. 

BLOOMFIELD,  Chas.      B.,      Immaculate 
Conception,  Carlinville. 

BLOOMFIELD,  James  R.,  St.  Mary,  Car- 
linville. 

BLOOMFIELD,  Thomas,    St.    Mary,    Car- 
linville. 

BOARMAN,   James,    St.    Agnes,     Spring- 
field. 

BOCHM,  Adam,    St.    Maurice,    Morrison- 
ville. 

BOCKE,  Henry,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

BOCKE,  Henry  J.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

BOCKENFELD,  Bernard,      St.      Francis, 
Quincy. 

BOCKENFELD,  Herman,      St.      Francis, 
Quincy. 

BODAMA,  Anthony,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

BOECKE,  Albert,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

BOEDIGE,  Henry,   St.   Boniface,   Quincy. 

BOEDIGE,  Herman     H,      St.      Boniface, 
Quincy. 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


BOEHL,  Hiram,  St  Valentine,  Bend. 
EOEHL,  Noe,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 
BOEHNING,  J.  W.  SS.    Peter  and  Paul, 

Springfield. 
BOENTE,  Joseph,     Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 
BOENTE,  Frank  Joseph,   St.  Mary,  Car- 
linville. 
BOENTE,  Hugo,  Immaculate  Conception, 

Carlinville. 
BOES,  Edw.  L.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 

linsville. 
BOES,  Frank  P.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
lin sville. 
BOES,  Herman    S.,    S.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Collinsville. 
BOGDAJEWICZ,  Ladislaus,    O.    L.    Czes- 

tochowa,  Madison. 
BOHNE,  Cyril,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
BOLANDER,  Alex,      Assumption,      S  t  e  . 

Marie. 
BOLANDER,  Andrew  J.,  Asumption,  Ste. 

Marie. 
BOLANDER,  C.      Charles,      Assumption, 

Ste.  Marie. 
BOLANDER,  Louis,      Assumption,      Ste. 

Marie. 
BOLL,  Henry  J.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
BOLSHITUS,  Carl,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
BONANSINGA,  Robert     S.,     Immaculate 

Conception,  Springfield. 
BONKAMP,  Henry,    St.    Joseph,    Carlin- 
ville. 
BOOTH,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
BORGIC,  John  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
BORRIES,  Edward,   St.   Francis,   Teutop- 

olis. 
BOSCHERT,  Albert  A.,   St.  Mary,  Alton. 
BOSCHERT,  Herbert,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
BOTT,  Mathew,  St.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 
BOTTS,  Louis,   Sacred    Heart,   Divernon. 
BOTWINIS,  James,   St.   Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 
BOTWINIS,  F.    W.,    St.    Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 
BOTWINIS,  Joseph,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 

Springfield. 
BOULANFER,  Henry,      St.      Peter     and 

Paul,  Collinsville. 
BOULIAS,   Peter,    St.   Vincent   de    Paul, 

Springfield. 
BOUMAN,  Arthur     W.(     Forty     Martyrs, 

Tuscola. 
BOURGEOIS,  Leo,    St.    Francis,    Teutop- 
olis. 


BOUSE,  Charles,    St.    Peter    and     Paul, 

Collinsville. 
BOUSE,  Jos.,    St.    Mary,   Edwardsville. 
BOWEN,  George   E.,   St.  Joseph,   Spring- 
field. 
BOYLE,  Packey,  Immaculate  Conception, 

Springfield. 
BOYLE,  Richard,      Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 
BOYLE,  Wm.,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 
BOZDECK,  John  Clarence,  Sacred  Heart, 

Villa  Grove. 
BRADAC,  Anthony  J.,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 
BRADAC,  Laurence  F.,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 
BRADLEY,  Francis  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
BRADLEY,  Emmett,   St.   Patrick,   Pana. 
BRADY,  Francis  O,   St.  Mary,  Mt.   Ster- 
ling. 
BRADY,  Frank    D.,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
BRADY,  James,    St.    Joseph,    Springfield. 
BRADY,  James  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
BRADY,  Joseph,      St.      Rose     of     Lima, 

Quincy. 
BRADY,  Robert,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 
BRADY,  T.  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
BRADY,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
BRAMMEIER,  Robert,    Holy    Ghost,   Jer- 

seyville. 
BRAND,  Louis,  St.  James,  Decatur. 
BRANDLEY,    Martin,    St.    Boniface,    Ed- 
wardsville. 
BRANMANN,  Webster     C,     Immaculate 

Conception,  Mattoon. 
BRAUN,  Frank,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 
BRAUN,  Herman,    St.    Anthony,    Effing- 
ham. 
BRAUN,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 
BRAUNAGEL,  J.  A.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
BRAUNAGEL,  Louis,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
BRAXMEIER,  Milton,  St.  Peters,  Quincy. 
BRAY,  Edward    L.,    St.    Francis,    Jersey- 

ville. 
BRAY,  John  F.,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 
BRAY,  Laurence,    St.    Isadore,    Farmers- 

ville. 
BRECKA,   Edward,   SS.   Peter  and   Paul, 

Collinsville. 
BREDEN,  Leo,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 
BREITBARTH,  Albert,     St.     Francis, 

Quincy. 
BREMER,  Peter,   St.  Michael,   Sigel. 
BRENDEL,  Albert,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 
BRENNAN,  Edward,   Assumption,    Litch- 
field. 
BRENNAN,  James,    St.    Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 
BRENNAN,  Jos.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
BRENNAN,  Joseph,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 


770 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


BRENNAN,  Patrick  J.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 
BRENNAN,  Thos.  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 

City. 
BRENNAN,  Walter,    St.    Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 
BRENNAN,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 

City. 
BRETZ,  Edward,    Sacred    Heart,    Spring- 
field. 
BRETZ,  Elmer    J.,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
BRETZ,  H.  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 
BRETZ,  John  P.,  St.  James,  Decatur. 
BREW,     Joe,     Immaculate     Conception, 

Pittsfield. 
BREW,    Mike,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Pittsfield. 
BREWER,  Allen,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 
BRICE,  Donat,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 
BRICHMILLER,   German,   St.   Lawrence, 

Greenville. 
BRIMBERRY,  Edgar,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 

ville. 
BRINGAZE,  W.  L.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
BRINK,  Eugene,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
BRINK,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 
BRINKMAN,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 
BRINKMANN,  John,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 
BRITT,  John,  St.  Ubaldus,  New  Douglas. 
BRITT,  Robert  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
BRITT,  Thomas,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 
BRITZ,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
BROCKER,  Richard    Wm.,    St.    Francis, 

Quincy. 
BRODERICK,    J.    R.,    St.    Catherine,    Vir- 

den. 
BRODERICK,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
BRODMAN,     Rev.     R.     A.,     St.     Patrick, 

Pana. 
BROERINGSMEYER,  Anthony,  St.  Fran- 
cis, Teutopolis. 
BROERKEN,  Henry,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
BROKAMP,  Albert,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 
BROOKS,  Fred,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson. 
BROOKS,  John,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
BROOKS,  Will,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson. 
BROOKS,  William,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
BROSE,  John  A.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 
BROST,  Lawrence,  St.  Alexius,    Beards- 
town. 
BROUX,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
BROWER,  Bernard,  St.  Francis,    Jersey- 

ville. 
BROWN,   Geo.   Leo,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 
BROWN,  Gregory,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
BROWN,  John  Thomas,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
BROWN,  Joseph,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
BROWN,  Lawrence,  St.  Clara,  Altamont 


BROWN,  Michael  Eugene,  St.  Clara,  Alta- 
mont. 
BROWN,  Sylvester,  St.  Isadore,  Farmers- 

ville. 
BROWN,  W.  H.,  St.  Isadore,  Lovington. 
BROWN,  Walter,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
BROWN,  Walter  A.,  St.    Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 
BROWN,  Wm.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
BROWN,  Wm.  R.,  St.  Isadore,  Farmers- 

ville. 
BRUCH,  Edwin,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
BRUEMMER,  Theodore,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 
BRUENING,  John  H.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
BRUESKE,  Robert  J.,   St.   Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 
BRUMLEVE,  A.   J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 
BRUMLEVE,  August,  St.    Francis,    Teu- 
topolis. 
BRUMLEVE,   Ferd,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 
BRUMLEVE,  Ralph  H,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 
BRUMLEVE,    Ralph,    St.    Francis,     Teu- 
topolis. 
BRUMLEVE,  Sylvester,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 
BRUNK,  Pacific,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 
BRUNO,    Charles,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Collinsville. 
BRYCE,  Allan  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
BRYCE,  James  D.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
BRYCE,  Norman    F,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
BUCHEK,  Stephen,  St.    Joseph,    Granita 

City. 
BUCHHEIM,  Oscar,  St.  Paul,  Highland 
BUCHHEIM,  Paul  L.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 
BUCHHEIM,  Wm.  B.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 
BUCHMILLER,     Fremont,    Immaculate 

Conception,  Pierron. 
BUCHMILLER,    German,    St.    Lawrence, 

Greenville. 
BUCHMILLER,    Wm.,    St.     Paul,     High- 
land. 
BUCHHOLZ,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
BUCHHOLZ,  Anthony,     SS.     Peter     and 

Paul,  Alton. 
BUCHHOLZ,  Philip,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 

Alton. 
BUCKLES,  Eddie,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
BUCKLES,  Herman,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
BUCKLES,  Joseph,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
BUCKLES,  Ray,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
BUCKSHOT,    Edward,    St.     Denis,    Ship- 
man. 
BUDDE,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 


771 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


BUDDE,  Walter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

BUDKE,  Otto,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

BUDKE,  Frederick  H.,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

BUEDEL,  Antony,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

BUENKER,  John,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

BUESCHER,  Clement,  Sacred  Heart, 
Lillyvllle. 

BUETER,  Anton  A.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

BUGGER,  Zeno,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

BUHNEKEMPER,  Frank,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

BULGER,  Harlan,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

BULGER,  Harris,   St.   Benedict,  Auburn. 

BULY,  Leo,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

BUND,   William,   St.   Patrick,   Alton. 

BUOTHETE,  D.  I.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

BURDZUS,  Karolius,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

BURFORD,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

BURG,  Edw.  C.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BURG,  Lee,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

BURGENER,  Chas.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BURGER,  Chas.  Sacred  Heart,  New  Ber- 
lin. 

BURGER,  Robert  L.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

BURGUND,  Clemence  J.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

BURKHART,  Norman  J.,  Immaculate 
Conception,    Springfield. 

BURNS,   Daniel,   St.   Joseph,   Springfield. 

BURNS,  Dan  F.,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

BURNS,  Dan,  Sts.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

BURNS,  Earl,  St.  Francis,  Jerseyville. 

BURNS,  George,  St.  Bartholomew,  Mur- 
rayville. 

BURNS,  Harry  E.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

BURNS,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

BURNS,  Leo  R.,  St.  Francis,  Jerseyville. 

BURNS,  Louis,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

BURNS,  Maurice,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

BURNS,  Robert,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

BURNS,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

BURNS,  Thomas  E.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

BURNS,  Virgil,  St.  Catherine,  Waverly. 

BURNS,  Wm.  E.,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 

BURTLE,  Ernest  A.,  (now  Rev.)  St.  Ber- 
nard, Glenarm. 

BURTLE,  Ralph,   St.   Bernard,   Glenarm. 

BURTLE,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

BURTSCHI,  Dan,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

BUSBOR,  John,  St.  Mary,  Effingham. 


BUSBOR,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Effingham. 

BUSCH,  Henry  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BUSCHMANN,  Maurice,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

BUSCHUR,  Stephen,  St.  Michael,    Slgel. 

BUSHUE,  Geo.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

BUSHUE,  Geo.,  Sacred  Heart,  Effingham. 

BUSSE,  Edward,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

BUTLER,  John  E.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

BUTLER,  Thomas,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

BUTSCHER,  August,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

BUTSCHER,  Wm.,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

BUTTER,  Harry,  St.  Mary,  Lovingtou. 

BUZAN,  Thomas  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

BYERS,  Bernard,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

CABALEK,  Thomas  George,  Sacred  Heart, 
Villa  Grove. 

CABALEK,  Wenzel  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart, 
Villa  Grove. 

CADIGAN,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAFFERTY,  Eugene,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

CAFFERY,  Eugene,  Imm.  Conception, 
Dieterich. 

CAHILL,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

CAHILL,  David,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Al- 
ton. 

CAHILL,  Jas.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

CAHILL,  Raymond,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

CAIN,  Edward,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

CAIN,  George,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAIN,  George  R.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CAIN,  J.  Oliver,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CAIN,  James  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAIN,  John  Leo,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAIN,  Joseph,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAIN,  Leo,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAIN,  Louis  A.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CAIN,  Muriel  E.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CAIN,  Thomas  D.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CAIRNS,  Charles,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

CALAFETT,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart, 
Panama. 

CALCIO,  Frank  J.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

CALDWELL,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

CALDWELL,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

CALDWELL,  Leonard,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

CALDWELL,  Raymond  J.,  St.  Mary,  Al- 
ton. 


772 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


CALL,  Charles  C,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

CALL,  James,  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

CALL,  Hubert  Bryan,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

CALL,  John  M.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

CALL,  Ronald  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

CALLAGHAN,  James,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CALLAGHAN,  Zita,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

CALLAHAN,  Jas.  T.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CALLAHAN,  Jesse,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

CALLAHAN,  John,  St.  Bernard's,  Wood 
River. 

CALLAHAN,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

CALLAHAN,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CALLAHAN,  Wm,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CALUL,  David,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

CALVIN,  Andy,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

CALVO,  Horace  L.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

CALVO,  William,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

CALZA,  August,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

CAMERATA,  Mariano,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

CAMERON,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CAMPBELL,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

CAMPBELL,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

CAMPION,  M.,  St.  James,  Decatur. 

CAMPO,  Nick,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

CANTLON,  Walter,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

CANTON,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

CANTWELL,  Wm.  T.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

CAPAK,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

CAPAK,  Stephen,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

CAPELLE,  Paul,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

CAPELLE,  Paul,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

CAPEN,  Ralph  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

CAPP,  Louis,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CAPPEL,  Charles,  St.  Mary,  Brussells. 

CARBONETTI,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

CARDONI,  Chas.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

CARDWELL,  Edward,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

CAREY,  Donald  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  Ef- 
fingham. 

CAREY,  Henry,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

CAREY,  Michael,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 


CARMODY,  Daniel,  St.  John  Evan.,  Car- 
rollton. 

CARMODY,  David,  St.  John  Evan.,  Car- 
rollton. 

CARMODY,  Jos.  D.,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

CARMODY,  Malachi,  St.  John  Evan., 
Carrollton. 

CARMODY,  Paul,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

CARMODY,  Robert  T.,  St.  John  Evan., 
Carrollton. 

CARMODY,  Stephen  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

CARMODY,  Thomas,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

CARNELLO,  Joe,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

CARNEY,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CARNEY,  Martin  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CARPENTER,  Elmer,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

CARPENTER,  Leo  J.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

CARPENTER,  Wm.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CARR,  Edward,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

CARR,  Thomas,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

CARR,  Jerry  J.,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

CARRIGAN,  Arthur,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CARRIGAN,  Edw.  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CARRIGAN,  Jos.  F.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

CARRIGAN,  Leo  L.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

CARRIGAN,  Nick,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

CARRIGAN,  Wm.  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CARRILLON,  Henry  F.,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

CARROLL,  Charles,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

CARROLL,  D.  M.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CARROLL,  Dan  B.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

CARROLL,  Hugh,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

CARROLL,  Edw.,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

CARROLL,  Edward  Bley,  Annunciation, 
Bunker  Hill. 

CARROLL,  George  A.,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

CARROLL,  George  E.,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

CARROLL,  Hugh,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

CARROLL,  James,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

CARROLL,  John,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Shelbyville. 

CARROLL,  Leo.,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 


773 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


CARROLL,   Martin,    Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

CARROLL,  Mike,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

CARROLL,   Wm.   J.,  Assumption,    Litch- 
field. 

CARROLL,   Wm.,    Annunciation,    Bunker 
Hill. 

CARSON,  Dr.  O.  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CARSON,  Wm.  P.,  SS.  Peter  and    Paul 
Alton. 

CARTER,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville 

CARTER,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

CARTNYVELO,      Dan      L.,     St.      Agnes 
Springfield. 

CARTWRIGHT,     Edward,      St.      Joseph 
Springfield. 

CASEY,  Charles,  Assumption,  St.  Marie 

CASEY,    Wm.,    Immaculate    Conception 
Carlinville. 

CASHEN,   Peter    L.,   St.    Maurice,    Mor 
risonville. 

CASHIN,    Vincent   E.,    Assumption,    As 
sumption. 

CASHIN,    Peter,     St.     Isidore,     Farmers 
ville. 

CASSELMAN,  Clarence,  St.  Anthony,  E 
fingham. 

CASSELMAN,  John,  St.  Anthony,  Effing 
ham. 

CASSIDY,  Jas.  P.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

CASSIDY,  Jerome,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

CASSTEVENS,  Francis,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,  Mattoon. 

CASSTEVENS,  Michael,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

CAULEY,   Aloysius,   St.    Elizabeth,    Rob- 
inson. 

CAVENY,  Lawrence  S.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Carlinville. 

CAVENY,   Malcom   P.,   Immaculate    Con- 
ception, Carlinville. 

CEAS,  Chas.  F.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

CENTKO,  Michael,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

CERELLO,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

CHAMBERS,  John  S.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CHAMPLEY,  James,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

CHANDLER,     Lawrence,     St.     Barbara, 
Springfield. 

CHARLES,  John  T.,   St.  Agnes,    Spring- 
field. 

CHENVINKO,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

CHENVINKO,  Stephen,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

CHERVANAK,  Michael,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

CHESKY,  Julius,  SS.   Simon    and    Jude, 
Gillespie. 


CHESTNUT,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CHESTNUT,  Orlen  J.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

CHEWENSKI,  John,  St.  Barbaras,  Witt. 

CHOVANEC,  George,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

CHRISTENSEN,  Cyris,  St.  Alexius, 
Beardstown. 

CHRYSTEL,  George  M.,  St.  Mary,  Lov- 
ington. 

CLAFLIN,  John,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

CLANCY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

CLANCY,  Leo  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CLANCY,   Thos.,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

CLARE,  Eugene,   St.   Paul,  Highland. 

CLARK,  Ernest,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

CLARK,  Jas.  Wm.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

CLARK,  Patrick,  St.  Bridget,  Liberty. 

CLARKE,  Arthur  T.,  St.  Isidore,  Far- 
mersville. 

CLAUSEN,  John,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

CLER,  Henry  Anthony,  Sacred  Heart, 
Villa  Grove. 

CLIFFORD,  Francis  Victor,  St.  Francis 
Xavier,  Jerseyville. 

CLIFFORD,  Leo  Phayer,  St.  Mark, 
Venice. 

CLINTON,  Geo.,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

CLYNES,  August,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

COADY,  Edmond  P.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

COADY,  Edward  J.,  St.  Mary,  Greenview. 

COADY,   Frank,   St.   Mary,   GreenviewT 

COADY,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

COADY,  John  H.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

COADY,  John   L.,  St.   Mary,   Taylorville. 

COADY,  Jos.  S.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

COADY,  Martin,  St.  Michael,  South  Fork. 

COADY,  Michael,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

COADY,  Patrick  Francis,  Holy  Trinity, 
Stonington. 

COAKLEY,  Arthur,   St.   Louis,   Nokomis. 

COALSON,  Forman,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

COCAGNE,  Jos.,  Assumption,  Assumption. 

COCHRAN,  Leo,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

CODEMO,  Frank,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

CODEMO,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

CODEMO,  Laurence,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

CODERKO,  Anthony,  St.  Agnes,  Hilla- 
boro. 

CODY,  Thomas,  Sacred  Heart,  Effingham. 

COENS,  Frank,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

COFFEY,  Wm.,  St.  Clara,  Atlamont. 


774 


THE  DIOCESAN  BOLL  OF  HONOR 


COLBERT,  James,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

COLBROOK,  William  P.,  Holy  Trinity, 
Stonington. 

COLBURN,  Ray,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Ber- 
lin. 

COLEMAN,  Alexander  And.  Aloy.,  St. 
Patrick,  Springfield. 

COLEMAN,  Bernard  J.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

COLEMAN,  Eugene,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

COLEMAN,  Joe,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

COLEMAN,  Martin,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

COLEMAN,  Michael  Henry,  St.  Francis 
Xav.,  Jerseyville. 

COLEMAN,  Patrick  L.,  St.  Francis  Xav., 
Jerseyville. 

COLGAN,  Howard  E.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

COLLEBRUSCO,  Louis,  St.  James,  Riv- 
erton. 

COLLEBRUSCO,  Julius,  St.  James,  Riv- 
erton. 

COLLIGAN,  Walter  J.,  St.  Joseph, 
Granite  City. 

COLLINS,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

COLLINS,  Jos.   E.,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

COLLINS,  Jas.  Marion,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

COLLINS,  W.,   St.   Joseph,  Granite   City. 

COLOMACO,  Peter,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

COMERFORD,  Augustin,  A.,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

COMERFORD,  B.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

COMERFORD,  James  B.,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

COMERFORD,  Wm.  L.,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

COMISKEY,  Geo.  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

COMMERFORD,  Laurence  L.,  St.  Isidore, 
Farmersville. 

COMMERFORD,  William  A.,  St.  Isidore, 
Farmersville. 

CONCIDINE,  Thomas,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

CONDERS,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Di- 
vernon. 

CONDON,  Ed.  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

CONDON,  F.   H,  St.   Patrick,  Decatur. 

CONDON,  James  Leo,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

CONDON,  Joseph,  SS.  Simon  &  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

CONDON,  Leo  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

CONLEY,  John,   St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

CONLEY,  Maurice,   St.   Patrick,  Alton. 

CONLEY,  Raymond  E.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

CONLIN,  Felix,   St.   Benedict,   Auburn. 


CONLIN,  John,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

CONLON,  M.  T.,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

CONNAGHAN,  Francis,  St.  Isidore, 
Bethany. 

CONNAGHAN,  Joseph  Leo,  St.  Ann,  Ni- 
antic. 

CONNELLY,  Louis  M.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

CONNELLY,  Raymond  V.,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

CONNELLY,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CONNELLY,  Wm.  T.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

CONNER,  Paul,  SS.  Simon  &  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

CONNOLE,  Leo  J.,  St.  Marks,  Venice. 

CONNOLLY,  Daniel,  Assumption,  As- 
sumption. 

CONNOLLY,  Ernest  F,  St.  Mary,  As- 
sumption. 

CONNOLLY,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CONNOLLY,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CONNOLLY,  Rev.  John  J.,  St  Peter, 
Petersburg. 

CONNOLLY,  Louis  E.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

CONNOLLY,  Michael,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CONNOLLY,  Raymond,  St.  Bartholomew, 
Murrayville. 

CONNOLLY,  Thomas  D,  St.  Mary,  As- 
sumption. 

CONNOLLY,  Thomas  Patrick,  Immac- 
ulate Conception,  Springfield. 

CONNOR,  Arthur  E.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

CONNOR,  Paul,  Sts.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

CONNOR,  Thomas,  Sacred  Heart,  Di- 
vernon. 

CONNOR,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

CONNOR,  Vincent,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CONNOR,  Wm.  F.,  St.  Ann.  Niantic. 

CONNOTO,  Steve,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

CONRAD,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Shumway. 

CONRAD,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Shumway. 

CONRAD,  Clarence,  St.  Charles,  Charles- 
ton. 

CONRAD,  John,  St.  Charles,  Charleston. 

CONROY,  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

CONROY,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CONROY,  James  F,  Sacred  Heart,  Villa 
Grove. 


775 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


CONWAY,  Arthur,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

CONWAY,  Charles,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

CONWAY,  John,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

CONWAY,  Thos.  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

COOK,  Bernie,  St.  John,  Medora. 

COOK,  Edward,  St.  John,  Medora. 

COONEY,  Leo,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

COONEY,  Thos.  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

COPP,  Frank,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

COPP,  Louis,  St.   Barbara,   Springfield. 

COPPINGER,  Faustinus  E.,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul,  Alton. 

COPPINGER,  Lucian  B.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

COPPINGER,  Walter,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

CORAZZA,  Adolph,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

CORBETT,  J.  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

CORCORAN,  Leo,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

CORCORAN,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

CORDER,  Paul  Leo,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

CORDES,  Jos.  John,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

CORLAS,  Frank,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

CORRIGAN,  Ed.  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

CORRIGAN,  Geo.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

COSGRIFF,  Edw.  T.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

COSGROVE,  Paul,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Pittsfield. 

COSGROVE,  Wm.  Thomas,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Pittsfield. 

COSTELLO,  Lewis,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

COSTELLO,  Louis,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

COSTELLO,  M.  D.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

(""OSTELLO,  Mark  W.,  St.  Joseph, 
Buffalo. 

COSTELLO,  Wm.  L.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Carlinville. 

COSTELLO,  Wm.,  St.  Catherine,  Haga- 
man. 

COUGHLAN,  John  G.,  Assumption,  As- 
sumption. 

COURTNEY,  Daniel,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

COUSHER,  Peter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

COUSINS,  Clarence,    St.    Patrick,    Alton. 

COUSINS,  Leo,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

COVERLEY,  Jos.  H.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 


COVI,  Joseph,   Sacred   Heart,  Divernon. 

COX,  Edw.  B.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

COYNE,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

CRAMSEY,  E.  W.,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

CRAUGH,  Jos.  P.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

CRAWFORD,  Thomas,  Jr.,  St.  Agnes, 
Springfield. 

CRAWFORD,  William,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

CREAMER,  John,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 

CREANE,  John  T.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

CREIGHTON,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Sj  ring- 
field. 

CRIMMINS,  Frank,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

CRINIGAN,  John  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

CRIVELLO,  August,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CRIVELLO,  Gasper,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

CRONAN,  Leo  Jos.,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 

CRONEY,  Wm.  B.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

CRONIN,  Frank  A.,  St.  Mary,  Assump- 
tion. 

CRONIN,  J.  Everett,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

CRONIN,  John  P.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

CRONIN,  Patrick  H.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

CRONIN,  Philip,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

CRONIN,  Thos.  J.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

CRONIN,  Thomas,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

CROOKS,  Francis  R.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

CROWLEY,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CROWLEY,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CROWLEY,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

CROWLEY,  Patrick,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CRUCIANO,  Antonio,  Sacred  Heart, 
Panama. 

CRUISE,  Leo,  St.  Catherine,  Hagaman. 

CRUISE,  Michael  L,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,  Carlinville. 

CRUISER,  Michael,  St.  Catherine,  Hag- 
aman. 

CRUZ,  Francis,   St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

CULLEN,  Matthew  Dominic,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

CULLEN,  Thomas  F,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 


776 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OP  HONOR 


CTJLLEN,  Walter,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

CUMMINGS,  John,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

CUMMINGS,  Thos.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CUNNANE,  George,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

CUNNINGHAM,  Charles,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

CUNNINGHAM,  Eugene,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

CUNNINGHAM,  James,  Mother  of  Dol- 
ors, Vandalia. 

CUNNINGHAM,  William  Joseph,  S  t . 
Agnes,  Springfield. 

CURRAN,  Charles,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

CURRAN,  William,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

CURREN,  John  W.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

CURREN,  Robert  T.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

CURRY,  Adolph,  St.  Rose,  Quincy. 

CURTIN,  George,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

CURVIN,  Charles,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

CUSHAM,  Clyde  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

CVENGROS,  John  J.,  St.   Patrick,  Pana. 

CYVAHAM,  Peter,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

D'ARCY,  Arthur,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
D'ARCY,  John  F.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
DE   TALLEUR,      Otto,       St.       Elizabeth, 

Marine. 
DACEY,  Harry,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 
DACEY,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 
DACY,  Patrick,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
DAGON,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
DAHMUS,  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
DAIBER,  Leo,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 
DAIL,  Leo  M.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 
DAILY,  William  H.,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 
DAILY,  Wm.  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DALEY,     Charles,     St.     Rose     of    Lima, 

Quincy. 
DALEY,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
DALEY,  James,  Holy  Family,  Athens. 
DALEY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
DALEY,  Joe,  Holy  Family,  Athens. 
DALGOTO,  Zach,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
DALY,   Frank,   SS.   Peter  and   Paul,   Col- 

linsville. 
DAMHORST,  Clarence    F.,    St.    Francis, 

Quincy. 
DANDREA,  Angelo,  St.  James,  Riverton. 
DANIELS,  Patrick  J.,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 

Quincy. 
DANIS,  Antone,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 
DANIS,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 
DANNER,  Edmond  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 
DANTEL,  John,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 


DARBY,  John  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
DARDA,  Ben,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
DARDA,  Henry,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
DARDA,  Jerry,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
DARFADO,   Frank,   SS.   Peter  and   Paul, 

Collinsville. 
DASENBROCK,    Clem,    St.    Anthony,    Ef- 

fingham. 
DASENBROCK,    William,     St.     Anthony, 

Effingham. 
DAUGHERTY,     John,     Annunciation 

Bunker  Hill. 
DAUGHTON,    Chas.  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
DAUGHTON,  Robert,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
DAUGHTON,    Wm.     Allen,     St.     Joseph 

Springfield. 
DAVEY,  Frank,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland 
DAVEY,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 
DAVIS,  Frank  M.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
DAVLIN,  John  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
DAVLIN,  Marcus  R.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
DAY,  John  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
DAY,  Vincent  S.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
DEACH,  Leon,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 
DEAN,  Joseph,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton 
DEBERNARDI,  Joseph,    SS.     Peter     and 

Paul,  Collinsville. 
DEBRUN,    John,    Assumption,    Assump- 
tion. 
DEBRUN,  Thos.  J.,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 
DE   CARLI,  Angelo,   Sacred   Heart,   Liv- 
ingston. 
DECAROLI,  Louis,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
DEE,  Thomas  C,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield 
DEEMS,  Roy,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
DEGENHARDT,   A.   J.,   Jr.,    Immaculate 

Conception,   Alton. 
DEGENHARDT,  E.  A.   (Dr.)   Immaculate 

Conception,  Alton. 
DEGENHARDT,  J.    A.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Alton. 
DEGENHARDT,    Louis     H.,    Immaculate 

Conception,  Alton. 
DEHNER,  Hugh,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
DEIL,  Alphonsus,  St.  Mary,  Paris 
DEISCHLER,   Joseph,   St.   Agnes,    Hills- 
boro. 
DEKARZ,  William,  0.  L.  of  Czestochowa. 

Madison. 
DELAHANTY,  Ed,  St.  Catherine,  Virden 
DELANEY,    Charles   R.,   SS.    Peter    and 

Paul,   Collinsville. 
DELANEY,  Edward   E.,    SS.    Peter    and 

Paul,  Collinsville. 
DELANEY,    G.,    Immaculate    Conception, 
Shelbyville. 


777 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


DELANEY,  Henry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DELANEY,  James  P.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

DELANEY,  Leo,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

DELANEY,  Ted,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

DELANEY,  Thos.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

DELANEY,  Walter  L.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,    Collinsville. 

DELANEY,  Wm.  C,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

DE  LARCHE,  Rene,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

DELEHANTY,  Cecil,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DELEHANTY,  Earl,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DELEHANTY,  Edw.,  St.  Catherine,  Vir- 
den. 

DELMASTRO,  Moreno,  Sacred  Heart, 
Livingston. 

DELMORE,  Myles,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

DEMPSEY,  Edward  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Graf- 
ton. 

DEMPSEY,  Herbert  L.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

DENNISON,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 
Alton. 

DENO,  Angels,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

DENTON,  Charles,  Sacred  Heart,  Diver- 
non. 

DERHAKE,  Henry,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

DERIGHT,  Cush,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

DERIGHT,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

DERLER,  Aloys,  Assumption,  St.  Marie. 

DERLER,  Geo.,  Assumption  B.  V.  M , 
Ste.  Marie. 

DERRICK,  C.  J.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

DESWEYSEN,  Gabriel,  St.  Benedict, 
Auburn. 

DETERS,  B.  F.,  Immaculate  Conception 
B.  V.  M.,  Dietrich. 

DETERS,  George,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion B.  V.  M.,  Dietrich. 

DETERS,  Wm.,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

DETTERT,  Anthony,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

DEVANEY,  Patrick  Jos.,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

DEVLIN,  Henry,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

DEVLIN,  Tom,  St.  Barbaras,  Witt. 

DEVLIN,  Thos.  A.,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 

DEVLIN,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 

DHESSE,  Louis,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

DIAL,  Leo,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

DI  BATTISTE,  Luigi,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

DICHEY,  Alfred  F.,  St.  Mary,  Assump- 
tion. 

DICKERSON,  Harry  E.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

DIEGNAN,  John,  St.  Patrick.  Alton. 


DIEKER,  Ed,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

DIEKER,  John,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

DIEL,  Alphonsus,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

DIERKES,  Joe  G.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

DIESEN,  Christ,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

DIETERICH,  Joseph,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop 
Creek. 

DILKS,  Albert,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

DILKS,  Roy,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

DILLEN,  Leo,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

DILLON,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

DILLON,  George,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

DILLON,  Homer,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

DILLON,  Joseph  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

DILLON,  Leo,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

DILLON,  Norris  F.,  St.  Mary,  Pittsfield. 

DILLON,  Thos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

DILLON,  Victor,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

DILLON,  Victor,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

DILLS,  R.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

DIRKS,  Joseph,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

DIRKSEN,  Anthony  F.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

DIRKSEN,  Louis  W.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

DIRKSMEYER,  John  M.,  St.  Anselm, 
Kampsville. 

DIRKSMEYER,  Martin,  St.  Anselm, 
Kampsville. 

DIXON,  Paul  G.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

DIXON,  Walter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DOBAS,  Geo.,  St.  Mary,  Green  Creek. 

DOBER,  Chas.,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville. 

DOBROWOLSKI,  Alexander,  0.  L.  Czes- 
tochowa,  Madison. 

DOBROWOLSKI,  Stanislaus,  0.  L.  Czes- 
tochowa,  Madison. 

DOCHERTY,  Charles,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

DODDS,  Giles,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 

DOEDTMANN,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

DOEDTMAN,  Herman,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

DOEDTMAN,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

DOEGBES,  Wm.  H.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

DOENGES,  Albert,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

DOEPEL,  Paul,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 


778 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


DOEPEL,    Robert,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 
DOERFLER,  Joseph  H.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 
DOERSON,  Adam  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 
DOLAN,  Lenard,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
DOLAN,    Thos.,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Springfield. 
DOLL,  Frank,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 
DOLLEAR,  Bernard,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 
DOLLMAN,  Wm.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
DOLSON,  S.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DOMAS,  Justin,  Immaculate  Conception, 

Shelbyville. 
DOMAS,   L.   A.,   Immaculate   Conception, 

Shelbyville. 
DOMBRUSKI,    Dominic,   St.   Mary,   Paw- 
nee. 
DOMEN,  Valcusin,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 
DOMINCO,  Andrew,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
DOMINIC,    Henry,    Sacred    Heart,    Liv- 
ingston. 
DONALD,  Butler  C,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 
DONATTI,  Frank,   SS.   Peter    and    Paul, 

Collinsville. 
DONATTI,  Louis,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Collinsville. 
DONATTI,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 
DONDERIA,  M.,     SS.     Peter     and     Paul, 

Collinsville. 
DONDERIA,  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 
DONELAN,  James  C,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
DONHARDT,  Bernard,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
DONNELLEY,  Charles     Leo,     St.    Anne, 

Edgewood. 
DONNELLY,  Jas.  F.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 
DONNELLY,  Chas.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 
DONNELLY,  Howard     E.,     St.     Maurice, 

Morrisonville. 
DONNELLY,  Hugh,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
DONNELLY,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 
DONNELLY,  Michael,    Immaculate    Con- 
ception,  Springfield. 
DONOVAN,  Aden  M.,  St.  Mary,  Assump- 
tion. 
DONOVAN,  Jas.    P.,   Our   Saviour,    Jack- 
sonville. 
DONOVAN,  Michael,  St.  Joseph,   Spring- 
field. 
DOOLIN,  Francis  P.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 
DOOLIN,  John,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 
DOOLING,  Clarence    R.,    Assumption, 
Litchfield. 


DOOLING,  Philip,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 
DOOLING,  Robert,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 
DOONER,  Thomas  C,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 

ville. 
DORAN,  Carl,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 
DORAN,  Peter   Joseph,    St.    Patrick,   De- 
catur. 
DORFLER,  Joseph,   St.   Patrick,    Spring- 
field. 
DORGAN,  Chas.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DORR,  Frank    C,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Springfield. 
DORWART,  Chas.,  Sacred  Heart,  Frank- 
lin. 
DORWART,  James,  Sacred  Heart,  Frank- 
lin. 
DOSSIL,  Carl,  All  Saints,  Whitehall. 
DOUGHERTY,  Charles,      St.      Patrick, 

Alton. 
DOUGHERTY,  Leo,     St.     Mary,     Taylor- 

ville. 
DOUGHERTY,  Patrick,      St.     Joseph, 

Springfield. 
DOUGIS,  Irwan  Geo.,  Sacred  Heart,  Hart- 
ford. 
DOWD,  Arthur  F.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
DOWER,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 
DOWER,   Jos.   L.,    St.    Patrick,    Spring- 
field. 
DOWLING,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DOWLING,  John  E.,  St.    Agnes,    Spring- 
field. 
DOWNING,  Jos.  R.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DOWNING,  Louis,    St.    Patrick,   Decatur. 
DOWNING,  W.   P.,   St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DOYLE,  Bernard,  Sr.,  St.  Mary,  Loving- 
ton. 
DOYLE,  Edw.  J.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 
DOYLE,  Frank,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
DOYLE,  James,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
DOYLE,  Patrick     John,     Holy      Trinity, 

Stonington. 
DOYLE,  Philip    J.,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
DOYLE,  Robert,    Holy    Trinity,    Stoning- 
ton. 
DRABANT,  Michael,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
DRACKERT,  Aloysius  M.,   St.   Clara,  Al- 
tamont. 
DRACKERT,  Louis  Irwin,  St.  Clara,   Al- 
tamont. 
DRAKE,  Wm.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
DRANGINUS,  Chas.,      St.      Catherine, 

Virden. 
DRDA,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 
DREIER,  George,    St.    Anthony,    Quincy. 
DREIER,  Henry,  St  Anthony,  Quincy. 


779 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


DRESSENDORFER,  J.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

DREXELIUS,  August,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

DREXELIUS,  John,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

DREW,  Daniel,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

DREW,  Edgar,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

DREW,  Henry,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

DREW,  John,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

DRIER,  Herbert,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

DRISCOLL,  James  J.,  Assumption  B.V.M., 
Litchfield. 

DRISCOLL,  John  M.,  Assumption  B.V.M., 
Litchfield. 

DRISCOLL,  Mike,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

DROEGE,  John  B.,  St.  Joseph,   Meppen. 

DROEGE,  Peter,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

DROERGE,  Frank  H.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

DROMGOOLE,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DRUFFEL,  Henry  Frank,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

DRUFFEL,  Wm.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

DUAN,  John  J.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

DUBINICK,  John,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

DUCEY,  Clayton  James,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Pittsfield. 

DUCEY,  Edwin  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Pittsfield. 

DUCEY,  Emmett  P.,  St.  Mary,  Lovington. 

DUCEY',  Mikp,  Jr.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

DUCEY,  Virgil  William,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pittsfield. 

DUFFEY,  Walter,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

DUFFY,  William,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

DUGGAN,  Chas.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

DUGGAN,  Ed.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 

DUGGAN,  Eugene  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Buffalo. 

DUGGAN,  John  F.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DUGGAN,  Thos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DUKER,  Laurence  C,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

DUMONT,  Arthur,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

DUMONT,  Jos.,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

DUNCAN,  Frank  L.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

DUNCHEON,  Frank,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 

DUNCHEON,  Louis,  St.  Luke,  Virginia. 

DUNHAM,  John  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 


DUNHAM,  Harry,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

DUNHAM,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

DUNIGAN,  Harry,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robin- 
son. 

DUNIGAN,  James  W.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,   Springfield. 

DUNIGAN,  Richard,  St.  Elizabeth,  Rob- 
inson. 

DUNIGAN,  Walter,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robin- 
son. 

DUNKER,  Frank,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

DUNKER,  Joseph,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

DUNKER,  Leonard,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

DUNLAP,  Leo  W.,  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary, 
New  Berlin. 

DUNN,  Homer   J.,    St.    Patrick,    Decatur. 

DUNN,  John  R.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

DUNN,  R.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

DUNN,  Thomas  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

DUNNE,  Rev.  J.  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

DUNNIGAN,  Garrett  K.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

DUNNIGAN,  James  W.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

DUNSWORTH,  Clement,  St.  John  Evan- 
gelist,  Carrollton. 

DUNSWORTH,  James,  St.  John  Evan- 
gelist,  Carrollton. 

DUNSWORTH,  Leo,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

DURAKO,  John  J.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

DURAND,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

DURANT,  Chas.  H.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

DURBIN,  Edward,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

DURBIN,  Paul,    St.    Mary,    Taylorville. 

DURCHOLST,  Maurice,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

DURHAM,  B.  O.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

DURKIN,  Bernard,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

DUTCHIK,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

DUVELIUS,  Ed,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

DUWALL,  Joseph  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

DWIGGINS,  Leonard,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

DWIGGINS,  Sydney,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

DWYER,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

DWYER,  Thomas  J.,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

DZUVRUS,  George,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

DZUVRUS,  William,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 


780 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


EARNEST,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

EBBERS,  Al  Carl,   St.   Boniface,  Quincv. 

EBERLE,  Bernard,   St.  John,  Quincy. 

EBERLINE,  Arthur,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

ECHILLS,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

ECKHARDT,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ECKJANS,  Joseph  H.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

EDERER,  Henry,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

EDWARD,  Ross,   St.   John,   Carrollton. 

EFCINSKI,  Leo,  St.  James,  Decatur. 

EGAN,  James,   St.  Joseph,   Springfield. 

EGAN,  John,  St.   Joseph,  Springfield. 

EGGER,  John,   St.   Barbara,    Springfield. 

EGGER,  Jos.,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

EGGERMAN,  Albert,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

EGGES,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

EGLIN,  Wm.  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

EHLING,  Hy,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

EHLING,  Herman,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

EHNIE,  Wm.  S.,  Jr.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

EHRHARDT,  Edward,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

EHRHARDT,  Herbert,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

EHRHARDT,  Theodore,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

EICHELBERGER,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Tay- 
lorville. 

EICKELSCHULTE,  Jos.,  St.  John, 
Quincy. 

EICKHOFF,  William,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

EILER,  A.,  Jr.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

EINHOIN,  John  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

EINIG,  Geo.  W.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

EISING,  John  N.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

ELBUS,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

ELBUS,  George  J.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

ELFGEN,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ELINANCHOS,  Chas.,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

ELLHOFFER,  Frank,  St.  John,  Carroll- 
ton. 

ELLIOTT,  Ralph,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Shelbyville. 

ELM,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ELSBECK,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

ELSEBECK,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

ELSHOFF,  Arthur,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

ELSHOFF,  Carl  H.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 


ELSHOFF,  Gerard,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ELSHOFF,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ELSHOFF,  Vincent  C,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,   Springfield. 

ELY,  Elden,  Annunciation,  Bunker  Hill. 

ELY,  Howard,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

ELY,  Richard  Harrington,  St.  Francis 
Xavier,  Jerseyville. 

ELZI,  Alois  H.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

ELZI,  L.  A.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

EMMERICH,  William  G.,  St.  Joseph, 
Island  Grove. 

EMMIG.  August,  St.  Barbara,  Spring- 
field. 

EMMIG,  Joseph,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

EMST,  Frank  A.,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 

ENDRIS,  Frank  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ENDRIS,  Otto  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ENDRIS,  Paul  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ENGBRING,  Henry  C,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

ENGEL,  William,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Snringfield. 

ENGEL,  Wm.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

ENGELMAN,  John,  St.  Mary,  Effingham. 

ENGELS.  John  W.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

ENGLAND,  D.   T.,    St.    Patrick,   Decatur. 

ENLOW,  Leo  F.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

ENRIGHT,  Francis,   St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

ENSCH,  Chas.,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ENSCH,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ENSCH,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 

ENSCH,  Matthias,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ENTRUP,  George,    St.   Boniface,   Quincy. 

EPLEY,  Frank,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

EPLEY,  William,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

EPPING,  Geo.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

ERENGIS,  Geo.,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

ERHARDT,  Joseph,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

ERLEY,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ERMOVICK,  Michael,   St.  Patrick.  Pana. 

ERNEST,  Albert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

ERNEST,  Carl  B.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

ERNEST,  Frank,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Shelbyville. 

ERNST,  Carl,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 

ERNST.  Harry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

ERNST,  V.  R.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

ERUSER,  Harry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

ERWIN,  Chas.  M.,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 


781 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


ESELA,  Edward,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

ESELE,  Jack,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

ESKER,  Alphonse,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

ESKER,  Harry,    St.    Francis,    Teutopolls. 

ESPER,  Leonard  W.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

ESSENPREIS,  Albert,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pierron. 

ETZKORN,  Albert,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

EVANKE,  Michael,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

EVANS,  Charles,   St.  Paul,   Highland. 

EWANS,  William,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

EWEN,  Frank,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

EWERS,  Frank,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

FABISZAK,  Jan,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

FACTOR,  Fred  G.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

FACTOR,  Jacob,  St.  Mary,  Mt.   Sterling. 

FACTOR,  John,   St.    Mary,   Mt.    Sterling. 

FACTOR,  Raymond,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

FAG  AN,  John,   St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

FAGAN,  Ray,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson. 

FAHAY,  Wm.    M.,    St.    Patrick,   Decatur. 

FAHEY,  Murty  M.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

FAHRENBACHER,  Edw.  L.,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul,  Springfield. 

FAINES,  Harry,    St.   Anthony,   Quincy. 

FALETTI,  Battista,  Sacred  Heart,  Pan- 
ama. 

FALETTI,  Michael,  Sacred  Heart,  Pan- 
ama. 

FALK,  Harry  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

FALLER,  R.   L.,   St.   Thomas,   Newton. 

FANNIKOS,  Joe,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

FARRARI,  Antonio,  Sacred  Heart,  Pan- 
ama. 

FARRELL,  James  J.,  Jr.,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

FAUST,  Fred,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

FEAR,  Joseph  J.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

FEATHERINGILL,  Michael,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul,  Alton. 

FEDERER,  John  J.,   St.   Paul,   Highland. 

FEDERER,  Jos.    A.,   St.    Paul,   Highland. 

FEDERLE,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

FEDOR,  John,    Holy    Trinity,    Mt.    Olive. 

FEDERER,  Oscar,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

FEERY,  Frank  P.,  Mother  of  Dolors, 
Vandalia. 

FEHRENBACHER,  Albert,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

FEHRENBACHER,  Chris,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 


FEHRENBACHER,  Jas.,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

FEHRENBACHER,  Justin,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

FEHRENBACKER,  Howard  T.,  Assump- 
tion,  Ste.   Marie. 

FELCHNER,  Edw.,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 

FELCHNER,  Wm.,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 

FELDHAKE,  Chas.  J.,  St.,  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

FELDHAKE,  Frank,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

FELDHAKE,  Fred  B.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

FELDHAKE,  Leo  J.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

FELDHAKE,  Paul  B.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

FELDHAKE,  Wm.  H.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

FELDHAUS,  John,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

FELDHAUS,  Laurence,  Holy  Ghost,  Jer- 
seyville. 

FELLER,  Edw.,    Assumption,    Litchfield. 

FELLHAUER,  Elmer  J.,  St.  Gertrude, 
Grant  Fork. 

FELLHAUER,  Otmar,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

FELTES,  Wm.  H.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

FERANDO,  John,   St.   Louis,  Nokomis. 

FERAUD,  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

FERENBACH,  Ernest  L.,  Holy  Ghost, 
Jerseyville. 

FERENBACH,  Theo.  L.,  St.  Francis, 
Jerseyville. 

FERGUSON,  George,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

FERGUSON,  Walter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

FERGUSON,  William,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

FERNANDES,  John  S.,  St.  Alexius, 
Beardstown. 

FERREE,  Harry,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

FERREE,  Virgil,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

FERRY,  Francis  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

FESS,  John,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 

FETTER,  Chas.  A.,  St.  Mark's,  Venice. 

FETTERER,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

FICHS,  William,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

FIELDING,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 


782 


THE  DIOCESAN  EOLL  OF  HONOR 


FIELDING,  William,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

FIELDS,  A.  W.,  St.  Mark's,  Venice. 

FIETSAM,  A.,   St.   Joseph,   Granite  City. 

FIETSAM.  B..   St.   Joseph,   Granite   City. 

FINES,  William,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

FINGLETON,  J.  L.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

FINK,  Anthony,   St.  Mary,   Edwardsville. 

FINK,  Frank,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

FINK,  Leroy,   St.    Mary,    Edwardsville. 

FINKENHOEFER,  Alois,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

FINKES,  Joe,    St.   Francis,  Jerseyville. 

FINLEY,  Clifford,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

FINLEY,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

FINN,  John   D.,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

FINN,  Ignatius,  St.  Luke,  Virginia. 

FINNEGAN,  John,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 

FINNERTY,  Bert,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

FIOCCHI,  Eugene,    St.   Agnes,   Hillsboro. 

FISCHER,  C.   C,   St.   Michael,   Staunton. 

FISCHER,  Clarence,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

FISCHER,  Chas.,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

FISCHER,  Frank  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

FISCHER,  George,    St.    Francis,    Quincy. 

FISCHER,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

FISCHER,  Jos.  H,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

FISCHER,  Jos.  John,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

FISCHER,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

FISCHER,  Wm.  J.,   St.   Francis,   Quincy. 

FISCHERKELLER,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

FISCHERKELLER,  Leo,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

FISHER,  Joseph  John,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

FITZGERALD,  Dan,    St.   Michael,   Hume. 

FITZGERALD,  Francis  J.,  St.  Augustine, 
Ashland. 

FITZGERALD,  John,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

FITZGERALD,  Jerry,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

FITZGERALD,  Joseph,  St.  Isidore,  Farm- 
ersville. 

FITZGERALD,  Leo,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

FITZGERALD,  R.  Emmett,  St.  Patrick, 
Alton. 

FITZGERALD,  Thomas,  St.  Peter, 
Quincy. 

FITZGERALD,  Thomas,  St.  Michael, 
Hume. 

FITZGIBBON,  Maurice,  St.  Agnes, 
Springfield. 

FITZPATRICK,  James,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 


FITZPATRICK,  John  R.,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

FLACH,  Arthur,  St.    Rose,  Montrose. 

FLAHERTY,  John,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 

FLAMM,  James  A.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

FLAMM,  John  Elston,  Holy  Ghost,  Jer- 
seyville. 

FLAMM,  Thomas  J.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

FLAMM,  Wm.  Fred,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

FLAMMINI,  Jos.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

FLANAGAN,  Chas,  St.  Sebastian,  Wav- 
erly. 

FLANAGAN,  Robt.  E.,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

FLATLEY,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

FLAVIN,  Martin,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

FLECK,  L.  Emil  Brown,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

FLEISCHLI,  Earl,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

FLEISCHLI,  Joseph,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

FLEMING,  Bryan,   St.   Norbert,  Hardin. 

FLEMING,  Thomas  J.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

FLEMMING,  Frank  A.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

FLEMMING,  Joseph,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

FLESCH,  Alfred,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

FLESCH,  Charles,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

FLESCH,  Chas.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

FLESCH,  Charles,  Sacred  Heart,  Oconee. 

FLESCH,  Edw.  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

FLESCH,  Harry,   Sacred   Heart,   Oconee. 

FLESCH,  Leonard  R.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

FLESCH,  Leonard,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

FLITCHER,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

FLOOD,  Leo  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

FLOOD,  Simon,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

FLORI,  Aloysius,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

FLORI,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

FLORI,  William  Francis,  Immaculate 
Conception.  Carlinville. 

FLYNN,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

FLYNN,  Frank,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

FLYNN,  George,  St.  Bartholomew,  Mur- 
rayville. 


783 


DIOCESE  OF   SPKINGFrELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


FLYNN,  George  W.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

FLYNN,  George  Wm.,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

FLYNN,  Jas.  E.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

FLYNN,  John,   St.  Joseph,   Springfield. 

FLYNN,  Leo,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

FLYNN,  Robert  E.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

FLYNN,  William,    St.    Patrick,    Decatur. 

FLYNN,  Wm.  H.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Springfield. 

FLYNN,  William  R.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

FLYNN,  Wm.  Thomas,  St.  Mary,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

FOBBE,  Joseph  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

FOEDERER,  Oscar,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

FOEHRKALB,  A.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

FOEHRKOLB,  Andrew,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

FOEHRKOLB,  William,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

FOGARTY,  Wm.,  Ray,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

FOLEY,  Harold  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

FOLEY,  Edward,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Hannibal. 

FOLEY,  James  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Mattoon. 

FOLZ,  Lawrence  A.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

FOOTE,  Wheeler,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

FORAN,  W.  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

FORD,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

FORD,  Fred  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

FORD,  Leo,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

FORD,  Robert,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

FORD,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

FORESTER,  Paul,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg 

FORMEO,  Joseph,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

FORSTHOVE,  Marion,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

FORSYTHE,  Elmer,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

FORSYTHE,  Rual,  St.  Mary    Taylorville. 

FORTSCHNEIDER,  Henry,  St.  Mary, 
Brussels. 

FOSSELMAN,  Rev.  Isadore,  St.  Francl3, 
Teutopolis. 

FOSTER,  Edward,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

FOSTER,  Francis,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

FOSTER,  Fred,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

FOSTER,  Jas.  E.,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

FOSTER,  Jos ,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

FOULK,  W.  L.,  St.  Michaei,  Staunton. 


FOWLER,  Geo.  Wm.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

FOX,  Rev.  Patrick  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

FRAIN,  Martin,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

FRAIN,  Daniel,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

FRANCAVICH,  Albert,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

FRANCIS,  Edgar,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

FRANEK,  F.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

FRANK,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

FRANK,  Fred,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

FRANK,  Godfrey,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

FRANKE,  Dr.  F.  E.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

FRANKE,  Gertrude,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

FRANKE,  Neil,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

FRANKLIN,  Geo.  G.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

FRANTER,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

FRANZ,  Arthur,  St.  Michael,  StauntoL. 

FRANZ,  Joseph  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Pail, 
Springfield. 

FRANZ,  Walter,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

FRANZE,  Charles,  SS.  Peter  and  Pau  , 
Collinsville. 

FRECH,  Elmer  H.,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

FREEMAN,  Raymond  J.,  St.  Patrick, 
Grafton. 

FREEMAN,  William  Porter,  St.  Mary, 
Assumption. 

FREEPARTNER,  Henry,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

FREER,  John  B.,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

FREIBURG,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

FREIBURG,  Max  E.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

FREIBURG,  Otto,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

FREITAG,  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

FRENCH,  James  K.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

FRESE,  Albert  H.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

FRESE,  John,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

FRESH,  Elmer,  St.  Francis,  Jerseyville. 

FREY,  Alvin  L.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

FREY,  Bernard  B.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

FREY,  Florian,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

FREY,  John  P.,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant  Fork. 

FREY,  Joseph,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Pierron. 
FREY,    Oscar,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Pierron. 
FREY,   Paul   J.,   Immaculate   Conception, 

Pierron. 
FRICHTL,  John  J.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 
FRIEDEL,  George  E.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 
FRIEDERICHSON,     Carl,    Annunciation. 

Bunker  Hill. 


(84 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


FRIES,  Albert,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

FRIES,  Frank,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

FRIETAG,  John  B.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

FRIPP,  Chas.,  St.  Charles,  Charleston. 

FRISO,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

FROELICH,  Isadore  Edward,  Immacu- 
late Conception,  Springfield. 

FUCHS,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

FUENDO,  John,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

FUHLER,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

FUHRMAN,  Odo  F.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

FULGENZI,  Louis,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

FUNCHEON,  Louis,  St.  Luke,  Virginia. 

FUNK,  Leo,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

FUNKE,  Frank,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

FUNNEMANN,  Edward,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

FURGUSON,  Walter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

FUTTERER,  Alex.  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

FUTTERER,  Zeno,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

GAA,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 

GAA,  Charles  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

GABALIS,  Leo,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

GABRIEL,  H.  B.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

GADDO,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

GAFFIGAN,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

GAFFNEY,  Charles,  St.  Rose,  Quincy. 

GAGEN,  Chas.  A.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

GAGEN  (Dewey)  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Mar- 
shall. 

GAINES,  Harry,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

GAIUTICOS,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GAIUTICOS,  Tony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GAIZAT,  Joseph,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GAIZAT,  Tony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

GALL,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

GALL,  Leonard,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pierron. 

GALLAGHER,  Edward  T.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

GALLAGHER,  John  L.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

GALLOWAY,  Paul  D.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

GAMBINO,  Pietro,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GANER,  John  V.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 


GANER,  Joseph  J.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrlson- 
ville. 

GANER,  Otto  M.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

GANEY,   Hugh,    SS.    Simon    and     Jude, 
Gillespie. 

GANEY,  Hugh  R.,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

GANEY,  Louis,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

GANGLOFF,  Maurice  Hugh,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

GANNON,  Chas.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GANNON,  Thos.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GARDEWINE,   Fred,    St.    Francis,    Teu- 
topolis. 

GARDNER,     Benjamin,     St.     Mary,     Ed- 
wardsville. 

GARNER,  Henry,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

GARRISON,  C.  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

GARRISON,  E.  J.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

GARTHAUS,  Joe,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

GARUMBEK,  Steve,    Assumption,    Litch- 
field. 

GARVIN,   John,    St.    Bartholomew,     Mur- 
rayville. 

GARVIN,  Harry,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 

GASPEROTTI,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GASPEROTTI,  Thos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

GATTON,  Jasper,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

GATTON,  Louis  A.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

GAUTNER,  Albert    M.,  St.    Paul,    High- 
land. 

GAVIN,  Thos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

GAVRUN,    Andrew,     Holy    Trinity,    Mt 
Olive. 

GAWLIK,   Adalbert,   O.   L.    Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

GAYGUS,  Tony,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

GEBAUER,  Charles  W.,   SS.    Peter    and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

GEBAUER,   Theodore,   St.   Jerome,   Troy 

GEBBEN,    Henry   H.,    St.    Anthony,    Ef- 
fingham. 

GEBHARDT,    Joseph,    St.    Boniface,    Ed 
wardsville. 

GEERS,    Geo.    F.,    St.    John    Evan.,    Car 
rollton. 

GEERS,  Herman,  Holy  Ghost,  Jerseyvill3 

GEHEB,  John,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

GEHLAUSEN,  Edw.,  St.  John  Evangelist 
Carrollton. 

GEHRING,  Arthur,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy 

GEHRING,    Herbert     W.,     St.     Boniface 
Quincy. 

GEHRING,  Ralph,   St.   Boniface,   Quincy 

GEHRS,   Frank,    St.    John,    Quincy. 


785 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


GEIGER,  Erwin,   St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

GEIGER,  Geo.  V.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

GEIGER,  Dr.  John,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

GEISLER,  Clarence  S.,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

GEISMANN,  Frank,  St  Paul,  Highland. 

GEIST,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 

GELONEK,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

GELS,  John,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

GELS,  Lawrence,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

GELTZ,  Joseph  Charles,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

GENT,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

GEOD,  Anthony    E.,    St.    Paul,   Highland. 

GERBER,  Clarence,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

GERBER,  Henry,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

GERLACH,  Fred  P.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

GERMICH,  Paul,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

GERNER,  Charles,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

GIACOLETTI,  Tony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 
Collinsville. 

GIBBONS,  John  F.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

GIBBONS,  Joseph,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

GIBLIN,  Cornelius  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GIEDRA,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

GIEFING,  Ferd,  St.  Boniface.  Quincy. 

GIER,  Ant.,  St.  Charles,  Casey. 

GIESELMAN,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

GIESING,  Lawrence  J.,  St.  Francis 
Solanus,  Quincy. 

GIESING,  Law.  Jos.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

GILBER,  Wilbert,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

GILL,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

GILLEN,  Clifford,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

GILLEN,  Francis,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

GILLEN,  Matthew  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GILLES,  George  W.,  Sacred  Heart,  Villa 
Grove. 

GILLIG,  George,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

GILLMORE,  Fred  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

GINDER,  Odillo,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

GIRARD,  Albert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

GIRTH,  Bernard,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

GIRTH,  Henry  G.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

GIRTH,  Jos.  G.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

GISSAL,  John   A.,   St.   Mary,  Alton. 

GISSAL,  Louise,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 


GLAHN,  Joseph,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

GLANCY,  John,  St.  Mary,  Lovington. 

GLANCY,  Thos.,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

GLASS,  Simon,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

GLAVAN,  John,    St.   Joseph,    Springfield. 

GLAVEN,  Maurice,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GLAVEN,  Michael,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GLEASON,  Stanley,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GLEASON,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GLEESON,  Francis  J.,  Visitation,  Illiopo- 
lis. 

GLEESON,  Walter  J.,  Visitation,  Illiopo- 
lis. 

GLEIBER,  John,   St.   Joseph,   Carlinville. 

GLEICH,  Clarence,    St.    Louis,    Nokomis. 

GLENZA,  Anthony,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

GLIESNER,  Ed.,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

GLYNN,  Edw.  E.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

GLYNN,  Frank  P.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

GODAR,  Andrew,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

GODAR,  Louis,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

GODAR,  Raymond,   St.   Norbert,  Hardin. 

GODAR,  Theodore,   St.   Norbert,  Hardin. 

GODZAK,  Walter,    St.    Agnes,    Hillsboro. 

GOEBEL,  Edwin,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

GOEBEL,  Leonard,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

GOEDEREIS,  Joe,   St.  John,  Quincy. 

GOEHE,  Ben.   J.,   St.   Michael,   Staunton. 

GOEHE,  Jacob,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

GOEHL.  B.  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

GOESTENKORS,  Stephen,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Pierron. 

GOETTEN,  John,    St.    Mary,    Jerseyville. 

GOINS,  A.  B.,  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary, 
New  Berlin. 

GOLDEN,  Robert,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

GOLDSTEIN,  Ben,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

GOLDSTEIN,  Clem,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

GOMES,  Earl,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

GOODALL,  F.  C,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

GOODRICH,  John,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

GOODRICH,  Rector,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

GOODRICH,  Robert,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

GORI,  Dominic,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

GORMAN,  Daniel,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

GORMAN,  Frank,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

GORMAN,  John  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 


786 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OP  HONOR 


GORMAN,  Maurice  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
GORMAN,  Tony,  Immaculate  Conception, 

Mattoon. 
GORMAN,  Richard,    St.    Francis    Xavier, 

Jerseyville. 
GORMELY,  Frank,    Sacred    Heart,    New 

Berlin. 
GORMELY,  W.(  Sacred  Heart,  New  Ber- 
lin. 
GORMLEY,  Fred,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 
GORMLEY,   Fred,     Sacred    Heart,    New 

Berlin. 
GORMLEY,  George,   St.  Patrick,  Alton. 
GORY,  Brominicke,    Sacred    Heart,    Liv- 
ingston. 
GORY,  Lester,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 
GOSSMAN,  August  W.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
GOSSMAN,  Paul  C,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
GOSSMAN,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
GOULET,  A.  E.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
GOULET,  J.  E.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
GOULET,  Marie,  St.  Agnes,   Springfield. 
GOURLEY,  John,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
GOURLEY,  Wm.  L.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
GOVEIA,  John,   St.   Joseph,   Springfield. 
GRABOWSKI,   Louis,   Mother  of   Dolors, 

Vandalia. 
GRADL,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
GRADY,  Henry,  St.  Aloysius,  Litchfield. 
GRADY,  James  T.,  St.  Mary,  Carlinville. 
GRAEFF,  Edward,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 
GRAFF,  Harry,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
GRAFF,  Joseph,     SS.     Peter    and     Paul, 

Alton. 
GRAHAM,  John  D,  Visitation,  Illiopolis. 
GRAHAM,  Mathew  Francis,  Holy  Trinity, 

Stonington. 
GRAHAM,  Peter,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
GRAJCIAR,  Andrew    (Grice),  Holy   Trin- 
ity, Mt.  Olive. 
GRAMMON,  A.    F.,    St.    Alexius,    Beards- 
town. 
GRANDA,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
GRANT,  John  E.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 
GRANT,  Thos.    Jos.,    St.    Mary,    Taylor- 

ville. 
GRANT,  Troy,   St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 
GRASER,  Mike,   St.   Francis,   Teutopolis. 
GRAY,  Chesleigh,     St.     Rose     of     Lima, 

Quincy. 
GRAYSON,  W.    F,     (M.D.),    St.    Joseph, 

Granite  City. 
GREBIL,  Clem,    St.    Mary,    Edwardsville. 
GREBIL,  Kenneth,    St.    Mary,    Edwards- 
ville. 
GREELEY,  James  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 


GREELEY,  Timothy   A.,   St.   Paul,   High- 
land. 
GREEN,     Timothy,     St.     Ubaldus,     New 

Douglas. 
GREEN,  Walter,     SS.    Peter    and     Paul, 

Alton. 
GREENAN,  James,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 
GREENAN,  Patrick,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
GREENAN,  William,      Ascension,      Mt. 

Olive. 
GREGER,  James,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 
GREGOR,  Leo,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 
GREMER,  Joseph,      St.      Boniface,      Ed- 
wardsville. 
GREMO,  Frank,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 
GRENZEBACH,  Fred,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 

River. 
GRESS,  Roman,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 
GRESSA,  Ed.  A.,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 
GRETHER,  Albert     E.,     St.     Mary,     Mt. 

Sterling. 
GREUEL,  Alfred,    St.    Anthony,    Effing- 
ham. 
GREUEL,  Chas.  P.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 
GREUEL,  Joseph,     St.     Mary,     Green 

Creek. 
GREVING,  Clem,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
GREY,  John,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 
GRIESSER,  Frank  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Springfield. 
GRIFFIN,  John    T.,    St.    Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 
GRIFFIN,  John  P.,  St.  Isidore,  Lovington. 
GRILL,  Frank,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 
GROETING,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
GROH,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
GROOSHEIM,  Chas.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
GROSS,  Leonard  A.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 
GROSS,  Sylvester,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 
GROSSHEIM,  Carl  I.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
GROSSHEIM,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
GROSSMAN,  N.  G.,  SS.  Peter  and    Paul, 

Springfield. 
GROUNDS,  Dave,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 
GROVES,  John    W.,    Our    Saviour,    Jack- 
sonville. 
GRUBER,  Chas.,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 
GRUENFELDER,  Jos.,  Immaculate    Con- 
ception, Pierron. 
GREUENENFELDER,  Jos.   E.,   St.   Paul, 

Highland. 
GRUENENFELDER,  Raymond,  St.  Paul, 

Highland. 
GRUETER,  Joseph,  St.  John  Evangelist, 

Carrollton. 
GUENNEWIG,  Anton,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 


787 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


GUENTHIER,  Theodore,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul.  Collinsville. 

GUERNSEY,  Laurence,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 

GUERTLER,  Walter  P.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

GUESEN,  Herman,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

GUINAN,  Arthur,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

GUINAN,  Stephen,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

GUINEE,  James  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

GUINAN,  Andrew,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

GURS,  Otto  F.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

GUSSWEIN,  Frank  F.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

GUSSWEIN,  Ralph,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

GUST,  Geo.,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 

GUST,  Urban,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 

CUTMANN,  Nicholas,  St.  Augustine, 
Ashland. 

GUTOWSKI,  Alexander,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

GUTOWSKI,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

GUTOWSKI,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

GUTOWSKI,  Stanley,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

GUTTMAN,  N.  L.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

GUYON,  Arthur,  Sacred  Heart,  Effing- 
ham. 

GUZY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

GVAZDOW,  Walter,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

HAASE,  Jos.  B.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

HACKER,  Fred  A.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

HACKETHAL,  Frank  J.,  St.  Elizabeth, 
Mitchell. 

HACKETHAL,  Peter,  St.  Elizabeth, 
Mitchell. 

HACKETT,  Danie  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

HACKETT,  James  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

HACKMANN,  Law  J.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

HADE,  John  Thos.,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

HAFFEY,  Robert  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HAFFNER,  Louis  L.,  St.  Mary,  Assump- 
tion. 

HAFFNER,  Carl  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HAGAN,  Lucien,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HAGEL,  Ernest  H.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

HAGELE,  Arnold  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 


HAGEN,  Chas.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HAGEN,  Charles,    St.    Mary,    Brussels. 

HAGEN,  Chas.    L,    Visitation,    Illiopolis. 

HAGEN,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

HAGEN,  Joseph,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HAGEN,  William,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

HAGERLY,  Frank,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

HAGGERTY,  Francis,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HAGGERTY,  Frank,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

HAGGERTY,  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HAGNAUER,  Robert,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

HAHLING,  Carl,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville. 

HAHLING,  Frank,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville. 

HAHLING,  Jos.  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville. 

HAHN,  Frank  Jacob,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

HAHN,  Jos.  Philip,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

HAIGH,  Frank,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

HAINES,  F.  E.,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 

HAIRE,  Arnold  J.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HAIRE,  Everett,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

HAIRE,  Paul,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

HALEY,  W.  F,  St.  John,  Areola. 

HALEY,  John,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

HALEY,  Patrick,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

HALL,  Dennis  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

HALL,  Edward,    St.    Joseph,    Springfield. 

HALL,  Franklin  R.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

HALLIGAN,  Edison  J.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HALLORAN,  Bernard,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

HALLORAN,  Dan,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

HALLORAN,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

HALTSHAUS,  Henry   St.   Patrick,   Pana. 

HAMILTON,  Robert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HAMILTON,  Roy  F,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

HAMMER,  Chas.,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

HAMMON,  Chas.  Henry,  St.  Agnes, 
Springfield. 

HAMMOND,  John  J.,  Jr.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

HAMPSON  Ferdinand  J.,  St.  Bernard, 
O'i-Ucirm. 

HAMRAK,  Michael,  St.  Barbara,   Witt. 

HAMUNN,  Harry,   St.   Barbara,  Witt. 

HANAK,  Milse,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

HAND,  Joseph,   Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

HANEKAN,  Ben,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

HANIE,  Herman,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HANLEY,  Chester,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 


788 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


HANLEY,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

HANLEY,  William  F.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jer- 
seyville. 

HANLON,  Edward,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

HANLON,  Francis  R.,  St.  John,  Carroll- 
ton. 

HANLON,  Roy,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HANLON,  Tim,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HANN,  Albert,   Assumption,    Ste.    Marie 

HANN,  Eugene,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

HANNEKAN,  Ben,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

HANNING,  George,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

HANNING,  John,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

HANON,  Raymond,  St.  Isadore,  Farmers- 
ville. 

HANRAHAN,  Harry  T.,  Sacred  Heart, 
New  Berlin. 

HANRAHAN,  John,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

HANRAHAN,  Ed.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

HANRAHAN,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

HANSON,  Jack,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HANTLE,  Henry,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

HARDY,  Albert  G.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

HARE,  Phil,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

HARGIAS,  Cecil,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

HARIG,  Herman,   St.   Francis,   Quincy. 

HARMON,  Edwin  G.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

HARMON,  Wm.  T.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

HARNEY,  James  H.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

HARRINGTON,  J.  E.,  St.  John,  Areola. 

HARRINGTON,  James  J.,  St.  John, 
Areola. 

HARRINGTON,  Jos.,  St.  John,  Areola. 

HARRINGTON,  Wm.,  J.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

HARRIS,  Bulgar,    St.    Benedict,    Auburn. 

HARRIS,  John,  St.   Thomas,  Newton. 

HARRIS,  Joseph,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

HARRISON,  Peter,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

HARTLIEB,  Philip  J.,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

HARTMAN,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HARTMAN,  Berhard  Frank,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

HARTMAN,  Henry,  Forty  Martyrs,  Tus- 
cola. 

HARTMAN,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 


HARTMAN,  Killian  G.,  Forty  Martyrs, 
Tuscola. 

HARTMANN,  Harry,    St.  Mark,  Venice. 

HARTNETT,  Daniel,    St.    Mary,   Paris. 

HARTNETT,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HARTUNG,  Frank,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

HARTUNG,  Fred,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

HARTUNG,  Fred,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

HARVEY,  Arthur,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

HARVEY,  James  M.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,   Springfield. 

HASELHORST,  Jos.,  St.  Joseph,  Meppen. 

HASHMAN,  Jos.  L.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

HASSE,  Henry,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

HASSE,  John,   St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

HASSE,  Wm.,   St.   Michael,   Staunton. 

HASSETT,  Wm.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

HASSETT,  Joseph  N.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pittsfield. 

HATFIELD,  Robert,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

HAUBENREISER,  Louis,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

HAUGH,  J.  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

HAUGH,  John  L.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

HAURHAN,  Harry,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

HAUSER,  Clyde  J.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

HAUTY,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

HAVEN,  Norbert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HAVIKORST,  Daniel,    St.    Mary,    Neoga. 

HAVRILKA,  Edward,   St.   Patrick,   Pana. 

HAVRILKA,  John  F.,   St.   Patrick,  Pana. 

HAWICKHORST,  John,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

HAWKEY,  Frank  A.,  St.  Anne,  Edge- 
wood. 

HAWKEY,  Rudolph,  St.  Anne,  Edge- 
wood. 

HAYES,  Edw.  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HAYES,  Frank  E.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

HAYES,  Dr.  John  M.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

HAYES,  Lawrence,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

HAYES,  Lloyd  P.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

HAYES,  Thos.,   St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HAYS,  Arnold,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

HAYS,  Lloyd,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 


789 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


HAZELHORST,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

HAZELWONDER,  Guy,  St.  Michael,  Mi- 
chael. 

HAZZARD,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

HEALY,  Francis,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

HEALY,  John  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

HEAVENRIDGE,  Thos.,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

HEBENSTRIET,  Louis,  St.  Michael, 
Staunton. 

HEBERLEIN,  Frederick,  St.  Bridget,  Lib- 
erty. 

HEBERLING,  Fred,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

HECHMAN,  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HECKENKAMP,  Albert,  St.  Rose  of 
Lima,  Quincy. 

HECKENKAMP,  Geo.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

HECKENKEMPER,  Ben,  St.  Clara,  Alta- 
mont. 

HECKER,  Anthony,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

HECKLE,  Bert,   St  John,   Quincy. 

HEDDEN,  Wm.  G.,  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

HEFFERNAN,  Thomas,  St.  Bernard, 
Glenarm. 

HEFFNER,  Emil,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HEFFRON,  Mabel,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

HEGER,  Clarence  M.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

HEID,  Joseph  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 

HEIDENREICH,  Mr.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

HEIDENREICH,  Roland,  St.  Anselm, 
Kampsville. 

HEIDRICK,  Bartholas,    St.    Mary,    Alton. 

HEIDRICK,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HEIM,  Bernard,   St.  John,  Quincy. 

HEIM,  Wm.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

HEIMBOUGHER,  Albert,  St.  Alexius, 
Beardstown. 

HEIMBOUGHER,  Chas.,  St.  Alexius, 
Beardstown. 

HEIMERICH,  Frank,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

HEINE,  Conrad,   St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

HEINE,  John  H.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

HEINE,  Wm.  J.,  St.   Francis,  Quincy. 

HEINEMAN,  Wm.  G.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

HEINER,  L.  P.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HEINER,  Lawrence,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

HEINTZ,  Frank,   St.   Mary,  Alton. 

HEINTZ,  Leo  G.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HEINZ.  Arthur,  St.  John,  Quincy. 


HEINZE,  Frank  L.,   St.   Francis,  Quincy. 

HEINZE,  Herbert  O.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

HEISCHMIDT,  Otto,  St.  Clara,  Alta- 
mont. 

HEISE.  Charles  J.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

HEISE,  Fred,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

HEISE,  Leo,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

HEITMANN,  Bro.  G.,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

HEITZIG,  Edw.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jerseyville. 

HELBRUNG,  Herbert,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HELDE,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

HELFRICH,  Andrew,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

HELUAKE,  Edw.  Jerome,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

HELLER,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HELLER,  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HELLER,  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HELLER,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HELLER,  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HELLHAKE,  Anthony,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

HELLHAKE,  Wm.  H.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,   Springfield. 

HELLRUNG,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HELLSTERN,  Frank,   St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HELMERS,  Geo.,    St.    Mary,    Taylorville. 

HELMERS,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

HELMERS,  Wm.  T.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

HELMINK,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Lilly- 
ville. 

HEMERLING,  Ray,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

HEMMEN,  Bernard,  Sacred  Heart,  Lilly- 
ville. 

HEMMER,  Arthur,   St.   John,   Quincy. 

HEMRICH,  Ben,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

HENDREN,  James,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

HENDREN,  Thomas,  Ascension,  Mt. 
Olive. 

HENDRICKS,  Andrew,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

HENDRICKS,  Edw.  P.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

HENDRICKS,  Louis,  Sacred  Heart, 
DIvernon. 

HENDY,  James,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 

HENDY,  Martin,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

HENEBRY,  Edw.  A.,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

HENEGHAN,  Leo  P.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

HENEGHAN,  James  F.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

HENKELMAN,  George,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 


790 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


HENKHAUS,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
HENN,  Frank,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 
HENN,  John  R.,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 
HENNIGAN,  Geo.  E.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 

ville. 
HENNING,    Edw.,    St.    Anthony,    Effing- 
ham. 
HENNING,  William,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 
HENRY,  Albert,     SS.     Peter    and     Paul, 

Collinsville. 
HENRY,  Geo.,  St.  James,  Decatur. 
HENSLER,  Edward,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 

ville. 
HENTERSHER,  Leo     J.,      St.      Thomas, 

Newton. 
HENTZ,  Chas.    J.,    St.    Mary,    Edwards- 

ville. 
HENTZ,  Dennis,  St.  Boniface,    Edwards- 

ville. 
HENTZ,  Edward,     St.     Mary,     Edwards- 

ville. 
HEOMES,  Will,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Ber- 
lin. 
HEPPLEWHITE,  George,  SS.  Peter  and 

Paul,  Collinsville. 
HERBERT,  Carl,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville 
HEREGEL,  Aloysius  P.,  Assumption,  Ste 

Marie. 
HEREGEL,    John    J.,    Assumption,    Ste 

Marie. 
HERGENROTHER,  Leo,    St.    Augustine 

Ashland. 
HERGENROTHER,  Wm.,    Sacred    Heart 

Springfield. 
HERKERT,  Minard,  St.  Michael,  Michael 
HERLIHY,  Donald,    St.    Joseph,    Spring 

field. 
HERMAN,  Andrew,    Assumption,    Litch 

field. 
HERMANN,  Carl    Frederick,    St.    Mary 

Quincy. 
HERMANNS,  Leonard,      Sacred      Heart 

Springfield. 
HERMANNS,  Nicholas,      Sacred     Heart 

Springfield. 
HERMES,  Edward    A.,    St.    Mary,    Alex 

ander. 
HERMES,  Wm.  J.,  Sacred    Heart,    New 

Berlin. 
HERMESMEYER,  Mathew,    St.    Francis, 

Quincy. 
HERR,  Frank,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 
HERR,  Joseph,  St.  Barbara,   Springfield. 
HERRIN,  James,  SL  Joseph,  Springfield. 
HERRING,      Lawrence,       St.      Francis, 

Quincy. 
HESS,  Benjamin     W.,     St.     Elizabeth, 

Marine. 
HESS,  Clem  J.,  Immaculate  Conception, 

Mattoon. 


HESS,  Joseph,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

HESS,  Louis,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

HESSE,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HESSE,  Maurice,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

HESSELDINZ,    Albert   J.,    St.    Joseph, 
Carlinville. 

HESSELDINZ,  Paul,    St.   Joseph,   Carlin- 
ville. 

HEYNEN,  L.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HICKEY,  Herman,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

HICKEY,  Thos.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

HIETMANN,  Bro.  Giles,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

HIGGINS,  Andrew,    St.    Mary,    Mt.    Ster 
ling. 
.     HIGGINS,  Earl,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HIGGINS,  Geo.    R.,    Immaculate    Concep 
tion,  Springfield. 

HIGGINS,  Geo.    W.,    St.    Joseph,    Spring 
field. 

HIGGINS,    Henry     Floyd,     St.     Patrick 
Pana. 

HIGGINS,  Harold,     St.     Rose     of     Lima; 
Quincy. 

HIGGINS,  Dr.  J.  R.,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude 
Gillespie. 

HIGGINS,  James,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HIGGINS,  James,    SS.    Simon   and   Jude 
Gillespie. 

HIGGINS,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield 

HIGGINS,  Matthew,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HIGGINS,  Orville,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HIGGINS,  Thomas,    St.    Joseph,    Spring 
field. 

HIGGINS,  Wm.    T.,   St.   Peter,   Quincy. 

HIGHLAND,  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City 

HILBE,  Joseph,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HILDEBRAND,  Leslie,     St.     Francis 
Quincy. 

HILDEBRAND,  Leo      A.,      St.      Francis 
Quincy. 

HILDEBRAND,  Leo  J.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy 

HILFRINK,  Chas.  E.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy 

HILGELBRINK,  Frank,  St.  John,  Quincy, 

HILGER,  Edward  B.,  St.  Aloysius,  Litch- 
field. 

HILL,  Theodore,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

HILL,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

HILL,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

HILLA,  Frank,    St.    Mary,    Edwardsville. 

HILLA,  John,   St.   Mary,   Edwardsville. 

HILLE.  William,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

HILLEN,  John,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

HILLIARD,  Thomas  C,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,   Springfield. 

HINES,  Emmet   P.,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

HINES,  Eugene,   St.   Thomas,   Newton. 

HINES,  Raymond,      Assumption,      Ste. 
Marie. 

HINES,  Urban,   Assumption,   Ste.    Marie. 


791 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


HIPP,  James  Sebastian,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

HNY,  Leslie  J.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HOAG,  Francis  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

HOBAN,  John  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

HOBAN,  W.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

HOCK,  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

HOCK,  Francis,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

HOCK,  Isadore  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

HODACK,  John,   St.   Joseph,   Springfield. 

HODALSKI,  Alexander  M.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

HODALSKI,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

HOEBBING,  Anton,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

HOECHERL,  George  Andrew,  Assump- 
tion, Ste.  Marie. 

HOEDEBECKE,  Ben,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

HOEDEBECKE,  Fred,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

HOEHN,  Anthony,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HOEHN,  Edw.,  Dr.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

HOEHN,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HOEHN,  John,  Jr.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

HOEHN,  Walter,   Sacred   Heart,   Oconee. 

HOELKER,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Westwood. 

HOETTGER,  Harry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HOFFERKAMP,  August,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

HOFFMAN,  Charles,  St.  Elizabeth, 
Marine. 

HOFFMAN,  Ed,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

HOFFMAN,  John,  St.  Marie,  Ste.  Marie. 

HOFFMAN,  Joseph  J.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

HOFFMAN,  Walter  F.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

HOFFMAN,  Willie,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

HOFFMANN,  Edgar,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HOFMAN,  Clem,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

HOGAN,  John  E.,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

HOGAN,  W.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HOGAN,  Walter,  Sacred  Heart,  Dalton 
City. 

HOGAN,  Wm.  G.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

HOGEL,  Earnest  H.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

HOHNSTEDT,  Fred,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HOHNSTEDT,  Leo,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 


HOLKENBKINK,  Frank,  Sacred  Heart, 
Lillyville. 

HOLLOWAY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

HOLTHAUS,  Barney  C,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

HOLTHAUS,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

HOLZGANA,  Joseph,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HOLZINGER,  Lawrence,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Pierron. 

HOOD,  Chas.   L.,   St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

HOOLEY,  Thos.  C,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

HOOLEY,  Wm..  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

HOPLEY,  Owen,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

HOPLEY,  Philip,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

HOPPE,  Anthony,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

HOPPER,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Neoga. 

HORAT,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
Alton. 

HORBELT,  Roman,  St.  Francis,   Quincy. 

HORBELT,  Geo.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

HORN,  Edward,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

HORN,  Louis,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HOTZ,  B.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

HOTZ,  Norbert,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

HOTZ,  Wilfred,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

HOULIHAN,  Geo.  J.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

HOURAN,  C.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HOURAN,  D.  V.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HOURAN,  V.   E.,  St.   Patrick,  Decatur. 

HOUSEN,  C.  J.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

HOVANEC,  Geo.  W.,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

HOVANEC,  Andy,   St.   Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

HOWARD,  Chas.  P.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HOWARD,  Edgar  M.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

HOWARD,  Emmet,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

HOWIE,  James,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

HOWLEY,  John  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HOYE,  Emmett  L.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

IIUBER,  Anthony,  St.  Alphonsus,  Bright- 
on. 

HUBER,  Arnold  B.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HUBER,  Carl,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HUBER,  Clarence,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HUBER,  Emil,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

HUBER,  Frank,  St.  Alphonsus,  Brighton. 

HUBER,  Fred,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

IIT;BER,  George,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

HUBER,  Otto  A.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

HUBER,  Raymond,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 


792 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


HUBER,  William  Christ,  St.  John,  Cof- 
feen. 

HUBER,  William  F.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

HUBNER,  Anthony,   St.  Mary,  Alton. 

HUCK,  Oscar  P.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

HUEBNER,  John,  St.  Alphonsus,  Brigh- 
ton. 

HUELSBUSCH,  Henry,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

HUELSBUSCH,  William,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

HUFF,  Timothy,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

HUGHES,  Dr.  Edmund,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

HUGHES,  Edward,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

HUGHES,  Edward,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

HUGHES,  Herbert  Henry,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

HUGHES,  Hugh  J.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

HUGHES,  James  P.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

HUGHES,  Martin,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

HUGHES,  Patrick,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

HUGHES,  Walter  Scott,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

HUGHES,  William  Earl,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

HULTER,  Dr.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

HUMMELT,  Frank,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

HUMMERT,  Edw.  W.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

HUMMERT,  Gerhard,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

HUMMERT,  Lawrence,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

HUNT,  James,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 

HUNT,  Lisle,   St.  Patrick,   Decatur. 

HUNT,  Luke  N.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

HUNTER,  Earl,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

HURLEY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

HURT,  Elmer,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

HUSS,  Edward,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

HUSS,  Frederick,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

HUTCHENS,  Norbert,  St.  John,  Carroll- 
ton. 

HUTCHESON,  Roy  Wm.,  St.  Patrick, 
Decatur. 

HUTCHESON,  W.  L.,  St.  James,  Decatur. 

HUTMACHER,  Albert,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Dieterich. 

HUTMACHER,  Carl,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

HUTMACHER,  Edward  L.,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Dieterich. 

HUTMACHER,  Joseph  C,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Dieterich. 

HUTMACHER,  P.  Joseph,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Dieterich. 


HUTTON,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

HUYEAR,  Harry  Tony,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

HYLE,  Raymond  A,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

IMMENGA,  Fred,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

IMMING,  Edward,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

IMMING,  Harry,  St.  Joseph,  Meppen. 

IMMING,  Leo  G.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

IMMING,  William  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Meppen. 

INTSCH,  Albert,  St.   Fidelis,  Arenzville. 

IPPOLITO,  Joseph,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

IPPOLITO,  Louis,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

IPPOLITO,  Pasquel,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

IRELAND,  Eugene,  Mother  of  Dolors, 
Vandalia. 

ISERT,  John  A.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

ISERT,  John  J.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pierron. 

JACOBY,  Albert,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

JAEGER,  Albert  Adam,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

JAKUBIAK,  Boleslaus,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

JANSEN,  August,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

JANSEN,  Ben,  St.  Mary,  Green  Creek. 

JANSEN,  Rev.  Cyprian  Wm.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

JANSEN,  Fred,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

JANSEN,  John,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

JARBAC,  James,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

JARDOT,  Emil,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

JAROS,  John,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

JASECKO,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JASECKO,  Michael,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JASECKO,  Thomas,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JASECKO,  Wm.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JASPER,  John,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

JASSECK,  Carl  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

JAVENSON,  Joe,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

JENKINS,  John  Joe,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

JENNINGS,  Arnold,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

JENOT,  John,  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary, 
New  Berlin. 

JENOT,  John  F.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

JENSON,  Clem,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

JESSECKO,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JESSECKO,  Thomas,   St.    Barbara,   Witt. 

JESSECKO,  Mike,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JESSECKO,  Will,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

JOCCA,  Tito,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 


793 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


JOEHL,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

JOEHL,  Walter,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

JOEHL,  J.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

JOEING,  Jos.,    Sacred   Heart,   Effingham. 

JOHANNESMEYER,  Henry,      St.      John, 
Quincy. 

JOHN,  Edgar    G.,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 
Collinsville. 

JOHN,  Kenneth,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

JOHN,  Ralph    H.,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 
Collinsville. 

JOHNDROWS,  Jos.    H.,    St.    Mary.    Alton. 

JOHNS,     George,     O.     L.     Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

JOHNS,  John  G.,  St.  Jerome,  Black  Jack. 

JOHNSON,  Frank    P.,    St.     Mary,    Alex- 
ander. 

JOHNSON,  Jos.  P.,  St.   Patrick,  Decatur. 

JOHNSON,  Michael,  Sacred  Heart,  Frank- 
lin. 

JOHNSON,  Michael      T.,     Our      Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

JOKUBAITIS,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

JOLIE,  Leon,    Sacred    Heart,   Livingston. 

JOMBAK,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

JONES,  Christy,    SS.    Simon    and    Jude, 
Gillespie. 

JONES,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

JONES,  Paul,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

JONES,  Philip    Bernaid,    St.    Alphonsus, 
Brighton. 

JONES,  Robert      William,      St.      Joseph, 
Springfield. 

JORDAN,  Jas.   A.,    St.    Isidore,   Farmers- 
ville. 

JORDAN,     John,     Sacred     Heart,    New 
Berlin. 

JORDAN,  John,  Jr.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Pittsfield. 

JORDAN,  Thos.,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

JORDAN,  Walter,     Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

JOSEN,  Wm.  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

JOSEPH,  Wm.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

JOSEPH,  Edwin,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

JOSEPH,  Oscar,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

JOSHU,  Fred,  Sacred   Heart,  Livingston. 

JOSHU,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

JOSHU,  Toney,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

JOSSECK,  C.  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 
Springfield. 

JOTTE,  Alvin  E.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

JUDA,  Ben,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

JUDA,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

JUGANS,  John,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

JUN,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 


JUNE,  Leo,    SS.    Peter   and   Paul,    Alton. 
JURCAK,  Ladisl,    Sacred    Heart,    Virden. 
JURCH,  Andrew,    Sacred    Heart,   Virden. 
JUREK,  John,  Sacred   Heart,  Virden. 
JURGENS,  Frank,    St.    Francis,    Teutop- 

olis. 
JURGENS,  H.  J.,  Dr.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KABBES,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Green  Creek. 
KABBES,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Green  Creek. 
RACIER,  Edw.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
KAESSEN,  Arthur      H.,      St.      Boniface, 

Quincy. 
KAHTS,  Louis,   St.   Anthony,   Effingham. 
KAHTZ,  Louis,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 
KAHTZ,  William,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 
KAISER,  Anton,     St.     John     Evangelist, 

Carrollton. 
KAISER,  John    J.,    St.    John    Evangelist, 

Carrollton. 
KAISER,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 
KAKOWSKI,  Alexander,     0.      L.      Czest- 
ochowa,  Madison. 
KALAHER,  Martin   F.,   St.   Mary  Carlin- 

ville. 
KALENDRO,  Alphonso,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 

boro. 
KALINA,  Chas.   J.,   SS.   Peter   and    Paul, 

Collinsville. 
KALLAL,  Benedict  J.,  St.  Mary,  Jersey- 

ville. 
KALLAL,  John   F.,    Holy    Ghost,    Jersey- 

ville. 
KALTENBACH,  Herbert     A.,     St.     John, 

Quincy. 
KALVIN,    Andrew,     Holy     Trinity,      Mt. 

Olive. 
KALVIN,  Geo.,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 
KAMOR,  Thomas,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 
KAMP,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 
KAMP,  Arthur    F.,    St.    Anselm,    Kamps- 

ville. 
KAMPHAUS,  Sylvester,      St.       Anthony, 

Quincy. 
KAMSCHRADER,  Irwin,     Sacred    Heart, 

Effingham. 
KANDER,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 
KANE,  Francis,     SS.     Peter     and     Paul, 

Alton. 
KANE,  George   A.,   SS.    Peter   and    Paul, 

Alton. 
KANE,  Jas.  P.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 
KANE,  Luke    J.,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Alton. 
KANE,  Matthew,     St.     John     Evangelist, 

Carrollton. 
KANE,  Patrick    L„    St.    Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 


r94 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


KANSTEINER,  Carl      G.,      St.      Francis, 
Quincy. 

KANSTEINER,  Leo   L.,    St.   Francis    So- 
lanus,   Quincy. 

KANSTEINER,  Ruben,    St.    Francis    So- 
lanus,  Quincy. 

KANSY,  Ignatius  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

KANTNER,  George    F.,    St.    Paul,    High- 
land. 

KANTNER,  Henry    E.,    St.    Paul,    High- 
land. 

KANTNER,  Theo.  F.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KAPP,  Aug.,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

KAPUSTA,  Pete,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

KASIR,  Edward      Joseph,      St.      Patrick 
Pana. 

KASTL,  Carl,     Immaculate     Conception 
Mattoon. 

KASTL,  George,  Immaculate  Conception 
Mattoon. 

KATEIVA,  Frank,     Sacred     Heart,     Liv 
ingston. 

KATHMANN,  Oscar,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy 

KAUFFMAN,  Joseph,  St.   Michael,   Sigel 

KAUFFMANN,  Eugene,  Assumption,  Ste 
Marie. 

KAUFMANN,  John,    St.    Joseph,    Carlin 
ville. 

KAUFMANN,  John  F.,  St.  Thomas,  New 
ton. 

KAUSTEINER,  Leo      L.,      St.      Francis 
Quincy. 

KAVANAUGH,  John,  St.  Augustine,  Ash 
land. 

KAWALESKY,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Pana 

KEANE,  Jos.    T.,    Sacred    Heart,    Effing 
ham. 

KEARNEY,  Morris,    St.    Mary,    Edwards- 
ville. 

KEARNEY,  Thomas,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KEARNEY,  Thos.  M.,  St.   Peter,  Quincy. 

KEARNEY,  Wm.,     St.     Mary,     Edwards- 
ville. 

KEATING,     Wm.,     St.     Bernard,     Wood 
River. 

KECK,  Sylv.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

KECKEISEN,  Carl  F.,  St.  James,  Deca- 
tur. 

KEEFNER,  Edward,      Sacred      Heart, 
Springfield. 

KEEFNER,  Hugh,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

KEEFNER,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

KEEFNER,  Irwin  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

KEEGAN,    Frank,    St.    Patrick,    Spring- 
field. 

KEEGAN,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 


KEELY,  William,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

KEENE,  Thos.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KEFALAS,  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

KEHOE,  Edw.  F.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

KEHOE,  James,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

KEIFER,  Geo.,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

KEIM,  Charles,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

KEIM,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

KEINTZLE,  Gus,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

KEKEISEN,  Carl  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

KELAHAN,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

KELLER,  Edward  H.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

KELLER,  Fred,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

KELLER,  John  A.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

KELLER,  Stephen,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

KELLERMAN,  Leo,  St.  Elizabeth, 
Mitchell. 

KELLETH,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

KELLEY,  Basil  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KELLEY,  Edward   M.,   St.    John,   Areola. 

KELLEY,  Leo,  St.  Rose,  Quincy. 

KELLEY,  S.  C,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KELLY,  Dan,  Jr.,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

KELLY,  Ed,  St.  John  Baptist,  Areola. 

KELLY,   Daniel,   St.   Michael,  Michael. 

KELLY,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KELLY,  Frank  G.,  Mother  of  Dolors, 
Vandalia. 

KELLY,  George  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

KELLY,  James  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

KELLY,  John,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

KELLY,  John  T.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KELLY,  Robert  L.,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

KELLY,   Thomas,  St.   Peter,  Petersburg. 

KELLY,  Wm.  T.,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

KELLY,  Robert  E.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

KELLY,  Thos.  A.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

KELLY,  Vincent  Michael,  St.  Mary,  Car- 
linville. 

KELMEL,  Earl  N.,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 

KEMM,  Aloys.,   St.   Anthony,    Effingham. 

KEMME.  Allie,   St.   Francis.   Teutopolis. 

KENN,  Frank,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 

KENNEDY,  James  C,  Forty  Martyrs, 
Tuscola. 

KENNBDY,  Lester,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 


795 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


KENNEDY,  Philip,  St.   Patrick,   Alton. 

KENNEDY,  Wm.  D.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

KENNEDY,  Michael  J.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

KENNEDY,  Roy,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

KENNEY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

KENNEY,  Wilfred,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

RENTER,  Bernard,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

KENTER,  Joseph,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

KENTER,  William,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

KERNER,  Leo  J.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

KERNS,  Leo  C,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

KERVIN,  Dennis  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

KERVIN,  Lawrence,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

KERWIN,  Lawrence  F.,  Imm.  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

KESL,  Joseph,  Jr.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

KESSLER,  James  F.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

KESTENDORF,  Aloys.  H.,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

KETTERER,  Walter,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KIDWELL,  James,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KIECHER,  Hugh  Thomas,  St.  Rose, 
Quincy. 

KIEL,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

KIELY,  Richard  Earl,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

KIENTZLE,  Augustus  J.,  St.  Mary,  Pitts- 
field. 

KIENTZLE,  Emmett,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

KIENTZLE,   Fred,   St.   Boniface,  Quincy. 

KIENZLER,  George  J.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

KIENZLER,  William  P.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,    Springfield. 

KILCUMMINGS,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

KILCUMMINGS,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

KILDUFF,  Dan,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

KILGORE,  Bernhard,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

KILGORE,  Chas.,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

KILHOFFER,  Dr.  H.  L.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

KILIAN,  Edw.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

KILINA,  Leo,  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville. 

KILKEARY,  Edw.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Deca- 
tur. 


KILL,  Lawrence,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

KILL,  Louis,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KILORAN,  F.  D.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

KIMUTIS,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

KINDLER,   Henry,   St.    Aloysius,    Litch- 
field. 

KINGSTON,   R.,   Imm.   Conception,   Shel- 
byville. 

KINNEY,   Leo  Edw.,   St.   Maurice,    Mor- 
risonville. 

KINSELLA,  James  F.,  St.  Jossph,  Spring- 
field. 

KINSELLA,     Richard     B.,     St.     Joseph, 
Springfield. 

KINSELLA,  W.  L.,  SS.  Peter  and    Paul, 
Collinsville. 

KIRBY,  Wm.,  Imm.  Conception,  Mattoon. 

KIRCHGESSNER,     Carl     J. ,    SS.     Petei 
and  Paul,  Springfield. 

KIRCHGESSNER,  John  G.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

KIRTS,  Lorin,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

KISSELL,  John,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gil- 
lespie. 

KITTEL,  Frank,  St.  Mark.  Venice. 

KITZMILLER,    Warren,    SS.    Peter    and 
Paul,  Alton. 

KLAAS,  Wm.,  John  Jr.,  St.  Joseph,  Mep- 
pen. 

KLAES,  Rev.  Jos.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

KLAHOLT,  Harry,    St.    Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 

KLAHOLT,   H.   T.,   SS.   Peter  and   Paul, 
Springfield. 

KLANS,  Albert  J.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KLANS,  Robert  Q.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KLAUSEN,  George,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

KLEBAN,  Frank  L.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

KLEBAN,  John,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

KLEFFNER,   Fred  W.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jer- 
seyville. 

KLEFNER,  Warren,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

KLEIN,  Joseph  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KLEIN,  Paul,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

KLEINSNITTGER,  Leo,  St.  Patrick,  Al- 
ton. 

KLENE,  Othmar  C,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KLENE,  Rudolph  F,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

KLIESNER,    Edward,    St.    Francis,    Teu- 
topolls. 

KLINNER,  Henry,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KLINNER,    Frank,    St.    Francis,    Quincy. 

KLOEVER,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KLOPPENBURG,    Carl,    SS.    Peter    and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

KLOPPENBURG,  Geo.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 


796 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OP  HONOR 


KLOPPENBURG,  Harry  M.,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul,  Springfield. 

KLOPPENBURG,  C.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

KLOTZ,  Fred,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

KLUNK,  Charles,  St.  Anselm,  Kamps- 
ville. 

KLUNK,  Michael,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

KLUNK,  Wm.,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

KNABE,  Louis,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

KNAPP,  Eugene,   St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KNAPP,  Oswald,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

KNEBEL,  Elmer  P.,  1mm.  Conception, 
Pierron. 

KNEBEL,  Osmar,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

KNEBEL,  Walter,  Imin.  Conception,  Pier- 
ron. 

KNEPLER,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

KNES,  Henry,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

KNES,  Joseph,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

KNETZER,  Adam,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

KNETZER,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

KNOTTS,  Bernard,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

KNOUS,  Joel  W.,  St.  Mary,  Alexander. 

KNOWLES,  J.  Douglas,  St.  Patricks, 
Alton. 

KNOWLES,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

KNOX,  Wm.  Geo.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

KNOX,  Thomas  B.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KNUF,  Frank  H.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KOCH,  Adam,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KOCH,  Frank,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KOCH,  Amiel  J.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

KOCH,  John  A.  Dr.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KOCH,  John  P.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KOCH,  Leo,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

KOCH,  Walter,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

KOCHIS,  John,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

KOEBBLE,  Stephen,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

KOEBELE,  Adolph  W.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

KOEBELE,  Florent  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

KOEHL,  C.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

KOEMAN,  Geo.  Hy,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

KOENIG,  Joseph,  St.  Anselm,  Kamps- 
ville. 

KOENIG,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KOENIG,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KOEPPING,    Leo,    St.    John,   Quincy. 

KOESJAN,  John,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 


KOESTER,  Lawrence,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

KOESTERIR,  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

KOETTERS,  Geo.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

KOETTERS,  Theodore,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

KOFPELI,  Rev.  John  B.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

KOHLBECKER,  Edmund,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

KOHLBECKER,  Wm.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

KOHNEN,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

KOLB,  Joseph,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

KOLB,  Sylvester,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

KOLBERER,  Albert,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenz- 
ville. 

KOLBERER,  Walter,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenz- 
ville. 

KOLDA,  Francis,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KOLEJNIC,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Vir- 
den. 

KOLLMAN,  Louis,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

KOLLMEYER,  Carl,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

KOLLMEYER,  Marcelline,  St.  John, 
Quincy. 

KOLODZIEJ,  Joseph,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

KOMAR,  Joseph,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

KOMAR,  Thomas,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

KONIAK,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

KONRAD,  David  H.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

KOPJO,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

KORBAR,  Francis,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

KORDE,  John  Lve  (?),  St.  Mary,  Alex- 
ander. 

KORTE,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Green  Creek. 

KOSALKO,  Andrew,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

KOSLOWSKI,  August,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

KOSLOWSKI,  Wm.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

KOTTENDORF,  Jos.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KOVAL,  John,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

KOVAL,  Stephen,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

KOYNE,  Thomas,  St.  Bartholomew,  Mur- 
rayville. 

KOZIELEK,  Franciscus,  O.  L.  Czes- 
tochowa, Madison. 

KRAEMER,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City 

KRAEMER,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

KRAJUAK,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

KRASAUSKIS,  Frank,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

KRATCHNER,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KRATZMEYER,  Raymond  Sylvester,  As- 
sumption, Ste.  Marie. 


797 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


KRAUS,      Andrew      J.,      Sacred      Heart, 

Springfield. 
KRAUS,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 
KRAUS,  L.  H.,  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville. 
KREID,  Chas.  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 
KRE1D,    Joseph     Frederick,     St.     Mary, 

KREINBERG,  Edw.  H.,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

KREMER,  Bernard,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

KREMER,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

KREMPASKI,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Vir- 
den. 

KRENIG,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

KRESS,  Walter,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

KREUITER,  Henry,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

KREUITER,  John,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

KRISTIAN,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KRITE,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

KRIVAN,  Paul,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

KRIVEN,  Joe,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

KROEGER,  Geo.  L,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

KROEGER,  Henry  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KROEGER,  Joseph,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KROES,  John,  Jr.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

KROGEMAN,  Walter,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

KRONER,  Albert  F.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

KRONER,  August,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

KRUEGER,  Bernard,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

KRUEGER,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

KRUEGER,  Wm.,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

KRUG,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

KRUG,  Robert  E.,  St  Patrick,  Alton. 

KRUGER,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

KRYSTIAN,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KRYSTIAN,  Matthew,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KUBAYKO,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

KUBAYKO,  Andrew,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

KUBAYKO,  Leo,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

KUCHAR,  Harry  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KUDERKO,  Anthony,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

KUEPLER,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

KUERSCHER,  Albert,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

KUERSCHER,  Joseph,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 


KUHNS,  Ruben,  Sacred  Heart,  Effing- 
ham. 

KUKOVICH,  Joseph,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

KUMLE,   Fred,  St.  Mary,  New  Berlin. 

KUNKEL,  Charles  E.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

KUNTZ,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

KUNZWEILER,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

KURMAN,  B.  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

KUROPACK,  Andrew,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

KURTZ,  Virgil,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

KURZ,  Fred  W.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

KURZ,  Frank,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

KURZ,  L.  Herbert,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

KUSTERMAN,  Edward,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

KUTCHMA,  John,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

KUTCHMA,  Joe,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

KUTZERA,  Thomas,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

KUZNAIR,  Roman,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

KUZNIK,  Albert,  St.  Barbara,  Spring- 
field. 

KWIATKOWSKI,  Alexander,  O.  L.  Czes- 
tochowa, Madison. 

KYLE,  Wilbert,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

LAAKE,  A.  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

LACEY,  James,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

LACEY,  Leo  J.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

LACSON,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

LAFAUCE,  Anthony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LAFEVERE,  John,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

LAFFEY,  John  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LAFLEN,  Paul  O.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

LAHEY,  Charles,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

LAHEY,  Harry,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

LAHEY,  George  T.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

LAHY,  Leo,  St.  Luke,  Virginia. 

LAKE,  Ben,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

LA  MARSH,  H.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

LAMOTTE,  Edmund  J.,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

LAMY,  Anthony,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

LAMY,  Arthur,  St.   Boniface,   Quincy. 

LAMY,  Edmund,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

LAMY,  Maurice,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

LANAHAN,  Silverius,  St.  Louis,  No- 
komis. 

LANAHAN,  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 


798 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


LANAHAN,  S.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

LANAHAN,  Thomas,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

LANAUSKAS,  Geo.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LANDENBERGER,  Albert,     St.     Joseph, 
Springfield. 

LANDMAN,  Henry,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

LANDOLT,  Emll,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

LANG,  Chas.   J.,   Assumption,    Litchfield. 

LANGAN,  Edward,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion,  Pittsfield. 

LANGAN,  Francis,    St.    Mary,    Mt.    Ster- 
ling. 

LANGAN,  Michael,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

LANGEL,  Florent  A.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

LANGEL,  Frank  J.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

LANGEL,  Paul  B.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

LANGEN,  Cletus,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

LANGEN,  John    L.,    St.    Raymond,    Ray- 
mond. 

LANGEN.  S.  C,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

LANGEN,  William,     St.     Maurice,     Mor- 
risonville. 

LANGER,  Edward,    St.    Anselm,    Kamps- 
ville. 

LANGER,  Louis,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

LANGHEIM,    Paul,   St.    Catherine,     Vir- 
den. 

LANSING,  Albert  B.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

LANSING,  Ralph,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

LANZA,  Bruno,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

LAPINSKI,  Victor,    O.    L.    Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

LAPPIE,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

LARABEE,  Edw.,     Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

LARCHER,  Frank,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

LARCHER,  John,    SS.    Simon    and    Jude, 
Gillespie. 

LARKIN,  Ford,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

LARKINS,  William  F.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

LARNS,  Stanley,  St.  Mary,  Lovington. 

LASCODY,  Michael      F.,      St.      Barbara, 
Springfield. 

LASHMET,  Earle,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

LAU,  Theodore,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

LAUER,  Harry    T.,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
LAUER,  John,     St.     Boniface,     Edwards- 

ville. 
LAUERS,  Henry,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
LAUGEL,  Chas.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 
LAUGEL,    Frank,    St.    Clara,    Altamont. 


LAUGEL,     Francis     P.,     Sacred    Heart, 

Panama. 
LAUGEL,  Paul,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 
LAUGHLIN,  M.   T.,    Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
LAUGHLIN,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 
LAUNDRZ,  Edw.,   St.   Mark,  Winchester. 
LAURANT,  Louis,    St.    Francis,    Jersey- 

ville. 
LAURENCE,  Allen     E.,    SS.     Peter    and 

Paul,  Alton. 
LAUX,  Carl,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
LA  VERY,  Vincent,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 
LAW,  John    A.,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Mattoon. 
LAWLER,  Frank,     Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
LAWLER,  Frank   (now  Rev.)    St.   Peter, 

Quincy. 
LAWLER,  J.  Warren,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 
LAWLER,  Roy,    St.    Mary,   Mt.    Sterling. 
LAWLESS,  James,       St.       Bartholomew, 

Murrayville. 
LAWLESS,  Moran,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
LAWLESS,  Richard,      St.      Mark,      Win- 
chester. 
LAWLISS,  Edward,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 
LAWRENCE,  Allen    E.,    SS.    Peter    and 

Paul,  Alton. 
LAWSON,  Charles,    St.    Mary,    Edwards- 

ville. 
LAWSON,  Grant,  St.  Mary,  Neoga. 
LAYENDECKER,  Frank,    Sacred    Heart, 

Springfield. 
LAYENDECKER,  John  H.,  Sacred  Heart, 

Springfield. 
LAZZERI,  David,  St.    Vincent    de    Paul, 

Springfield. 
LEACH,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 
LEACH,  Leon,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 
LEADY,  Henry  P.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
LEADY,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
LEADY,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 
LEAHEY,  Frank  T.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 
LEAHY,  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
LEAHY,  Frank,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Ber- 
lin. 
LEAHY,  Jos.,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland. 
LEANE,  Edward,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
LEARY,  Wayne,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 
LECHTENBERG,  Leo,     St.     Franc  i  8, 

Quincy. 
LECHTENBERG,    Wm.    T.,    St.    Mary, 

Quincy. 
LECOCQ,  Jules,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
LEE,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 


799 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


LEE,  John  M.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

LEESON,  James  L.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
vllle. 

LEESON,  John  L.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

LEGIUNE,  Lee,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson. 

LEGRU,  Florimond  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

LEHENY,  Everett  F.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

LEHNEN,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

LEHNEN,  Fred  P.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LEHNEN,  Hugo  B.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LEHR,  Edward,  St.  Anselm,  Kampsville. 

LEINHART,  Alex.  J.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

LEISE,  John  W.,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

LEITNER,  Frank  R.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

LEITSCHUH,  Edward,  St.  A  1  o  y  s  i  us, 
Litchfield. 

LEITSCHUH,  Otto,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

LENANE,  John,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

LENANE,  Thomas,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

LENZ,  Charles  W.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

LENZ,  Edward,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

LENZ,  Nicholas,   St.   Anthony,   Quincy. 

LEONARD,  Edw.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

LEOTTA,  Joseph,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

LESCH,  Bernard,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

LESMAN,  Elmer  W.,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 

LEUTENMEYER,  Carl  T.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

LEVO,  Edward,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

LEVORA,  Joseph,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

LEVORA,  L.  C,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

LEVORA,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

LEVORA,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

LEX,  Frank  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LEX,  John  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LEX,  Leonard,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LEYDEN,  E.,    St.    Joseph,    Granite    City. 

LEYDEN,  S.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

LIBBY,  John,   St.   Patrick,   Springfield. 

LIDDLE,  Clyde,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 


LIDSTER,  Clifford,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

LIEBLER,  Samuel,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant- 
fork. 

LIEBLER,  Walter   G.,   St.   Jerome,  Troy. 

LIESEN,  Henry,   St.   Mary,  Quincy. 

LIKONZONE,  Dore,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

LILEIKIS,  Wm.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LINGIS,  Jos.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LINK,  Albert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Spring- 
field. 

LINK,  Dr.  E.  K.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

LINK,  James  A.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

LINK,  Dr.  Joseph,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

LINK,  Stephen  J.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

LINNEMAN,  Otto  C,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

LIPPOLOT,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

LIPSMIRE,  George  F.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

LIPSMIRE,  Wm.  M.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

LISCH,  Louis,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

LITZELMANN,  Justin,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

LITZELMANN,  Eustace,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

LITZELMANN,  Leo,  Assumption,  *te. 
Marie. 

LOBMIER,  Arthur,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

LOBMIER,  Frank  J.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

LOCHRANE,  John,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

LOCKER,  Joseph  N.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

LOCKHART,  Leo  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

LOCKMAN,  Leo  T„  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

LOENKER,  Hy  F.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

LOESER,  Edward  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

LOFTUS,  E.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

LOFTUS,  Ernest,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

LOGGINS,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

LOGNER,  Frank,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

LOGNER,  Louis,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

LOHEY,  Robert  L.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 


800 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


LOHMANN,  P.  A.,  Jr.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

LOHMANN,  John,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 
Collinsville. 

LONDRIGAN,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LONDRIGAN,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LONDRIGAN,  Wm,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LONEGRAN,  Thomas,  St.  Bartholomew, 
Murrayville. 

LONEGRAN,  William,  St.  Bartholomew, 
Murrayville. 

LONERGAN,  W.  P.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

LONG,  Albert,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

LONG,  Earl,  SS.  Peter  and   Paul,  Alton. 

LONG,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

LONG,  William,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

LORDEN,  Raymond,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LORETH,  Jacob,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

LORETH,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

LORSBACH,  Geo.,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

LORSCH,  John,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

LORSCHEIDER,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

LORSCHEIDER,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

LOVEJOY,  Lester,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

LOVETT,  Joseph,   St.   Mary,  Taylorville. 

LOYET,  Ben  J.,  St.  Jerome,  Black  Jack. 

LUBBE,  Albert  J.,   St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

LUBBE,  Rudolph,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

LUCAS,  Pierce,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

LUCEKER,  Frank,  St.  Alphonsus,  Brigh- 
ton. 

LUCKEN,  Fred,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

LUDWIG,  Edward  A.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

LUDWIG,  Fred,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

LUDWIG,  John  H.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

LUDWIG,  Wm.,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

LUKEMAN,  Elmer,  Sacred  Heart,  Frank- 
lin. 

LUNDACK,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

LUNEEN,  Clement,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

LUSCODY,  Michael,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LUSTIG,  Edgar  E.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Dieterich. 


LUSTIG,  George,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

LUSTIG,  Herbert  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

LUSTIG,  Lawrence,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Dieterich. 

LUTRICHS,  Edw.,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

LUTZ,  John  P.  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

LUX,  Emil,  St.  Elizabeth,  Mitchell. 

LUX,  Joseph,  St.  Elizabeth,  Mitchell. 

LUZZIE,  Raymond,  Sacred  Heart,  Pan- 
ama. 

LYMAN,  Edward,  St.  Jose-h,  Springfield. 

LYMAN,  Frank,   St.    Joseph,   Springfield. 

LYNCH,  Allan,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

LYNCH,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

LYNCH,  John,  St.  Joseph,   Springfield. 

LYNCH,  John  W.,  St  Patrick,  Pana. 

LYNCH,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

LYNCH,  Wm.  Michael,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

LYONS,  A.  J.,  St.  John,  Areola. 

LYONS,  Edward,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

LYONS,  Edwin,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

LYONS,  Harry,  All  Saints,  Whitehall. 

LYONS,  Jas.,  All  Saints,  Whitehall. 

LYONS,  Roy,   St.   Denis,  Shipman. 

McANARNEY,   M.,  Arthur,    St    Isidore, 
Farmersville. 

McANDREW,  Ford,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

McANDREW,  W.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

McASEY,  Edward,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

McAVENCE,  Ed,  St.  John  Baptist,  Ar- 
eola. 

McAVOY,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

McBRIDE,  Alex,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

McBRIDE,  Dan,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Shelbyville. 

McBRIDE,  Ed,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Shelbyville. 

McBRIDE,  Frank,  Assumption  B.  V.  M., 
Litchfield. 

McCABE,  Edward,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

McCAFFREY,  Owen,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

McCAMBRIDGE,  Harry  S.,  St.  Joseph, 
Granite  City. 

McCARROLL,  Bryan,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

McCARROLL,  Edward,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

McCARROLL,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  Al- 
ton. 

MCCARTHY,  Cornelius  J.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 


801 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IX    ILLINOIS 


MCCARTHY,   David,   St.   Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 
MCCARTHY,   E.,   St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

MCCARTHY,  Edward,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

MCCARTHY,  Glenn,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MCCARTHY,  Gregory,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

MCCARTHY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 
MoCARTHY,   Justin,   St.   Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

MCCARTHY,   Leo   L.,    Immaculate    Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

MCCARTHY,  M.  P.,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

MCCARTHY,     Patrick     W.,   St.     Joseph, 
Springfield. 

MCCARTHY,  Richard,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MCCARTHY,    William    D.,    St.     Charles, 
Charleston. 

McCLORY,  Anthony,  St.  Patrick,    Trow- 
bridge. 

McCLORY,    Guy    Thomas,    St.     Patrick, 
Trowbridge. 

McCLORY,    Regis,    St.    Patrick,     Trow- 
bridge. 

McCLOSKEY,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

McCLOSKEY,  Louis,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

McCORMICK,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

McCORMICK,     John      D.,      St.      Joseph, 
Springfield. 

McCORMICK,  Lester,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

McCOY,  Paul  C,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

McCOY,   Wm.   B.,   Sacred   Heart,   Effing- 
ham. 

McCREA,   J.   Nash,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion,   Springfield. 

McCREADY,     Arthur     C,     St.     Maurice, 
Morrisonville. 

McCUE,   Frank  A.,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

McCUE,   James   C,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion,  Springfield. 

McCUE,  John  A.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

McCULLOUGH,  Joseph   T.,   St   Thomas, 
Newton. 

McCULLOUGH,  Paul,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

McCURLEY,   Elmer,   St.  Joseph,   Spring- 
field. 

McDANIEL,    Douglas    H.,     St.     Patrick, 
Pana. 

McDEIRTH,  Thos.  A.,  St.  Ann,  Edgewood. 

McDERMOTT,   Hugh,   Visitation,   Illiopo- 
lis. 

McDEVITT,  Thos.,  St.  Ann,  Edgewood. 

McDOLE,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

McDONALD,     Ignatius,     Sacred     Heart, 
Divernon. 


McDONALD,  James  L,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

McDONOUGH,  James  W.,  St.  John  Evan- 
gelist,  Carrollton. 

McELROY,  Cosby  (colored),  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul,  Alton. 

McEVOY,  R.  L,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

McGARRAHAN,  Geo.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

McGARTLAND,  Ira,  St.  Peters,  Quincy. 

McGARY,  Fred,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

McGAVIC,  Adrian,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

McGEE,  Herman,  St.  Joseph,  Meppen. 

McGEE,  Paul,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

McGERTY,  Frank,  St.  Charles,  Charles- 
ton. 

McGINNIS,  Alfred,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

McGINNIS,  Edw.  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

McGINNIS,  John  F.  Jr.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

McGINNIS,  P.  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

McGINNIS,  William,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

McGLENNON,  Edward,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

McGLENNON,  Michael  J.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

McGRATH,  Daniel,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 

McGRATH,  John  D.,  St.  Stanislaus, 
Macon. 

McGRATH,  Thos.  L.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

McGRAUGH,  Edw.  P.,  St.  Augustine, 
Ashland. 

McGRAUGH,  Harry,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

McGRAW,  Edw.  J.,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

McGUIRE,  Bernard,  St.  Mark,  Win- 
chester. 

McGUIRE,  Frank,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

McGUIRE,  John,  SL  Mark,  Winchester. 

McGUIRE,  John  J.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

McGUIRE,  Joseph,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

McGUIRE,  Leo,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

McGUIRE,  Louis,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

McGURK,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

McGURK,  Miles,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

McHALE,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

McHALE,  John,  St  Patrick,  Alton. 

McHENRY,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 


802 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


McHUGH,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

McHUGH,  Joseph,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

McINTYRE,  Patrick,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

McKEEVER,  Archie,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

McKENNA,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

McKENNA,  Thomas,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

McKENNEDY,  Earl,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

McKENNEDY,  Francis,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

McKEON,  Harry,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

McKERNAN,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

McLANE,  Albert  T.,  St.  John,  Areola. 

MCLAUGHLIN,  Eugene  T.,  St.  Agnes, 
Springfield. 

MCLAUGHLIN,  Jas.,  St.  Benedict, 
Auburn. 

MCLAUGHLIN,  James,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

MCLAUGHLIN,  John,  St.  Benedict,  Au- 
burn. 

MCLAUGHLIN,  Jos.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

McLEAN,  Martin  F.,  St.  Isadore,  Far- 
mersville. 

McLEAN,  Owen  R.,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

McLONI,  Albert,  St.  John  Baptist,  Ar- 
eola. 

McMAHON,  Edward,   St.   Patrick,  Alton. 

McMAHON,  James  P.,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

McMAHON,  John,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

McMANUS,  Harry,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

McMANUS,  James,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

McMANUS,  Joseph,  St.  Catherine,  Vir- 
den. 

McMANUS,  Jos.  B.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

McMEANS,  Leo,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

McMULLEN,  Irvin  L.,  St.  Ubaldus,  New 
Douglas. 

McMULLEN,  Wm.  P.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

McNABB,  Robt.  W.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

McNEFF,  John  F.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

McNEFF,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

McPHEARSON,  Chas.,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

McPHERSON,  Sebastian,  St.  Joseph, 
Benld. 

McQUEN,  Wm.,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

McSHERRY,  Ned,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

McSORLEY,  Joe,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

McWHINNIE,  J.  D.,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

MACKEY,  John  F.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 


MACREIEWSKI,  Daniel  U.,  Assumption, 
Litchfield. 

MADDEN,  Edw.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

MADDEN,  James,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

MADDEN,  John,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

MADER,  John,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

MADIGAN,  Dan,  St.  Isadore,  Bethany. 

MADIGAN,  Patrick,    St.   Michael,   Hume. 

MADISON,  Albert,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

MADISON,  Harvey,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

MADISON,  Vincent,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

MAGGIO,  Peter,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MAHENY,  D.  J.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

MAHONEY,  Byron  Joseph,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

MAHONEY,  Edward,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

MAHONEY,  Ed.  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MAHONEY,  Harry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MAHONEY,  Patrick  J.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

MAHONEY,  Paul,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

MAHONEY,  Thos.  F.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

MAIER,  Charles,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

MAIER,  Frederick,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

MAIER,  Otto,  Sacred   Heart,  Springfield. 

MAILSYK,  Peter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MAIS,  Edgar,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

MAJERNIK,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart, 
Virden. 

MAJOR,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

MALAKER,  Anton  J.,  St.  Barbara,  Spring- 
field. 

MALLEY,  Chas.  J.,  St.  Rose,  Quincy. 

MALLEY,  John,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

MALLMAN,  Carl,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MALLMAN,  Tony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MALLON,  Chas.  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MALLON,  Harry,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

MALLON,  Leo,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

MALLOY,  F.  P.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MALLOY,  Henry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 


803 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


MALLOY,  Walter,    St.    Patrick,    Decatur. 

MALONE,  Edward  P.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

MALONE,  John,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Shelbyville. 

MALONEY,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MALONEY,  Henry  P.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

MALONEY,  Edward,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

MALONEY,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MALONEY,  James,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

MALONEY,  Joseph,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

MALONEY,  Joseph  V.,  St.  Bartholomew, 
Murrayville. 

MALONEY,  Leo  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

MAMMOSER,  Albert  Philip,  St.  Joseph, 
Island  Grove. 

MAMMOSER,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

MAMMOSER,  John  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

MANDEVILLE,  John,  St.  Bartholomew, 
Murrayville. 

MANDEVILLE,  Thomas,  St.  Barthol- 
omew, Murrayville. 

MANDEVILLE,  Thos.  S.,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

MANION,  Emmet,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MANION,  Wm.  S.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MANNING,  Francis,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

MANNING,  Paul,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MANNIX,  Ernest,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MANNS,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MANNS,  George,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

MANNS,  Louis  C,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

MANS,  Chas.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MANTOR,  Frank  J.,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 

MARADA,  Anthony,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

MARADA,  Frank,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

MARCH,  Joseph,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

MAREK,  Bro.  Martin,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

MARINER,  Paul,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

MARKERT,  Anthony,  St.  Peter,  Peters- 
burg. 

MARKET,  Anton  Frank,  St.  Alexius, 
Beardstown. 

MARKOVICH,  J.,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

MARKS,  Albert,  St.  Catherine,  Hag- 
aman. 


MARKS,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

MARKUS,  John,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

MARKUS,  Norbert  W.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MARMION,  Francis  D.,  St.  Clara,  Alta- 
mont. 

MAROLD,  Frank  H.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

MARSCHING,  Michael,  St.  Anselm, 
Kampsville. 

MARTIN,  Chas.  Chester,  St.  Mary, 
Quincy. 

MARTIN,  Stephen,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

MARTINI,  Andrew,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MARX,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 

MARX,  William,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

MASIC,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

MASS,  George    W.,    St.    Francis,    Quincy. 

MASSEY,  Henry  F.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

MASSEY,  Henry  L.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

MAST,  A.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

MAST,  August,   St.   Anthony,  Quincy. 

MAST,  Oscar  A.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

MAST,  Timothy,   St.   Anthony,  Quincy. 

MASULLA,  Harry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MATESEK,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

MATEYKA,  John  J.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

MATHEIS,  Albert  F.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

MATHEIS,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

MATON,  Aimable,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MATON,  Emil,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MATON,  Louis,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MATON,  Paul,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MATTINGLY,  Alonzo,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

MATTINGLY,  Bert,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

MATTINGLY,  Dency,  St.  John,  Areola. 

MATTINGLY,  Frank,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

MATTINGLY,  George  T.,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

MATTINGLY,  Raymond,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

MATTUS,  Dudley,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

MATULIS,  Joseph,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

MATZGER,  William,  St.  Mark,  Winches- 
ter. 

MAUL,  Henry  C,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MAUL,  T.,  St.   Mary,  Alton. 

MAURER,  Oscar,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

MAURER,  A.  L,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 


804 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


MAURICE,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

MAUS,  Chas.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MAUTON,  Frank,  St  John,  Coffeen. 

MAUTON,  Walter,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 

MAXEINER,  George,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

MAY,  Daniel  H.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

MAY,  Raymond,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MAY,  Sylvester,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

MAYBURY,  Alfred,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MAYER,  G.  F.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

MAZZEPELLI,  Guiseppi,  St.  Mary,  Paw- 
nee. 

MEAKER,  Anton,  St.  Barbara,  Spring- 
field. 

MEANS,  Richards,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

MEANY,  Chas.,  St.   Barbara,  Springfield. 

MEDLER,  Tom,    St.    Michael,    Staunton. 

MEDLEY,  Elijah   K.,    St.    Patrick,    Pana. 

MEDLEY,  John  Andrew,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

MEDOED,  Michael,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

MEEHAN,  John,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 

MEEHAN,  Owen,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

MEEHAN,  Wm.,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

MEEHLING,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

MEEHLING,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

MEHOCHKO,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

MEIS.  Edsrar  T.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

MEISTER,  Henry  Edw.,  Forty  Martyrs, 
Tuscola. 

MEISNER,  Leo  E.,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 

MEISTER.  Edwin  F.,  Forty  Martyrs,  Tus- 
cola. 

MELLEN,  Neal,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

MELLERT,  Jos.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

MELODY,  Jack  J.,  St.  Charles,  Charles- 
ton. 

MELTON,  Miles  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MENACHER,  Geo.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

MENKE,  Carl  W.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

MENKE,  Cletus  W.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

MENKE,  John,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

MENKE,  Jos.,  Jr.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

MENKE,  Leonard,  Assumption,  S  t  e  . 
Marie. 

MENNE,  Arthur,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

MENNE,  Wm.  G.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

MENNEKIN,  Ernest  H.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MENSE,  Hugh,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MENSKE,  Frank  A.,  St.  Boniface.  Quincy. 

MENSKE,  Joe  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 


MENSKI,  Albert  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

MENSKI,  Alois  H.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

MENTEL,  Adam  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MENTH,  John,  St.  Francis,  Jerseyville. 

MERIN,  James  H.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

MERKLE,  Clarence,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MERKLE,  Leo  M.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MERSINGER,  George,  St.  Jerome,   Troy. 

MERSINGER,  Philip,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

MERTENS,  August  H,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

MERTZ,  Wm.,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 

MERZ,  George,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

MERZ,  Henry,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

MESCHER,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MESKER,  Louis  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MESKIL,  William,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

METTENDORF,  Louis  Joseph,  St.  Pat- 
rick, Trowbridge. 

METZ,  Frederick,   St.   Patrick,   Alton. 

METZ,  Otto,   St.   Boniface,   Edwardsville. 

METZGAR,  Albert  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

METZGAR,  Robert  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

METZGAR,  Walter,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

METZLER,  Peter,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

METZROTH,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MEUTH,  John,  St.  Francis,  Jerseyville. 

MEYER,  Bernard,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MEYER,  C.  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

MEYER,  Edward,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

MEYER,  Edward,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Dieterich. 

MEYER,  Edw.  H.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MEYER,  Edward  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

MEYER,  Fred,    St.    Anselm,    Kampsville. 

MEYER,  Harry,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Dieterich. 

MEYER,  Henry,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

MEYER,  Henry,  Holy  Ghost,  Jerseyville. 

MEYER,  Jess,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 

MEYER,  Lawrence,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

MEYER,  William,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MEYER,  Sam,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

MEYER,  Wm.   E.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

MEYERS,  Carl,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

.MEYERS,  Chas.  A.,  Mother  of  Dolors, 
VaD^alia. 

MEYERS,  F.  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Green  Creek. 

MEYERS,  Fred,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 


805 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


MEYERS,  Fred  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MEYERS,  Fred,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

MEYERS,  George,  St.  Mary,  Neoga. 

MEYERS,  Dr.  Henry  A.,  Mother  of  Dolors, 
Vandalia. 

MEYERS,  Jesse  A.,  St.  John,  Coffeen. 

MEYERS,  John,  St.   Francis,  Teutopolis. 

MEYERS,  Wm.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MICHAEL,  Aloysius  D.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

MICHAEL,  Charles,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MICHAEL,  John  R.,  St.  Mary,  Assump- 
tion. 

MICHAEL,  Robert,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MICHAEL,  Roman,   St.   Francis,   Quincy. 

MICHAELS,  Charles  B.,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

MICHEALREE,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Ef- 
fingham. 

MICHEALREE,  R.  M.,  Sacred  Heart,  Ef- 
fingham. 

MICHL,  John  E.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

MICHL,  John,  St.  Valentine,   Bend. 

MICHL,  Paul,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

MICHL,  Wm.,  Jr.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

MICHLICH,  John,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

MICHOLETTI,  James,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

MICKENBIER,  Joseph  L.,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

MICKENBIER,  Leo  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MICKENBIER,  Leonard,  St.  Patrick, 
Pana. 

MIDDEN,  Henry  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

MIDDEN,  Norman  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

MIDDENDORF,  Albert,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

MIDDENDORF,  Henry,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MIDDENDORF,  Leo.  H.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MIDDENDORF,  Raymond,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MIDDENDORF,  Roger,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MIDDENDORF,  Wm.  R.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

MIGUELEZ,  Tony,    St.    Agnes,   Hillsboro. 

MILBUT,  Phil  S.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

MILLARD,  Jos.  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

MILLER,  Andrew,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

MILLER,  B.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

MILLER,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MILLER,  Fred,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

MILLER,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 


MILLER,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

MILLER,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

MILLER,  Louis  F.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

MILLER,  Paul  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MILLER,  Peter,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

MILLER,  Peter  A.,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

MILLER,  S.  A.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

MILLER,  Victor,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

MILLOT,  Ormand  S.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MILNARCIK,  John,  St.  Michael,  Staun- 
ton. 

MINCH,  Frank  M.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

MINCH,  Frank,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

MINCH,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

MINDER,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MINDER,  Manford,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MINDER,  Sebastian,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

MINDER,  Springer,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MINDRUP,  Herman,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

MINNOCK,  Albert,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

MINOGGI,  Albert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MITCHELL,  Charles,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

MITCHEL,  Earl,  Sts.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

MITZEL,  Francis  A.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jer- 
seyville. 

MIZEUR,  Fred  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MOAKLEY,  Louis,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MOCHENROSE,  Clarence,  Mother  of 
Dolors,  Vandalia. 

MOCKLER,  William,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

MOENNING,  Albert,  St.  Francis.  Quincy. 

MOFFITT,  George,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

MOFFITT,  James,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

MOFFITT,  Paul  J.,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

MOLINAR,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

MOLLENBROOK,  Albert,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

MOLLER,  Cyril  H.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

MOLLOY,  Henry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Al- 
ton. 

MON,  Fred,  St.  Charles,  Charleston. 

MONAHAN,  Matthew,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

MONCHTON,  Charles,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

MONCHTON,  Leo,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

MONCKTON,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 


806 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


MONCKTON,  Lewis,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

MONCKTON,  William,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

MONDIN,  Angelo,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

MONNEY,  B.  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MONTAGUE,  John,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

MOONEY,  Arthur,  Sacred  Heart,  Di- 
vernon. 

MOONEY,  Jas.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MOONEY,  T.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MOONEY,  Thomas,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MOORE,  Bernard,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MOORE,  Bernard,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

MOORE,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

MOORE,  Clarence,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MOORE,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

MOORE,  George  John,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

MOORE,  James,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

MOORE,  James  Charles,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

MOORE,  James  D,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

MOORE,  Jas.  D,  St.  John,  Medora. 

MOORE,  William,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

MOORE,  William  Milton,  St.  John  Evan- 
gelist, Medora. 

MORAN,  Leo  C,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

MORAN,  Michael  C,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

MORGAN,  Leo  Joseph,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

MORGAN,  William,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MORIARITY,  James  E.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

MORIARTY,  John  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Deca- 
tur. 

MORKEN,  Walter  L.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

MORON,  B.,  St.  John,  Areola. 

MORON,  M.,  St.  John,  Areola. 

MORONEY,  Maurice,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

MOROSS,  Joseph,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

MOROVKO,  Emmett,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MORRELL,  Wm.,  Jr.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

MORRIS,  Arthur,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

MORRIS,  Evan,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

MORRIS,  George,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

MORRIS,  James  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

MORRISSEY,  Edmond,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 


MORRISSEY,  James,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

MORRISSEY,  James,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

MORRISSEY,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

MORRISSEY,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

MORTON,  Hughes  J.  A.,  St.  Mary,    Mar- 
shall. 

MOSCHENROSE,  Thomas,    St.    Thomas, 
Newton. 

MOSCHENROSE,    Daniel,    St.    Thomas, 
Newton. 

MOSER,  Elwood,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

MOSSMAN,  Anthony,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

MOSSMAN,  John,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

MOTTAZ,  John,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

MOTTINGLY,     Dan,     St.    John     Baptist, 
Areola. 

MOTTO,  Alex,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

MOTTO,  John,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

MOTZECK,  Anthony  J.,   St.  James,  Riv- 
erton. 

MRASAK,  Tony   J.,   St.   Patrick,   Spring- 
field. 

MUCCIANTE,  Corinzia,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

MUEHLENFELD,     Arthur,      St.      Peter, 
Quincy. 

MUEHLENFELD,    E.    A.,     St.     Boniface, 
Quincy. 

MUEHLENFELD,  Edmond,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

MUEHLENFELD,    John,     St.     Boniface, 
Quincy. 

MUELLER,   Joseph,    St.   Joseph,    Spring- 
field. 

MUFFLICK,  Ant.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

MUFFLICK,    George,    St.    Mary,     Taylor- 
ville. 

MUICK,  John,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

MUKIL,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

MULCAHY,  Danie  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MULCAHY,  Richard,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MULCAHY,  Wm.  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Buffalo. 

MULDOON,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

MULEADY,  F.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MULEADY,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MULHERIN,     Paul     F.,      Annunciation, 
Bunker  Hill. 

MULLADY,     Bernard     P.,     St.     Joseph. 
Springfield. 

MULLANEY,  Chas.  E.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MULLANEY,  John  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
MULQUIN,  Thomas,  St.    Joseph,    Island 
Grove. 


807 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


MULVANEY,  Joseph,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

MUMME,  George,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 

MUNGY,  Matt,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson. 

MUNGY,   Will,    St.    Elizabeth,   Robinson. 

MUNSTERMANN,  A.,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

MUNSTERMANN,  F.  X.,  St.  Francis, 
Jerseyville. 

MURPHY,  Edw.  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MURPHY,  Frank  E.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Springfield. 

MURPHY,  George,  SL  Isadore,  Farmers- 
ville. 

MURPHY,  Harry,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

MURPHY,  Herbert,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

MURPHY,  James,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
vllle. 

MURPHY,  James  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

MURPHY,  James  F.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

MURPHY,  Jas.  S.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

MURPHY,  John,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

MURPHY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

MURPHY,  John  Nicholas,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

MURPHY,  John  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

MURPHY,  Joseph,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

MURPHY,  Joseph  Thomas,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

MURPHY,  Leo,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

MURPHY,  Philip  J.,  St.  Alphonsus, 
Brighton. 

MURPHY,  Thos.  P.,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

MURPHY,  William,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

MURPLEY,  Edwin  I.,  St.  Bernard,  Glen- 
arm. 

MURRAY,  Clarence,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MURRAY,  Francis,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

MURRAY,  James,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

MURRAY,  James,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

MURRAY,  Martin,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

MURRAY,  Paul,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

MUSCOLINO,  Anthony,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

MUSGRAVE,  Wm.,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robin- 
son. 

MUSHOLT,  Ambrose,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

MUSHOLT,  Andrew,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

MUSOLINO,  Nicholas,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

MUSSMAN,  Harry,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 


MYER,  F.  C.  Jr.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
MYERS,    Carl,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Springfield. 
MYERS,  Jos.  C,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 
MYERS,  Wm.  F,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 
MYLES,  Earl  M.,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

NADLER,  Jos.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

NAGEL,  Edmund,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

NAGEL,  Eugene,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

NAGEL,  Oscar,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

NAGUSHEWSKI,  John,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

NASH,  Arthur  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

NASH,  Bert,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

NASH,  Richard  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

NAUGHTON,  Thomas,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

NEAL,  James,   Assumption,   St.    Marie. 

NEBE,  W.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

NEEDHAM,  Edward,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

NEEDLE,  George,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

NEEF,  P.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Spring- 
field. 

NEIER,  Gerald,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

NEIER,  Henry  W.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

NEIL,  0.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

NELSON,  Geo.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

NERKEVITCH,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

NEUDECKER,  J.  J.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

NEUDECKER,  John,  St.  Elizabeth, 
Marine. 

NEUSER,  Rudolph,   St.   Francis,   Quincy. 

NEVADUNSKI,  John,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

NE  VILLE,  James,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

NEWELL,  Edward,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

NEWELL,  James  E.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

NEWELL,  Ralph  A.,  St.  Luke,  Virginia. 

NEWMAN,  Christopher,  St.  Patrick, 
Alton. 

NEWMAN,  Philip,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

NICHTING,  Albert  F.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

NICOLETTI,  Anthony,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

NIEBREEGGE,  John,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

NIEBRUGGE,  William,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

NIEFT,  Clarence,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

NIEHAUSE,  Alvin,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

NIEHAUS,  Ewald,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 


808 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


NIEHAUS,  R.  G.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

NIEMANN,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

NIEMERG,  Anton,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop 
Creek. 

NIENDIEK,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

NIEZIENSKI,  Thomas,  O.  L.  Czesto- 
chowa,  Madison. 

NISIUS,  Peter  M.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

NISIUS,  Albert  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

NITSCHKE,  Frank,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

NITSCHE,  Geo.  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

NOETH,  Edward,  St.  Mark.  Venice. 

NOLAN,  Frank,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

NOLAN,  Frank  J.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

NOLAN,  J.  F.,  Dr.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

NOLAN,  James,  St.   Peter,  Quincy. 

NOLAN,  Lyman,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

NOLAN,  Matthew,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

NOLAN,  Thomas,   St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

NOLL,  Henry,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

NOLLEN,  Matthew,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

NONN,  C.  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

XOONAN,  John  H.,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

NOONAN,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

NORRIS,  Arthur  N.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

NORRIS,  Dillon,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

NORRIS,  Dr.  F.  A.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

NORRIS,  John,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

NORRIS,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

NORRIS,  Wm.  A.  N.,  Assumption,  As- 
sumption. 

NORRIS,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

NORRIS,  Thos.  B.,  St.  Maurice,  Morrison- 
ville. 

NORTON,  Francis,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

NORTON,  John,  St.  Alphonsus,  Brighton. 

NOVACK,  Chas.,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

NOVADUNSKI,  John,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

NOVO,  Mr.,  St.  Alphonsus,  Brighton. 

NULLY,  John,  St.   Barbara,  Witt. 

NURDIN,  Leon  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

NUSBAUM,  Eugene,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

NUXOLL,  F.  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 


OBERKFELL,  Henry  Pete,  St.  Raymond, 
Raymond. 

OBERLIN,  Harry,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

OBERT,  Anthony,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

OBERT,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

O'BRIEN,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

O'BRIEN,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

O'BRIEN,  Andrew  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

O'BRIEN,  Daniel,    St.    Boniface,    Quincy. 

O'BRIEN,  Emmet,  Assumption  B.  V.  M., 
Litchfield. 

O'BRIEN,  James  A.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

O'BRIEN,  James,  Assumption,  Assump- 
tion. 

O'BRIEN,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

O'BRIEN,  John  F.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

O'BRIEN,  John  J.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

O'BRIEN,  Patrick  H.,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

O'BRIEN,  Robert  E.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

O'BRIEN,  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

O'BRIEN,  Wm.  L.,  Assumption,  Litch- 
field. 

OCHS,  Alexus  S.,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

OCHS,  Daniel  J.,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

OCHS,  John  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

O'CONNELL,  Clarence,  St.  Bartholomew. 
Murrayville. 

O'CONNELL,  Harvey,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pittsfield. 

O'CONNELL,  Jerome,  Blessed  Sacrament, 
Springfield. 

O'CONNELL,  Joseph,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

O'CONNELL,  Wm.  R.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

O'CONNOR,  Chas.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

O'CONNOR,  John  C,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

O'CONNOR,  James,  St.  James,  Riverton. 
O'CONNOR,  M.,    Immaculate    Conception, 
Springfield. 

O'CONNOR,  Thos.  F.,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

O'DAY,    Thomas,     Sacred     Heart,     New 

Berlin. 
ODELEHR,  John  H.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 
O'DONNELL,  Harry      E.,      St.      Alexius, 

Beardstown. 


809 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


O'DONNELL,  Harry,      St.      Mark,      Win- 
chester. 
O'DONNELL,  M.    E.,    St.    Rose    of    Lima, 

Quincy. 
O'DOWD,  Thomas,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
OETEL,     Arthur,    St.     John     Evangelist, 

Carrollton. 
O'FARRELL,  Harris,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
O'HARA,  Geo.,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 
O'HARA,   Geo.,   St.   Ubaldus,   New   Doug- 
las. 
O'HARA,    Howard,    St.    Alexius,    Beards- 
town. 
O'HARE,  John   E.,   St.    Peter,   Quincy. 
O'HARE.  M.  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 
O'HEARN,  John  M.,  St.  James,  Decatur. 
O'HEARN,  Harry,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
O'HERN,   Thos.,   St.   Benedict,   Auburn. 
OHM,  Fred    (Sgt.),   Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 
OHNEMUS,  Albert,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 
OHNEMUS,     Chas.      F.,      St.     Boniface, 

Quincy. 
OHNEMUS,  Hy,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
OHNEUMUS,  Jacob,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 

Quincy. 
O'LAUGHLIN,     Hugh     P.,     St.     Joseph, 

Springfield. 
O'LAUGHLIN,      Thomas,       St.       Joseph, 

Springfield. 
OLDHAM,    Edgar,    St.    Joseph,    Granite 

City. 
OLDHAM,  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
OLLER,  Claude  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
OLPS,  Frank,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
O'MALLEY,    Lawrence,    St.    Louis,    No- 

komis. 
O'MALLEY,  Wm,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
O'MARA,   Manning,   St.   Alexius,   Beards- 
town. 
O'MARA,  Edward,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robinson. 
ONDERKO,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
ONDERKO,    Michael    Jos.,     St.     Patrick, 

Pan?. 
O'NEAL,  J.  T.,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 
O'NEIL,    Geo.,    Immaculate    Conception. 

Carlinville. 
O'NEIL,  Joseph,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
O'NEIL,  Ralph,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
O'NEILL,  Gerald  A.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
O'NEILL,  Donald  F.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
O'NEILL,  J.  H.,  Immaculate  Conception, 

Mattoon. 
O'NEILL,  John  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
O'NEILL,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 
O'NEILL,  John  J.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 


OPREMCAK,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 
ORDING,  Carl  H.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
O'REILLY,  James,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
O'REILLY,  Dr.  William,  St.  Mark,    Win- 
chester. 
OROS,  George,  Sacred  Heart,  VIrden. 
OROS,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
OROS,  Stephen,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 
O'ROURK,  Martin,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 
ORSO,   Anthony,  Assumption,   Litchfield. 
ORSO,  Joe,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Gillespie. 
ORSO,  Tony,  SS.   Simon  and  Jude,    Gil- 
lespie. 
OSTENBURG,  John,   St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
OSTENDORF,    Nicholas,    St.    Mary,     Ed- 

warrtsville. 
OSTENDORF,  William,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 

wardsville. 
OSTERHOLD,  Anton,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
OSTERHOLD,  Joe,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
OSTERMANN,  Jas.,  St.  Francis    Xavier. 

Jerseyville. 
OSTERMANN,  Joseph,  St.  John  Evange- 
list, Carrollton. 
OSTERMILLER,  Henry,  St.  Francis  Sol- 
anus,  Quincy. 
OSTHEIMER,   Frank,   Assumption   B.  V. 

M.,  Litchfield. 
OSTHOFF,  A.  A.,    St.    Anthony,    Effing- 
ham. 
OSTHOFF,  Frank  C,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 
OTTE,  Edgar,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
OTTE,  Geo.  B.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
OTTE,  Oscar,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
OTTEN,     John     Lucas,      St.      Boniface, 

Quincy. 
OTTIS,  D.   M.,    Immaculate    Conception, 

Springfield. 
OTTO,  Chas.,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 
OTTO,  Geo.,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 
OTTO,   L.    J.,    Immaculate     Conception, 

Springfield. 
OUCK,  M.  J.,  St.  John  Baptist,  Areola. 
OVERBECK,    John    J.,    St.   Anthony,    Ef- 
fingham. 
OWENS,  Harry,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 
OZANIC,  John,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 
OZANIC,    Joseph,    Ascension,    Mt.    Olive. 

PACATTE,  Edw.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

PACATTE,  Elmer,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

PADAVIC,  John,  St.   Boniface,  Quincy. 

PAINTER,  Noak  T.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

PAKARICK,  Martin,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 


810 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


PAKAUSKIS,  Albert,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

PALLFY,  J.,  O.  L.  Czestochowa,  Madison. 

PALMISANO,  Frank,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

PANERI,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

PAOLI,  Guido,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

PARADISE,  Alfred  J.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

PARADISE,  Napoleon  S.,  St.  Peter, 
Quincy. 

PARE,  Clarence,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

PARIS,  Lee,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

PARKER,  Frank  G.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

PASQUALONE,  Michele,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

PASTERICK,  John,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

PASTOR,  Andrew,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

PATTERSON,  Henry,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

PAUK,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

PAUL,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

PAULAUSKAS,  Jos.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

PAUS,  August,   St.   Patrick,  Pana. 

PAVLOCK,  Raymond,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

PAYNE,  Raymond,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

PEEK,  Rapley  T.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

PEFFERLE,  Leslie  G.,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

PEILA,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

PEKARIK,  Martin,  St.   Patrick,  Alton. 

PELLICIARI,  William,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

PEMBROKE,  John  M.,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

PENCZEK,  Julian,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

PENDGRAST,  Toni,  St.  Charles,  Charles- 
ton. 

PENNEY,  (Penne)  George,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

PENNUCCI,  Onofrio,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

PEPPERD,  Pat,  Sts.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

PERFETTI,  Chiro,  Sacred  Heart,  Pan- 
ama. 

PERINE,  Frank,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

PERINI,  Guy,  St.  Boniface,  Edwardsville. 

PERITTES,  Mike,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

PERRY,  Clement,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 


PERSHINA,  Rudolph,  St.  Barbara, 
Springfield. 

PETER,  Edwin,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

PETER,  Elvis,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

PETER,  Lawrence,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

PETERS,  Alfred,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

PETERS,  August,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

PETERS,  Frank,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

PETERS,  Henry,   St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

PETERS,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

PETERS,  John,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

PETERS,  Joseph,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

PETERS,  Lloyd,  St.  Mary,  Neoga. 

PETKUS,  John,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

PETRA,  John,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

PETRI,  Edward,  St.  Paul,  Hiehland. 

PETROKAS,  Stanley,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

PETROVICH,  Tony,  Sacred  Heart,  Di- 
vernon. 

PETRUSHUNAS,  Jos.,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

PEYLA,  Dominick,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

PEYLA,  Peter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

PFAFF,  Leo  Theodore,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

PHALEN,  August,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

PHALEN,  Geo.,  St.  Ann,  Niantic. 

PHAYER,  Chas.  J.,  St.  Marks,  Venice. 

PHAYER,  Clifford,  St.  Marks,  Venice. 

PHILLIPS,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

PHILLIPS,  Thos.  F.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

PHILLISKI,  John  P.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

PIANO,  Joe,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

PIAZZA,  Emil,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

PIAZZA,  Hugo,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

PICK,  Chas.  A.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

PICQUET,  Henry,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

PICQUET,  Walter  Eugene,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

PIEPER,  Frank,   St.    Mary,   Westwood. 

PIEPER,  Leon,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

PIEPMEYER,  Bernard,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

PIEPMEYER,  Edwin  H.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

PIERCE,  Harry  Lewis,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

PIEROTTI,  Secondo,  St.  James,  Riverton. 


811 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


PIERRE,  Rainer  G.,  Holy  Ghost,  Jersey- 
ville. 

PIJORI,  Louis,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

PILLE,  John,   Holy   Ghost,  Jerseyville. 

PINERI,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

PINSON,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

PINTER,  Michael,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

PIROK,  Joe,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

PIZZIUI,  August,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

PLANIC,  John,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

PLASKAS,  Jos.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

PLASSMEYER,  Joseph  Major,  St.  Fran- 
cis, Teutopolis. 

PLESCUISKI,  Antonio,  O.  L.  Czesto- 
chowa,  Madison. 

POCIUS,  Alex,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

PODER,  Jos.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

POELING,  Joe,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 

POEPPELMEYER,  Edward,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

POEPPELMEYER,  Frank,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

POEPPELMEYER,  Fred,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

POEPPING,  Fred  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

POHL,  Conrad  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

POHLMAN,  Bernard,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

POHLMAN,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

POHLMAN,  Herman  J.,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

POHLMAN,  John,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

POHLMAN,  Joseph  H.,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

POHORENCE,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Vir- 
den. 

POHRUSKI,  Jos.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

POIVEY,  Louis,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

POLANZ,  John,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

POLETTI,  Jos.  W.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

POLLMANN,  John,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

POMPEI,  Jos.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

POSHKA,  Tony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

POTSICK,  Andy,  St.  Stanislaus,  Macon. 

POTTHAST,  Erwin,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

POTTHAST,  Joseph,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

POTTHAST,  Oliver,  St.  Lawrence, 
Greenville. 

POUIER,  Jos.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

POWELL,  Benjamin  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 


POWELL,  Chas.  N.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

POWELL,  George  H.,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

POWERS,  Francis,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

POWERS,  Geo.  R.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

POWERS,  James,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

POWERS,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

POWERS,  Maurice,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

POWERS,  Peter,  St.  Francis  Xavier,  Jer- 
seyville. 

POWERS,  Walter  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

POWERS,  Wm.  C,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

POZNIC,  John,   St.   Agnes,   Hillsboro. 

PRANGER,  Frank,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

PRANGER,  Fred  E.,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

PRANGER,  Geo.  M.,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

PRANGER,  John  G.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

PRANGER,  Louis,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

PRANGER,  Peter  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

PRANGER,  William,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

PREBECK,  Michael,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

PREBECK,  Peter,   St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

BREGALDINE,  Chas.,  St.  Norberts,  Har- 
din. 

PREHODA,  Michael  J.,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

PRICE,  Frank,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

PRICE,  Henry,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

PRIEST,  Allien,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

PRIEST,  Hardin,   St.   Mark,  Winchester. 

PRILLMAYER,  George  C,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

PRILLMAYER,  Lewis  D.,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

PRISHMAN,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

PRITZLAFF,  Chas.  P.,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

PROBST,  Aloys  J.  M.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

PROBST,  John,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

PROBST,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

PRUEMER,  Ed,   St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

PRUEMER,  Henry,  St.  Francis,  Teuto- 
polis. 

PRYCZNSKI,  John  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Deca- 
tur. 

PUEHLE.  E.  C.  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

PUETTMAN,  John,   St.   Francis,  Quincy. 


812 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


PUMA,  Dominic,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

PURCELL,  Charles,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

PURCELL,  Francis,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

PURCELL,  John  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

PURDY,  Brian,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

PURSEU,  Thomas,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

PURSEU,  Wm.  H.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 

PURSEY,  John,  St.  Mary,  Carlinville. 

PUSKAR,  Charles,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

PUSKAR,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

PUSKAR,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

QUBAC,  John,   Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

QUINLAN,  Henry,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfield. 

QUINLAN,  Pat.,  St.  Elizabeth,  Mitchell. 

QUINLAN,  Thomas  M.,  St.  Peter  Quincy. 

QUINN,  Wm.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

QUIRK,  Jos.  L.,  St.  John,  Medora. 

QUIRK,  Wm.  P.,  St.  John,  Medora. 

RABENSTEIN,  H.  C,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

RACAITIS,  Chas.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

RACHKUS,  Anthony,  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

RAEF,  C.  A.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

RAEF,  Louis,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

RAEF,  Otto  A.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

RAEF,  Wm.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

RAFFERTY,  John  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

RAFFERTY,  Martin  J.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

RAFFERTY,  Peter  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

RAHLING,  George,    St.    Paul,    Highland. 

RAHOI,  Edw.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

RAKERS,  Geo.,  Dr.,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

RAKERS,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Oconee. 

RAKOSKAS,  Albert,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

RAMIREZ,  Benefario,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

RANDOLPH,  Vance,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

RANGE,  Jos.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

RANSFORD,  J.  Robt,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

RANSOM,  Chas.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

RAPIEN,  Henry,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant 
Fork. 


RAPP,  Jerome,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 

linsville. 
RAPP,  Walton,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 

linsville. 
RATHGEB,  Anthony,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
RATIGAN,  Daniel,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 
RATKIE,  Michael,  St.  James,  Riverton. 
RAUCH,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 
RAUKTIS,  Walter,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 

Springfield. 
RAY,  Frank  M.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
RAY,  Thomas,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
RAYCRAFT,  Lester,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 
RAYNOR,  Robert,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 
RAZAITES,  Charles,    Sacred    Heart,    Di- 

vernon. 
REAGAN,  Dennis   H.,   St.   Peter,  Quincy. 
REAGAN,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
REAGAN,  John  P.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
REAGAN,  Joseph,    St.   Peter,   Quincy. 
REAGAN,  Leo,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 
REBBE,  John,     Immaculate     Conception, 

Springfield. 
REBBE,  John  Leo,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 
REBECCA,  Joe,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
RECH,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
REDINGSON,  John,   St.   Catherine,   Hag- 

aman. 
REDINGSON,  Michael,       St.       Catherine, 

Hagaman. 
REDINGSON,  Philip,  St.  Catherine,  Hag- 
aman. 
REDINGTON,     William,     St.     Catherine, 

Hagaman. 
REDMOND,  Geo.  T.,  St.  John,  Medora. 
REDOLFI,  Frank,   SS.   Simon  and   Jude, 

Gillespie. 
REED,  Denis    J.,    Assumption    B.    V.    M., 

Litchfield. 
REED,  Frank,     Immaculate     Conception, 

Pittsfield. 
REED,  Grover,     SS.     Peter     and     Paul, 

Alton. 
REED,  Robert  C,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
REED,  Wm.    M.,    Assumption    B.    V.    M., 

Litchfield. 
REEDY,  Daniel,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
REEDY,  Daniel  L.,  St.  Isidore,  Bethany. 
REES,  Frank,  St.   Francis,  Quincy. 
REESE,  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
REESE,  Walter  A.,  SS.   Peter  and  Paul, 

Collinsville. 
REESKEN,  Anton,    St.    Francis,    Teutop- 

olis. 
REEVES,  Walter  F.,  Assumption  B.V.M.. 

Litchfield. 
REEVES,  Wm.  M.,  Assumption,  B.  V.  M., 

Litchfield. 
REGHI,  Henry,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 
REGHI,  Joseph,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 


813 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN    ILLINOIS 


REHER,  Lawrence  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

REHER,  Omar  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

REHM,  Carl,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

REICHART,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

REIDELBERGER,  Frank,  St.  Marks, 
Venice. 

REIDELBERGER,  Jos.  P.,  St.  Marks, 
Venice. 

REIFF,  Antony,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

REILLEY,  Philip,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

REILLEY,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

REILLY,  Eugene,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

REILLY,  Harvey,   St.   Patrick,  Alton. 

REILLY,  J.  Francis,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

REILLY,  James,  St.  Joseph,   Springfield. 

REILLY,  John,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

REILLY,  Thos.  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

REILLY,  Walter,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

REILLY,  William,   Ascension,   Mt.   Olive. 

REIMER,  George,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

REINEKE,  Adam,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

REINHART,  Albert,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

REINHART,  Albert,  St.  Edward,  Mendon. 

REINHART,  Walter,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

REININGER,  Frank,   St.   Patrick,  Alton. 

REIS,  Louis,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

REIS,  Michael,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

REIS,  Nicholas,  St.  Joseph,  Ramsey. 

REISCH,  Edward  L.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

REISCH,  Harry  E.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

REISCH,  Joseph  A.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

REISCH,  Louis  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

REISER,  John,    St.    Augustine,    Ashland. 

REISS,  Henry  L.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

REISS,  Louis,  Sacred  Heart,  Oconee. 

RENFRO,  Frank  W.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

RENFRO,  Walter  M.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,   Springfield. 

RENFRO,  Willis,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

RENNIER,  Geo.,  St.  Valentine,  Bend. 

RESSMAN,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

RETHINGER,  A.  R.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

REUSCHOFF,  Jos.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

REVER,  Maier,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

REVER,  William,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

REYLAND,  Alphonsus,   St.   Mary,   Alton. 

REYNOLD,  Peter,  St  Mary,  Alton. 


REYNOLDS,  Daniel,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

REYNOLDS,  Ed.  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

REYNOLDS,  Francis,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

REYNOLDS,  Joe,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

REYNOLDS,  Peter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

REYNOLDS,  Wm.  B.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

REZNICEK,  August,  St.  Mary,  Carlin- 
ville. 

REZNICEK,  Julius  Thomas,  St.  Mary, 
Carlinville. 

RHODES,  John,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

RICHARDSON,  Clement,  St.  Mary,  As- 
sumption. 

RICHARDSON,  William,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

RICHIE,  Ernest,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

RICHMOND,  Geo.  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

RICHMOND,  John  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

RICHMOND,  Lawrence  E.,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

RICKCHER,  Arnold,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

RICKCHER,  Robert,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Pierron. 

RICKCHER,  Wm.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

RICKELMANN,  Leo  F.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

RIDDER,  Carl  A.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

RIDDER,  John  S.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

RIDDER,  Joseph  S.,  St.  Mary,  Alexander. 

RIDDER,  Wm.  S.,  St.  Mary,  Alexander. 

RIEDER,  John,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

RIEDERER,  Frank,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

RIEGEL,  M.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

RIEHLE,  Edward,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

RIEMAN,  Ed.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Shelbyville. 

RIEVER,  Herman  Y.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

RIEVER,  Wm.  H,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

RIGLEY,  Thos.  J.,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

RIGLLY,  Bernard  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

RILEY,  Charles  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Pittsfield. 

RILEY,  Wm.,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

RINEY,  Charles,  St.  Patrick,  Trowbridge. 

RING,  Edward,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

RING,  Albert,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 


814 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


RING,  James   T.,   Our   Saviour,   Jackson- 
ville. 

RIPLEY,  George,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

RIPLEY,  Gregory,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

RIPLEY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

RISACKER,    Chas.,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Shelbyville. 

RITTER,  Henry  D.,   St.  Mary,  Mt.   Ster- 
ling. 

RITTER,  Wm,    Immaculate    Conception, 
Mattoon. 

ROACH,  John,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

ROACH,  Marcus  M.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

ROBB,  Mervil  J.,  St  Patrick,  Decatur. 

ROBBERS,  John  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

ROBERTS,  Chas.  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

ROBICKY,  Thomas,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

ROBINSON,      Edward,      St.       Catherine, 
Hagaman. 

ROBINSON,    Francis    P.,    Our    Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

ROBINSON,  Geo.  W.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

ROBINSON,    James    L.,     St.     Catherine, 
Hagaman. 

ROBINSON,   John,    St.   Catherine,   Haga- 
man. 

ROBINSON,  Thos.  T.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

ROBINSON,   William,   St.   Benedict,    Au- 
burn. 

ROCHE,   Bernard   F.,   St.  Agnes,   Spring- 
field. 

ROCHE,   J.   M.,   Immaculate   Conception, 
Springfield. 

ROCHICIOLI,  Wm.  J.,   Immaculate   Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

ROCHINSKY,    John,    St.    Agnes,     Hills- 
boro. 

RODERICK,  Hubert,  St.  Joseph,   Spring- 
field. 

RODESKVICH,  Anthony,  St.  Vincent    de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

RODIER,  Napolean  W.,  Assumption,  As- 
sumption. 

RODOLPH,  A.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

ROE,  Kelly,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Vandalia. 

ROEDELL,  August,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

ROEDELL,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

ROEDELL,  Louis,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

ROEHL,  Wm.  F,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

ROEHL,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
ROENTZ,  Frank,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

ROENTZ,  John,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 
ROETKER,  Henry,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 
ROETKER,  Joseph,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 


ROGERS,  John  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

ROHLING,  A.  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

ROHLING,  Geo.  H.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

ROKHER,  Joe,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

ROLF,  Clara,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

RONCHETTE,  James,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

RONEN,  James  K.,  Assumption  B.  V.  M., 
Litchfield. 

ROOK,  Wm.  O.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

ROONEY,  Andrew,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robin- 
son. 

ROONEY,  Carl,  St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy. 

ROONEY,  Elmer,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

ROONEY,  Eugene,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robin- 
son. 

ROONEY,  James,  St.  Elizabeth,  Robin- 
son. 

ROONEY,  Joseph  A.,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

ROONEY,  M.  A.,  St.  Thomas,  Newton 

RORK,  Frank  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

ROSCETTI,  Giovanni,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

ROSENWEIG,  Leo,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

ROSS,  Albert,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

ROSS,  Fred,  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville. 

ROSS,  Hugh,   St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

ROSS,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

ROSS,  John  A.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

ROSS,  Theodore,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville 

ROSS,  William,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson 
ville. 

ROSSITER,  Peter,  St.  Joseph,  Spring 
field. 

ROSSMILLER,  L.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma 

ROSSWOG,  Alex,  St.  Francis  Solanus 
Quincy. 

ROSWOG,  August  C,  St.  Francis,  Quincy 

ROTH,  Frank,  St.  Anselm,  Kampsville. 

ROTH,  Jas.  W.,  Immaculate  Conception 
Mattoon. 

ROTH,  John,  Jr.,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden 

ROTH,  Joseph  S.,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

ROTH,  Joseph,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

ROTH,  M.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

ROTH,  Noah,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

ROTH,  Stephen,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

ROTTER,  E.  W.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards 
ville. 

ROTTER,  Henry,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards 
ville. 

ROTTER,  William,  St.  Boniface,  Ed 
wardsville. 


815 


DIOCESE   OP   SPRINGFIELD    IN   ILLINOIS 


ROTTMANN,  Ralph,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

ROTTMANN,  Walter,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

ROULISH,  Adrian,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

ROUMAR,  George  W.,  St.  Al  x  u  I, 
Beardstown. 

ROUMAS,  Harry,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

ROUNDCOUNT,  Henry,  St.  Michael, 
Michael. 

ROWE,  John  L.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

ROWE,  Raymond,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

ROY,  Gilbert,  St.  Mary,  Neoga. 

ROYER,  Maurice,  Mother  of  Dolors,  Van- 
dalia. 

ROZYCKI,  Casimier,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

ROZYCKI,  Stanislaus,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

RUBEL,  Joe,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

RUEHLE,  E.  C,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

RUESCHHOFF,  Joseph  J.,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

RUESKEN,  Anton,  St.  Francis,  Teutopo- 
lis. 

RUFF,  Chas.,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

RUFFATTO,  Joseph,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

RUHOLL,  Clement,  Sacred  Heart,  Lilly- 
ville. 

RUKAS,  Frank,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

RUKIS,  Geo.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  Spring- 
field. 

RUKUS,  Stanley,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

RUMMENIE,  Carl  A.,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

RUMMENIE,  Louis,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

RUMMENIE,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

RUNDE,  Herman,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

RUPP,  Albert  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

RUPP,  Carl  G.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

RUPP,  Fred,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

RUPP,  Walter  O.  W.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

RUPPERT,  Jacob,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

RUSCIOLELLI,  Paris,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

RUSSEL,  Chas.  R.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

RYAN,  Chas.,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

RYAN,  Chas.  S.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

RYAN,  Edw.  D.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field, 

RYAN,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

RYAN,  J.  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

RYAN,  J.  R.,  St.  Bernard,  Glenarm. 

RYAN,  James  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield 


RYAN,  Leo,  St.  Gertrude,  Grantfork. 

RYAN,  Leo  F.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

RYAN,  Leo,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

RYAN,  Michael,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

RYAN,  Patrick  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,  Springfield. 

RYAN,  Ralph,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

RYAN,  Ray,  Sacred  Heart,  Franklin. 

RYAN,  Richard  Patrick,  Immacul.  te 
Conception,  Carlinville. 

RYAN,  Thomas  H.,  Immaculate  Concep 
tion,  Carlinville. 

RYAN,  Walter  B.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

RYAN,  Willie,  St.  Gertrude,  Grantfork. 

RYAN,  Wm.  F.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 

RYAN,  William  Patrick,  St.  Francis 
Xavier,  Jerseyville. 

RYNDERS,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

SADONES,  Tony,    St.    Catherine,   Virden. 

SAGE,  Ed,  St.   Charles,  Charleston. 

SANDER,  Gerard,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

SANDERS,  Robert,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

SANER,  Carl,  Sacred  Heart,  Springfield. 

SANER,  William  E.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

SANKUS,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

SARTORI,  Cornelius  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

SAUER,  Earl,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

SAUER,  Tony,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

SAUTINI,  Nicholas,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

SAWYER,  Dwight,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

SCANAVINO,  A.,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

SCANLAN,  Edwin,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

SCANLAN,  John,  St.  Thomas,  Newton. 

SCANLON,  Charles,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

SCANLON,  Peter,   St.   Catherine,  Virden. 

SCANZONI,  A.  R.,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

SCARIOT,  Giovanni,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

SCARIOT,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

SCARIOT,  Serro,   St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

SCHAB,  George,    St.    Clara,    Altamont. 

SCHABBING,  Jos.,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

SCHACKMANN,  Marie,  St.  Thomas, 
Newton. 

SCHAEFER,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

SCHAEFER,  Edgar  E.,  Assumption, 
Litchfield. 

SCHAEFER,  William  A.,  St.  Joseph, 
Carlinville. 

SCHAEPERS,  James,    St.    Mary,   Quincy. 


816 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


SCHAEPERS,  Robert     J.,     St.     Francis, 

Quincy. 
SCHAFER,  John  W.,  SS.  Peter  ana  Paul, 

Springfield. 
SCHAFFING,  Joseph,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 
SCHALLER,  Herman,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SCHALLER,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SCHATZ,  Charles  C,  St.  Ann,  Edgewood. 
SCHATZ,  Edward,     Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 
SCHATZ,  Leo  A.,  St.  Anne,  Edgewood. 
SCHAUF,  Edward,    St.     Rose    of    Lima, 

Quincy. 
SCHEFERCORT,  Wm.    J.,    Our    Saviour, 

Jacksonville. 
SCHEIBAL,  Leonard,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 

ville. 
SCHELL,   Carl   J.,    St.   Boniface,    Quincy. 
SCHELL,  Eugene,   St.   Boniface.   Quincy. 
SCHELL,  John,  St.  Lawrence,  Greenville. 
SCHELL,  Paul,    St.    Boniface,    Quincy. 
SCHENEK,  Chris,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SCHENK,  Henry  J.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SCHENK,  Ray,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SCHEPERS,  Jas.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
SCHERER,  Joseph,   SS.   Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
SCHERER,  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
SCHERER,  Louis  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
SCHERER,  Ray  C,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 
SCHEUFELE,     Jas.     Carl,     St.     Francis, 

Quincy. 
SCHEURING,  Clem     H.,     St.     Boniface, 

Quincy. 
SCHEVERS,  Leo    W.,    Immaculate    Con- 
ception, Springfield. 
SCHIBER,  John,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 
SCHIEVENIN,  James,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 
SCHINDEL,  Frank  George,  SS.  Peter  and 

Paul,  Springfield. 
SCHINDEL,  F.  J.,  SS.  Peter    and    Paul, 

Springfield. 
SCHLANGEN,  Frank    A.,     St.     Boniface, 

Quincy. 
SCHLANGEN,      Joseph,       St.       Francis, 

Quincy. 
SCHLANGEN,  Leo      B.,      St.      Boniface, 

Quincy. 
SCHLANSER,  Ferd,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 

olis. 
SCHLEEPER,  Edward,       St.       Norbert, 

Hardin. 
SCHLEEPER,  Francis,      St.      Norbert, 

Hardin. 
SCHLEEPER,  Paul,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 
SCHLEMMER,  Frank,    St.    Anthony,    Ef- 
fingham. 
SCHLEPER,  Clemens,   St.    Francis,    Teu- 

topolis. 
SCHLEPER,  Frank,  St.  Anthony,  Effine- 

ham. 


SCHLEPER,  Frank,  St.  Francis,  Teutopo- 
lis. 

SCHLER,  Edw.  J.,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

SCHLEYHAHN,  Herbert  H.,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

SCHLIFO,  Philip,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SCHLIPF,  Albert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SCHLOPTERBECK,  Frank,  St.  Clara, 
Altamont. 

SCHLOTON,  John  B.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SCHLOTTMAN,  Edw.,  St.   John,   Quincy. 

SCHLOTTMAN,  Joe,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

SCHMAELZLE,  Otto,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

SCHMERING,  Bernard  B.  G.,  St.  Bon- 
iface, Quincy. 

SCHMERMAN,  Tony,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

SCHMIDT,  Aloys,  St.  Francis,  Teutop- 
olis. 

SCHMIDT,  Auth.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHMIDT,  Anthony  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

SCHMIDT,  August,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

SCHMIDT,  Bernard  H.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

SCHMIDT,  C,   St.   Joseph,   Granite   City. 

SCHMIDT,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHMIDT,  Leo  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SCHMIDT,  Louis,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SCHMIDT,  William,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

SCHMIDT,  William,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHMIDT,  William   P.,   St.  Mary,   Alton. 

SCHMIDT,  Wm.  P.,  St.  Mary,  Carlinville. 

SCHMIEDER,  Carl,  St.  Mary,  Westwood. 

SCHMIEDER,  John,  St.  Norbert,  Hardin. 

SCHMIEZ,  Al.  B.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHMITT,  Edward  N.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul.   Springfield. 

SCHMITT,  John,   St.   Paul,  Highland. 

SCHMITT,  J.  C,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SCHMITT,  P.  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

SCHMITT,  Raymond,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

SCHMITT,  Val  E.,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

SCHMITZ,  Wm.  R.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

SCHMITZ,  Henry  R.,  Sacred  Heart,  Ef- 
fingham. 

SCHMURR,  Edw.  D,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

SCHNEERINGER,  Harry,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Alton. 

SCHNEIDER,  Carl  J.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 


817 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


SCHNEIDER,  Rev.  P.  Cyrinus,  St.  Fran- 
cis, Teutopolis. 

SCHNEIDER,  Peter  J.,  St.  James,  Riv- 
erton. 

SCHNEIDER,  Wm.,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

SCHNELT,  Wm.  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

SCHNELTEN,  Anton,  St.  John,  Carroll- 
ton. 

SCHNELTEN,  Joseph,  St.  John,  Carroll- 
ton. 

SCHNESSLER,  Frank  J.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

SCHNURR,  Edward  D,  St.  Gertrude, 
Grant  Fork. 

SCHOBERND,  John  S.,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

SCHOEBERLE,  Sylvester  F.,  St.  Alphon- 
sus,  Brighton. 

SCHOEMMER,  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

SCHOENBORN,  Adam,  Assumption,  As- 
sumption. 

SCHOENHOFF,  Albert,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

SCHOENHOFF,  Joseph,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

SCHOENHOFF,  Leo,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

SCHONHOFF,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

SCHOONHOVEN,  Allie,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

SCHOPPMAN,  Arthur,  Ascension,  Mt. 
Olive. 

SCHOPPMAN,  Carl,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

SCHRAEDER,  Geo.,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

SCHRAMECK,  Frank,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

SCHRAMECK,  Fred,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

SCHREIBER,  Julius  C,  St.  Norbert, 
Hardin. 

SCHREIBER,  Robert,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pierron. 

SCHRETTLER,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

SCHRIBER,  Robert  J.,  St.  Paul.  High- 
land. 

SCHRIBER,  Harry,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHROEDER,  Geo.  B.,  St.   Francis,  Jer- 

seyville. 
SCHROEDER,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SCHRORER,   George,   St.   Peter,   Quincy. 
SCHUAELZLE,      Otto,      St.      Charles, 

Charleston. 
SCHUAELZLE,      Carl,      St.      Charles, 

Charleston. 
SCHUCHART,  L.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 

Springfield. 
SCHUCK,  Walter  F.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul. 

Collinsville. 


SCHUESSLER,  F.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SCHUETTE,  Jos.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

SCHULLIAN,  George  E.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

SCHULTE,  Joseph,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHULTZ,  Clemens  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

SCHULTZ,  Leo  S.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 

SCHUTTE,  Clifford,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

SCHUTTE,  Laurence,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

SCHWAABY,  Arthur,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

SCHWAB,  Albert,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SCHWAB,  Albert  A.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

SCHWAB,  Anton,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 

SCHWAB,  Bernard  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

SCHWAB,  Fred,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SCHWAB,  Joseph  J.,  St.  Aloysius,  Litch- 
field. 

SCHWAB,  Peter  Matthew,  St.  Mary,  As- 
sumption. 

SCHWAGER,  Sylvester,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

SCHWARTZ,  Joseph,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

SCHWARTZEN,  Frank,  SS.  Simon  and 
Jude,   Gillespie. 

SCHWEGEL,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SCHWEHR,  Jos.,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant 
Fork. 

SCHWEIGHART,  Fred  J.,  Forty  Martyrs, 
Tuscola. 

SCHWEMMER,  Leo  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Gran- 
ite City. 

SCHWENDEMANN,  George  T.,  St.  Boni- 
face, Quincy. 

SCHWERDT,  Adolph,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

SCHWERDT,  Harry,   St.   Michael,   Sigel. 

SCHWIER,  Leslie,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

SCLICHER,  Lorraine,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

SCOTT,  Charles  C,  Holy  Trinity,  Ston- 
ingham. 

SCOTT,  D.  L.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SCOTT,  Edward  S.,  Holy  Trinity,  Ston- 
ingham. 

SCOTT,  L  B.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SCULLION,  Daniel,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

SCULLION,  Henry,  St.  Alexius,  Beards- 
town. 

SCULLY,  Elvin,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

SEAMAN,  Leo,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Carlinville. 


818 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


SEATON,  Roscoe,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

SEAY,  Leo,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

SEDLACEK,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SEDLACEK,  Mike,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SEELBACH,  John,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 

SEHY,  Jos.  P.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

SEHY,  Leo  T.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

SEIBERT,  E.,   St.   Joseph,   Granite   City. 

SEIBERT,  Geo.,  St.  Clara  .Altamont. 

SEIBERT,  L.,   St.    Joseph,   Granite   City. 

SEIBIN,  Earl,  St.  John,  Areola. 

SE1CH,  E.  C,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

SEIFERT,  Rev.  Charles,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

SEIPP,  Peter,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col- 
linsville. 

SEITZ,  Peter  A.,  St.   Paul,  Highland. 

SELINGER,  Harry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SEMANIK,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Vir- 
den. 

SEMANIK,  Nicholas,  Sacred  Heart, 
Virden. 

SENCAK,  John,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

SENGER,  Frank  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

SENGER,  Charles,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

SENKUS,  Sylvester,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SENZ,  C.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SENZ,  Philip,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SEPESY,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

SEPESY,  Joseph,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

SEPSCI,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

SERGEL,  Frank,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

SETHALER,  John,   St.   John,  Carrollton. 

SEXTON,  Stephen,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

SEYFRIT,  August  G.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

SEYFRIT,  Edward  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Car- 
linville. 

SEYFRIT,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Carlinville. 

SEYFRIT,  Michael  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Carlin- 
ville. 

SHAB,  Leo  C,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

SHACKELTON,  Wm.,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SKAEFER,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

SHAEFER,  Lloyd,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

SHAFER,  Albert  N.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SHAKEK,  Albert,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SHAKEK,  Robert,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 


SHAMHART,  Paul  S.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

SHANLE,  Carl  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Buffalo. 

SHAPERS,  Jas.  A.,  St.   Francis,  Quincy. 

SHARKEY,  Edw.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

SHARKEY,  Robert,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

SHARKEY,  Vincent,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

SHARP,  Jos.  A.,  Sacred  Heart,  Effing- 
ham. 

SHATZ,  Charles  C,  St.  Anne,  Edgewood. 

SHAUGHNESSY,  Austin,  St.  Agnes, 
Springfield. 

SHAUGHNESSY,  E.  P.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception,   Springfield. 

SHAUGHNESSY,  John,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

SHAUGHNESSY,  James  G.,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

SHEA,  Aloysius,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

SHEA,  Carl  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SHEA,  Dennis  B.,  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

SHEA,  Edward,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SHEA,  Edward  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

SHEA,  George  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SHEA,  John,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

SHEA,  Thomas  H.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

SHEA,  Walter   J.,   St.   Peter,   Petersburg. 

SHEA,  Walter  S.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

SHEA,  William  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

SHEDELONER,  Leonard,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

SHEDLBOROSC,  Joe,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

SHEDLBOWER,  Arthur,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

SHEDLBOWER,  Martin  A.,  Assumption, 
Ste.  Marie. 

SHEEAN,  Charles  W.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

SHEEAN,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

SHEEAN,  George  A.,   St.   Patrick,   Pana. 

SHEEAN,  Hugh  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

SHEEAN,  James    V.,    St.    Patrick,    Pana. 

SHEEHAN,  Edw.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

SHEEHAN,  Emmett  Leo,  St.  Patrick, 
Decatur. 

SHEEHAN,  Howard,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 


819 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN'    ILLINOIS 


SHEEHAN,  Jos.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

SI  1  KHAN,  John  G.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

SHEPPARD,  Jas.  E.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

SHERIDAN,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

SHERIDAN,  Mike,  SS.  Simon  and  Jude, 
Gillespie. 

SHERIDAN,  Phil  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

SHERLOCK,  John  F.,  St.  Maurice,  Mor- 
risonville. 

SHIELDS,  Frank  M.,  St.  Mary,  Loving- 
ton. 

SHIELDS,  John  F.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

SHIELS,  Orville,  St.  Isidore,  Bethany. 

SHINKO,  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

SHINN,  Roy,  St.  Alexius,  Beardstown. 

SHOLT1S,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

SHOLTIS,   Louis,   Sacred   Heart,  Virden. 

SHORTAL,  George,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

SHORTAL,  Harold,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

SHORTAL,  Joseph,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

SHORTAL,  Paul,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

SHRENSKY,  B.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

SHRNTNA,  R.  Geo.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

SHYMANSKIS,  Jos.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SIBBING,  Arthur,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

SIBBING,  August,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

SIBBING,  Edgar,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

SIBBING,  Hy,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

SIDLER,  Henry,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

SIDO,  Edward,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 

SIDO,  Fred,  St.  Boniface,  Edwardsville. 

SIDO,  Gregory,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SIEBERT,  Geo.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

SIEBERT,  E.  W.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SIEBERT,  Edward  W.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

SIEFRIG,  Frank,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

SIEGRETA,  H.  V.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

SIEMER,  Aloysius,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 

SIEMER,  Frank,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

SIEMER,  Fred,  St.  John  Evangelist,  Car- 
rollton. 


SIKORSKI,  Anthony,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

SILVESTRUCCI,  Michael,  St.  James,  Riv- 
erton. 

SIMBURGER,  Arthur,  Ascension,  Mt. 
Olive. 

SIMBURGER,  Lawrence,  Ascension,  Mt. 
Olive. 

SIMMERMAN,  James  R.,  St.  Luke,  Vir- 
ginia. 

SIMMONS,  Thomas,  Assumption,  Li'ch 
field. 

SIMON,  Benjamin,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

SIMON,   Jos.,    St.    Francis,    Quincy. 

SIMONIN,  Jos.  R.,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro 

SINAJ,  John,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

SINGER,  Wm.  W.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

SINSKY,  B.,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

SKARO,  Oscar,   St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

SKULTON,  Joseph,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

SLIFKO,  Geo.,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

SLOAN,  Francis  T.,  Our  Saviour  Jack- 
sonville. 

SLOAN,  Jas.  E.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

SLOAN,  John,  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville. 

SMALLWOOD,  Vincent  E.,  Assumption, 
Assumption. 

SMARGASSI,  James,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

SMENT,  Edward,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

SMENT,  Max,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

SMENT,  Vincent,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

SMITH,  Ace  H.,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

SMITH,  David,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

SMITH,  Ed,  St.  Charles,  Charleston. 

SMITH,  Eddie,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

SMITH,   Elmer,   St.  Joseph,   Bloomfield. 

SMITH,  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

SMITH,  George,   St.  Joseph,   Springfield. 

SMITH,  Jock,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

SMITH,  John,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pittsfield. 

SMITH,  John,  St.  Isadore,  Bethany. 

SMITH,  John,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

SMITH,  John  T.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SMITH,  Jos.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

SMITH,  Laurence,  Jr.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pittsfield. 

SMITH,  Lawrence  D.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

SMITH,  O.  L.,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

SMITH,  Philip,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

SMITH,  Richard,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Sterling. 

SMITH,  Dr.  Robert  E.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

SMITH,  Thos.,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

SMITH,  Thomas  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

SMITH,  Trusty,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

SMITH,  Wm.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pierron. 


820 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


SMITH,  William,  St.  Isadore,  Bethany. 

SMITH,  William,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

SMITH,  Wm.  P.  M.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

SMITH,  Willis  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SMITH,  Willis  Francis,  St.  Isadore, 
Bethany. 

SMOLA,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

SNEERINGER,  Harry,  Annunciation, 
Bunker  Hill. 

SNEERINGER,  Sylvester,  Annunciation, 
Bunker  Hill. 

SNEERINGER,  Wes,  Sts.  Simon  and 
Jude,  Gillespie. 

SNYDERS,  Clarence  Dominick,  St.  Barb- 
ara, Bachtown. 

SNYDERS,  Herman,  St.  Barbara,  Bach- 
town. 

SOBUT,  Dominic,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

SOBUT,  Tony,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

SOEBBING,  Herman,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

SOEBBING,  John  R.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

SOEHLKE,  August,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

SOEHLKE,  John  B.,  St.  Boniface,  Ed- 
wardsville. 

SOENS,  Edward,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

SOHM,  Geo.    J.,    St.    Boniface,    Quincy. 

SOHM,  Herbert,    St.    Boniface,   Quincy. 

SOKALAUSKAS,  Charles,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

SOLTIS,  Michael,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt. 
Olive. 

SOMMER,  Raymond,  Sacred  Heart, 
Oconee. 

SONNENBERG,  John,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

SOVA,  Max,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collins- 
ville. 

SPANIOL,  Harry  L.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

SPANKE,  Charles,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

SPAULDING,  Edward,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Collinsville. 

SPAULDING,  St.  Bartholomew,  Murray- 
ville. 

SPAULDING,  J.  E.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

SPELLMAN,  James,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

SPENCEBERGER,  John,  Sacred  Heart, 
Panama. 

SPENCER,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

SPENGEL,  Henry  J.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

SPENGEL,  Henry,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

SPENGEL,  Orville,    St.    Paul,    Highland. 


SPETTNAGEL,  Carl,     St.     Boniface, 

Quincy. 
SPINNER,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
SPINNER,  Louis,   St.   Agnes,   Hillsboro. 
SPISAK,     Michael,     Holy     Trinity,     Mt. 

Olive. 
SPITGER,  Leo,   Assumption,    Ste.   Marie. 
SPITZER,  Aloysius   J.,   Assumption,   Ste. 

Marie. 
SPITZER,  Edmund,     Assumption,     Ste. 

Marie. 
SPITZER,  Leo,  Assumption,  Litchfield. 
SPOHR,  Wm.,   St.   Francis,  Quincy. 
SPONSKY,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 
SPONSTER,  George,   St.   Joseph,   Spring- 
field. 
SPONSTER,  Richard,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 
SPRINGER,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
SQUIRES,  Owen,      Sacred     Heart,     D  i  - 

vernon. 
STAAB,  Hermann     W.,     Sacred     Heart, 

Springfield. 
STADELMAN,  Jos.,    Annunciation,    Bun- 
ker Hill. 
STAHL,  Geo.  E.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 
STAHL,  Geo.   H.,  Jr.,   St.   Peter,  Quincy. 
STALETS,  Albert,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
STALETS,  Frank   J.,    St.    Patrick,   Pana. 
STALETS,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
STALF,  Arthur,    St.   John,    Quincy. 
STALLETS,  Adam,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
STALLETS,  Emil,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
STALLINGS,  Edwin,  St.    Ubaldus,    New 

Douglas. 
STALLINGS,  Richard,  St.  Ubaldus,  New 

Douglas. 
STANEWEVISKY,  Enoch  J.,  St.  Patrick, 

Pana. 
STANEWISKY,     Francis,     St.     Patrick, 

Pana. 
STANISEWSKY,  Anton    G.,    St.    Patrick, 

Pana. 
STANISEWSKY,     James,     St.     Patrick, 

Pana. 
STANTNER,  J.      A.,     Assumption,     Ste. 

Marie. 
STAUDER,  Chas.  J.,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
STECKEL,  Clarence,     St.     Francis,     Jer- 

seyville. 
STECKEL,  Fred   Wm.,   Holy   Ghost,   Jer- 

seyville. 
STECKEL,  George   F.,    St.    Francis,   Jer- 

seyville. 
STECKEL,  Geo.,  St.  John,  Carrollton. 
STEFFEN,   Christ,   St.  Aloysiua,    Bishop 

Creek. 
STEFFEN,    Nick,    St.    Aloysius,    Bishop 

Creek. 
STEFFY,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 


821 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IX    ILLINOIS 


STEGEMANN,    Albert   J.,    St.     Boniface, 
Quincy. 

STEGEMANN,     Carl    Jos.,     St.     Francis, 
Quincy. 

STEGEMANN,      Ralph     H.,      St.     John, 
Quincy. 

STEGER,  Leonard  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Island 
Grove. 

STEGER,  Louis,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

STEIN,   Norman,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 
Springfield. 

STEINBACHER,  H.  J.,  St.  Francis,  Jer- 
seyville. 

STEINBRECHER,      Robert,      St.     John, 
Quincy. 

STEINEBACH,  Wm.(  St.  Francis,  Jersey- 
ville. 

STEINEGGER,    Henry,   St.    Paul,    High- 
land. 

STEINEWEG,  John,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

STEINKAMP,     Ferdinand,     St.     Francis, 
Quincy. 

STEINKAMP,    Henry    A.,    St.     Francis. 
Quincy. 

STEINKAMP,  Jos.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

STEINKAMP,  Ollie,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

STELLBRINK,     Joseph,      St.      Anselm, 
Kampsville. 

STENGEL,   Anthony,   Visitation,    Illiopo- 
lis. 

STENGEL,  Frank  J.,   St.  Agnes,   Spring- 
field. 

STENGEL,  Leo,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

STENGEL,   Ray,   St.   Patrick,  Decatur. 

STENSON,  Matthew,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

STENSON,  Walter  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

STEPHENSON,      Warren,      Immaculate 
Conception,  Mattoon. 

STEPHENSON,     Wm.     M.,     Immaculate 
Conception,  Mattoon. 

STEVENS,  Carl  L.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

STEVENSON,  Edward,  Mother  of  Dolors, 
Vandalia. 

STEVENSON,   W.    L.,   Immaculate    Con- 
ception,  Mattoon. 

STEWART,    George,    St.   Joseph,    Carlin- 
ville. 

STEWART,      Michael      L.,      Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

STICKEL,    Clarence,    All    Saints,    White- 
hall. 

STIEGLER,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

STIEREN,  Luke,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

STIEREN,   Oliver   B.,   St.   Boniface,    Ed- 
wardsville. 

STILLION,  Jas.  O.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 


STINGLE,  Toney,  Visitation,  Illiopolis. 
STINSON,    Edmon,    St.     Michael,     South 

Fork. 
STISCAK,  Andrew,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 
STOCKER,  Lawrence,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
STOCKER,  Orville,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 
STOCKMAN,    Clarence    C,   St.   Anthony, 

Effingham. 
STODIEMAN,  Jos.,   SS.   Peter  and  Paul, 

Alton. 
STOLZ,  Arge,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 
STOLZE,   Alvin,    St.    Boniface,   Edwards- 

ville. 
STOLZE,  Edward,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 

ville. 
STOLZE,  Frank,  St.  John,  Quincy. 
STOLZE,    John,    St.    Boniface,    Edwards- 

ville. 
STORM,  Foster,  St.  Patrick,  Trowbridge. 
STOUFFE,  John,  St.  Denis,  Shipman. 
STOVER,  Edward  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 
STRAMMARE,    John,    St.    Agnes,     Hills- 

boro. 
STRATMAN,  Fred,    St.    Aloysius,    Litch- 
field. 
STRAUKAS,  John  J.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 
STRAUKAS,  Joseph,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 

Springfield. 
STREBEL,    Fred    Peter,    SS.    Peter   and 

Paul,  Springfield. 
STRITZEL,  John,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 
STROEBLE,  Edwin,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 
STROHAKER,  C.  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 

City. 
STROHAKER,  David,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 

City. 
STROOT,  Alphonse,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
STRORKA,  N.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
STROTHOFF,  Clarence  A.,   St.   Boniface, 

Quincy. 
STROTHOFF,  J.  H.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 
STRUBEL,  Alois,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
STRUIF,  August,    SS.    Peter    and    Paul, 

Alton. 
STRUNK,  Mathew,   St.  John,  Quincy. 
STRUNSE,  Arthur,   SS.  Peter  and   Paul, 

Collinsville. 
STRUTNER,   Geo.   R.,   Assumption,    Ste. 

Marie. 
STRUTNER,     Gus,      Assumption,      Ste. 

Marie. 
STRUTNER,      Jos.,      Assumption,      Ste. 

Marie. 
STUDENT,  Gus,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
STUMBORG,  Edward,    St.    Francis,    Teu- 

topolis. 
STYMELSKI,  Henry,    St.    Agnes,    Hills- 

boro. 
SUDKAMP,  Adolph,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 


822 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


SUDKAMP,  Joseph,   St.   Michael,   Sigel. 

SUDKAMP,  Louis,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

SULLIVAN,  Dan,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pittsfleld. 

SULLIVAN,  Dan,  Immaculate  Concen- 
tion,  Shelbyville. 

SULLIVAN,  Denis  Paul,  Holy  Trinity, 
Stonington. 

SULLIVAN,  Edward,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SULLIVAN,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Assump- 
tion. 

SULLIVAN,  Francis,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster- 
ling. 

SULLIVAN,  Frank,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SULLIVAN,  George,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SULLIVAN,  Harry,  St.  Michael,  Michael. 

SULLIVAN,  J.,  Sacred  Heart,  New 
Berlin. 

SULLIVAN,  Hugh  A.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

SULLIVAN,  Jeremiah,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

SULLIVAN,  John,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

SULLIVAN,  John,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Shelbyville. 

SULLIVAN,  John,  St.  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

SULLIVAN,  Joseph  H.,  St.  Patrick, 
Springfield. 

SULLIVAN,  M.,  Immaculate  Conception. 
Shelbyville. 

SULLIVAN,  Michael  J.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

SULLIVAN,  Patrick,  Sacred  Heart,  Di- 
vernon. 

SULLIVAN,  Thomas  F.,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SULLIVAN,  Thos.  J.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

SULLIVAN,  Thomas  H.,  St.  Joseph, 
Springfield. 

SULLIVAN,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

SULLIVAN,  Wm.,  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
Quincy. 

SUNKLE,  Jacob  Roy,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

SVOBADO,  Aloise,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

SWAGERMAN,  Richard,  St.  Isadore, 
Farmersville. 

SWEENEY,  Edw.  F.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

SWEENEY,  John,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

SWINGLER,  Ben,   St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

SWINGLER,   Martin,   St.   Michael,   Sigel. 

SWISHER,  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SWISHER,  Jos.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

SYLVESTER,  May,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 


TAGGART,  Henry  Francis,  Immaculate 
Conception,    Springfield. 

TALKEN,  John,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

TANNA,  John  A.,  St.  Peter,   Quincy. 

TANNETTE,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

TANO,  James,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

TARBOC,  Jus,   St.   Mary,  Taylorville. 

TARRACH,  Anton,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

TARRO,  Dominic,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

TARRO,  James,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

TARRO,  John  A.,  St.  Barbara.  Witt. 

TARSWELL,  Jesse  C,  Our  Saviour, 
Jacksonville. 

TARZWELL,  Jesse,  St.  Bartholomew, 
Murrayville. 

TAUBER,  Wm.  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

TAUL,  Paul  M.,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

TAVARI,  Premo,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

TAYLOR,  Jas.  R.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

TELEPKA,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

TELKAMP,  Henry,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

TELKAMP,  John  J.,  St.  Mary,  Brussels. 

TELKAMP,  Theodore  A.,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

TEMPLETON,  Ralph,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Mattoon. 

TENBUSCH,  John  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

TENBUSCH,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

TENFORD,  Albert,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

TENFORD,  Geo.,  Jr.,  St.  Joseph,  Paloma. 

TENK,  Edward,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

TENK,   Laurence,   St.   John,   Quincy. 

TENSING,  Bernard,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

TENSING,  John,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

TEREGRIN,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

TERFORD,  Geo.  H.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy 

TERWELP,  Hy.  B.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

TERWELP,  Laurence,   St.  John,  Quincy. 

TERWILP,  Joseph,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

TEX,  Benjamin,   St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

TEX,   Edward,   St.   Mary,   Taylorville. 

THARES,  R.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

THARES,  W.  A.,  St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

THEIL,  Laurence,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

THEILKEN,  Paul  F.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

THEOLE,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

THEOLE,  William,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

THEROW,  Edw.  G.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

THIELKEN,  Paul  F.,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Springfield. 

THIEMANN,  Henry  B.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

THIES,  Edw.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

THIES,  Edw.  C,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

THOELE,  Aloys,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 


823 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD    IN   ILLINOIS 


THOELE,   Allie,   St.   Francis,  Teutopolis. 

THOELE,  Bernard,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

THOELE,  John,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

THOELE,  Louis,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

THOELE,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis,  Teuto- 
polis. 

THOELE,  Wm,   St.  Francis,   Teutopolis. 

THOMA,  Hugo,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

THOMAS,  Andrew,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

THOMPSON,  Henry,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

THOMPSON,  T.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

THOMPSON,  Timothy,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

THOMURE,  Francis,  Sacred  Heart,  Liv- 
ingston. 

THORNTON,  N.  R.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

TIBBS,  John,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

TIFFIN,  Fred  J.,  St.  Aloysius,  North  Arm. 

TILLEY,  Arthur,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

TILLEY,  Bernard,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 

TILLY,  Wm.,  St.  Joseph,   Springfield. 

TIMONEY,  Wm.  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

TIMPE,  Edwara,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

TIMPE,  Henry,  St.  Loniface,  Quincy. 

TIMPE,  Jos.  A.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

TIMPER,  Theo.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

TINBLSH,  John  F,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

TINBUSH,  William,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

TINIMERWELKE,  Ralph,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

TITZE,  Anton,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

TITZE,  Robt.  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

TODT,  P.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

TOEPPELMEYER,  Ferd,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

TOKOLY,  John  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

TOMA,  Andrew  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

TOMSIC,  Frank,   Assumption,   Litchfield. 

TOMSCO,  John,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

TOMSOL,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

TONELIS,  Frank,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

TONSOR,  Anthony,  St.  Mary,  Westwoods. 

TONSOR,   Henry,   St.   Mary,  Westwoods. 

TONSOR,  Jos.  E.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

TOPPMEIER,  August,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 

TOPPMEIER,  Bernard,  St.  Mary,  Brus- 
sels. 


TORETTO,  Romano,  St.  James,  River- 
ton. 

TOUHEY,  Dan,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

TOUHEY,  John,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

TOUHY,  M.,  St.  Francis  Xavier,  Jersey- 
ville. 

TRACY,  Francis  B.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

TRACY,  Leo,  St.  Francis  Xavier,  Jer- 
seyville. 

TRAGER,  Benjamin  F,  Forty  Martyrs, 
Tuscola. 

TRAGER,  George  L.,  Forty  Martyrs, 
Tuscola. 

TRAMPELA,  Eugene,  St.  Agnes,  H;11h- 
boro. 

TRAPP,  Joseph  L.,  St.  Boniface,  Quinoy. 

TRARES,  Roman,  St.  Boniface,  E  !- 
wardsville. 

TRARES,  Wilbur,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

TRAUNTER,  John,  St.  Michael,  Staunton. 

TRAUTNER,  Joseph,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

TRAUTNER,  Leo,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

TREMMEL,  Edmund,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

TREMMEL,  Oliver,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

TRIEBEL,  Paul,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

TRIERWEILER,  Al.  C,  St.  Patrick,  De- 
catur. 

TRIMPE,  Frank,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

TRIPP,  Chas.  W.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

TROECKLER,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Elizabeth, 
Mitchell. 

TROECKLER,  M.  C,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

TROECKLER,  Mike,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

TROESCH,  Frank  M.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

TROESCH,  Nicholas,  Sacred  Heart, 
Springfield. 

TROUTNER,  Charles,  Immaculate  Con- 
ception, Pittsfield. 

TRSTENSKY,  Frank,  St.  Barbara, 
Springfield. 

TRUCKER,  Ollie,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 

TUCKER,  Harry,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

TUESHAUS,  Norbert  T.,  St.  Peter, 
Quincy. 

TRUTTER,  Edw.  L.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

TUEY,  Leo,  St.  John  Evangelist,  Car- 
rollton. 

TUEY,  Martin,  St.  John  Evangelist,  Car- 
rollton. 


824 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OP  HONOR 


TUOHY,  Daniel  A.,  St.  Francis    Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

TUOHY,  John  A.,  St  Francis  Xarier, 
Jerseyville. 

TURCHI,  Olympic-,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

TURESUE,  John,  St.  Charles,  Charles- 
ton. 

TUSHAUS,  Norbert  Thos.,  St.  Rose, 
Quincy. 

TUSHAUS,  Norbert,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

TWIGG,  Bernard  E.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

TWIGG,  Byron,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

TWIGG,  Francis  O.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

TWIGG,  James,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

TWIGG,  Leonard,  St.  Michael,  Hume. 

UHL,  Oscar,    St.    Boniface,   Edwardsville. 

UHL,  Thos.  J.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

ULANOWSKI,  Ladislaus,  O.  L.  Czesto- 
chowa,  Madison. 

ULLMAN,  Paul,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

ULLRICK,  Charles  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ULRICH,  Melvin,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

UNDERRINER,  Alfred,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

UNDERRINER,  Edwin,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

UNDERRINER,  Wm.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

UNGURAjTiS,  Jos.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

URBAN,  Anthony,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

URBAN,  Francis,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

URBAN,  Joseph,  St.   Patrick,  Pana. 

URBANSKI,  Steve,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

URICK,  John,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

URICK,  Mike,   St.   Michael,   Staunton. 

UTZ,  Harry,  Visitation,  Illiopolis. 

UTZ,  Henry,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

VAN  BUSKIRK,  L.,  Jr.,  St.  Joseph, 
Granite  City. 

VAN  BUSKIRK,  Lucas,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

VACTOR,  Raymond,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

VAIL,  Chas.  A.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

VANCHI,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

VANSTEEL,  Virgil,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

VARDA,  James,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

VARIN,  Charles,  St.  Francis  Xavier,  Jer- 
seyville. 

VAUGHN,  Andrew  J.,  St.  John  Evan- 
gelist,  Carrollton. 

VAUGHN,  Francis,  St.  John  Evangelist, 
Carrollton. 

VAUGHN,  Guy  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

VAUGHN,  James  A.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 


VEILE,  Leo,  St.  Francis  Solanus,  Quincy. 

VEILE,  Carl,  St.  Francis  Solanus,  Quincy. 

VENVERLOTH,  Jos.  H.,  St.  Mary, 
Quincy. 

VENVERLOTH,  Robt.  John,  St.  Mary, 
Quincy. 

VERBELIA,  Anthony,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

VERCELINE,  Batista,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

VERGA,   Dominnico,    St.    Mary,   Pawnee. 

VERICKER,  John  C,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

VERNON,  Fleshner,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

VERRICKER,  John,  St.  Barbara,  Witt. 

VETTEL,  Albert,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

VETTER,  William  M.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,    Springfield. 

VIERE,  Bernard,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

VIERE,  Frank,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

VIERLING,  E.  P.,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

VIERLING,  F.  B.,  St.  Bernard,  Wood 
River. 

VIETH,  Adolph,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

VIETH,  Anthony,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

VISLIOCCO,  Wm.,  Sacred  Heart,  Panama. 

VITS,  George,   St.   Patrick,   Pana. 

VOAMAK,  Adolph,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

VOEGELE,  Charles  A.,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

VOEGELE,  Leo,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

VOEGLE,  Anton  C,   St.   Paul,   Highland. 

VOEGLE,  Leo  C,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

VOELKER,  Frank,   St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

VOELKER,  Gus,   St.   Jerome,   Troy. 

VOGEL,  Henry,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

VOGEL,  Joseph,  St.  Bartholomew,  Mur- 
rayville. 

VOGEL,  Lawrence,  St.  Anthony,  Quincy. 

VOGEL,  Leo,   St.   Clara,  Altamont. 

VOGEL,  Wilbur,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards- 
ville. 

VOGT,  Earnest,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

VOGT,  Edward  R.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

VOGT,  Milo  F.,  St.  Peter,  Petersburg. 

VOGT,  Reuben  Albert,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

VOIGHT,  August  H.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

VOIGT,  Geo.  J.,  St.  Elizabeth,  Mitchell. 

VOLK,  Joseph  A.,  Assumption,  Ste.  Marie. 

VOLLMER,  John  Jacob,  St.  Patrick, 
Decatur. 

VOLLMER,  Raymond  C,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Mattoon. 

VOLM,  Arthur,   St.   Boniface,   Quincy. 


825 


DIOCESE  OP   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


VOLMER.  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 
VOLZ,  Ralph,  St.  Bernard,  Wood  River. 
VON    DE    BUR,  George,    Sacred    Heart 

Springfield. 
VOX  LIER,  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City 
VOXNAHMEN,  Auth.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
VOXXAHMEN,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 
VOX  OY,  Carl,    St.   Francis,   Teutopolis. 
VOX  OY,  Eberhard,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 
VORWALD,  C,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City 
VOSS,  Ben,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop  Creek. 
VOSSE,  Peter,   St.   John,   Quincy. 
VOST,  James,  St.  Agnes,  Springfield. 
VOTSMEYER,  Chas.     J.,     Our     Saviour 

Jacksonville. 
VOTSMIER,  Charles    J.,    St.    Augustine 

Ashland. 
VOTSMIER,  Henry,    St.    Augustine,   Ash 

land. 
VOTSMIER,  Joseph    M.,    St.     Augustine 

Ashland. 
VUKELICH,  Nicholas,    St.    Agnes,    Hills 

boro. 

WAGGONER,  Edgar,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

WAGNER,  Charles  A.,  St.  Mary,  Mt. 
Sterling. 

WAGNER,  John  A.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

WAGXER,  Nick,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Pierron. 

WAIBLE,  Gus,   St.   Charles,   Charleston. 

WALD,  John  P.,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

WALDHEUSER,  August  M.,  St.  Anselm, 
Kampsville. 

WALFORD,  Henry,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

WALHERMFECHTEL,  H.,  St.  Anthony, 
Effingham. 

WALK,  Everett,  St.  Mary,  Neoga. 

WALK,  Leo  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Island  Grove. 

WALKER,  Marion  A.,  St.  Luke,  Virginia. 

WALL,  Chas.,   St.    Peter,   Quincy. 

WALLER,  Henry   A.,    St.    Mary,   Paris. 

WALLER,  Victor   J.,    St.    Mary,    Paris. 

WALLER,  Walter  R.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 

WALMSLEY,  Carl,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

WALMSLEY,  Harry,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

WALSER,  Bernard,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

WALSH,  Bernard  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

WALSH,  Charles,   St.  Mary,  Edwardsville. 

WALSH,  Francis,  St.  Gertrude,  Grant- 
fork. 

WALSH,  Gregory,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

WALSH,  Herbert,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion,   Mattoon. 

WALSH,  J.  C,  Our  Saviour,  Jacksonville. 

WALSH,  James  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 


WALSH,  John,   St.  Alphonsus,   Brighton 
WALSH,  Matthew  J.,  St.  Francis  Xavier 

Jerseyville. 
WALSH,  Maurice    F.,    St.    Bartholomew 

Murrayville. 
WALSH,  Michael  J.,  Immaculate  Concep 

tion,  Springfield. 
WALSH,  Thomas      Donald,      St.      Peter 

Quincy. 
WALSH,  Thos.  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson 

ville. 
WALSH,  Wm.     C,     Immaculate    Concep 

tion,  Mattoon. 
WALTER,  Joseph,  St.  Boniface,  Edwards 

ville. 
WALTER,  Nelson  F.,  St.  Paul,  Highland 
WALTHERS,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City 
WALZ,  Chas.  A.,  Immaculate  Conception 

Springfield. 
WAND,  Anthony,    Sacred    Heart,    Effing 

ham. 
WANDLING,  Frank     J.,      St.     Aloysius 

Litchfield. 
WANDLING,  Otis  G.,  St.  Aloysius,  Litch 

field. 
WANGARD,  Fred  H.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul 

Springfield. 
WANGARD,   John,    SS.   Peter   and   Paul 

Springfield. 
WARD,  James  P.,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland 
WARD,  Lawrence,    St.    Augustine,    Ash 

land. 
WARD,  Patrick,  St.  Augustine,  Ashland 
WARGO,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston 
WARNER,  Walter,    St.    Joseph,    Spring 

field. 
WASHKO,  John,   Sacred   Heart,   Livings 

ton. 
WASILANSKI,  Ignatz,  Sacred  Heart,  Di 

vernon. 
WASILEWSKI,     Stanley,     Holy    Family 

Athens. 
WATERKOTTE,  Frank      J.,      St.      John 

Quincy. 
WATERS,  Frank  J.,  St.  Mary,  Mt.  Ster 

ling. 
WATERS,  Lindley,   SS.   Peter   and   Paul 

Alton. 
WATKINS,  Abraham  Lincoln,  St.   Peter 

Petersburg. 
WATKINS,  Joe,     Sacred     Heart,     Dalton 

City. 
WATSON,  Robert,     Immaculate     Concep- 
tion, Carlinville. 
WATTERS,  Jos.   J.,   Immaculate   Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 
WAVERING,  Anton,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 
WAVERING,  Ralph,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 
WAVERINK,  Bern.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 
WAVRING,  Albert  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 


826 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OP  HONOR 


WEBBER,  Chas.,      Immaculate      Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

WEBER,  Bernard,    St.    Francis,    Teutop- 
olis. 

WEBER,  Charles    Leo,    St.    Ann,    Edge- 
wood. 

WEBER,  Fred,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WEBER,  Henry  J.,  St.   Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

WEBER,  Jacob,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

WEBER,  William,    St.    Agnes,    Hillsboro. 

WECKSNIS,    Ignatius,     St.    Vincent    de 
Paul,  Springfield. 

WEDIG,  C.  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

WEESGUTH,  Harry,  St.  Charles,  Charles- 
ton. 

WEGENER,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

WEGENER,  John,  St.  Patrick,   Alton. 

WEGENER,  Theo.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WEHMHOFF,  M.  F.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

WEHUHOFF,  Merrill,     Sacred     Heart, 
Dalton  City. 

WEIBRING,  Frank,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

WEIGAND,  John     M.,     St.     Mary,    Alex- 
ander. 

WEIGAND,  Mike  J.,  St.  Mary,  Alexander. 

WEIMANN,  Anton,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

WEINDEL,  Elmer,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

WEINDEL,  Leo  S.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 

WEINDEL,  Oliver,    Immaculate    Concep- 
tion, Pierron. 

WEIS,  John,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

WEIS,  Jos.     A.,     SS.     Peter     and     Paul, 
Springfield. 

WEISENHORN,  Anna,    St.    Boniface, 
Quincy. 

WEISENHORN,  Paul     G.,    St.     Boniface, 
Quincy. 

WEISHAAR,  Albert,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

WEISHAAR,  Aloysius     R.,     St.     Joseph, 
Island  Grove. 

WEISHAAR,  Edward      L.,      St.      Joseph, 
Island  Grove. 

WEISS,  Ed,  St.  Jerome,  Troy. 

WELCH,  Chas.,    Visitation,    Illiopolis. 

WELCH,  Francis  M.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Mattoon. 

WELCH,  Harold     C,     Sgt,     Immaculate 
Conception,  Mattoon. 

WELCH,  John,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

WELCH,  Roy  E.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

WELCH,  Ray,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

WELLE,  Leo,    SS.    Peter   and    Paul,   Col- 
linsville. 

WELLMAN,  Fred     C,      St.     Boniface, 
Quincy. 

WELMAN,  Luke  J.,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 


WELSH,  Bernard,  St.  Joseph,  Springfield. 

WELSH,  Chester,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

WELSH,  John    J.,    St.    Francis    Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

WELSH,  Lawrence,    St.    Francis   Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

WELSH,  William,  St.  Mark,  Winchester. 

WELSH,  Wm„     Immaculate    Conception, 
Mattoon. 

WEMHOFF,  Merrill  F.,   St.   Patrick,   De- 
catur. 

WENRER,   Adolph,    St.    Mary,   Edwards- 
ville. 

WENSING,  Frank,    St.    Francis   Solanus, 
Quincy. 

WENSING,  William,  St.  Francis  Solanus, 
Quincy. 

WENTE,  Aloys.,  Sacred  Heart,  Lillyville. 

WENTE,  Leo,  Sacred  Heart,  Lillyville. 

WENTE,  Leo,  St.  Mary,  Neoga, 

WENTE,  Urban,  St.  Francis,  Teutopolis. 

WENZEL,  Clarence    L„    SS.    Peter    and 
Paul,  Alton. 

WERNER,  Clarence,    St.    Rose    of   Lima, 
Quincy. 

WERNER,  Charles,    St.    Mary,    Edwards- 
ville. 

WERNER,  Edward,   St.   Mary,   Alton. 

WERNER,  Eugene,    St.    Rose    of    Lima, 
Quincy. 

WERNER,  George,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WERNER,  Maurice,    St.    Agnes,    Spring- 
field. 

WERNER,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WERNETH,  Fred,    St.    Francis    Solanus, 
Quincy. 

WERSEN,  Leonard  J.,  St.  Agnes,  Spring- 
field. 

WERSEN,  William  F.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

WERSEN,  Wm.  T.,    St.    Agnes,    Spring- 
field. 

WERTZ,  Frank,  St.  Patrick,  Girard. 

WESNITZER,  John,   St.    Mary,   Marshall. 

WESTENBERGER,    P.    L.,     St.    Joseph, 
Springfield. 

WESTMANN,  Herbert,     St.     Francis, 
Quincy. 

WESTMEIER,  Dr.     G.    W.,     St.     Joseph, 
Carlinville. 

WETSTEIN,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WEULE,  Russell  G.,  St.  Francis  Xavier, 
Jerseyville. 

WHALEN,  Dave,    St.    Catherine,    Virden. 

WHALEN,  Jackson,   St.    Mary,   Mt.    Ster- 
ling. 

WHALEN,  Maurie,  St.  Catherine,  Virden. 

WHALEN,   Maurice,   St.  Mary,   Farmers- 
ville. 

WHAlEN,  Michael  L.,   Immaculate   Con- 
ception,   Springfield. 


827 


DIOCESE   OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 


WHALEN,  Peter  E.,  St.  Patrick,  Grafton. 

WHEATON,  Augustine  J.,  St.  Mary,  Jer- 
seyville. 

WHEATON,  Fred  H.,  St.  Mary,  Jersey- 
ville. 

WHEELING,  Ernest,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

WHITE,  Charles,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

WHITE,  Dennis,   St.   Patrick,  Alton. 

WHITE,  George  C.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

WHITE,  James  J.,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Springfield. 

WHITE,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

WHITE,  Jos.  F.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Springfield. 

WHITE,  Jos.  B.,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

WHITE,  Bob,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

WI1ITMORE,    Geo.,    St.    Louis,    Nokomis. 

WHITTEN,  R.  L.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

WHYERS,  Maurice,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

WICKENHAUSER,  John,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WICKENHAUSER,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WICKMAN,  W.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

WIDMER,  Frederick  W.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

WIDMER,  Geo.  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

WIDMER,  Walter  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

WIDOWSKI,  Paul,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
Springfield. 

WIEDEMAN,  Albert  A.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

WIEDMAN,  Clem  J.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

WIEDMAN,  John  A.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

WIEDMAN,  Leo  W.,  St.  Anthony,  Effing- 
ham. 

WIEDMER,  Albert  F.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul,  Springfield. 

WIEDMER,  Carl  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

WIEGMANN,  Henry,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

WIELGOS,  Stanislaus,  0.  L.  Czestochowa, 
Madison. 

WIENDICK,  Frank,  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, Dietrich. 

WIETHOLDER,  Fred,   St.   John,   Quincy. 

WILDE,  Marion,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

WILDE,  Charles  E.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

WILDER,  Henry,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

WILDS,  James,   St.   Patrick,   Alton. 


WILFOND,  Jack,  St.  Mary,  Marshall. 

WILHE,  Herbert,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

WILHOLT,  Oliver,  St.  Elizabeth,  Marine. 

WILL,  Joseph,  St.  Michael,  Sigel. 

WILLENBORG,  Edward,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

WILLENBORG,  Edw.  J.,  Immaculate 
Conception,  Springfield. 

WILLENBORG,  Lawrence,  St.  Francis, 
Teutopolis. 

WILLHOLD,  Wm.,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

WILLIAMS,  Frank,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

WILLIAMS,  William,  St.  Augustine,  Ash- 
land. 

WILLINBORG,  Louis,  Sacred  Heart, 
Lillyville. 

WILLMANN,  Clarence,  St.  Lawrence, 
Greenville. 

WILLMANN,  Joseph  H.,  St.  Lawrence, 
Greenville. 

WILLMANN,  Philip  L.,  St.  Lawrence, 
Greenville. 

WILLMANN,  Walter  A.,  St.  Lawrence, 
Greenville. 

WILPER,  Chas.  W.,  St.  John,  Quincy. 

WILSHIRE,  John  J.,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Collinsville. 

WILSON,  Frank,  St.  Joseph,  Benld. 

WILSON,  J.    E.,   St.   Peter,   Quincy. 

WILSON,  Myron  John,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

WILSON,  Wm.  F.,  St.  Peter,  Quincy. 

WILTSHIRE,  Geo.,  St.  Joseph,  Spring- 
field. 

WINGERT,  Robert,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

WINKELMANN,  Edward,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

WINKELMEYER,  T.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite 
City. 

WINKING,  Frank,   St.   John,   Quincy. 

WINKING,  Lawrence,   St.   John,    Quincy. 

WINKING,  Paul   E.,   St.   John,   Quincy. 

WINKLMEIER,  John,  St.  Joseph,  Gran- 
ite City. 

WINTER,  Fred,   St.   Francis,   Quincy. 

WINTER,  Geo.  J.,  St.  Francis,  Quincy. 

WINTER,  Laurence  J.,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

WINTER,  J.  C,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Springfield. 

WINTERS,  Joseph,  St.  Patrick,  Alton. 

WISKIECHER,  Edw.,   St.   Mary,   Quincy. 

WISKIRCHEN,  Rome  W.,  St.  Boniface, 
Quincy. 

WISKIRCHER,  Walter,  St.  Mary,  Quincy. 

WITNEY,  Mike,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

WITTICK,  Norman  P.,  St.  Mary,  Paris. 


828 


THE  DIOCESAN  ROLL  OF  HONOR 


WOCK,  Edward,  St.  Mary,  Westwoods. 

WOCK,  Louis,   St.   Mary,  Jerseyville. 

WOERMAN,  Frank,  St.  Mary,  Green 
Creek. 

WOJCIECHOWSKY,  Frank,  St.  Michael, 
Staunton. 

WOLF,  Aloys.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WOLF,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  New  Berlin. 

WOLF,  Mathias,  Sacred  Heart,  Spring- 
field. 

WOLFE,  Earl  E.,  Our  Saviour,  Jackson- 
ville. 

WOLFE,  Leo,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton. 

WOLFE,  Matt.   E.,   St.   Patrick,   Decatur. 

WOLIER,  Arthur,  St.  Mary,  Edwards- 
ville. 

WOLTERING,  Albert,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

WOLTERING,  Edward,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

WOLTERING,  Frank  J.,  St.  Francis, 
Quincy. 

WOLTERING,  Joseph  F.,  St.  Paul,  High- 
land. 

WOODS,  Roy,    St.    Isidore,    Farmersville. 

WOOLEY,  Alphonse  L.,  St.  Anthony,  Ef- 
fingham. 

WORLAND,  Frank  D.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

WORLAND,  George  W.,  Assumption,  Ste. 
Marie. 

WORLAND,  Henry,  Assumption,  S  t . 
Marie. 

WORLAND,  Wm.  H.,  St.  Thomas,  New- 
ton. 

WORMANN,  Jos.  H.,  St.  Aloysius,  Bishop 
Creek. 

WOULFE,  Harold  J.,  Our  Saviour,  Jack- 
sonville. 

WRAY,  Bill,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

WRAY,  Edward,  Sacred  Heart,  Livings- 
ton. 

WRAY,  Fred,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston. 

WRIGHT,  Geoffrey,  Sacred  Heart,  Frank- 
lin. 

WRIGHT,  Jas.,  Immaculate  Conception, 
Mattoon. 

WTJELLNER,  Andrew,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WUELLNER,  Chris,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

WUELLNER,  Jos.,  St.  Marys,  Alton. 

WUELLNER,  Henry,  St.  Marys,  Alton. 

WURZ,  Rudy,  St.  John,  Quincy.  - 

WYSS,  Emmett,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul, 
Alton. 

WYSS,  Roy  S.,  St.  Mary,  Alton. 

YAKIMAVICH,  Chas.,  St.  Catherine,  Vir- 

den. 
YARD,  Wm.,  St.  Michael,  South  Fork. 


YENCHO,  Andy,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

YINDER,  Vaillo,  Assumption,  St.  Marie. 

YOUNG,  Aldace,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

YOUNG,  Aloysius  J.,  St  Patrick,  Spring- 
field. 

YOUNG,  Garred,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

YOUNG,  Geo.  H.,  St.  Patrick,  Springfield. 

YOUNG,  George  T.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

YOUNG,  James  L.,  St.  James,  Riverton. 

YOUNG,  Jos.  A.,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

YOUNG,  Joseph  L.,  St.  Mark,  Venice. 

YOUNG,  Lester,  St.  Mary,  Taylorville. 

YOUNG,  Peter,  St.  Barbara,  Springfield. 

YOUNG,  P.  J.,  St.  Mary,  Pawnee. 

YOUNG,  Robert,  St.  Benedict,  Auburn. 

YUNKER,  Lawrence,  St.  Raymond,  Ray- 
mond. 

YUNKER,  Ollie,  St.  Raymond,  Raymond. 

YURCHAK,  Lacy,  Sacred  Heart,  Virden. 

YURGIN,  Peter,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

ZACHA,  Albert,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

ZACHA,  Ed,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

ZACHA,  Geo.,  St.  Anthony,  Effingham. 

ZAECHA,  Chas.,  St.  Clara,  Altamont. 

ZAHN,  B.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

ZAHN,  J.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 

ZANACANER,  Angelo,  St.  Agnes,  Hills- 
boro. 

ZANARDI,  Anthony,  St.  Louis,  Nokomis. 

ZAR,  Andrew,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

ZAR,  Michael,  Ascension,  Mt.  Olive. 

ZARASKY,  Alex  J.,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ZATYKO,  Michael,  Sacred  Heart,  Di- 
vernon. 

ZATYKO,  Paul,  Sacred  Heart,  Divernon. 

ZEDUARCI,  Andrew,  Sacred  Heart,  Vir- 
den. 

ZEHNLE,   Edw.,   St.   John,   Quincy. 

ZELINKO,  John,  St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro. 

ZELLER,  Geo.  A.,  St.  Patrick,  Decatur. 

ZENGEL,  Fred  J.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

ZEPEK,  John,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

ZEPEK,  Winfred,  Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive. 

ZERASKY,  Alexander,  St.  Patrick,  Pana. 

ZERRUSEN,  Fred,  St.  Francis,  Teu- 
topolis. 

ZIENCAVECK,  Jos.,  St.  Mary,  Taylor- 
ville. 

ZILLION,  James,  St.  Fidelis,  Arenzville. 

ZIMMERMANN,     Walter     F.,     St.     Paul, 

Highland. 
ZIMMERMANN,  Wm.,  St.  Paul,  Highland. 
ZIPPRICH,   Joseph,   St.  Anselm,  Kamps- 

ville. 
ZITT,  A.  H.,  St.  Joseph,  Granite  City. 


829 


DIOCESE  OF   SPRINGFIELD   IN   ILLINOIS 

ZOLKOVSKI,  Edw.,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  ZVINGILIS,  Jos.,    St.    Vincent   de    Paul, 

Springfield.  Springfield. 

ZORZIE,  John,  Sacred  Heart,  Livingston.  ZVINGILIS,  Pius,    St.   Vincent   de   Paul, 
ZUBER,     Frank    A.,    Assumption,     Ste.  Springfield. 

Marie.  ZWICK,  Louis,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy. 

ZUKAS,  Adam,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Col-  ZYGMUNT,  Martinus,  O.  L.  Czestochowa, 

linsville.  Madison. 


830 


DlSTINGl   [SHED    STATESMEN 

/  nihil  stnhs  Senators,  Elias  Kent  Kant  and  Stephen  l  Douglas;  Governoi 
William  II.  Bissell,  and  Major  General  and  '  nited  stubs  Senator  hum  tlmi 
staU  s,  James  Shields. 


CHAPTER  XIV 
The  Laity 

It  must  be  understood  at  the  outset  that  a  chapter  dealing  with  the  laity 
can  be  nothing  more  than  a  general  outline.  Our  distinguished  American, 
Abraham  Lincoln,  is  credited  with  declaring  that  God  must  have  loved  the 
common  people  since  he  made  so  many  of  them. 

Events  of  public  interest  and  those  who  took  part  therein  are  the  subjects 
of  narration  and  chiefly  of  history.  The  multitudes  plod  on  in  their  various 
ways  and  their  deeds,  accomplishments  and  aspirations  are  known  only  to  those 
intimately  associated  with  them  and  to  their  God,  and  while  it  may  be  admitted 
that  the  sum  total  of  their  worthy  achievements  far  exceed  in  value  the  accom- 
plishments of  individuals  who  come  into  the  limelight,  yet  it  is  plain  that  no 
records  can  cover  all  the  members  of  society,  even  in  a  limited  locality. 

Within  the  territory  which  was  included  in  what  became  known  as  the 
Diocese  of  Springfield,  Illinois,  (some  of  which  has  been  excluded  and  organized 
as  the  Diocese  of  Belleville)  civilization  began  and  therein  developed  a  laity 
deserving  of  memorialization  for  the  perpetuation  of  their  lives  and  deeds. 

As  is  well  known,  Frenchmen  discovered,  explored  and  settled  Illinois.  The 
French  missionaries  planted  Christianity  in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Illinois, 
and  for  more  than  a  century  French  priests  spread  the  Gospel  here.  The  French 
laid  the  foundations  of  our  prosperity  and  transformed  the  wilderness  into  a 
civilized  habitation.  The  Frenchmen  in  Illinois  brought  success  to  the  Virginia 
conquest  and  gave  the  United  States  a  vast  empire.  A  French  priest  led  in  the 
most  important  movement  that  ever  occurred  west  of  the  Allegheny  mountains, 
and  the  French  people  gave  the  world  the  first  and  best  example  of  civilizing 
the  Savages. 

As  to  the  pioneer  laymen,  only  general  mention  can  be  made,  but  more  than 
that  is  due  the  great  leaders  of  this  worthy  people.  As  is  well  known  the  first 
visitors  to  the  Illinois  country  were  Father  Jacque  Marquette,  S.J.,  and  Louis 
Jolliet,  and  five  French  companions  who  paddled  down  the  Mississippi  and  up 
the  Illinois  River  in  1673.  Father  Marquette's  career  has  been  heretofore  noted. 
Little  has  been  said  of  Jolliet,  the  first  and  among  the  greatest  of  the  laymen  to 
visit  the  Illinois  country.  Everything  published  to  the  present  time  is  compli- 
mentary and  even  eulogistic  of  Louis  Jolliet.  He  was  a  devout  Catholic  and 
studied  for  the  priesthood,  deciding  to  change  his  life  occupation  after  he  had 
taken  minor  orders.  He  was  a  very  successful  explorer  and  strong  advocate  of 
fair  treatment  with  the  Indians,  including  prevention  of  abuses  in  the  distri- 
bution of  liquor  amongst  them.  He  lived  an  exemplary  life  and  became  the 
ancestor  of  a  worthy  and  distinguished  progeny. 

After  Marquette  and  Jolliet  came  LaSalle  and  Tonti,  two  men  of  the  great- 

831 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

est  distinction.  LaSalle  has  been  so  favorably  treated  that  extended  mention  of 
him  is  unnecessary.  Henri  de  Tonti  has  not,  however,  received  attention  at  all 
commensurate  with  his  deserts.  If  LaSalle  was  the  planner,  Tonti  was  the  doer, 
becoming  governor  of  the  Illinois  country  in  1680  (subsidiary,  of  course,  to 
LaSalle).  He  governed  the  Illinois  country  for  twenty-one  years.  During  that 
time  he  gathered  together  every  Indian  tribe  in  the  Western  country  save  the 
Sioux  and  Fox,  established  them  in  what  is  now  LaSalle  and  adjoining  counties, 
in  the  first  and  only  successful  White  and  Indian  federation  ever  organized.  In 
addition,  he,  with  his  White  and  Indian  forces,  swept  over  the  country  to  De- 
troit, to  Niagara  Falls  and  even  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  with  an  alacrity  that 
makes  one  think  of  the  manner  in  which  aviators  hop  from  one  end  of  the  world 
to  the  other.  In  the  federation  were  included  more  than  forty  thousand  Whites 
and  savages  of  numerous  tribes  and  families.  Finally,  after  serving  humanity 
during  an  active  life  of  more  than  fifty  years,  he  suffered  a  martyr's  death, 
being  called  by  his  Government  to  the  swamps  of  the  South  in  the  colonies 
established  in  and  near  New  Orleans.  He  labored  for  months  among  the  vic- 
tims of  yellow  fever  and  finally  became  a  victim  of  the  scourge  and  yielded  his 
life.    No  man  knows  his  tomb. 

These  were  the  pioneer  governors  or  commandants,  as  they  were  called.    Their 
successors  constitute  a  noble  dynasty. 

The  French  Governors 

In  all  parts  of  New  France,  the  French  government  had  at  one  time  or  an- 
other adopted  the  policy  of  granting  to  companies  or  individuals  rights  in  lands 
under  which  the  grantees  were  entitled  to  the  proceeds  of  the  lands  either 
through  trade  conducted  therein  or  the  products  of  mines  or  of  the  soil.  By 
the  year  1712,  conditions  were  such  in  the  settlement  of  the  lower  Mississippi 
that  a  grant  of  this  character  seemed  advisable,  and  accordingly  by  a  commission 
dated  September  25,  1712,  Anthony  Crozat  was  given  the  exclusive  right  to  trade 
in  and  exploit  the  Louisiana  country  for  fifteen  years.  The  grant  covered  the 
central  portions  of  what  is  now  Illinois,  and  provided  that  the  country  should  be 
under  the  government  of  Louisiana,  subordinate  to  the  general  government  of 
New  France.  Permission  was  given  to  mine  and  hunt  for  precious  stones,  and 
the  right  granted  the  proprietor  to  own  all  factories  which  he  might  erect  and  all 
lands  which  he  might  cause  to  be  cultivated.  The  customs  of  Paris  were  to  be 
the  law  in  the  province.  The  grantee  was  given  the  privilege  to  employ  blacks 
for  the  culture  of  his  plantations  and  the  right  to  send  a  ship  every  year  to 
trade  for  them  on  the  coast  of  Guinea,  and  to  sell  them  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Louisiana  colony.  While  this  grant  transferred  the  Illinois  country  to  Crozat, 
it  is  not  definitely  known  that  he  ever  exercised  any  control  whatever  in  the 
territory  now  known  as  Illinois.  He  spent  much  time  and  money  hunting  for 
precious  metals  and  his  agents  are  said  to  have  found  copper  and  lead  in  the 
neighborhood  where  Galena  is  now  situated,  and  undoubtedly  tapped  the  lead 
fields  of  Missouri  and  Arkansas.  No  change  was  made  with  respect  to  gov- 
ernment or  control  in  the  Illinois  country,  however,  and  the  missionaries  still 
continued  as  both  the  temporal  and  spiritual  leaders.     Crozat,  failing  to  find 

832 


THE  LAITY 

gold,  silver,  and  precious  stones,  as  lie  had  expected,  repented  of  his  bargain 
and  surrendered  his  grant  to  the  Crown  in  1717. 

Although  Crozat  was  disappointed  in  the  results  of  his  venture  at  coloniza- 
tion, others  were  found  willing  to  make  a  similar  venture,  and  accordingly  on 
August  17,  1717,  an  association  was  formed  at  Paris  which  was  chartered  on  the 
6th  of  September  following,  called  La  Compagnie  d 'Occident  (Company  of  the 
West)  under  the  leadership  of  John  Law,  a  Scotch  banker,  which  obtained  a 
charter  running  twenty-five  years  empowering  it  to  exploit  the  Louisiana  coun- 
try. This  company  had  even  more  extensive  privileges  than  were  granted 
Crozat  and  began  a  colonization  project  on  a  large  scale. 

Large  financial  transactions  are  very  familiar  in  Illinois  nowadays,  but 
scarcely  one  of  them  is  more  pretentious  than  that  inaugurated  by  the  Company 
of  the  Occident  through  its  leading  spirit,  John  Law,  the  Scotch  banker,  who 
established  himself  in  Paris  and  gained  an  intimacy  with  the  Duke  of  Orleans 
who  became  Regent  during  the  infancy  and  youth  of  King  Louis  XV.  By  an 
ingenious  scheme.  Law  and  his  company  issued  sums  of  government  paper 
based  upon  stocks  of  the  Company  of  the  Occident  issued  against  lands  in  the 
Mississippi  Valley  of  which  such  lands  were  made  the  basis  of  security.  The 
stocks  were  sold  and  with  some  of  the  money  so  received  the  improvement  of  the 
lands  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  were  undertaken  and  great  quantities  thereof 
sold  or  leased.  Such  entrancing  descriptions  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  country 
were  published  broadcast  in  France  that  it  was  thought  by  some  to  be  a  land  of 
precious  stones.  Millions  upon  millions  of  the  currency  of  the  country  were  ex- 
changed in  transactions  relating  to  Mississippi  Valley  lands  and  large  numbers 
of  Europeans  were  attracted  by  the  glowing  descriptions,  and  set  sail  for 
America.  While  the  principal  activities  resulting  from  the  great  project,  which 
after  it  failed  became  known  as  the  "Mississippi  Bubble,"  were  confined  to  the 
lower  Mississippi,  yet  the  scheme  had  an  important  indirect  effect  in  the  Illinois 
country,  and  however  unfortunate  the  transactions  of  the  company  proved  to 
many  individuals,  it  is  undoubtedly  true  that  it  had  a  beneficial  effect  in  Illinois 
and  the  interior  of  the  territory  now  known  as  the  United  States.  It  brought 
many  new  and  vigorous  people  and  aided  in  the  development  not  only  of  the 
mining  for  which  it  was  originally  intended  but  in  agriculture  as  well.  The 
great  quantities  of  money  and  securities  that  were  based  upon  the  lands  and 
the  immediate  profits  they  were  expected  to  yield  began,  when  returns  were  de- 
layed to  depreciate,  and  finally  the  whole  system  toppled.  Law  was  discredited 
and  driven  out  of  France  and  the  Company  of  the  Occident  had  to  try  to  work 
out  its  plans  with  the  burden  of  the  losses  the  scheme  had  entailed  and  the  evil 
reputation  which  attached  to  it. 

Promptly  after  organization,  the  Company  of  the  Occident  even  before  the 
Law  scheme  was  put  in  working  order,  made  provision  for  the  government  of  the 
territory  included  within  its  grant.  Sieur  Demoyne  de  Bienville  was  made 
Governor  of  Louisiana,  and  Pierre  Dugue  de  Boisbriant  was  made  Commandante 
in  the  Illinois  country.  The  Louisiana  colony,  which  extended  as  far  north  as 
the  Illinois  River,  and  tentatively  at  least  embraced  all  the  territory  east  and 
west  between  the  Alleghenies  and  the  Rocky  Mountains,  was  in  1712  divided  into 

833 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

nine  districts,  the  ninth  district  including  the  Illinois  territory  to  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  colony,  namely  the  Illinois  River.  In  October,  1718,  accom- 
panied by  several  officers  and  a  detachment  of  troops,  De  Boisebriant  left 
Louisiana  and  arrived  at  Kaskaskia  late  in  that  year.  A  site  was  selected  for  a 
fort,  sixteen  miles  above  the  Kaskaskia  village  on  the  Illinois  side  of  the 
Mississippi  River.  There  was  built  a  barracks,  a  commandant's  house,  a  store 
house,  and  a  large  hall,  and  guns  for  the  protection  of  the  fort  were  placed  in 
position.  The  fort  was  finished  in  the  Spring  of  1720,  and  named  Fort  Chartres. 
Thus  was  inaugurated  French  military  authority  on  the  soil  of  Illinois. 

Under  the  influence  of  the  glowing  descriptions  disseminated  by  the  Com- 
pany of  the  Occident,  Fort  Chartres  became  a  magnet  for  adventurous  spirits 
from  the  Old  World.  Not  artisans,  mechanics,  miners,  agriculturists  and  com- 
mon work  people  alone  were  attracted  to  the  new  seat  of  French  authority,  but 
people  of  importance,  representatives  of  the  nobility  even,  came  to  seek  adven- 
ture, or  to  add  to  their  worldly  possessions,  and  we  are  assured  that  this  little 
stronghold,  hundreds  of  miles  from  civilization  in  any  direction,  became  quite  a 
center  of  fashion.  Silks  and  satins  and  magnificent  jewels  became  a  frequent,  if 
not  familiar  sight  in  the  territory  nearby.  Cavalcades  of  richly  dressed  men  and 
ladies,  riding  just  as  richly  caparisoned  steeds,  wended  their  way  from  the  little 
fort  to  the  Jesuit  Church  at  Kaskaskia  on  Sunday  morning  and  gratified  the 
older  French  inhabitants  with  a  taste  or  a  touch  of  the  beauty  and  ornamenta- 
tion of  Paris,  the  memory  of  which  had  lain  long  dormant.  There  is  an  odor  of 
romance  about  old  Fort  Chartres  and  it  is  reasonable  to  believe  that  some  of  the 
worthy  sons  and  daughters  of  Illinois  will  some  day  do  honor  to  themselves  and 
their  state  by  fittingly  portraying  in  the  romantic  hues  of  which  it  is  capable, 
the  long  and  interesting  story  of  old  Fort  Chartres. 

Almost  immediately  upon  the  establishment  of  Fort  Chartres,  a  little  village 
sprang  up  nearby  called  Nouvelle  Chartres,  and  a  mission  was  established  and 
named  St.  Anne  de  Fort  Chartres.  Father  Jean  Antoine  le  Boullenger,  S.J., 
became  the  first  pastor,  and  was  assisted  by  Father  Joseph  de  Kereben,  S.J.  Just 
prior  to  the  establishment  of  St.  Anne's,  the  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the 
territory  was  changed  from  Canada  to  Louisiana  and  Father  Nicholas  Ignatius 
de  Beaubois,  S.J.,  became  the  superior,  and  also  pastor  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception at  Kaskaskia.  The  church  at  Fort  Chartres  was  a  very  important  one 
for  many  years.  It  was  there,  of  course,  that  the  officers  and  soldiers  attended 
Mass  and  a  very  interesting  document  was  executed  by  the  French  government 
defining  the  etiquette  of  attendance  at  Mass,  detailing  the  order  of  occupancy 
of  the  pews  and  of  processions. 

Phillippe  Renault  was  made  Director  General  of  mines  and  mining  by  the 
Company  of  the  Occident,  and  brought  a  large  number  of  workmen  into  the 
territory.  On  the  14th  of  June,  1723,  the  Commandante,  Boisbriant,  and  the 
other  officers  of  the  government  council,  granted  to  Renault  lands  one  league 
square  in  the  southwest  part  of  what  is  now  the  county  of  Monroe,  and  a  large 
tract  of  more  than  14,000  acres  near  Peoria.  On  the  first  grant,  Renault 
established  a  village  which  he  named  St.  Phillip,  which  was  but  five  miles  from 

834 


THE  LAITY 

Fort  Chartres.  A  chapel  was  erected  which  was  attended  from  St.  Anne's  at 
Nouvelle  Chartres.  Thus  new  settlements  were  added,  the  center  and  nucleus  of 
which  was  always  the  chapel  or  the  church. 

During  this  period  many  of  the  Indians  had  arrived  at  a  high  state  of  civ- 
ilization. The  chiefs  at  this  time  especially  were  men  of  much  merit.  Amongst 
them  was  the  great  Chicagou,  the  head  of  the  Mitchigmea.  Almost  equal  to  him 
was  Mamantoyensa,  chief  of  the  Kaskaskias.  They  and  all  their  people  were  de- 
vout Catholics  and  Chicagou  especially  became  noted  through  a  visit  which  he 
made  to  Paris  with  the  Superior  of  the  Jesuits,  Father  Nicholas  Ignatius  de 
Beaubois. 

In  the  year  1725,  the  Jesuit  missions  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  were  at  the 
height  of  their  activity  and  new  workers  were  required  for  the  fast  expanding 
field.  Accordingly  Father  de  Beaubois,  the  Superior  of  the  Jesuits  of  the  Illi- 
nois country,  by  the  direction  of  his  Order  went  to  Europe  to  procure  additional 
missionaries,  and  also  with  the  important  commission  of  bringing  a  community  of 
nuns  for  work  in  the  Louisiana  colony.  Chief  Chicagou  and  several  other  In- 
dian converts  accompanied  Father  de  Beau  Bois  and  to  say  it  mildly,  created  a 
sensation  in  Paris.  They  were  feted  and  honored  and  the  King  and  his  courtiers, 
as  well  as  Countesses  and  Duchesses,  showered  gifts  upon  them,  and  when  they 
returned  to  their  native  tribes,  they  ever  after  sang  the  praises  of  the  great 
French  lords  and  ladies  they  had  met.  The  mission  of  Father  de  Beaubois  was 
successful  from  every  standpoint.  He  brought  with  him  several  young  Jesuits 
who  entered  the  missionary  field,  and  also  the  first  community  of  nuns,  (six 
Ursulines)  established  in  the  United  States. 

Up  to  this  time  the  French  and  Indians  of  all  tribes  had  lived  in  peace. 
No  direct  conflict  had  ever  occurred  between  them  in  what  is  now  known  as 
the  territory  of  Illinois.  There  was,  however,  two  tribes  that  frequented  Illi- 
nois, the  Sacs  and  the  Foxes,  that  failed  to  respond  to  the  teachings  of  the  mis- 
sionaries and  to  meet  the  friendly  advances  of  the  French  in  a  similar  spirit. 
As  will  be  seen,  the  Chachasaws  in  the  South  were  similarly  unresponsive  but 
with  these  exceptions,  the  relations  between  the  French  and  the  Indians  in  New 
France  were  always  cordial.  Not  long  after  the  establishment  of  Fort  Chartres, 
the  appeal  came  to  the  Commandant,  Boisbriant,  from  the  Indians  and  the  few 
Frenchmen  that  remained  at  old  Fort  St.  Louis  on  the  Rock  (now  Starved  Rock) 
and  at  Peoria  for  protection  against  the  Fox  tribe  who  were  displaying  a  hostile 
attitude  and  committing  depredations.  In  response  to  the  appeal  Boisbriant 
sent  a  force  to  their  relief  which  arrived  only  at  the  close  of  a  conflict  in  which 
the  Fox  forces  had  been  defeated,  but  the  Illinois  suffered  so  greatly  that  they 
returned  with  Boisbriant 's  men  to  take  up  their  abode  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Fort  Chartres,  leaving  the  entire  upper  river  unprotected. 

As  will  be  remembered,  Spain  conquered  Mexico  and  the  Spaniards  settled 
not  only  that  territory  but  established  settlements  farther  north,  the  most  per- 
manent of  which  was  Santa  Fe.  After  the  French  came  to  New  Orleans, 
attempts  were  made  to  establish  trade  between  the  Mexicans  and  Indians  and  the 
French,  during  which  the  French  came  into  more  or  less  conflict  with  the 
Spaniards.    In  those  days  too,  conquest  was  the  rule  of  nations  and  both  for  the 

835 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

reason  that  the  Spaniards  wished  to  put  a  stop  to  French  invasion  of  their  com- 
merce and  to  gain  new  possessions  the  Spaniards  in  1720  formed  a  design  of  in- 
vading the  territory  farther  east.  With  that  purpose  they  set  out  with  the  in- 
tention of  destroying  the  Missouri  tribe  of  Indians  who  had  friendly  relations 
with  the  Illinois,  and  whom  the  Spaniards  considered  it  necessary  to  exterminate 
in  order  to  secure  their  more  complete  conquest  of  the  country.  But  being 
ill  informed  with  reference  to  the  various  tribes,  they  mistook  Missouri  for  the 
Osage,  whom  they  intended  to  appeal  to  for  an  alliance.  The  Missouri,  taking 
advantage  of  their  ignorance,  entertained  them  and  begged  them  to  remain  over 
night,  when  during  the  night  they  fell  upon  the  Spaniards  and  killed  all  except 
the  chaplain,  a  Jacobin  priest.  After  this  tragedy,  the  Missouri  Indians  in  pro- 
cession came  to  advise  Boisbriant  of  the  narrow  escape  they  and  the  French 
in  Illinois  had  from  the  Spanish  assault.  A  description  of  this  Missouri  tribe  as 
they  marched  up  to  Fort  Chartres  has  been  given  by  an  early  traveler.  "They 
were  dressed  in  these  ornaments :  the  chief  had  on  the  naked  skin,  the  chasuble, 
with  the  paten  suspended  from  his  neck,  having  driven  a  nail  through  it,  and 
making  use  of  it  as  a  breast  plate  he  marched  gravely  at  the  head  of  all  the 
others,  being  crowned  with  feathers  and  a  pair  of  horns.  Those  that  followed 
him  had  more  chasubles  on,  after  them  came  one  who  carried  the  stole,  followed 
by  those  who  had  the  scarfs  about  their  necks ;  after  them  came  three  or  four 
young  Indians,  some  with  albs  and  others  with  surplices  on.  The  Acolytes,  con- 
trary to  order,  were  at  the  end  of  the  procession,  not  being  adorned  enough, 
and  held  in  their  hands  a  cross  or  chandelier,  whilst  they  danced  in  cadence. 
These  people,  not  knowing  the  respect  due  to  the  sacred  utensils,  hung  the  chalice 
to  a  horse's  neck,  as  if  it  had  been  a  bell. 

"Represent  to  yourself  the  ridiculous  sight  which  the  singular  order  of  this 
procession  must  offer  to  the  eye,  as  they  arrived  before  the  house  of  M.  de 
Boisbriant,  the  King's  lieutenant,  marching  in  cadence,  and  with  the  great 
calumet  of  peace  displayed  according  to  custom." 

It  was  during  the  administration  of  Boisbriant  that  the  Commons,  an  in- 
stitution of  French  village  life  whether  in  France  or  America,  was  established. 
The  French  people  appreciated  the  value  of  neighborly  association,  and  instead 
of  seeking  out  secluded  or  distant  places  of  residence,  constructed  all  their 
dwellings  in  a  group,  so  that  a  French  settlement  was  in  reality  a  town.  Not 
much  attention  was  paid  to  streets  or  roadways,  but  the  cabins  or  cottages  were 
constructed  in  convenient  places  with  spacious  grounds  for  flowers,  vegetables 
and  shrubbery,  and  near  the  other  dwellings.  Many  of  them  were  tillers  of  the 
soil  and  practically  all  owned  a  few  domestic  animals,  a  cow  or  two,  and  some 
horses  or  ponies.  To  provide  for  the  pasturage  of  their  live  stock  and  for  their 
agricultural  operations,  two  large  tracts  of  land  were  set  apart  at  each  settle- 
ment and  these  were  held  in  common  by  the  villagers.  In  the  tract  reserved  for 
pasturage,  and  usually  such  tract  contained  timber,  every  villager  was  entitled  to 
turn  his  domestic  animals  loose,  and  to  cut  down  trees  for  his  fire  wood,  fences 
and  buildings.  In  the  other  tract,  specific  quantities  were  assigned  to  each  vil- 
lager, usually  of  long  strips  running  backward  from  his  house  or  dwelling  to 

836 


THE  LAITY 

the  river,  to  the  mountains  or  some  designated  spot.  On  these,  farming  opera- 
tions were  conducted,  and  for  a  long  time  these  tracts  were  protected  from  the 
intrusion  of  animals  running  at  large  by  guards.  In  time  a  common  fence  was 
erected  around  the  entire  tract.  Feeling  that  some  protection  of  their  rights  in 
these  commons  was  necessary,  the  villagers  petitioned  Boisbriant  for  a  formal 
grant,  and  were  gratified  by  his  approval  of  their  petition.  In  like  manner, 
grants  were  made  in  all  the  other  settlements  with  the  exception  that  the  com- 
mons at  Cahokia  were  granted  directly  to  the  missionary  Fathers  of  the  Seminary 
of  Foreign  Missions.  These  grants  were  confirmed  by  the  Superior  Council  of 
Louisiana  more  than  twenty-five  years  later,  and  have  been  protected  by  all  the 
treaties  and  laws  concerning  the  territory  ever  since,  and  even  today,  the  com- 
mons of  Kaskaskia,  embracing  an  area  of  6,500  acres,  are  held  as  the  joint 
property  of  the  township  of  Randolph  in  Randolph  County,  and  their  proceeds 
are  devoted  to  the  educational  fund  of  the  township.  After  careful  study,  this 
writer's  opinion  as  a  lawyer  is  that  these  commons,  originally  ceded  to  the  Cath- 
olic parishes  (all  parish  property  belongs  to  the  church)  belong  to  the  Catholic 
Church  (the  title  in  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  in  trust). 

In  1725  Boisbriant,  Commandant  of  happy  memory,  was  called  to  Louisiana 
to  govern  the  entire  colony ;  LeMoyne  de  Bienville,  the  governor,  having  been 
called  home  to  France ;  whereupon  Claude  Charles  du  Tisne  became  Com- 
mandant at  Fort  Chartres.  Du  Tisne  remains  to  the  present  time,  a  rather 
mysterious  figure  in  history.  Scarcely  a  line  can  be  found  concerning  his  activi- 
ties as  Commandant  of  the  Illinois,  but  that  he  was  a  brave  and  good  man 
seems  proven  by  the  fact  that  he  was  one  of  the  party  of  the  subsequent  Com- 
mandant, Pierre  d'Artaguette,  that  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Chickasaw  and 
were  roasted  alive  at  the  stake  while  they  knelt  in  prayer. 

The  next  commandant  at  Fort  Chartres  was  surnamed  Desliettes.  Due  to 
the  fact  that  perhaps  not  many  persons  of  the  same  name  were  to  be  found  in 
the  country  in  these  early  days,  the  first  name  of  this  commandant  has  not  been 
recorded.  It  is  well  known  of  him,  however,  that  he  was  an  able  and  vigorous 
commander.  He  was  a  captain  of  the  army  before  his  appointment,  and  un- 
doubtedly knew  how  to  fight  the  hostile  Indians.  After  the  abandonment  of 
Fort  St.  Louis,  and  Peoria,  the  settlements  farther  down  the  Mississippi  were 
left  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  tribes,  who  pushed  their 
allies  to  the  neighborhood  of  Cahokia,  and  near  Kaskaskia.  To  quell  these  dis- 
turbers, Desliettes  suggested  to  DeLeigneire,  the  French  Commandant  at  Green 
Bay,  that  they  join  forces  and  punish  them  properly.  The  Commandant  at 
Green  Bay  advised  delay  but  the  French  authorities  in  Canada  took  Desliettes' 
view  of  the  situation,  and  the  Marquis  de  Beauharnois,  then  Commandant  in 
Canada,  invited  Desliettes  to  join  the  Canadian  forces  at  Green  Bay  and  make 
war  upon  the  Fox.  A  battle  ensued  in  which  the  Illinois  Indians,  headed  by  the 
French,  were  victorious,  but  hostilities  continued  until  Desliettes'  successor, 
Louis  St.  Ange  de  Belle  Rive,  by  a  strategic  move,  waylaid  and  destroyed  so 
many  of  the  enemy  that  peace  reigned. 

In  1730  Louis  St.  Agne  de  Belle  Rive  succeeded  Desliettes  as  Commandant 
at  Fort  Chartres.     Amongst  all  the  able  and  honored  Frenchmen  who  came  to 

837 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

the  Illinois  country,  none  was  more  worthy  and  deserving  than  Louis  St.  Ange 
de  Belle  Rive.  He  was  one  of  a  most  worthy  French  family,  three  members  of 
which  became  prominent  and  deservedly  honored  in  New  Prance.  As  has  al- 
ready been  seen,  he  reduced  the  Fox  Indians  to  submission,  and  otherwise  pro- 
moted the  welfare  of  the  French  settlements  in  Illinois. 

The  Company  of  the  West,  finding  itself  almost  as  grievously  disappointed 
as  did  Crozat,  determined  to  surrender  its  charter,  and  accordingly  in  1831,  it 
renounced  all  rights  secured  under  its  grant  and  the  territory  reverted  to  the 
French  government. 

Attached  to  Louisiana 

The  next  few  years  after  the  surrender  of  their  charter  by  the  Company 
of  the  West  covered  a  time  of  confusion  in  the  Illinois  country  of  which  we 
have  very  little  information.  No  change  was  made  in  the  officiary  at  Fort 
Chartres.  Until  1734  Commandant  Louis  de  St.  Ange  de  Belle  Rive  continued 
as  Governor.  In  the  year  1734,  however,  LeMoyne  de  Bienville  who  it  will  be 
remembered  was  recalled  to  France  in  1725,  was  reappointed  Governor  of 
Louisiana  as  an  officer  of  the  French  Crown.  He  had  before  served  as  an  ap- 
pointee of  the  Company  of  the  West.  At  the  same  time  the  first  hero  command- 
ant was  named  for  the  Illinois.  This  new  appointee  was  Pierre  d ' Artaguette, 
a  young  military  officer  who  had  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  war  with 
the  Natchez  Indians.  He  was  a  younger  brother  of  Diron  d 'Artaguette  who 
was  also  a  very  prominent  figure  in  the  early  history  of  Louisiana.  As  will  be 
seen  he  became  a  martyr  to  the  cause  of  civilization. 

At  the  time  that  the  Illinois  country  reverted  to  the  Crown  of  France,  the 
northern  portion  of  the  province  of  Louisiana  was  in  a  flourishing  condition. 
The  villages  along  the  Mississippi  were  developing  very  satisfactorily  and  about 
the  same  time,  the  military  post  on  the  Wabash,  which  afterwards  became  known 
as  Vincennes,  began  to  develop.  In  charge  of  that  post  was  a  young  officer 
named  Francis  Morgan,  and  otherwise  known  as  De  Vincennes.  By  reason  of 
his  popularity  and  also  of  his  martyrdom,  the  post  at  which  he  commanded  took 
the  name  of  Vincennes,  and  the  later  town  and  city  which  succeeded  it  just  across 
the  state  line  in  Indiana  has  ever  since  been  known  by  that  name.  The 
post  at  Vincennes  was  considered  an  honored  neighbor  of  Kaskaskia  and  com- 
munication was  general  and  frequent  between  the  inhabitants  of  the  two  places. 
This  De  Vincennes  is  thought  to  have  been  of  Irish  extraction  and  said  to  have 
been  a  brother-in-law  of  Louis  Jolliet,  the  discoverer  who  accompanied  Mar- 
quette on  his  first  voyage.  The  church  records  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
at  Kaskaskia  prove  that  he  was  at  Vincennes  as  a  witness  in  a  very  prominent 
marriage  ceremony,  and  the  subsequent  association  between  himself  and  Com- 
mandant d  Artaguette  would  indicate  a  close  friendship. 

Peace  and  prosperity  ruled  in  the  Illinois  country  until  1735.  On  the  lower 
Mississippi,  however,  the  Chickasaw  Indians  incited  by  the  English  from  the 
Atlantic  coast  settlements,  continued  to  commit  depredations  upon  the  French. 
So  annoying  were  these  disturbances  that  the  French  Governor,  De  Bienville, 
resolved  to  crush  the  power  of  the  Indians  and  called  D 'Artaguette    at    Fort 

838 


THE  LAITY 

Chartres  and  Vincennes  at  his  post  on  the  Wabash  to  co-operate  with  him  in 
an  expedition  for  that  purpose.  On  the  upper  Mississippi  war  parties  were 
raised  consisting  of  a  company  of  volunteers,  Frenchmen  from  the  French  vil- 
lages, and  almost  the  whole  of  the  Kaskaskia  tribe  of  Indians  besides  a  throng 
of  Indian  warriors  of  other  tribes  who  flocked  to  D 'Artaguette 's  standard  from 
as  far  away  as  Detroit.  Chicagou,  perhaps  the  most  distinguished  Indian  chief 
that  had  arisen  in  America  up  to  his  time,  lead  the  Illinois  and  the  Miami  In- 
dians. At  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio,  D 'Artaguette  and  his  forces  were  met  by 
Vincennes  with  his  garrison  and  a  number  of  Indians,  including  even  a  party 
of  Iroquois  braves  who  joined  the  forces. 

Batteaux  were  built  and  launched  upon  the  Mississippi  and  upon  these  float- 
ing rafts  and  in  the  canoes  the  allied  forces  from  the  Illinois  country  reached  the 
appointed  rendezvous,  at  the  last  Chickasaw  bluff  near  the  source.-;  of  the  Yala- 
busha  River,  where  Governor  Bienville  was  to  join  them  on  the  tenth  of  May. 

Unfortunately,  due  to  a  surprise  and  repulse,  Bienville  failed  to  appear 
at  the  appointed  time  and  D 'Artaguette  and  his  associates  remained  in  camp 
in  sight  of  the  enemy  from  the  9th  to  the  20th  of  May,  all  the  time  exerting  his 
utmost  influence  to  restrain  his  savage  allies. 

No  longer  able  to  hold  his  savage  allies  in  check,  D  'Artaguette  consented  to 
attack  the  Chickasaw,  lead  by  their  English  officers ;  and  with  a  spirit  which 
was  invincible,  took  two  of  the  strongest  Indian  fortifications  by  storm.  The 
third  and  last  was  being  similarly  reduced  when  D  'Artaguette,  the  brave  leader, 
was  disabled  by  a  wound.  The  savages  noting  the  loss  of  their  commander  took 
flight  and  fled,  leaving  the  wounded  and  the  French  soldiers  in  peril  of  their 
lives.  A  youth  of  sixteen,  Voison  by  name,  assumed  command  and  conducted 
such  an  able  retreat  that  the  French  soldiers,  being  chased  by  the  Chickasaws 
for  twenty-five  leagues,  escaped  the  enemy  and  marching  forty -five  leagues 
without  food,  regained  the  Mississippi  and  returned  to  the  Illinois  country. 

The  story  of  the  torture  and  burning  of  d 'Artaguette  and  his  companions  is 
one  of  the  most  tragic  connected  with  the  history  of  the  interior  of  our  coun- 
try, and  is  perhaps  as  well  told  by  Monnette  in  his  Settlement  of  the  Mississippi 
Valley  as  by  any  other  writer.  After  telling  of  the  flight  of  the  Indians  and  the 
retreat  under  young  Voison,  Monnette  says : 

"But  the  unhappy  D 'Artaguette  was  left  weltering  in  his  blood,  and  around 
him  lay  others  of  his  bravest  troops.  The  Jesuit,  Senat,  might  have  fled,  but  he 
remained  to  receive  the  last  sighs  of  the  wounded,  regardless  of  danger,  and 
mindful  only  of  duty.  Vincennes,  too,  the  Canadian,  refused  to  fly  and  shared 
the  captivity  of  his  gallant  leader. 

"D 'Artaguette  and  his  valiant  companions  who  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Chickasas,  were  treated  with  great  kindness  and  attention,  their  wounds  dressed 
by  the  Indians,  who  watched  over  them  with  fraternal  tenderness,  and  they 
were  received  into  the  cabins  of  the  victors  in  hopes  of  a  great  ransom  from 
Bienville,  who  was  known  to  be  advancing  by  way  of  the  Tombigby  with  a 
powerful  army.  But  the  same  day  brought  the  intelligence  of  the  advance  and 
discomfiture  of  the  commander-in-chief.  His  retreat  and  final  departure  soon 
followed,  and  the  Chickasas,  elated  with  their  success,  and  despairing  of  the 
expected  ransom,  resolved  to  sacrifice  the  victims  to  savage  triumph  and  re- 
venge.   The  prisoners  were  taken  to  a  neighboring  field,  and  while  one  was  left 

839 


DIOCESE  O*    SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

to  relate  their  fate  to  their  countrymen,  the  young  and  intrepid  d'Artiquette, 
and  the  heroic  Vineennes,  whose  name  is  borne  by  the  oldest  town  in  Indiana 
and  will  be  perpetuated  as  long  as  the  Wabash  shall  flow  by  the  dwellings  of 
civilized  men,  and  the  faithful  Senat,  true  to  his  mission,  were,  with  their  com- 
panions, each  tied  to  a  stake.  Here  they  were  tortured  before  slow  and  inter- 
mitting fires,  until  death  mercifully  released  them  from  their  protracted 
torments." 

The  torture  and  burning  of  these  men,  and  especially  of  the  Jesuit  mis- 
sionary, Father  Senat,  is  one  of  the  most  striking  incidents  in  the  history  of  our 
country.  During  the  missionary  period  more  than  one  hundred  Jesuits,  Fran- 
ciscan, Dominican  and  Sulpician  Fathers  came  to  violent  deaths  at  the  hands 
of  the  savages  frequently  aided  by  the  English.  Some  of  these  tortures  and 
deaths  were  more  brutal  even  than  that  of  Father  Senat,  but  it  is  perhaps  true 
that  in  no  case  was  the  spirit  of  martyrdom  more  strongly  displayed  than  in 
Father  Senat 's  case.  This  good  missionary  is  said  to  have  located  for  a  time 
at  the  village  of  the  Peoria  Indians  near  what  is  now  the  city  of  Peoria.  At 
the  time  that  De  Artaquette  and  Vineennes  were  called  to  the  Chickasaw  War 
by  the  Governor  of  Louisiana,  Father  Senat  was  located  at  Vineennes  and  went 
with  the  garrison  under  Vineennes  as  chaplain.  When  d'Artaguette  was 
wounded  Father  Senat  was  under  no  restraint  whatever  and  might  have  escaped 
with  the  others.  Indeed  he  was  provided  by  the  savage  enemy  with  means  of 
escape  and  a  horse  was  offered  him  for  that  purpose.  But  as  one  of  his  con- 
temporaries, Father  Mathurin  le  Petit  expressed  it,  "He  preferred  to  brave  the 
fury  of  the  savages  rather  than  leave  without  spiritual  aid  the  souls  of  the  cap- 
tives so  dear  to  his  zeal."  And  his  last  ministrations  have  been  described  for  us 
by  the  same  Father,  "All  piously  kneeling  together  with  their  missionary 
chanted  long  and  loud  prayers.  .  .  .  Nor  did  they  interrupt  their  singing 
amid  the  fire  until  they  fell,  half  burned  or  suffocated  by  the  flames. ' ' 

In  1711,  Pontchartrain,  the  commander  of  Louisiana,  sent  Juchereau  St. 
Denis  to  establish  a  fort  near  the  confluence  of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers, 
and  Father  Marest  was  requested  to  assist  by  sending  missionaries  and  other- 
wise. He  responded  by  sending  Father  James  Mermet,  S.J.  The  post  estab- 
lished was  called  Fort  Ascension  but  was  maintained  only  for  a  few  years.  The 
site  of  this  post  has  always  maintained  an  interest.  A  new  fort  was  established 
there  by  Charles  Aubrey  by  direction  of  the  French  commander  Chevalier 
McCarty  in  1757.  This  post  was  again  abandoned  in  1764  and  remained  un- 
occupied until  1794  when  for  a  few  years  there  was  stationed  there  in  a  newly 
built  fort  a  small  garrison  of  United  States  troops  under  Major  Doyle.  George 
Rogers  Clark,  of  whom  we  shall  read  more  later,  is  said  to  have  raised  the  flag 
he  carried  at  the  time  of  his  conquest  in  1778  at  the  site  of  this  old  fort.  If  so, 
this  was  the  first  time  and  place  when  and  where  a  flag  representing  the 
American  cause  was  raised  on  the  soil  of  Illinois.  The  site  of  this  old  fort  is 
now  the  property  of  the  state  of  Illinois,  and  in  the  changes  which  have  come 
with  the  years,  it  became  and  is  still  known  as  Fort  Massac. 

On  the  death  of  D'Artaguette,  Alphonse  de  la  Buissoniere  succeeded  to  the 
command  in  the  Illinois  country,  and  in  the  very  same  year,  at  the  direction  of 
the  Governor  of  Louisiana,  lead  an  expedition  against  the  Chickas  and  Chockta, 

840 


THE  LAITY 

composed  of  Frenchmen  and  native  soldiers  from  Quebec  and  Montreal,  with 
recruits  from  all  the  tribes  along  their  route,  and  altogether,  they  joined  a  force 
under  Bienville,  reinforced  from  Paris.  The  rendezvous  this  time  was  near  the 
site  of  the  present  city  of  Memphis.  Here  both  sides  lay  in  camp  for  months,  and 
at  length  a  peace  was  arrived  at  and  the  forces  dispersed  to  their  respective 
homes.    The  remainder  of  the  reign  of  Buissoniere  was  peaceful. 

Buissoniere  was  succeeded  in  1740  by  Captain  Benoist  de  St.  Claire,  another 
quite  romantic  figure.  He  was  Irish  and  a  son  of  one  of  the  members  of  the 
famous  Irish  Brigade  that  served  so  valiantly  in  the  French  wars. 

St.  Claire  was  succeeded  in  1742  by  Chevalier  de  Bertel,  who  commanded 
until  1748.  Several  documents  have  been  found  relating  to  de  Bertel  who  was 
both  a  skillful  and  public  spirited  commander.  During  his  tenure,  the  English 
began  to  push  their  explorations  into  French  territory  and  a  party  of  men  of  that 
nationality  were  found  on  the  Mississippi  River,  arrested  as  spies,  and  confined 
in  the  dungeon  at  Fort  Chartres.  An  attack  was  feared.  The  old  wooden,  fort 
was  in  bad  repair,  poorly  supplied,  and  the  garrison  almost  depleted.  Some  of 
the  old  time  Indian  allies  had  been  won  over  by  the  British  and  had  agreed  to 
destroy  the  French  post,  but  were  thwarted  by  the  skill  of  deBertel.  The  Com- 
mandant was  very  anxious,  however,  and  wrote  repeatedly  requesting  that  the 
Fort  be  reinforced  or  abandoned.  The  peace  of  Aix  la  Chapelle,  which  ended 
temporarily  the  wars  between  the  French  and  English,  quieted  his  fears  to 
some  extent,  and  feeling  that  he  had  served  his  country  well,  he  transferred  the 
command  back  to  Captain  St.  Claire. 

Upon  reassuming  the  duties  of  Commandant,  Captain  St.  Claire  married 
a  daughter  of  Kaskaskia  with  much  ceremony  and  the  nuptial  record  found  in 
the  register  of  the  old  church  and  still  preserved,  is  very  interesting. 

In  the  year  1750,  marking  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and  about 
seventy-five  years  after  the  exploration  of  Illinois  by  Father  Marquette,  Father 
Louis  Vivier,  S.J.,  was  ministering  at  Kaskaskia  and  wrote  in  that  year  some 
letters  from  which  we  learn  definitely  what  was  the  condition  of  the  country 
at  that  time.  These  letters  have  been  reproduced  in  English  and  may  be  found 
in  Thwaites'  Jesuit  Relations,  Vol  69. 

In  his  letters,  Father  Vivier  says:  "Wild  cattle,  deer,  elk,  bears,  and  wild 
turkeys  abound  everywhere  in  all  seasons,  except  near  the  inhabited  portions. 
It  is  usually  necessary  to  go  one  or  two  leagues  to  find  deer,  and  seven  or  eight 
to  find  oxen. 

"During  a  portion  of  the  autumn,  throughout  the  winter  and  during  a  por- 
tion of  the  spring,  the  country  is  overrun  with  swans,  bustards,  geese,  ducks 
of  three  kinds,  wild  pigeons  and  teal.  There  are  also  certain  birds  as  large  as 
hens  which  are  called  pheasants  in  this  country,  but  which  I  would  rather  name 
'grouse.' 

"The  plants,  trees  and  vegetables  that  have  been  brought  from  France  or 
from  Canada  grow  fairly  well.  As  a  rule  the  country  can  produce  all  things 
needed  to  support  life  and  even  to  make  it  agreeable.  Wheat  as  a  rule  yields  in 
all  from  five  to  eight  fold,  but  the  lands  are  tilled  in  a  very  careless  manner,  and 
have  never  been  fertilized  during  the  thirty  years  they  have  been  cultivated. 

841 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

Maize,  which  in  France  is  called  Turkish  corn,  grows  marvelously.  It  yields 
more  than  one  thousand  fold.  It  is  the  food  of  domestic  cattle,  of  the  slaves,  and 
of  most  of  the  natives  of  the  country.  The  country  produces  three  times  as  much 
food  as  can  be  consumed  in  it. 

"The  horned  cattle  have  multiplied  exceedingly.  Most  of  them  cost  nothing, 
either  for  care  or  for  food.  The  working  animals  graze  on  a  vast  common 
around  the  village.  Others  in  large  numbers  which  are  intended  for  breeding 
are  shut  up  throughout  the  year  on  a  peninsula  over  ten  leagues  in  extent 
formed  by  the  Mississippi  and  the  rivers  of  the  Tamaroah.  These  animals,  which 
are  seldom  approached,  have  become  almost  wild.  An  artifice  must  be  em- 
ployed in  order  to  catch  them.  If  a  habitant  needs  a  pair  of  oxen,  he  goes  to 
the  peninsula.  When  he  sees  a  bull  large  enough  to  be  trained,  he  throws  a 
handful  of  salt  to  him,  and  stretches  out  a  long  rope  with  a  noose  at  the  end, 
then  he  lies  down.  The  animal  which  is  eager  for  the  salt,  draws  near.  As  soon 
as  his  foot  is  in  the  noose,  the  man  of  watch  pulls  the  rope  and  the  bull  is  cap- 
tured. The  same  is  done  for  horses,  calves,  and  colts.  This  is  all  that  it  costs  to 
get  a  pair  of  oxen  or  horses.  Moreover,  these  animals  are  not  subject  to  any 
diseases.    They  live  a  long  time  and  as  a  rule  die  only  of  old  age. 

"There  are  three  classes  of  inhabitants,"  says  Father  Vivier,  "French, 
negroes  and  savages.  There  are  five  French  villages,  and  three  villages  of  sav- 
ages within  a  distance  of  twenty-one  leagues  between  the  Mississippi  and  another 
river  called  the  Kaskaskia.  In  the  five  French  villages  there  may  be  1100  white 
people,  300  black,  and  about  60  red  slaves,  otherwise  savages.  The  three  Illinois 
villages  do  not  contain  more  than  800  savages  of  all  ages. 

"Let  us  consider  the  savages  in  particular,"  says  Father  Vivier.  "Nothing 
but  erroneous  ideas  are  conceived  of  them  in  Europe.  They  are  hardly  believed 
to  be  men.  This  is  a  gross  error.  The  savages,  especially  in  the  Illinois,  are  of 
a  very  gentle  nature.  They  have  wit  and  seem  to  have  more  than  our  peasants, 
— as  much  at  least  as  most  Frenchmen.  This  is  due  to  the  freedom  in  which 
they  are  reared.  Respect  never  makes  them  timid.  As  there  is  neither  rank  nor 
dignity  among  them,  all  men  seem  equal.  An  Illinois  would  speak  to  the  King 
of  France  as  to  the  lowest  of  subjects.  Most  of  them  are  capable  of  sustaining 
a  conversation  with  any  person  provided  no  question  be  treated  of  that 
which  is  beyond  their  sphere  of  knowledge.  They  submit  to  raillery  very  well. 
They  know  not  what  it  is  to  dispute  or  get  angry  while  conversing.  They  never 
interrupt  you  in  conversation.  I  found  in  them  many  qualities  that  are  lacking 
in  civilized  peoples. 

"They  are  distributed  in  cabins,  a  cabin  is  a  sort  of  room  in  common  in 
which  there  are  generally  from  fifteen  to  twenty  persons.  They  all  live  in  great 
peace,  which  is  due,  in  a  great  measure,  to  the  fact  that  each  one  is  allowed  to 
do  what  he  pleases. 

"From  the  beginning  of  October  to  the  middle  of  March,  they  hunt  at  a 
distance  of  forty  or  fifty  leagues  from  their  village,  and  in  the  middle  of  March, 
they  return  to  their  village.  Then  the  women  sow  the  maize:  as  to  the  men, 
with  the  exception  of  a  little  hunt  now  and  then,  they  lead  a  thoroughly 
idle  life.    They  chat,  smoke,  and  that  is  all. 

842 


THE  LAITY 

"If  these  missions  have  no  greater  success,"  says  Father  Vivier,  "it  is  not 
through  the  fault  of  those  who  have  preceded  us  for  their  memory  is  still  held 
in  veneration  among  French  and  Illinois.  It  is  perhaps  due  to  the  bad  example 
of  the  French  who  are  continually  mingled  with  these  people,  to  the  brandy  that 
is  sold  to  them,  and  above  all,  to  their  disposition,  which  is  certainly  opposed  to 
restraint,  and  consequently  to  any  religion. 

"When  the  first  missionaries  came  among  the  Illinois,"  says  Father  Vivier, 
' '  we  see  by  the  writings  which  they  have  left  us,  that  they  counted  5,000  persons 
of  all  ages  in  that  nation.    Today  we  count  but  2,000. 

"The  majority  of  the  French  settled  in  this  country,"  says  Father  Vivier, 
"devote  themselves  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil.  They  sow  quantities  of  wheat; 
they  rear  cattle  brought  from  France,  also  pigs  and  horses  in  great  numbers. 
This  with  hunting  enables  them  to  live  very  comfortably.  There  is  no  fear  of 
famine  in  this  country;  there  is  always  three  times  as  much  food  as  can  be 
consumed. 

The  climate,  which  is  very  different  from  that  of  New  Orleans,  is  almost 
similar  to  that  of  France.  The  great  heats  make  themselves  felt  a  little  earlier 
and  more  intensely,  but  they  are  neither  so  constant  nor  so  lasting.  The  severe 
cold  comes  later.  In  winter,  when  the  wind  blows,  ice  forms  on  the  Mississippi 
sufficiently  thick  to  bear  the  heaviest  carts,  but  such  cold  weather  does  not  last 
long.  The  winter  here  is  an  alternation  of  severe  cold  and  quite  mild  weather, 
according  as  the  winds  blow  from  the  north  or  from  the  south,  and  they  succeed 
each  other  with  fair  regularity.  This  alternation  is  very  injurious  to  the  fruit 
trees.  The  weather  may  be  very  mild,  a  little  warm  even  as  early  as  mid-Feb- 
ruary, the  sap  ascends  in  the  trees  which  become  covered  with  blossoms;  then 
a  wind  from  the  north  springs  up  and  destroys  the  brightest  hopes. 

"There  are  several  salt  springs  in  this  country  and  in  many  posts  which  are 
dependencies  of  Canada.  There  are  mines  without  number  but  as  no  one  is  in  a 
position  to  incur  the  expense  necessary  for  opening  and  working  them,  they  re- 
main in  their  original  condition.  Certain  individuals  content  themselves  with 
obtaining  lead  from  some  of  these,  because  it  lies  almost  at  the  surface  of  the 
ground.  They  supply  this  country,  all  the  savage  nations  of  the  Missouri  and 
Mississippi,  and  several  posts  in  Canada. ' ' 

Father  Vivier  sums  up  his  description  of  the  country  as  follows :  ' '  For  the 
rest,  this  country  is  of  far  greater  importance  than  is  imagined.  Through  its 
position  alone,  it  deserves  that  France  should  spare  nothing  to  retain  it.  It  is 
true  that  it  has  not  yet  enriched  the  King's  coffers,  and  that  convoys  to  and  fro 
are  costly,  but  it  is  none  the  less  true  that  the  tranquility  of  Canada  and  the 
safety  of  the  entire  lower  part  of  the  Colony  depend  upon  it.  Assuredly,  with- 
out this  post  there  can  be  no  communication  by  land  between  Louisiana  and 
Canada.  There  is  another  consideration :  several  regions  of  the  same  Canada 
and  all  those  on  the  lower  part  of  the  river  would  be  deprived  of  the  provisions 
they  obtain  from  the  Illinois,  which  are  often  a  great  resource  to  them.  By  found- 
ing a  solid  establishment  here,  prepared  to  meet  all  these  troubles,  the  King 
would  secure  the  possession  of  the  most  extensive  and  finest  country  in  North 
America." 

843 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

This  was  Illinois — French  Illinois — two  hundred  years  ago. 

Captain  St.  Clair  was  succeeded  by  another  Irishman,  Charles  McCarty, 
most  always  referred  to  as  Chevalier  McCarty.  He  has  also  been  given  the 
name  of  McCarty  Mac  Tique.  He  was  undoubtedly  a  man  of  much  executive 
ability  and  did  more  work  of  a  general  character  than  any  of  the  former  com- 
mandants. McCarty  arrived  in  the  Illinois  country  late  in  the  year  1751.  The 
first  work  to  which  he  directed  his  attention  was  the  rebuilding  of  Fort  Chartres 
on  a  large  scale.  The  plans  for  the  new  fort  were  drawn  by  Lieutenant  Jean  B. 
Saussier,  a  French  engineer.  The  stone  for  the  construction  of  the  fort  was 
quarried  at  the  bluffs  near  the  present  site  of  Prairie  du  Rocher,  about  three  or 
four  miles  from  the  fort.  The  new  fort  was  built  near  the  site  of  the  old  one, 
and  was  reputed  to  be  the  best  fort  in  America  at  the  time  it  was  bxiWt. 

A  barbarous  action  on  the  part  of  the  Cahokia  tribe  provoked  a  tragic  con- 
flict between  the  Fox  Indians  and  the  Cahokians  in  the  next  year  after  McCarty 
assumed  command.  Meeting  a  party  of  six  Fox  Indians,  the  Cahokias  took 
them  prisoner  and  resolved  to  burn  them  to  prevent  their  giving  an  account  of 
their  imprisonment.  Despite  their  efforts,  however,  one  of  the  Indians  escaped. 
Being  pursued  by  his  tormentors,  he  leaped  into  the  water,  and  remained  hidden 
in  the  rushes  until  his  pursuers  gave  him  up.  Under  cover  of  night  he  escaped 
the  watchfulness  of  the  Cahokia  and  returning  to  his  tribe,  told  them  the  fate 
of  his  fellow  travelers.  A  war  council  was  called  and  word  sent  to  the  Sioux, 
the  Sac,  and  the  Kikapoo,  each  of  which  tribes  raised  a  force  and  marched  against 
the  Cahokia,  under  the  leader  of  the  Fox.  The  army  consisted  of  a  thousand 
warriors  who  embarked  on  the  Wisconsin  River  in  one  hundred  eighty  birch- 
bark  canoes,  and  soon  reached  their  enemies  in  Illinois. 

On  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  June  6,  1752,  they  planned  their  attack, 
knowing  that  many  of  the  Indians  would  go  to  Fort  Chartres  for  the  religious 
ceremonies.  Everything  being  in  readiness,  the  leader  of  the  Fox  ordered  ten 
or  twelve  of  the  best  runners  to  proceed  in  advance.  These  young  men  immedi- 
ately fell  upon  the  enemies'  village  and  killed  all  they  met  as  they  came  in. 
Crying  the  death  cry  and  having  discharged  their  arms,  they  turned  about  and 
fled.  The  Illinois  Indians  took  up  their  arms  and  pursued  them  and  the  army 
of  the  Fox  lying  in  the  high  grass,  discharged  all  their  arms  and  killed  twenty- 
eight  Illinois.  At  the  same  time,  they  fell  upon  the  village  and  killed  men, 
women  and  children,  set  fire  to  the  village,  and  bound  and  led  away  the  rest 
as  captives.  The  chief  of  the  Fox  at  the  conclusion  of  the  battle,  hoisted  the 
French  colors  on  his  canoe,  and  was  as  proud  of  his  victory  as  if  he  had  subdued 
a  great  empire. 

Commandant  McCarty  wrote  the  French  commandants  in  Canada  asking 
them  to  treat  with  the  Fox  for  the  ransom  of  the  Illinois  that  were  taken 
captive.  This  engagement  was  entirely  between  conflicting  tribes  of  Indians  and 
the  attack  was  so  secrtlly  planned  that  the  French  knew  nothing  of  it,  and 
did  not  have  time  to  intervene.  At  this  time,  all  of  the  nations  concerned  were 
at  peace  with  the  French.  The  total  loss  in  the  Indian  village  was  about 
eighty  persons  killed  and  taken  prisoners. 

844 


the  laity 

Conflict  of  the  French  and  English 

The  rival  claims  of  England  and  France  to  various  parts  of  American  ter- 
ritory dated  from  the  sixteenth  century.  The  grant  of  the  King  of  England 
to  the  colony  of  Virginia  purported  to  cede  the  whole  of  the  country  from  ocean 
to  ocean  between  one  point  two  hundred  miles  north,  and  another  two  hundred 
miles  south  of  old  Point  Comfort.  Such  a  description  would  include  most  of  the 
Illinois  country.  It  is  true  that  the  grant  was  modified  by  later  restrictions,  but 
Virginia  never  acceded  to  such  modifications.  The  French  claimed  the  Miss- 
issippi Valley,  in  reality  though,  not  having  much  knowledge  of  the  extent  or 
boundaries  of  the  claim,  all  the  territory  between  the  Allegheny  and  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  The  French  explored  and  occupied  the  Mississippi  Valley,  early 
spreading  out  from  the  Mississippi  towards  the  east,  and  later  somewhat  towards 
the  west.  The  British,  through  the  claim  of  Virginia  and  other  British  colonies, 
contented  themselves  with  establishing  their  settlements  along  the  Atlantic  coast, 
and  made  no  western  expansion,  especially  in  the  Illinois  country,  for  many 
years.  Now,  however,  the  British  began  to  contest  the  spread  of  the  French, 
especially  towards  the  east  and  south,  and  active  conflict  began. 

In  the  course  of  their  expansion,  the  French  had  erected  forts  at  Presque 
Isle  (now  Erie,  Pennsylvania,  and  on  the  Allegheny  River).  The  Governor  of 
Virginia,  Dinwiddie,  determined  to  oppose  the  French,  and  hit  upon  the  ex- 
pedient of  sending  a  commissioner  to  the  French  commander,  both  for  the  pur- 
pose of  investigating  the  situation  and  of  protesting  against  what  he  considered 
French  intrusion.  For  this  purpose  Captain  William  Trent  was  first  selected 
but  he  was  later  succeeded  by  the  young  soldier,  Major  George  Washington,  an 
adjutant  general  of  the  Virginia  militia.  George  Washington's  commission  was 
dated  October  30,  1753,  and  by  its  terms  he  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  Logstown 
where  he  was  directed  to  ascertain  "what  had  given  occasion  to  the  French  for 
the  invasion  of  the  British  territory  and  what  were  the  pretensions  of  the  ag- 
gressors and  how  they  were  likely  to  be  supported."  After  a  perilous  journey 
Washington  met  the  French  officer,  Jacques  Reoentigny  le  Gardeur  de  St.  Pierre, 
who  received  him  courteously  and  told  him  that  he  would  transmit  his  inquiries 
to  his  general,  the  Marquis  du  Quesne.  There  was  little  satisfaction  in  this  reply, 
but  Washington  after  an  extremely  difficult  journey  communicated  it  to  Gover- 
nor Dinwiddie.  This  was  the  occasion  of  George  Washington's  first  entrance 
upon  the  stage  ©f  world  history,  and  it  is  to  be  noted  that  he  wa?  then  in  the 
service  of  the  British  colony  of  Virginia. 

In  1754  Washington  was  again  commissioned  to  visit  the  region  of  the 
French  posts  in  the  Ohio  valley,  this  time  with  a  force  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
men.  His  instructions  were  to  repair  to  Alexandria,  but  when  near  that  place 
he  learned  that  a  French  force  under  Captain  Antoine  Pecody,  Sieur  de  Con- 
trecouer,  had  preceded  him.  The  first  encounter  that  had  the  appearance  of  a 
battle  occurred  while  Washington  was  on  his  way  to  the  store  house  of  the  Ohio 
Company,  at  the  mouth  of  Red  Stone  Creek.  While  on  the  march  a  small  party 
of  French  under  Sieur  de  Joumonville  de  Valliers,  who,  it  is  said,  had  been 
sent  with  a  formal  summons  to  Washington,  demanded  that  he  w;thdraw  from 

845 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

the  French  territory.  De  Joumonville's  party  was  successfully  attacked  by 
Washington  on  May  28  at  a  place  called  Little  Meadows.  It  was  Washington's 
first  battle  and  resulted  in  the  killing  of  the  French  commander  Joumonville 
and  ten  of  his  party,  and  the  capture  of  twenty-one  prisoners.  Washington's 
loss  was  but  one  killed  and  three  wounded. 

The  news  of  this  encounter  reached  Kaskaskia  and  Fort  Chartres  where  a 
brother  of  the  French  commander,  killed  by  Washington's  party,  Captain 
Neyon  de  Valliers,  was  located.  Commandant  McCarty  dispatched  Captain  Val- 
liers  with  a  force  of  soldiers  to  join  another  force  from  Canada  under  another 
brother,  Colon  de  Valliers,  for  the  purpose  of  overtaking  Washington. 

The  French  forces  consisted  of  five  hundred  French  and  seven  hundred 
Indians.  Washington's  force  was  but  three  hundred  all  told  and  in  view  of  the 
great  difference  in  numbers,  Washington  retreated  to  the  Great  Meadows,  where 
he  threw  up  a  temporary  fortification,  known  as  Fort  Necessity.  On  July  3,  de 
Valliers  attacked  the  fort,  and  after  a  brief  resistance,  Washington  was  com- 
pelled to  surrender. 

The  taking  of  Washington  at  Great  Meadows  showed  the  British  that 
partial  measure  could  not  succeed,  and  as  they  were  determined  upon  pushing 
their  claims,  they  commenced  to  prosecute  the  war  with  vigor.  Although  the 
British  had  many  advantages,  the  French  were  successful  in  the  early  engage- 
ments. Early  in  September,  1858,  Major  Grant  with  a  force  of  Highlanders 
and  a  company  of  Virginians,  was  ordered  to  attack  the  French  fort,  Du  Quesne. 
That  fortress  had  just  been  re-enforced  by  four  hundred  French  grenadiers 
from  the  Illinois  district,  under  the  command  of  Chevalier  Charles  de  Aubrey. 
Grant  divided  his  troops,  hoping  to  draw  Aubrey  into  an  ambuscade,  but  was 
gallantly  attacked  in  detail  by  Aubrey  who  obtained  a  complete  victory  over 
him,  inflicting  a  loss  of  three  hundred.  A  few  days  afterward,  Aubrey  made  an- 
other sally  from  the  fort  and  surprised  a  British  camp  forty-five  miles  away,  and 
captured  enough  horses  to  bring  his  command  back  mounted. 

Though  the  Indians  accompanying  Valliers  at  the  time  of  the  surrender  of 
Washington's  forces  at  Great  Meadows  wished  to  put  the  prisoners  to  death,  the 
French  by  presents  and  other  means  secured  their  delivery,  and  gallantly 
freed  them. 

Washington  being  at  liberty,  on  the  25th  of  November,  1758,  commanding 
the  advance  of  a  British  army  of  7,000,  appeared  before  Fort  Du  Quesne.  By 
this  time  there  were  in  all  about  four  hundred  troops  garrisoning  that  fort,  and 
the  most  of  these  had  come  from  Fort  Chartres.  Recognizing  the  superiority  of 
numbers  they  decided  to  destroy  the  fort  by  fire  and  retreat  by  its  light.  The 
greater  portion  of  the  garrison  successfully  retreated  to  Fort  Machoult,  some 
distance  up  the  river,  while  the  remainder  with  the  artillery  made  their  escape 
by  the  river  to  the  Illinois. 

The  capture  of  Fort  Duquesne  gave  the  British  control  of  the  Ohio  Valley 
but  this  campaign  did  not  end  the  participation  of  Illinois  in  the  war.  When 
it  was  determined  to  attempt  to  resist  the  seige  of  Fort  Niagara,  all  the  Indian 
villages  in  Illinois  furnished  volunteers  to  join    the    forces    from    Detroit    and 

846 


THE  LAITY 

Mackinac,  who  were  again  lead  by  the  brave  De  Aubrey.  Upon  reaching  the 
scene  on  July  27,  1759,  they  made  a  gallant  charge  upon  the  invading  forces 
commanded  by  Sir  William  Johnson,  but  after  a  sharp  fight  they  were  re- 
pulsed with  great  loss.  A  large  number  of  the  Illinois  volunteers  were  killed, 
wounded  and  taken  prisoner,  amongst  them  the  gallant  de  Aubrey.  The  defeat 
was  a  distressing  one  to  the  French  authorities  at  Fort  Chartres,  and  Command- 
ant McCarty  said  that  the  expedition  had  cost  him  "the  flower  of  his  men"  and 
that  his  garrison  was  weaker  than  ever. 

England  Prevails. 

The  final  conquest  in  which  Great  Britain  obtained  the  supremacy  in  all 
the  territory  east  of  the  Mississippi  may  or  may  not  have  been  participated  in 
by  soldiers  from  Illinois.  It  was  the  battle  of  Quebec  on  the  heights  of  Abraham 
fought  September  12-13,  1759.  Here  on  that  day  contended  the  great  Wolfe 
with  the  great  Montcalm.  Here  both  the  commanders  gave  up  their  lives,  but 
the  British  arms  were  successful  and  the  French  supremacy  was  ended  in  the 
Ohio  and  Mississippi  Valleys. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  last  war  between  the  French  and  the  English, 
known  as  the  French  and  Indian  War,  McCarty  as  has  been  seen,  was  the  com- 
mandant at  Fort  Chartres.  We  have  seen  that  he  rebuilt  Fort  Chartres  and 
made  it  the  greatest  fortification  on  the  American  continent.  Fort  Ascension 
also  was  rebuilt  by  Charles  de  Aubrey  under  the  direction  of  McCarty  and  the 
glimpses  we  get  of  McCarty  subsequent  to  his  retirement  from  command  at  Fort 
Chartres  reveal  him  in  a  meritorious  light.  When  in  1763  the  Jesuits  were 
banished  and  dragged  down  the  Mississippi  River,  one  of  their  number  records 
that  they  were  cordially  received  and  entertained  by  the  former  Commandant 
McCarty  at  his  plantation  which  he  was  developing  on  the  Mississippi.  We 
get  another  glimpse  of  McCarty  when  his  life  work  is  done.  On  the  20th  of 
April,  1764,  he  was  buried  with  military  honors  at  New  Orleans, 

McCarty  was  succeeded  in  1761  by  Neyon  de  Valliers,  one  of  the  gallant  trio 
of  brothers  whose  lives  are  linked  with  that  of  George  Washington  on  account 
of  the  several  engagements  in  which  they  fought  against  that  great  general.  Nor 
is  all  said  for  this  distinguished  French  family  when  we  speak  of  the  three 
brothers  that  figured  so  conspicuously  with  Washington.  There  were  indeed 
seven  brothers  who  were  prominent  in  American  affairs.  Before  the  time  that 
Neyon  became  Governor  of  Illinois,  his  six  brothers  had  been  slain  in  the  de- 
fense of  their  country,  and  he  remained,  the  sole  survivor  of  the  family. 

Neyon  de  Valliers  was  commandant  during  the  troublous  times  of  the  ban- 
ishment of  the  Jesuits  and  gave  his  approval  to  Abbe  Forget  du  Verger  of  the 
Seminary  for  Foreign  Missions,  the  last  of  that  band  of  priests  in  charge  of  Holy 
Family  Church  at  Cahokia,  in  quitting  the  country,  lest  he  suffer  a  similar  fate 
to  that  of  the  Jesuits. 

While  Valliers  was  in  command  a  very  important  historical  event  occurred, 
nothing  less  than  the  arrival  from  New  Orleans  of  a  large  colony  to  settle  in 
the  Illinois  country.    It  was  lead  by  Pierre  Laclede,  the  representative  of  a  com- 

8-17 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

pany  of  merchants  engaged  in  the  fur  trade.  When  Laclede  arrived  at  Kas- 
kaskia  he  learned  of  the  treaty  ceding  the  country  east  of  the  Mississippi  to 
England,  and  at  once  decided  to  locate  his  establishment  west  of  the  Mississippi, 
not  knowing  that  by  another  secret  treaty  France  had  ceded  its  western  terri- 
tory, except  Louisiana,  to  Spain.  De  Valliers  permitted  Laclede  to  store  his 
goods  and  quarter  his  company  at  Fort  Chartres  while  he  explored  the  neigh- 
borhood for  a  location.  Laclede  selected  some  high  ground  sixty  miles  north  of 
the  Fort  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  for  his  colony  and  this  was  the  be- 
ginning of  the  city  of  St.  Louis.  Naturally  many  of  the  French  from  the  Illi- 
nois followed  him,  some  of  them  even  transported  their  houses  to  the  other  side. 
Of  course,  there  was  bitter  disappointment  when  it  was  found  that  France  had 
ceded  the  country  to  Spain  but  Laclede's  colony  remained  and  the  growth  of 
St.  Louis  began. 

Grievously  disappointed  at  the  outcome  of  the  war  between  the  French 
and  the  British,  de  Valliers  remained  at  his  post  but  a  short  time.  As  soon  as 
arrangements  could  be  made  for  his  relief,  he,  with  a  few  followers,  descended 
the  Mississippi  to  New  Orleans.  He  was  succeeded  in  command  by  Louis  St. 
Ange  de  Belle  Rive  who  came  from  Vincennes  to  govern  the  fort  until  it  should 
be  delivered  over  to  the  British,  and  there  waited  the  appearance  of  British  rep- 
resentatives to  take  possession  of  the  fort. 

The  French  Governors,  the  commandants  in  Illinois,  were  one  and  all  from 
Tonti  to  St.  Ange,  men  of  merit  and  most  worthy  of  the  confidence  reposed  by 
the  government  in  them.  It  must  strike  any  one  as  strange  that  men  of  such 
distinction  governed  in  those  early  days,  and  indeed  that  their  activities  should 
be  so  little  known.  All  those  who  have  learned  something  of  their  lives  and 
labors  will  be  eager  to  learn  more  and  will  at  least  hold  their  names  in  grateful 
memory.  Accordingly  the  repetition  of  those  names  with  a  memorandum  of 
their  term  of  service  seems  justifiable. 

The  French  Governors  in  Illinois. 

As  has  been  noted,  De  LaSalle  was  the  first  proprietary  and  Henri  De  Tonti 
governed  under  him  from  1680  to  1700. 

While  the  Illinois  Country  was  under  the  jurisdiction  of  New  Orleans 

Pierre  Dugue  de  Boisbriant,  1718-1725. 

Captain  Claude  Charles  du  Tisne,  1725. 

Captain  des  Leittes,  Interim. 

Louis  St.  Ange  de  Belle  Rive,  1725-1734. 

Pierre  De  Artaguette,  1734-1736. 

Alphonse  de  la  Bussoniere,  1736-1740. 

Captain  Benoist  de  St.  Claire,  1740-1746. 

Chevalier  de  Bartel,  1746-1749. 

Captain  Benoist  de  St.  Claire,  1749-1752. 

Chevalier  Charles  McCarty,  1752-1761. 

Neyon  de  Valliers,  1761-1763. 

Louis  St.  Ange  de  Belle  Rive,  1763-1765. 

848 


the  laity 

The  French  People. 

Having  sketched  with  as  much  detail  as  space  permits  the  officiary  during 
the  French  regime,  we  can  now  turn  to  the  French  people  themselves  who  first 
navigated  the  waterways,  blazed  the  trails,  subdued  and  elevated  the  savages, 
conquered  the  wilderness  and  tamed  the  soil  of  Illinois. 

John  Reynolds,  who  spent  his  life  amongst  them,  and  who  became  a  dis- 
tinguished judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  Governor  of  Illinois,  said : 

' '  The  inhabitants  were  devout  and  strong  believers  in  the  Catholic  Church. 
They  were  willing  to  fight  and  die  for  the  maintenance  of  the  doctrines  of  their 
Church.  They  considered  the  Church  of  Rome  infallible,  emanating  direct 
from  God,  and  therefore  all  the  dogmas  were  received  and  acted  upon  by  them 
without  a  why  or  a  wherefore.  They  performed  their  devotions  in  their  Church 
with  a  confidence  that  rendered  them  happy  in  religious  matters.  Their  spiritual 
teachers  were  men  of  sincere  piety  and  religion.  It  was  the  duty  and  it  be- 
came also  the  pleasure  of  these  Christian  men  to  administer  to  the  religious 
wants  of  their  people.  The  people  being  governed  by  the  precepts  of  the  Gospel, 
enforced  by  the  power  and  influence  of  the  Church,  formed  a  pious  and  re- 
ligious community  which  was  the  basis  of  the  happiness  of  the  Illinois  people  in 
primitive  times." 

"Finally,"  Governor  Reynolds  concludes,  "these  people  solved  the  prob- 
lem that  an  honest  and  virtuous  people  need  no  government.  Nothing  like  a 
regular  court  of  law  ever  existed  in  the  country  prior  to  the  British  occupation 
of  Illinois  in  the  year  1765." 

Judge  Sidney  Breese,  one  of  the  most  learned  of  all  the  judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Illinois,  who  also  dwelt  amongst  the  French,  has  left  us  this 
picture  of  them :  "  At  the  same  altar  knelt  the  rich  man  and  the  poor  man,  the 
same  ordinances  and  sacraments  were  administered  to  each,  and  dying,  both 
were  buried  in  the  same  cemetery,  the  same  rites  performed  and  the  same 
miserere  and  de  profundis  chanted.  This  feeling  of  equality  thus  generated  and 
encouraged  marked  all  of  the  social  intercourses  and  entered  largely  into  their 
amusements.  In  the  same  dance  all  classes  cheerfully  participated,  in  no  bosom 
rankled  the  cry  of  family,  and  no  one  felt  or  affected  superiority.  The  con- 
dition of  the  greater  part  of  both  sexes  required  from  them  exertion;  they 
were  compelled  to  labor  to  live,  and  labor  being  the  common  lot,  was  neither 
odious  nor  disgraceful.  The  principles  of  the  Roman  Catholic  religion  were  in- 
stilled into  all  and  the  little  spires  of  its  churches  arose  in  every  village.  In 
them  were  the  marriage  ceremonies  performed,  the  priest  consecrating  the 
nuptial  tie  and  recording  the  act  in  the  presence  of  witnesses.  There,  too,  the 
ceremony  of  Baptism  was  manifested  and  there  the  last  obsequies  for  the  dead 
and  Masses  said  for  the  souls  of  those  dying  in  the  odor  of  sanctity." 

Little  may  be  gleaned  from  local  records  of  these  early  days  as  little  was  so 
preserved,  but  from  the  estimates  of  men  who  dwelt  amongst  them  and  others 
who  have  studied  their  period,  we  get  some  idea  of  their  merit. 

Judge  Joseph  Gillespie,  one  of  the  ablest  of  the  early  pioneers,  who  knew 
most  of  the  early  Frenchmen  of  the  period  in  question,  said : 

849 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

"Certain  of  these  old  French  families  have  displayed  a  vigor  and  energy 
which  cannot  be  surpassed.  Take  for  instance  the  Choteaus,  the  Valles,  the 
Pratts,  the  Gratios,  old  Pierre  Menard  and  Nicholas  Jarrot  and  his  son  Vital, 
were  men  whose  lives  were  given  to  almost  romantic  business  adventure.  They 
were  the  first  to  develop  the  Missouri  and  Galena  lead  mines.  The  'fur  trade' 
was,  by  some  of  them,  carried  to  a  distance  of  thousands  of  miles.  They  had  their 
trading  posts  all  along  the  foot  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  They  explored  every 
river  that  runs  into  the  Mississippi  to  its  source  in  their  trading  excursions,  and 
even  took  in  New  Mexico  when  it  was  a  province  of  Spain.  I  know  of  no  men 
who  have  been  so  instrumental  in  bringing  to  light  the  inexhaustible  resources 
of  Missouri  and  developing  the  iron  industry  of  St.  Louis  as  Choteau,  Harri- 
son and  Valle." 

Amongst  the  important  Frenchmen,  men  of  the  very  highest  standing,  who 
were  in  Illinois  around  the  early  settlements  of  Kaskaskia,  Cahokia,  Prairie  du 
Rocher  and  Peoria,  may  be  named  Nicholas  Jarrott,  who  was  in  Illinois  from 
1794  to  his  death  in  1832.  Jean  Baptiste  Saucier  was  one  of  the  greatest  among 
the  great  men  of  early  Illinois  who  remained  here  until  his  death.  He  was  the 
father-in-law  of  such  noted  men  in  the  future  history  of  the  community  as 
Colonel  Pierre  Menard,  Colonel  Choteau,  Sr.,  James  Morrison  and  Adam 
Snyder. 

Francois  Perry  was  here  from  1792  until  his  death.  He  also  married  a 
daughter  of  Saucier.  Michael  LaCroix  was  a  very  prominent  Frenchman  who 
remained  here  until  the  time  of  his  death  in  1821. 

The  Quentine  village  was  settled  by  DeLorme  and  a  number  of  Frenchmen 
who  came  with  him  into  the  state  in  1804.  The  Penseneaux  were  some  of  the 
most  prominent  French  people  that  ever  came  to  Illinois  and  the  three  brothers 
with  their  large  families  were  here  during  that  period. 

August  Choteau  remained  in  the  territory  and  at  the  end  of  the  War  of  1812 
was  appointed  one  of  the  commissioners  to  treat  with  the  Indians. 

As  is  well  known,  Pierre  Menard  was  a  leading  public  figure  from  the 
time  he  came  into  the  territory  until  his  death,  being  the  leading  spirit  in  the 
territorial  legislature  and  the  first  Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  State. 

The  foregoing  are  but  a  few  of  the  prominent  Frenchmen  and  Catholics 
that  remained  in  the  territory  during  the  darkest  period  of  our  early  history 
and  bore  nobly  the  extraordinary  burdens  of  that  time. 

The  destinies  of  war  under  which  the  French  control  was  supplanted  by 
British  brought  out  the  patriotic  impulses  of  the  French  of  those  early  days. 

The  story  of  the  transition  is  interesting  and  is  referred  to  elsewhere.  Here 
it  is  appropriate  to  note  an  absence  of  supine  surrender  on  the  part  of  the 
French.  The  commandant,  De  Ange,  the  brilliant  and  successful  general  and 
just  governor  lived  up  to  the  letter  of  the  treaty  between  England  and  France, 
and  surrendered  Fort  Chartres  and  the  Government  upon  proper  demand  to  the 
British  Commander  Stirling,  who  being  much  of  a  gentleman,  invited  the  views 
of  the  inhabitants  as  to  their  desires  and  needs.  In  answer  the  leading  men 
met  and  drafted — before  the  Declaration  of  Meklenburg  and  before  the  Declara- 

850 


THE  LAITY 

tion  of  Independence — a  demand  for  a  free  and  independent  government,  by  and 
under  the  control  of  the  governed. 

This  first  declaration  of  independence  adopted  on  the  Western  Continent 
was  rejected,  but  it  stands  to  the  credit  of  the  noble  Frenchmen  who  drafted  it 
and  the  glory  of  Illinois  where  it  was  conceived. 

The  petition  was  forwarded  by  Captain  Stirling,  the  English  commander, 
under  date  of  October  18,  1865,  and  contained  the  names  of  the  leading  men 
of  the  day,  as  follows :  De  Rocheblave,  Lagrange,  Gavobert,  Duplasy,  DeLude, 
Charleville,  Aubuchon,  Jr.,  Cerre  H.  Brazeaux,  Gandouin,  J.  Baptiste  Beauvais, 
Blouin,  Tessier  dit  LaVigne,  Mere  Pilotte,  Baptiste  Moyot,  Jaques  Bileront, 
Hubert  LaRue,  De  Girardot,  Calamanderie,  J.  M.  Mercier,  Lonoval,  Janis 
Lachanse,  J.  Lasource,  Francois  Ricard. 

Every  one  of  these  prominent  people,  and  some  of  them  became  even  more 
prominent  afterwards  in  the  community,  remained  in  Illinois  until  their  death, 
so  far  as  the  records  disclose,  with  the  single  exception  of  Rocheblave,  who  after- 
wards became  the  Commandant  for  the  English  and  was  the  representative  of  the 
British  power  in  the  place  when  George  Rogers  Clark  with  the  invaluable  aid 
of  Father  Gibault  captured  the  country  and  sent  Rocheblave  a  prisoner  to 
Virginia. 

There  were  many  other  influential  men  not  named  on  the  petition  that  re- 
mained, and  many  others  came  and  stayed. 

Nor  did  their  efforts  for  independence  end  with  their  rejected  demand. 
After  a  few  short  and  mostly  unpleasant  years  of  English  rule  came  the  War 
of  the  Revolution.  It  is  remembered  that  the  bold  young  Irishman,  George 
Rogers  Clark,  persuaded  the  learned  and  eloquent  Irishman,  Patrick  Henry, 
Governor  of  the  colony  of  Virginia,  to  permit  him — Clark — to  lead  a  campaign 
against  the  British  established  in  Illinois,  Indiana  and  Michigan. 

The  story  of  Clark's  conquest  is  told  elsewhere.  It  is  desired  here  only  to 
appreciate  the  part  of  the  French  therein. 

To  understand  the  activities  of  the  worthy  French  pioneers,  at  least  three 
individuals  must  be  introduced,  viz :  Reverend  Pierre  Gibault,  undoubtedly  the 
most  influential  man  in  the  "West  of  his  time ;  Oliver  Pollock,  of  New  Orleans, 
and  Francis  Vigo,  then  of  Kaskaskia,  Illinois.  Of  this  great  trio,  Father  Gibault 
only  was  French,  Vigo  was  Italian,  but  always  associated  with  the  French, 
Oliver  was  Irish.  As  to  their  positions,  Father  Gibault  was  the  pastor  of 
Immaculate  Conception  Church  at  Kaskaskia,  and  Vicar  General  of  all  Mid- 
America.  Oliver  Pollock  was  the  chief  and  only  fiscal  agent  of  the  United 
States  Government  for  the  conduct  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  Francis  Vigo 
was  a  rich  merchant  who  dealt  in  clothing  and  supplies  of  varied  kinds  among 
the  inhabitants  of  Illinois,  Indiana,  Missouri  and  Michigan. 

These  three  men  supplied  everything  for  Clark's  conquest  but  the  one 
hundred  fifty  rugged  Irishmen  who  constituted  the  military  force.  What  they 
wore,  not  of  great  value  to  be  sure ;  what  they  ate,  their  arms,  their  ammunition, 
and  more  than  all,  the  influence  and  co-operation  indispensible  to  merit  were 

851 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

i    ■    • 

i 

furnished  by  Pollock,  Gibault,  Vigo  and  the  good  Frenchmen  who  followed  their 
leadership  and  co-operated  with  them. 

Each  of  these  three  leaders  advanced  all  of  their  means,  Pollock  more  than 
$50,000;  Vigo,  $40,000,  and  Father  Gibault,  his  little  all,  $900.00  and  his 
donkey,  the  only  vehicle  of  transportation  about  his  vast  diocese  of  more  than 
40,000  square  miles.  Sad  to  say,  each  of  the  three  were  ruined  and  neither  was 
recompensed  in  a  penny's  worth.  The  same  was  true  of  most  of  the  French  in- 
habitants who  followed  their  lead. 

Only  a  few  evidences  of  this  narration  are  necessary  here: 

In  a  letter  written  by  George  Rogers  Clark,  July  24,  1778,  he  said:  "Several 
merchants  are  now  advancing  considerable  sums  of  their  property  rather  than 
the  service  should  suffer,  by  which  I  am  sensible  they  must  lose  greatly,  unless 
some  method  is  taken  to  raise  the  credit  of  our  coin." 

Dr.  Alvord  concludes  from  an  examination  of  documents  that  the  merchants 
who  gave  their  aid  were :  Daniel  Murray,  Winston  Cerre,  Janis,  the  Charlevilles, 
the  Beauvais,  Duplasy,  the  Bienveneaus  of  Kaskaskia,  Barbau  of  Prairie  du 
Piocher,  Godin,  Trottier,  Gibault,  LaCroix,  Gratiot  and  McCarthy  of  Cahokia, 
LaGras,  Huberdean  and  Bosseron  of  Vincennes,  and  Vigo,  with  possibly  others 
of  St.  Louis. 

In  a  note  Alvord  says :  "  In  fact  the  list  of  those  who  at  this  time  or  later 
furnished  supplies  on  credit  is  a  very  long  one,  including  almost  every  man  of 
property  in  Illinois.  Richard  Winston  who  at  the  time  of  Clark  was  regarded 
as  wealthy,  died  in  poverty ;  and  the  Beauvais  family  was  reduced  to  almost  the 
same  extremity.    These  are  only  two  instances  among  many." 

It  is  not  pleasant  to  reflect  upon  neglect  or  inattention  to  the  memory  of 
worthy  progenitors  who  have  bestowed  upon  us  incalculable  benefits.  Read  all 
you  can  find  in  a  full  day,  of  Illinois  history  and  marvel  at  the  nothingness  of 
the  French  account.  How  much  has  any  pupil  or  student  in  any  school,  public 
or  denominational,  ever  seen  in  a  text  book  or  heard  from  the  instructor  of 
this  century  of  French  dominion  or  of  the  marvelous  succession  of  incomparable 
French  missionaries,  the  grand  dynasty  of  French  governors,  and  last  but  by 
no  means  least,  the  devout  God-fearing,  truly  fraternal  French  citizenry?  The 
answer  is,  "Little  or  nothing."  No  statues,  no  memorials,  no  records  raised  or 
built  at  public  expense  exist  in  all  the  State.  The  French  are  unknown, — as  if 
they  had  never  been. 

The  geography  of  Illinois  alone  bears  the  impress  of  the  French  in  a  list 
of  names  of  Counties  and  cities,  such  as  Champaign,  Fayette,  Hennepin,  city 
and  canal,  Joliet,  LaGrange,  Lallarp,  LaSalle,  Marengo,  Marseilles,  Massac, 
Menard,  Meredosia,  Prairie  du  Rocher,  Rochelle,  Saint  Anne,  Toulon,  and  others. 

These  names  alone,  which  cost  nothing,  are  burdened  with  the  task  of 
memorializing  the  French  who  alone  and  unaided  discovered,  explored,  settled 
and  developed  what  is  now  the  sovereign  and  towering  state  of  Illinois,  through 
the  first  one  hundred  years  of  its  history. 

852 


THE  LAITY 

THE  IRISH  IN  EARLY  ILLINOIS. 

As  is  well  known,  the  French  are  entitled  to  the  honor  of  the  exploration 
and  the  first  settlement  of  the  territory  now  included  within  the  boundaries  of 
Illinois,  and  they  were  in  almost  exclusive  occupation,  save  for  the  Indians,  of 
the  entire  Illinois  country  for  nearly  one  hundred  years  before  other  white 
men  came.    But  even  in  French  days  there  were  to  be  found  men  of  Irish  blood. 

Irishmen  Among  the  French. 

According  to  his  own  statement,  Hugh  Crawford  must  have  been  the  first 
Irishman  that  traveled  about  the  Illinois  and  Mississippi  rivers.  He  says  he 
made  trading  trips  leaving  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  as  early  as  1739,  and  he 
continued  in  this  work  until  his  death.  He  was  associated  in  trade  with 
Colonel  George  Croghan  and  Thomas  Smallman,  and  first  came  to  the  West 
at  the  instance  of  George  Washington  to  look  over  lands  with  a  view  to 
investments.  After  the  conclusion  of  the  war  between  France  and  England, 
by  which  England  became  entitled  to  the  French  possessions  east  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, he  was  employed  to  bring  Pontiac,  the  famous  Indian  Chief,  to  Sir 
William  Johnson,  in  1766,  for  the  purpose  of  negotiating  a  settlement  and 
permitting  the  English  to  take  possession  after  the  treaty  of  Paris.  Crawford 
was  an  important  factor  in  all  the  history  of  the  territory  up  to  the  time  of 
his  death  in  1770. 

A  most  romantic  figure  in  the  very  early  history  of  the  Illinois  country 
was  Francis  Morgan,  better  known  as  the  Chevalier  de  Vincennes.  Although 
little  seems  to  be  known  of  his  origin,  he  is  said  by  Bishop  Alerding  to  have 
been  Irish.  Reynolds,  in  speaking  of  Vincennes,  said:  "The  brave  and  gal- 
lant young  hero  was  the  hope  and  pride  of  the  Wabash  country."  His  tragic 
end  is  one  of  the  saddest  incidents  in  the  history  of  the  Northwest  and  has 
heretofore  been  described. 

Chevalier  Charles  McCarty  was  an  administrator  of  French  affairs  as 
Governor  of  the  Illinois  country  from  1751  until  a  short  time  before  the  ter- 
ritory came  into  the  ownership  of  the  British  under  the  treaty  of  Paris,  which 
was  concluded  between  the  French  and  English  in  1763.  His  story  also  has 
been  heretofore  told. 

Colonel  George  Croghan  was  a  very  distinguished  Irishman  who  came  at 
an  early  day  to  the  Northwest.  Croghan  and  his  associates  are  said  to  have 
established  strings  of  stores  and  trading  places  in  the  Northwest  as  early  as 
1754.  When  Sir  William  Johnson  who,  by  the  way,  was  an  Irishman  and  per- 
haps the  ablest  representative  the  British  government  ever  had  in  this  country, 
was  appointed  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs,  he  made  Croghan  his  deputy, 
and  Croghan  attained  the  reputation  of  being  the  "fittest  person  in  America," 
to  transact  business  with  the  Indians.  This  fitness  was  demonstrated  when 
he  successfully  negotiated,  after  the  dismal  failure  of  many  others,  the  sub- 
mission of  the  great  Chief  Pontiac.  There  are  many  of  Croghan 's  letters 
extant,  and  they  and  other  evidences  demonstrate  that  he  was  a  straight- 
forward and,  at  the  same  time,  a  very  forceful  character.     It  is  pleasant  to 

853 


DIOCESE  OP  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

know  that  though  he  was  a  loyal  servitor  of  Great  Britain,  yet  when  the  time 
came  to  make  a  choice  between  Great  Britain  and  the  young  Republic,  Amer- 
ica, he  chose  the  latter. 

Colonel  Croghan  was  not  the  last  of  his  line  to  distinguish  his  name  in  this 
country.  His  family  and  that  of  General  George  Rogers  Clark,  so  distinguished 
in  our  history,  intermarried,  and  a  direct  descendant  of  Colonel  Croghan  and  of 
the  Clarks  by  such  intermarriage,  Major  George  Croghan,  became  one  of  the 
heroic  figures  of  the  War  of  1812.  On  the  1st  of  August,  1813,  General  Proctor, 
with  the  principal  British  force  consisting  of  about  eight  hundred  regulars 
and  two  thousand  Indians,  after  virtually  overrunning  the  country,  attacked 
Fort  Stephenson.  The  fort  was  in  command  of  Major  Croghan,  then  twenty- 
one  years  of  age,  seconded  and  ably  assisted  by  another  gallant  young  Irishman, 
Joseph  Duncan,  who  afterward  became  the  fifth  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Illinois.  After  making  such  a  disposition  of  his  troops  as  to  prevent  the  escape 
of  the  garrison,  General  Proctor  summoned  Croghan  to  surrender,  threatening 
the  garrison  with  an  Indian  massacre  in  case  of  refusal.  Croghan  ?s  force  num- 
bered but  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  and  the  fort  was  but  a  mean  protection; 
in  fact,  totally  indefensible  in  the  opinion  of  General  Harrison,  who  had  issued 
orders  that  it  be  abandoned.  These  orders  were  sent  by  messenger,  but  the 
bearer  lost  his  way,  and  when  the  orders  were  received  a  large  party  of  Indians 
had  already  surrounded  the  works,  rendering  it  more  dangerous  to  retreat  than 
to  remain.  To  Proctor's  demand  and  threat,  the  gallant  young  officer  replied: 
"When  the  fort  shall  be  taken  there  shall  be  none  left  to  massacre,  as  it  will  not 
be  given  up  while  there  is  a  man  left  who  is  able  to  fight."  Upon  receipt  of  this 
reply,  the  British  at  once  attacked  the  northwest  angle  of  the  fort.  Major 
Croghan,  judging  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  enemy  to  mahe  a  breach  in 
that  quarter,  caused  it  to  be  strengthened  by  bags  of  sand  and  flour,  and  under 
cover  of  darkness  which  set  in,  he  placed  his  single  gun,  a  six  pounder,  charged 
with  slugs  and  grape  shot,  in  such  a  position  as  to  command  the  point  of  attack. 
The  fire  of  the  besiegers  was  kept  up  during  the  night  of  the  1st  of  April  and 
until  late  in  the  evening  of  the  2nd,  when  a  storming  party  of  three  hundred 
and  sixty  men  advanced  under  cover  of  the  smoke  and  darkness  to  within  twenty 
paces  of  the  walls  of  the  fort.  The  musketry  now  opened  upon  them,  but  with 
little  effect;  the  ditch  was  gained  and  in  a  moment  filled  with  men.  At  that 
moment  the  masked  cannon,  only  thirty  feet  distant,  opened  upon  the  assailants, 
killing  twenty-seven  and  wounding  as  many  more.  The  broken  column  was  re- 
formed and  the  ditch  again  filled,  but  the  cannon  being  again  discharged  with 
similar  effect,  the  besiegers  became  disheartened,  abandoned  the  attack  and 
the  little  fort  was  saved.  Croghan  was  breveted  Lieutenant-Colonel  for  his 
gallant  conduct,  was  afterwards  commended  by  resolution  of  Congress  for 
bravery,  and  he  and  Duncan  were  each  presented  by  Congress  with  a  sword. 

During  the  English  Regime. 

When  the  British  secured  the  French  Territory  the  Government  took  up  the 
question  of  its  management,  and  Lord    Shelburne    (William    Petty,    born    in 

854 


THE  LAITY 

Dublin)  who  was  Secretary  of  State  for  the  southern  department,  upon  the 
recommendation  of  Benjamin  Franklin  and  others,  planned  the  establishment 
of  three  new  colonies  to  be  located  at  Detroit,  at  the  Illinois  and  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Ohio,  but  having  become  disconnected  from  the  ministry,  his  recommendation 
was  not  carried  out. 

He  was  again  in  the  British  Cabinet  at  the  time  the  Treaty  of  Peace  which 
closed  the  Revolutionary  War  was  negotiated,  and  it  was  largely  through  his  in- 
fluence that  the  United  States  obtained  under  the  treaty  the  old  Northwest, 
including  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan  and  Wisconsin. 

After  the  Treaty  of  Paris  and  the  cession  of  New  France  to  England,  Guy 
Carlton,  an  Irishman,  became  Governor  under  the  English  crown.  Major 
Loftus,  with  a  force  of  Irishmen  of  the  22nd  British  regiment,  tried  to  take 
possession  of  the  Illinois  country,  but  failed,  but,  as  has  been  seen,  another 
Irishman,  Colonel  George  Croghan,  succeeded  in  securing  the  possession  stipu- 
lated for  in  the  treaty.  Subsequently,  the  18th,  or  ' '  Royal  Regiment  of  Ireland, ' ' 
nearly  all  of  the  members  of  which  were  Irish,  garrisoned  the  forts  in  the 
Illinois  country  for  some  time  under  the  British  regime,  but  were  later  with- 
drawn and  a  local  militia  force  was  organized  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Richard  McCarthy,  of  whom  we  are  to  hear  more. 

The  number  of  Irish  in  the  territory  increased  somewhat  during  the 
period  of  British  ascendency  in  Illinois,  and  some  very  conspicuous  Irishmen 
are  known  to  have  been  here  during  that  time. 

William  and  Daniel  Murray  and  Patrick  Kennedy  were  three  very  worthy 
Irishmen  here  during  that  period.  They  were  all  traders  of  a  high  type.  They 
dealt  fairly  with  every  one,  including  the  Indians.  Kennedy  seems  to  have  come 
to  the  country  about  1766  and  the  Murrays  in  1767.  Alvord  says  of  William 
Murray : 

"In  the  annals  of  the  West  the  names  of  such  men  as  Samuel  Wharton, 
Phinneas  Lyman,  George  Morgan,  William  Murray,  Richard  Henderson  and 
George  Washington  *  *  *  should  occupy  a  conspicuous  place." 

There  seems  to  be  little  room  for  doubt  that  the  Murrays  and  Kennedy  were 
the  very  people  who  furnished  George  Rogers  Clark  with  information  and  co- 
operated with  his  force  in  the  conquest  of  Kaskaskia.  They  were  all  ardent 
patriots  in  the  American  cause  and  Patrick  Kennedy  was  at  once  appointed 
assistant  quartermaster  upon  Clark's  taking  possession  of  Illinois.  William 
Shannon  was  quartermaster. 

Another  worthy  Irishman  of  this  period  was  William  Arundel,  who  was 
born  in  Ireland  and  came  to  Cahokia  prior  to  the  Clark  conquest.  During  a 
part  of  his  residence  in  the  Illinois  country,  he  lived  near  Peoria.  He  was  a 
merchant  and  trader  and  is  spoken  of  as  "an  orderly,  moral  and  correct  man." 
He  died  in  Kaskaskia  in  1816. 

Thomas  Brady  was  a  conspicuous  figure  in  this  early  day.  In  1776,  Brady, 
with  a  small  company  of  volunteers,  consisting  of  sixteen  men,  marched  across 
the  state  to  the  nearest  British  fort  on  Lake  Michigan  (Fort  St.  Joseph)  near 
the  present  city  of  Niles,  Michigan,  and  surprised  and  captured  the  fort,  secur- 

855 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

ing,  it  is  said,  $50,000  worth  of  supplies  and  munitions.  The  victors  seem,  how- 
ever, to  have  overlooked  a  point  or  two  in  their  subsequent  proceedings.  They 
paroled  the  British  garrison,  but  the  British,  ignoring  their  pledges,  informed 
their  Indian  allies,  and  together  they  and  their  allies  overpowered  Brady's  force, 
took  them  prisoners,  and  recovered  the  goods  somewhere  near  the  present  site 
of  Chicago.  In  turn,  however,  the  goods  were  recaptured  from  the  British  by  a 
force  which  left  Peoria  soon  after,  led  by  Maillet,  who  was  a  relative  of  some 
of  Brady's  followers.  Brady  escaped  his  captors  and  returned  bv  a  circuitous 
route  to  Kaskaskia,  where  he  afterwards  married  the  much-renowned  and  highly- 
respected  Widow  La  Compte,  and  in  1790  became  the  sheriff  of  St.  Clair  County, 
then  one  of  the  highest  positions  available  to  any  citizen.  Reynolds  says  of 
Brady:  "He  had  the  reputation  of  an  honest,  correct  citizen  and  I  believe  he 
deserved  it."  Brady  was  a  judge  of  the  Court  of  Cahokia  in  1785,  was  Indian 
Commissioner  in  1787  and  in  that  capacity  prohibited  the  sale  of  liquor  to  the 
Indians.  The  town,  now  city  of  East  St.  Louis  (Illinoiston)  was  laid  out  on  a 
part  of  his  land. 

Conquest  of  the  Northwest  by  George  Rogers  Clark 

The  story  of  Clark's  conquest  of  the  Northwest  is  of  absorbing  interest  and 
especially  so  for  men  of  Irish  extraction. 

As  before  stated,  the  French  were  the  discoverers  and  settlers  of  this  part 
of  the  country  and  held  undisputed  sway  from  the  time  of  the  discovery  in  1673 
until  1763,  when  the  British  came  into  the  ownership  of  it  under  the  terms  of 
the  Treaty  of  Paris.  Accordingly,  the  English  were  in  possession  for  only  eleven 
or  twelve  years  before  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  It  was  a  troublous 
time  and  the  new  possessors  had  little  opportunity  to  do  much  in  such  a  remote 
place  as  the  Illinois  country,  and  in  fact  but  little  was  done.  The  Illinois 
settlements  had  a  most  unsatisfactory  experience  under  the  English  domination, 
and  had  no  reason  for  any  special  gratitude  or  loyalty  to  Great  Britain.  There 
is  no  doubt  but  that  the  French  and  other  settlers  in  these  parts  sympathized 
with  the  Revolutionary  movement,  and  that  fact  makes  Clark's  conquest  more 
comprehensible.    Briefly,  the  story  of  Clark 's  conquest  is  this : 

George  Rogers  Clark,  a  young  Irishman  of  twenty-four,  of  sturdy  stock 
and  of  indomitable  courage  and  energy,  was,  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Revolution, 
in  Kentucky,  then,  as  well  as  the  Illinois  country,  a  part  of  Virginia.  He  was  a 
military  genius  and  recognized  the  strategic  advantage  of  getting  possession  of 
the  British  posts  in  the  West — Kaskaskia,  Vincennes  and  Detroit.  To  effect  this 
purpose,  he  appealed  in  person  to  Patrick  Henry,  another  Irishman,  then  Gov- 
ernor of  Virginia,  for  authority  to  make  a  conquest  of  the  Northwest.  Henry 
and  his  advisers  were  impressed  and  granted  the  prayer.  Virginia  had  no 
money,  but  appealed  to  Oliver  Pollock,  who  proved  one  of  the  greatest  benefac- 
tors of  America,  justly  called  "the  Morris  of  the  West,"  the  friend  of  Count 
Alexander  O'Reilly  and  other  Spanish  officials,  and  obtained  the  credit  neces- 
sary to  prosecute  the  Clark  enterprise. 

Oliver  Pollock  of  New  Orleans  was  not  only  a  distinguished  Irishman,  but 
such  an  enthusiastic  supporter  of  the  American  cause  as  to  advance  many  thou- 

856 


THE  LAITY 

sands  of  dollars  of  his  own  funds  for  its  success.  He  was,  too,  of  the  type  of 
Irish  citizen  that  clung  to  the  love  and  traditions  of  the  land  of  his  birth,  while 
he  gave  his  undivided  loyalty  to  the  land  of  his  adoption.  As  a  proof  of  this 
fact  it  may  be  pointed  out  that  he  was  later  one  of  the  founders  at  Philadelphia 
of  the  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians. 

Clark  set  about  recruiting  his  army,  and  the  sequel  shows  that  the  Irish 
responded  as  readily  in  that  as  in  our  day.  After  much  tribulation  and  months 
of  delay,  Clark,  with  the  nucleus  of  his  army,  was  about  to  embark  upon  the 
Ohio  for  his  projected  conquest.  It  was  something  of  an  effort  in  those  days, 
especially  in  the  midst  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  to  equip  his  army.  Powder 
was  a  prime  essential  and  was  hard  to  procure.  To  get  a  supply  of  this  necessary 
article,  William  Linn,  one  of  America's  most  noted  scouts  and  an  Irishman,  was 
dispatched  to  New  Orleans,  where,  through  the  aid  of  Oliver  Pollock,  he  secured 
a  cargo  of  powder,  and  despite  all  the  perils  that  beset  his  way,  succeeded  in  de- 
livering it  to  General  Edward  Hand,  another  worthy  Irishman,  in  chief  command 
of  Fort  Pitt,  who  in  time  very  materially  forwarded  Clark's  purpose. 

Yet  more  than  powder  was  necessary  for  the  expedition,  and  Patrick  Henry 
sent  Colonel  David  Rogers,  who  was  born  in  Ireland,  to  New  Orleans,  accom- 
panied by  twenty-eight  men,  to  secure  goods  from  Pollock's  friend,  the  Span- 
ish Governor  Galvez,  and  other  necessary  supplies.  These,  too,  were  delivered 
to  Clark  by  General  Hand. 

Finally,  Clark  starts  on  his  journey  down  the  Ohio,  and  upon  arriving 
near  the  falls  of  that  river,  he  says  in  his  "Memoir,"  "Fortunately  I  had  just 
received  a  letter  from  Colonel  Campbell  dated  Pittsburg,  informing  me  of  the 
contents  of  the  treaty  between  France  and  America."  This  was  one  great  piece 
of  news  that  made  his  success  possible.  The  fact  he  could  relate  to  the  French 
people  of  the  Illinois,  and  which  did  in  fact  exercise  a  profound  influence  in 
securing  their  allegiance.  This  Colonel  Campbell  was  Colonel  John  Campbell, 
born  in  Ireland,  a  valiant  soldier  and  officer  of  the  Revolution  and  a  dis- 
tinguished citizen  and  statesman  of  Louisville  in  after  life.  The  bearer  of  this 
letter  was  none  other  than  the  intrepid  William  Linn,  who  succeeded  in  getting 
the  powder  for  Clark  from  New  Orleans,  and  who  rowed  down  the  Ohio  the 
entire  distance  alone,  through  all  the  dangers  of  that  day,  to  deliver  that 
cheering  message,  and  who  from  there  joined  Clark's  "army,"  and,  as  will  be 
seen,  played  an  important  role  in  the  conquest. 

Captain  James  O'llara,  who  was  on  the  way  with  two  batteaus  loaded  with 
provisions  sent  by  General  Hand  to  Captain  Willing  who  was  to  assist  Clark  in 
the  conquest,  joined  Clark  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kanawha. 

At  last  we  find  Clark  at  Corn  Island,  in  the  Ohio  river  opposite  the  site  of 
the  present  city  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  with  his  "army"  ready  for  an  ad- 
vance. Before  he  starts  on  the  last  stage  of  his  journey,  let  us  look  over  Clark's 
army,  noting  of  what  materials  it  is  constituted.  First  of  all  there  was  Clark 
of  Irish  ancestry  in  supreme  command  as  the  commander-in-chief.  Upon  a  roll 
call  of  officers  there  would  respond  Lieutenant-Colonel  John  Montgomery,  Major 
Thomas  Quirk,  Major  William  Linn,  Captain  John  Rogers,  Lieutenants  Valen- 
tine Dalton,  Martin  Carney,  Richard  Clark,  brother  of  George  Rogers    Clark, 

857 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

William  Clark,  James  Davis,  James  Montgomery  and  Levi  Todd.  Sergeants 
James  Brown,  Michael  Miles,  John  Moore,  John  O'Rear,  Robert  Patterson,  John 
Vaughn,  John  Williams  and  Charles  Morgan.  To  call  the  roll  of  the  privates 
would  be  too  prolix,  but  I  have  their  names  and  have  established  on  the 
authority  of  reliable  historians  that  of  the  something  less  than  one  hundred  and 
twenty  men  Clark  had  gathered  around  him  at  Corn  Island,  ninety  at  least  were 
Irish,  and  that  out  of  the  entire  225  men  that  were  placed  upon  the  Clark  roll 
during  his  entire  service  more  than  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  were  Irish. 

Before  this  time  the  spies,  Ben  Linn  and  George  Moore,  both  Irish,  whom 
Clark  had  sent  for  information,  reached  Kaskaskia  and  there  they  conferred  with 
friendly  inhabitants,  none  other,  I  am  satisfied  from  the  records,  than  William 
and  Daniel  Murray  and  Patrick  Kennedy,  and  when  Clark  and  his  army  ap- 
proached Kaskaskia,  he  is  able  to  get  full  information  of  the  conditions.  Nay, 
more,  he  is  furnished  a  guide  who  is  in  all  probability  one  of  these  three  men. 
Clark's  army  halts  across  the  river,  and  at  least  one  account  has  it  that  a  delega- 
tion goes  out  to  meet  him  headed  by  the  Pastor,  Pierre  Gibault.  and  he  is  made 
welcome  so  far  as  the  towns-people  are  concerned. 

But  the  English  governor  and  the  garrison  at  the  fort  are  yet  to  be  dealt 
with.  The  Commandant  and  Governor  at  this  time  was  one  Rocheblave,  and 
though  a  Frenchman,  a  bitter  and  uncompromising  partisan  of  the  British 
Government  he  served.  How  is  he  to  be  overcome  in  his  stronghold?  A  bold 
strategem  is  decided  upon  and  men  must  be  chosen  to  execute  it.  In  the 
emergency,  the  very  boldest  and  cleverest  are  necessary,  and  Clark  happily  is 
accompanied  by  such.  Simon  Kenton,  a  scout,  the  most  renowned  of  all  the 
western  plainsmen  known  to  history,  and  an  Irishman,  possessing  all  the  fear- 
lessness of  the  Irish  character,  is  placed  in  command  of  one  detachment  to  enter 
the  fort  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  John  Montgomery  of  another  to  surround  the 
town.  How  many  Irishmen  accompanied  Kenton  we  are  not  informed,  but  we 
are  advised  that  after  they  had  boldly  entered  the  fort  (the  entrance  to  which 
had  been  left  unlocked  and  unguarded  by  the  contrivance  of  the  friendly  agents 
in  Kaskaskia)  and  under  the  guidance  of  the  same  friendly  agents  who  gave 
Clark  information,  had  threaded  their  circuitous  way  through  the  windings  of 
the  fortress  into  the  very  abode  of  the  Governor  and  penetrated  to  his  very 
boudoir,  it  was  another  Irishman,  almost  equally  bold  and  equally  renowned, 
the  famous  scout,  William  Linn,  before  referred  to,  who  actually  seized  Roche- 
blave in  his  bed,  overcame  and  made  him  prisoner,  thus  ending  British  sover- 
eignty within  the  confines  of  this  State.  It  was  a  small  matter  to  take  possession 
after  the  capture  of  the  fort  thus  effected,  as  the  Murrays  and  Kennedy  had 
prepared  the  populace  other  than  the  French  and  Father  Gibault  had  attended 
to  or  did  attend  to  that  task.  Rocheblave  was,  however,  obdurate,  and  had  to 
be  sent  a  prisoner  to  Virginia,  and  appropriately  two  Irishmen,  Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Montgomery  and  Lieutenant  Levi  Todd  were  assigned  the  task  of  convey- 
ing him  east  to  be  afterwards  dealt  with  by  Patrick  Henry  and  Thomas  Jefferson. 

It  would  extend  this  paper  too  far  to  dwell  upon  succeeding  events,  in- 
cluding the  conquest  of  Vincennes,  effected  so  largely  through  the  efforts  of 
Father  Gibault,  but  it  is  interesting  to  know  that  Clark  added  two  more  com- 

858 


THE  LAITY 

parries  to  his  army,  recruited  at  Kaskaskia  and  Cahokia,  amongst  which  were 
many  Irishmen  and  especially  that  one  was  headed  by  an  Irish  Captain,  Rich- 
ard McCarty  and  the  other  by  a  Frenchman,  when  they  drew  out  of  Kaskaskia 
for  that  awful  march  across  the  swamps  of  lower  Illinois  to  attack  the  British  at 
Vincennes.  It  is  also  of  interest  that  the  armed  Batteau,  the  "Willing,"  pre- 
pared by  Clark  to  carry  supplies  down  the  Mississippi  and  up  the  Ohio  and 
Wabash  and  join  Clark  at  Vincennes,  was  placed  under  command  of  Lieutenant 
John  Rogers,  another  capable  Irishman  who  did  his  part  well. 

The  Virginia  and  Post  Revolution  Period 

The  country  won,  the  next  step  was  to  govern  it,  and  for  that  purpose  there 
must  be  a  governor,  and  in  keeping  with  all  the  steps  so  far  taken  with  reference 
to  American  control,  an  Irishman,  John  Todd,  was  appointed  Governor,  or,  to  be 
technical,  "County  Lieutenant"  of  the  County  of  Illinois,  which  then  included 
the  considerable  territory  within  the  present  boundaries  of  Ohio,  Indiana, 
Illinois,  Michigan  and  Wisconsin.  The  succeeding  decade  reflected  but  little 
credit  upon  the  new  government,  to  be  sure,  but  that  was  the  result  of  national 
rather  than  local  conditions. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  it  is  certain  that  of  the  stream  of  people  which 
poured  into  the  state,  a  great  many  were  Irish.  Buck,  in  his  book,  the  intro- 
ductory volume  of  the  Centennial  history,  entitled  "Illinois  in  1818,"  says  that: 

A  large  proportion  of  the  names  (found  not  only  in  the  biographies  and 
genealogical  data  available  in  the  county  histories,  but  also  in  the  names  of 
heads  of  families  in  the  schedules  of  the  census  of  1818)  are  typically  Scotch  (  ?), 
Irish,  Welsh  or  German,  with  Scotch-Irish  predominating,  and  thus  they  are  in- 
dicative of  the  connection  of  the  people  with  that  stream  of  non-English  im- 
migrants which  poured  into  Pennsylvania  during  the  eighteenth  century  and 
thence  up  the  valley  and  through  the  gaps  to  the  back  country  nf  Virginia,  the 
Carolinas  and  Georgia.  By  the  time  of  the  Revolution  the  occupation  of  this 
region  had  been  completed  and  the  stream  began  to  flow  into  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee.  In  the  early  decades  of  the  nineteenth  century  it  progressed  into 
southern  Indiana,  Illinois  and  Missouri. 

It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  this  official  volume  should,  by  using  it,  tend  to 
perpetuate  the  fiction  involved  in  the  title — "Scotch-Irish,"  but  it  has  been 
used  so  much  that  it  has  become  a  sort  of  habit — a  bad  habit,  I  grant,  and  too 
prevalent. 

In  Territorial  Days. 

I  should  like  to  dwell  upon  the  record  of  the  Irish  who  came  into  Illinois 
in  the  several  years  immediately  succeeding  the  Revolution.  Elsewhere  I  have 
treated  of  them  under  the  titles  "First  Settlers  and  Settlements,"  "Early  Irish 
School  Teachers,"  "The  Fighting  Irish,"  meaning  the  daring  men  who  pro- 
tected the  frontier,  and  "The  Martyrs  to  Civilization."  Here  I  must  content  my- 
self with  reference  to  just  a  few  commanding  figures,  and  to  some  incidents  of 
absorbing  interest. 

The  leading  man  of  the  entire  Northwest  from  the  time  he  came  to  Kas- 

859 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

kaskia  in  1784,  until  almost  the  day  of  his  death  in  1832,  was  John  Edgar,  a 
native  of  Ireland,  and  the  leading  woman  of  the  same  period  was  Rachel  Edgar, 
his  wife,  a  shining  example  of  the  admirable  Irish  wife.  At  the  outbreak  of  the 
Revolution,  Edgar  was  in  the  British  Naval  Service,  but  left  it  to  espouse  the 
American  cause.  He  was  seized  by  the  British  and  languished  in  a  British 
jail  for  nineteen  months.  Upon  his  release,  he  informed  the  United  States  gov- 
ernment of  a  conspiracy  he  discovered  to  deliver  up  Vermont  to  the  British, 
and  the  Government  was  enabled  to  nip  the  plan  in  the  bud.  He  then  entered 
the  service  of  the  United  States  and  was  made  commander  of  a  United  States 
war  ship.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  came  West,  settled  in  Kaskaskia,  and  be- 
came the  leading  spirit  in  public  and  private  enterprises,  building  mills,  oper- 
ating salt  mines  and  buying  and  improving  lands.  He  was  a  man  of  wealth  and 
used  his  wealth  freely  in  developing  the  country.  He  became  a  judge  of  the 
courts  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  many  years.  He  was  the  first  delegate 
selected  from  Randolph  County  to  represent  that  part  of  the  Illinois  country 
(being  all  of  the  present  state  south  of  the  Illinois  river)  in  the  Territorial 
Legislature  which  met  in  Marietta,  Ohio.  It  was  at  the  "mansion"  of  John 
Edgar  that  Marquis  de  LaFayette  was  entertained  on  the  occasion  of  his  visit 
to  this  country.  His  leadership  was  undisputed  during  the  entire  period  of  his 
life,  and  in  the  last  analysis  Edgar  was  the  final  arbiter  of  all  important 
questions.  Mrs.  Edgar  was  an  intimate  friend  and  boon  companion  of  Martha 
Washington,  and  at  one  period  of  her  life,  a  member  of  the  Washington  house- 
hold. John  Edgar  was  a  splendid  type  of  the  citizen.  It  may  be  of  interest  to 
know  that  fine  portraits  of  both  Edgar  and  his  wife  are  hung  in  the  rooms  of 
the  Chicago  Historical  Society. 

Samuel  O'Melvaney  was  another  Irishman  of  excellent  character  and 
splendid  reputation.  He  was  the  leader  of  the  first  colony  that  came  directly 
from.  Europe  and  settled  in  Illinois.  This  Irish  colony  located  on  the  Ohio 
River  in  1804  and  engaged  in  agriculture.  There  were  several  families,  all  pros- 
perous, as  they  deserved  to  be,  and  the  leader  became  a  man  of  great  weight 
and  influence  as  well  as  a  benevolent  Captain  of  Industry.  He  was  a  miller,  a 
fine  stock  man,  and  in  a  general  way,  a  very  valuable  addition  to  the  country. 
As  time  passed,  he  became  a  judge  of  the  early  courts,  a  representative  in  the 
territorial  legislature  and  a  delegate  to  the  first  Constitutional  Convention. 
The  family  remained  prominent  for  many  years,  and  his  sons  besides  becoming 
substantial  citizens,  filled  places  of  trust  and  confidence. 

Among  the  ablest  and  most  representative  men  of  old  Kaskaskia  were 
the  Morrisons,  William,  Robert  and  James,  who  were  very  substantial  merchants 
as  early  as  1790 ;  the  Moores,  James,  William,  Risdon  and  others,  also  were 
among  the  very  prominent  men  of  old  Kaskaskia. 

Several  other  worthy  pioneers  of  that  early  day  in  and  around  Kaskaskia 
deserve  at  least  mention  here.  Among  them,  Daniel  Flannery,  John  McCor- 
mick,  James  Kinkaid.  Charles  Gill,  William  Drury,  James  Piggott,  Samuel 
Hanley,  Martin  Carney,  A.  M.  Laskey,  John  Clark,  John  Cochran,  Catherine 
Ryan  (widow),  Lawrence  Kenegan,  Joseph  Lambert,  Mary  Crow  (widow),  Mary 
Mooney    (widow),  James  Moore,  Thomas  Bradley,    George    Powers,    William 

860 


THE  LAITY 

Tobin,  James  Bryan,  James  Garrison,  Thomas  Callaghan,  Thaddeus  Bradley, 
Henry  McLaughlin,  John  Brady,  Michael  Roach.  John  Hays  was  sheriff  of  St. 
Clair  County  from  1798  to  1818.  William  St.  Clair  was  lieutenant  colonel  in 
command  of  the  first  regiment  of  St.  Clair  County. 

In  the  Legislature  of  the  original  Northwest  Territory,  which  included 
Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illinois,  and  later  in  the  Indiana  Territorial  Legislature, 
which  included  Indiana  and  Illinois,  and  lastly  in  the  Illinois  Territorial  Legis- 
lature, there  had  been  many  able  Irishmen  whom  we  must  overlook  at  this  time, 
but  we  will  notice  just  one  such  legislator,  viz :  Dr.  William  Bradsby.  In  Dr. 
Bradsby  we  have  a  conspicuous  example  of  a  great  man  very  little  known.  Men 
who  have  done  much  less  for  our  country  and  state  have  been  accorded  great 
honors  and  distinction,  and  yet  I  doubt  if  a  score  of  readers  remember  ever  hav- 
ing heard  the  name  of  Dr.  Bradsby  mentioned.  Yet  it  was  Dr.  Bradsby  who  in- 
troduced and  pressed  the  resolution  for  the  admission  of  the  territory  of  Illinois 
into  the  Union  as  a  State,  which  resolution,  against  strong  opposition,  was 
passed,  and  this  the  great  event  celebrated  during  the  whole  of  1918  was 
accomplished.  Before  that  time  he  had  taken  a  definite  stand  more  than  once 
upon  questions  of  the  greatest  moment.  He  was  the  father  of  the  bill  intro- 
duced to  repeal  the  Indenture  laws  under  which  the  provisions  of  the  ordinance 
of  1787  prohibiting  slavery  were  evaded,  and  he  signed  the  famous  address 
against  slavery  that  was  the  forerunner  of  the  anti-slavery  movement  in 
this  state. 

The  Constitutional  Convention  of  1818  when  called,  was  attended  by  Elias 
Kent  Kane,  Samuel  O'Melvany,  William  McFatridge  and  James  Lemen,  who 
were  certainly  Irish,  and  John  Messinger,  Benjamin  Stephenson,  Caldwell 
Cairns,  Enoch  Moore,  Hamlet  Ferguson,  Michael  Jones,  Thomas  Kilpatrick  and 
William  McHenry,  who  were  probably  Irish,  as  delegates. 

We  have  before  noticed  Samuel  O'Melvany  and  need  only  say  that  he 
played  quite  a  prominent  part  in  this  convention  as  a  member  of  the  committee 
on  revision. 

The  leading  spirit  and  light  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  however,  was 
Elias  Kent  Kane.  Kane  was  easily  the  most  brilliant  lawyer  of  his  day  in 
Illinois.  A  Yale  man  of  splendid  address,  the  son  of  a  brilliant  Irishman  who 
was  caught  in  the  reverses  suffered  by  so  many  Americans  on  account  of  the 
war  of  1812,  a  relative  by  descent  of  the  famous  Chancellor  Kent  in  whose  honor 
he  was  given  his  middle  name,  and  who,  independent  of  family,  bad  made  for 
himself  an  honored  name  in  the  new  country  to  which  he  had  removed  in  1814. 
Kane  was  one  of  the  five  lawyers  in  the  convention,  and  although  but  four 
years  in  the  territory,  he  had  been  appointed  a  judge  of  the  Territorial  Court 
by  the  President  of  the  United  States.  He  had  been  in  the  trial  of  cases  where 
he  was  opposed  by  Daniel  Webster,  Henry  Clay  and  others  of  the  great  lawyers 
of  the  day.  By  sheer  ability  he  dominated  the  convention,  and  has  since  been 
known  as  the  "Father  of  the  Constitution."  Judge  Sidney  Breese,  who  studied 
law  in  Kane's  office,  said  that  the  Constitution  was  written  in  Kane's  office 
before  the  convention  assembled.  As  each  constitution  since  adopted  has  been 
but  a  revision  of  that  of  1818  with  additions,  we  are  justified  in  saying  that  Elias 

861 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

Kent  Kane  is  the  author  of  the  organic  law  of  Illinois.  Kane  was  the  first  Sec- 
retary of  the  State  of  Illinois  and  was  United  States  Senator  from  1825  to  1835. 
He  died  December  12,  1835,  during  his  term  of  service  in  the  United  States  Sen- 
ate, and  his  remains  lie  buried  on  the  hill  opposite  Old  Kaskaskia. 

After  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  men  of  Irish  blood  continued  to  play 
an  important  part.  During  the  territorial  period,  Ninian  Edwards  had  been 
governor  by  appointment  of  the  President.  It  is  frequently  stated  that  John 
Boyle  was  the  first  territorial  governor.  This  statement  is  not  literally  correct. 
He  was  appointed  governor  by  the  President,  but  being  Chief  Justice  of  the 
Territorial  Court  of  Kentucky,  he  asked  to  be  permitted  to  retain  the  post  and 
an  associate  judge  of  that  court,  Ninian  Edwards  was  in  his  stead  made  Gov- 
ernor of  the  Territory  of  Illinois.  When,  however,  the  people  were  permitted 
a  choice  of  governor,  a  friend  of  Kane's,  Shadrach  Bond,  of  Irish  extraction, 
was  elected  without  opposition,  and  Kane  was  appointed  Secretary  of  State,  and 
has  always  been  given  credit  for  guiding  the  affairs  of  the  new  state. 

Since  Bond,  there  have  been  elected  nine  Governors  of  Irish  blood,  who 
have  passed  to  their  reward,  viz :  Coles,  Reynolds,  Duncan,  Carlin,  Ford, 
Oglesby,  Palmer,  Beveridge  and  Hamilton,  and  four  Lieutenant-Governors, 
viz :  Ewing,  Kinney,  Casey  and  Dougherty.  I  speak  only  of  the  dead  who  have 
been  honored  by  selection  as  Governor.  Speaking  of  them  in  the  order  of  time, 
it  is  interesting  to  recall  that  though  Coles  was  considered  cold  and  unpopular 
in  his  day  he  was  the  legitimate  parent  of  sound  anti-slavery  agitation  in  this 
state  and  in  the  west,  and  the  most  potent  force  in  creating  the  anti-slavery  sen- 
timent which  placed  Illinois  amongst  the  leading  anti-slavery  states  in  the  Union. 

It  would  be  unfair  to  dismiss  Governor  Reynolds  with  a  few  words.  He  was 
the  first  product  of  our  prairies  to  reach  exalted  station  and  to  be  obliged  to 
meet  the  complex  question  of  a  new  and  growing  community  with  native  ability 
alone  unaided  by  any  inheritance  or  any  experience  with  large  affairs.  His  lack 
of  polish  has  been  ridiculed,  and  he  has  been  charged  with  a  display  of  ignorance, 
but  his  public  acts  show  him  to  have  been  guided  by  a  sense  of  right.  The 
difference  between  Reynolds  and  many  other  public  men  is  well  illustrated  by  a 
story  which  is  told  of  one  of  his  campaigns.  In  the  early  days  much  campaign- 
ing was  done  by  means  of  dodgers  and  hand-bills  as  a  sort  of  substitute  for  news- 
papers which  were  not  so  numerous  then  as  in  our  day,  and  it  is  said  that  his 
opponent,  who  was  a  man  of  polish  and  education,  got  hold  of  a  hand  bill  in 
which  a  small  "i"  was  used  for  the  personal  pronoun  of  the  first  person.  The 
opponent  held  the  "Old  Ranger"  up  to  scorn  for  ignorance,  and  produced  the 
hand  bill,  which  he  said  was  Reynolds'  work  as  an  exhibit.  In  due  time 
Reynolds  fathered  the  work,  although  he  was  not  a  printer,  and  said  that  as 
his  opponent  had  used  all  the  big  "  I 's "  he  had  to  resort  to  the  small  ones. 

If  Reynolds  was  deficient  in  some  of  the  niceties  of  grammar  and  diction, 
he  was  at  least  alive  to  humanity.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  Northwest  Ter- 
ritory, amongst  the  very  first  acts  of  the  judge-legislators  was  a  law  providing 
for  the  whipping-post,  stocks  and  pillory  as  punishment  for  crimes.  If  a  resident 
were  convicted  of  an  offense,  even  a  small  one,  he  was  to  receivf  a  stipulated 
number  of  lashes  according  to  the  gravity  of  the  offense  "upon  his  bare  back 

862 


THE  LAITY 

well  laid  on."  By  an  act  of  January  5,  1795,  passed  by  the  judges  of  the 
Northwest  Territory  to  which  the  Illinois  country  was  then  subject,  a  person 
convicted  of  larceny  of  a  sum  not  exceeding  $1.50  might  be  punished  by  being 
publicly  whipped  upon  his  bare  back  not  exceeding  fifteen  lashes.  A  long  line 
of  astute  men,  college  graduates,  cultured  and  polished,  had  succeeded  each 
other  in  the  government  of  the  territories  since  1788  when  these  laws  were 
passed,  but  they  had  suffered  them  to  remain  unchanged.  As  soon  as  Reynolds 
attained  some  influence  in  the  State  of  Illinois,  he  commenced  to  work  for  the 
repeal  of  these  laws  and  the  substitution  of  a  humane  prison  system ;  and 
against  a  stubborn  resistance  succeeded  in  having  them  repealed,  but  not  until 
1832.  Many  have  forgotten  that  right  here  in  Illinois  the  whipping-post,  pillory 
and  stocks  existed  until  1832,  and  that  this  so-called  rude,  uncultivated  Irish- 
man forced  the  repeal  of  the  laws  providing  for  such  barbarous  punishment 
against  the  opposition  of  the  "high -brows"  of  his  day. 

But  Reynolds  has  more  to  his  credit.  He  was  one  of  the  strongest  pro- 
ponents of  the  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal,  and  he  and  another  Irishman,  Sena- 
tor Michael  Ryan,  did  much  to  promote  the  canal.  Reynolds  went  to  Europe 
in  the  interest  of  the  canal.  Besides  his  distinguished  services  as  Governor, 
Judge,  Member  of  Congress  and  Legislator,  Reynolds  has  left  us  the  best  history 
of  early  Illinois  yet  written,  even  if  the  diction  is  not  so  chaste  as  in  some  other. 

I  have  already  had  occasion  to  mention  Governor  Duncan  in  connection 
with  his  assistance  to  Major  Croghan  in  the  defense  of  Fort  Stephenson.  Duncan 
made  a  good  governor,  but  his  independence  as  a  member  of  Congress  tended  to 
make  him  unpopular  with  his  party. 

Carlin's  administration  was  subject  to  no  just  criticism,  and  his  charming 
manner  and  appearance,  besides  his  personal  heroism  in  the  War  of  1812  made 
him  very  popular. 

In  my  judgment  Thomas  Ford  was  the  ablest  Governor  of  Illinois  prior  to 
John  M.  Palmer.  He  came  to  the  governorship  from  the  bench  and  was  of 
the  true  judicial  type.  He  was  also  strictly  honest,  and  unable  to  stretch  his 
conscience  even  to  advance  his  party's,  his  friends'  or  his  own  interests.  He 
must  ever  be  held  in  grateful  memory  as  the  man  who  saved  Illinois  from  the 
stigma  of  repudiation  of  its  debts.  The  justly  revered  Judge  John  D.  Caton, 
another  most  distinguished  Irishman,  gave  utterance  to  a  fine  tribute  to  three 
of  Illinois'  great  sons,  two  of  whom  have  just  been  spoken  of.  Said  the 
learned  judge : 

"Allow  me  to  say  that  Illinois  has  produced  three  great  men,  whose  con- 
spicuous services  will  render  their  names  immortal,  and  who  should  be  com- 
memorated by  enduring  monuments,  and  to  whom  we  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude 
that  can  never  be  repaid.  The  first  was  Edward  Coles,  who  was  Governor  of 
the  state  in  1824,  and  who  saved  the  state  from  the  black  curse  of  African 
slavery,  then  and  forever.  The  second  was  Thomas  Ford,  who  was  Governor 
in  1842,  and  who  saved  the  state  from  the  scarcely  less  blighting  curse  of  re- 
pudiation ;  and  the  third  was  Abraham  Lincoln,  who  saved  the  Union  from  dis- 
memberment and  the  Nation  from  destruction.  Not  alone  either  of  them,  for 
all  were  assisted  and  supported  by  other  great  men  whose    names    should    be 

863 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

scarcely  less  honored,  but  they  were  the  great  leaders  whose  talents  and  whose 
integrity  led  the  people  to  their  great  accomplishments.  In  all  time  to  come 
posterity  should  bow  its  head  in  gratitude  whenever  either  of  these  names 
should  be  spoken." 

The  character  and  accomplishments  of  the  subsequent  governors  is  more 
familiar  and  need  not  be  expressly  alluded  to  here,  but  I  feel  that  I  would  be 
recreant  to  my  regard  for  him  if  I  did  not  stop  to  commend  Governor  Palmer 
as  the  great  champion  of  popular  rights  and  amongst  the  first  of  our  public 
men  to  realize  the  menace  of  special  interests  and  willing  to  set  his  face 
against  special  legislation. 

Irishmen  of  Distinction. 

There  were  other  great  public  men  of  Irish  extraction  not  hereinbefore 
mentioned  that  claim  our  admiration  and  commemoration,  among  the  better 
known  of  whom  may  be  mentioned  General  and  President  Ulysses  S.  Grant, 
Stephen  A.  Douglas,  Senator  John  McLean,  Attorneys-General  Benjamin  H. 
Doyle,  William  Meers,  James  McCartney  and  Maurice  T.  Maloney.  Judges 
Robert  McMahon,  John  H.  Ralston,  John  C.  Gillespie,  John  Dean  Caton,  John 
H.  Mulkey  and  others.  Amongst  prominent  statesmen,  publicists  and  other- 
wise honored  citizens:  James  A.  Connolly,  William  W.  O'Brien,  Robert  K. 
McLaughlin,  an  early  State  Treasurer  and  the  uncle  of  Governor  Duncan, 
Joseph  Conway,  the  earliest  court  clerk.  Amongst  first  settlers  there  was  the 
Byrd  family  of  Cairo,  Andy  Donnegan,  the  first  settler  of  Alton,  the  Kellies, 
the  first  settlers  of  Springfield,  James  Piggot  of  East  St.  Louis  and  Patrick 
Hanniberry,  the  first  settler  of  Madison  County.  Amongst  great  Indian 
fighters  were  the  Whitesides,  the  Hardings,  Hulls,  Rectors,  James  Curry, 
Thomas  Higgins  and  John  Dempsey. 

It  is  not  alone  in  civil  life  that  men  and  women  of  Irish  birth  or  ancestry 
have  shed  luster  on  their  race  in  Illinois.  Indeed  they  are  particularly  dis- 
tinguished in  the  field  of  religion  as  is  made  apparent  in  former  chapters. 

Irish  School  Teachers. 

John  Doyle  came  to  Illinois  in  the  Clark  army  in  1778  and  began  teaching 
in  Illinois  in  1780.  He  was  a  scholar,  spoke  the  French  language  and  the  In- 
dian dialect  and  frequently  acted  as  interpreter.  He  was  also  a  brave  soldier 
and  "was  considered  an  honest  man  and  was  always  respected  while  alive  as 
he  is  now,  dead."  (Reynolds'  Pioneer  History  of  Illinois.) 

"An  Irishman  named  Halfpenny  taught  school  in  many  sections  of  Illi- 
nois for  many  years.  This  preceptor  taught  almost  all  of  the  American  chil- 
dren in  Illinois  in  his  day  that  received  any  education  at  all.  He  might  be 
styled  the  School  Master  General  of  Illinois  at  that  day."   (Reynolds.) 

William  Bradsby  "taught  school  in  various  neighborhoods.  He  had  a 
school  in  1806  in  the  American  Bottom  almost  west  of  the  present  Collinsville, 
and  the  year  after  he  taught  in  the  Turkey  Hill  settlement."  (Reynolds.)  It 
must  be  conceded  that  the  Bradsbys  were  the  equals  of  any  of  the  pioneers 
of  Illinois. 

864 


THE  LAITY 

John  Messinger  came  to  Illinois  in  1802,  was  an  "excellent  English 
scholar,  taught  the  science  of  surveying,  surveyed  the  United  States  lands  into 
townships,  was  not  only  an  excellent  mathematician  but  he  wrote  and  published 
a  book  entitled,  "A  Manual  or  Hand  Book  Intended  for  Convenience  in  Prac- 
tical Surveying."  He  was  professor  of  mathematics  in  the  seminary  at  Rock 
Springs;  he  was  an  efficient  and  scientific  astronomer." 

Messinger  was  a  son-in-law  of  Mathew  Lyon,  the  Irish  Congressman.  He, 
Messinger,  is  said  by  John  Mason  Peck  not  to  have  been  a  church  member. 
Peck  says:  "The  late  John  Messinger,  who  was  a  philanthropist  as  well  as  a 
mathematician,  though  never  a  member  of  any  church,  obtained  subscribers 
for  the  quarto  family  Bible,  published  by  Matthew  Carey  of  Philadelphia  (the 
distinguished  Irish  scholar,  writer  and  publisher)  in  1814.  and  circulated 
copies  in  many  families  in  St.  Clair  County.  Mr.  Messimrer  taught  many 
young  men  the  theory  and  practice  of  surveying  and  he  frequently  taught  an 
evening  school  for  young  and  old  and  it  is  no  disparagement  to  some  gentle- 
men who  have  since  been  distinguished  in  the  State,  at  bar,  and  in  the  pulpit, 
to  have  it  known  that  they  received  the  groundwork  of  their  education,  after 
they  had  families,  from  Mr.  Messinger." 

The  Bible  distributed  by  Mr.  Messinger  was  the  Douay  Catholic  Bible 
published  in  1790,  the  first  Bible  printed  in  the  United  States.  Tt  may  be 
wondered  why  this  philanthropist  was  distributing  Catholic  Bibles  if  he  was 
not  a  member  of  any  church. 

James  Lemen,  the  first  of  the  lonrr  line  of  Baptist  preachers  of  that  family, 
was  an  Irish  school  teacher  in  early  Illinois,  as  was  also  General  James  Shields, 
a  distinguished  Catholic,  afterwards  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  hero  of 
three  wars  and  United  States  Senator  from  three  states. 

Tt  would  be  interesting,  too,  to  trace  the  development  of  the  state  in  its 
resources  and  follow  the  men  of  Irish  blood  into  the  factories,  upon  the  rail- 
roads and  waterways,  in  all  of  which  they  were  important  factors,  both  in  the 
actual  making  and  in  the  planning,  and  in  the  spirit  of  Thomas  DeArcy  McGee. 
the  gifted  Irish  poet,  who  took  such  keen  interest  in  the  colonization  of  Illinois, 
to  look  in  upon  the  prosperous  early  day  Irish  farmers  where — 
Sweet  waves  the  sea  of  summer  flowers 

Around  the  wayside  cot  so  coy, 

Where  Eileen  sinjrs  away  the  hours 

That  light  my  task  in  Illinois. 

The  Irish  homes  in  Illinois. 

The  happy  homes  of  Illinois, 
No  landlord  there  can  cause  despair. 

Nor  blight  our  fields  in  Illinois. 
But  we  cannot  here  enter  into  details  with  reference  to  all  of  lliese. 

Irishmen  in  War. 

Illinois  has  a  proud  record  in  the  manner  in  which  she  has  responded  to 
the  nation's  call  in  time  of  war,  and  the  men  of  Irish  blood  within  her  borders 

865 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

have  proven  themselves  worthy  to  share  the  glory  she  has  attained.  I  have 
taken  so  much  time  with  others  I  can  scarcely  more  than  call  some  of  the  names 
of  some  of  Illinois'  heroes  of  Irish  birth  or  extraction,  and  do  that,  regretting 
that  the  list  is  necessarily  incomplete. 

Amongst  the  more  conspicuous  figures  upon  our  military  roll  of  honor  set 
down  as  Irish  or  of  Irish  extraction  may  be  named,  General  Ulysses  S.  Grant, 
General  James  Shields,  General  James  A.  Mulligan,  General  John  A.  Logan, 
General  John  A.  McClernand,  General  Richard  J.  Oglesby,  General  Michael 
Kelly  Lawler,  General  James  McPherson,  General  John  M.  Palmer  and  Gen- 
eral William  P.  Carlin. 

Among  the  higher  officers  of  the  Civil  War  from  Illinois  the  following  are 
known  to  have  been  Irish :  General  in  Command,  one,  (General  Grant,  the  only 
General  from  Illinois);  Major  Generals,  five;  Brevet  Major  Generals,  six; 
Brigadier  Generals,  eleven ;  Brevet  Brigadier  Generals,  twelve.  Of  the  original 
commanding  officers  of  the  volunteer  organizations,  twenty-three  are  known 
to  have  been  Irish.  Eighty-three  soldiers  with  unmistakable  Irish  names  died 
in  Andersonville  prison. 

Many  of  these  are  so  well  known  as  to  need  no  mention  here.  Some  have, 
however,  received  less  notice  than  they  deserve,  and  we  feel  constrained  to 
direct  attention  to  the  life  of  a  few  of  these  men  and  urge  a  study  of  their 
records  to  the  end  that  they  may  be  appropriately  honored  and  commemorated. 

General  Michael  Kelly  Lawler. 

All  Illinois,  and  southern  Illinois  especially,  has  reason  for  great  pride 
in  the  war  record  of  General  Michael  Kelly  Lawler,  although,  if  I  mistake  not, 
his  name  is  unfamiliar  to  many.  Lawler  was  born  in  the  county  of  Kildare, 
Ireland,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  Gallatin  county,  Illinois,  when  about  five 
years  old.  When  he  grew  up  he  was  a  good  soldier  in  the  Mexican  War  and  at 
once  plunged  into  the  Civil  War.  His  regiment,  the  Eighteenth  Illinois,  was 
amongst  the  very  first  mustered  into  the  service,  preceding  that  of  Turchin's, 
the  nineteenth,  the  first  regiment  from  Chicago.  It  is  said  of  Lawler's  regi- 
ment that  "No  regiment  fought  harder  or  rendered  prompter  or  better  serv- 
ice. At  Donaldson  where  he  was  wounded,  they  held  fast  and  firm  the  gate 
through  which  the  rebels  sought  to  escape."  For  his  gallant  services  Lawler 
was  made  a  Brigadier  General  and  afterwards  highly  distinguished  himself 
and  won  the  lasting  good  will  of  General  Grant  and  his  staff  by  his  smashing 
victory  over  the  rebels  at  Big  Black  and  by  his  fine  behavior  in  pressing 
the  seige  and  capture  of  Vicksburg.  On  one  occasion  when  sitting  with  his  of- 
ficers around  the  camp  fire  discussing  subjects  of  interest  in  connection  with 
the  war,  and  amongst  other  topics  the  Generals,  Grant  said:  "When  it  comes 
to  just  plain  hard  fighting,  T  would  rather  trust  to  old  Mike  Lawler  than  any 
of  them."  Mike  Lawler  was  so  plain  and  unassuming  and  so  were  his  friends 
that  he  has  been  forgotten. 

Major  General  James  Shields. 

Another  of  the  great  men  of  Illinois,  Irish  by  birth,  and  distinguished  by 

866 


THE  LAITY 

his  own  efforts,  perhaps  above  all  others,  was  General  James  Shields,  the  hero 
of  the  battle  of  Padierna,  Cherubusco  and  Chepultepec  in  the  Mexican  War 
and  justly  renowned  as  the  only  commander  in  the  Civil  War  who  had  the 
distinction  of  routing  the  almost  invincible  Irish  General,  Stonewall  Jackson. 
In  addition,  he  was  a  faithful  and  diligent  public  servant  in  time  of  peace,  the 
honest  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Illinois,  and  the  renowned  statesman 
who  had  the  unique  distinction  of  serving  his  country  in  the  United  States 
Senate  as  a  senator  from  three  different  states. 

The  writer  has  spent  many  hours  tracing  the  Irish  fighting  men  through 
the  records  of  every  war  in  which  our  country  has  been  engaged  and  possesses 
many  reams  of  manuscript  containing  numerous  Quirks,  O'Connors,  O'Don- 
nells  and  0  'Connells,  and  all  of  the  Mc  's  and  the  O  's.  They  have  all  merited  a 
rich  reward,  and 

When  Michael,  the  Irish  Archangel,  stands, 

The  angel  with  the  sword, 
And  the  battle-dead  from  a  hundred  lands, 

Are  ranged  in  one  big  horde, 
Our  line  that  Gabriel's  trumpet  wakes, 

Will  stretch  three  deep  that  day, 
From  Jehosephat  to  the  Golden  Gates, 

Kelly  and  Burke  and  Shea. 

Two  Great  Civilians. 

Two  very  distinguished  men  of  Southern  Illinois,  whose  nationality  has 
not  been  stressed,  embraced  the  Catholic  Faith :  William  H.  Bissell  and  Stephen 
A.  Douglas  are  the  men  to  whom  we  refer. 

William  H.  Bissell  was  a  man  of  the  highest  merit.  He  distinguished  him- 
self as  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  War,  as  a  statesman  in  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  and  as  Governor  of  Illinois,  the  first  Republican  Governor. 

Governor  Bissell's  home  was  in  Belleville,  but  he  died  in  Springfield,  near 
the  close  of  his  term  as  Governor. 

He  had  become  a  Catholic  several  years  before  his  death  and  the  funeral 
ceremonies  took  place  in  the  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  with  a 
Solemn  Requiem  Mass,  and  an  eloquent  sermon  by  Reverend  Cornelius  Smarius, 
S.J.  For  years  after  its  rendition,  this  masterly  address  was  repeated  in 
classes  of  oratory  in  many  schools. 

Stephen  A.  Douglas,  on  his  death  bed,  in  the  old  Tremont  Hotel  in  Chi- 
cago, also  embraced  the  Catholic  Faith,  and  was  buried  from  old    St.  Mary's 
(now  at  Wabash  and  Ninth  Streets,  Chicago).     The    funeral    oration,    which 
also  was  a  classic,  was  delivered  by  Right  Reverend  James    Duggan,    D.D. 
fourth  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Chicago. 

In  an  address  delivered  by  William  J.  Onahan  before  the  Illinois  State 
Historical  Society  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  on  May  11,  1916,  and  published  in 
Publication  No.  22,  of  the  Illinois  State  Historical  Library,  pp.  79-88,  the 
distinguished  citizen  and  Catholic,  knighted  by  the  Pope,  said  • 

867 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN   ILLINOIS 

I  remember  sitting  up  in  the  Palace  (the  bishop's  home)  writing  out  the 
address  of  the  Bishop  (Right  Reverend  James  Duggan)  delivered  at  the  grave 
of  Stephen  A.  Douglas.  Of  course,  the  address  I  wrote  was  from  the  Bishop's 
notes  or  copy. 

It  was  scarcely  known  at  the  time  or  since  that  the  Senator  was  received 
into  the  Church  and  baptized  by  Bishop  Duggan.  Mrs.  Douglas  was  a  Catholic 
and  when  in  the  city  a  regular  attendant  at  Old  St.  Mary's,  where  I  often  saw 
her.  She  induced  the  Bishop  to  come  to  the  Tremont  House  in  the  Senator's 
last  hours  and  so  it  was  that  he  had  the  grace  of  dying  a  Catholic. 

As  this  fact  has  been  questioned,  I  may  say  I  have  the  most  unequivocal 
testimony  of  the  truth  of  what  I  assert.  The  physician  who  was  in  attendance, 
Dr.  Hay,  afterwards  for  a  long  time  my  own  physician,  and  a  Sister  of  the 
Good  Shepherd,  who  at  the  time  was  in  the  Tremont  House  and  not  then  a 
religious,  both  corroborate  my  assertion. 

I  stood  near  Bishop  Duggan  when  he  delivered  the  address  when  Doug- 
las was  laid  in  his  last  resting  place.  The  Douglas  monument  now  surmounts 
the  grave. 

Irish  Characterized 

Theodore  Calvin  Pease,  author  of  The  Frontier  State,  the  second  volume 
of  the  Centennial  History  of  Illinois,  states  that  "In  1850  there  were  28,000 
Irish  in  Illinois.  Their  Celtic  adaptability,  fealty  and  enthusiasm  tended  to 
their  rapid  assimilation  into  the  general  population  (P.  396). 

Respecting  the  English  settlers,  who  at  that  time  numbered  18,600,  he  says : 

"They  were  not  the  most  happy  and  successful  settlers.  Adaptation  to 
life  on  the  prairies  was  difficult." 

Quoting  Pooley,  Settlement  of  Illinois : 

"Their  minds  were  hampered  with  prejudices  in  favor  of  the  customs  and 
habits  of  the  mother  country  which  combined  with  the  lack  of  those  qualities 
that  make  good  pioneers,  kept  the  English  from  being  classed  with  the  suc- 
cessful settlers  of  the  new  country."  (P.  397). 

Catholic  and  Non-Catholic 

It  is  not  intended  to  give  the  impression  that  all  the  Irish  in  Illinois 
during  the  period  here  treated  were  practical  Catholics.  Many  of  them,  due 
to  prevailing  conditions,  were  what  we  sometimes  describe  as  "fallen  away." 
Some  were  the  descendants  of  "Conformists,"  the  name  given  those  who  in 
the  old  country  disclaimed  Catholicity  either  to  gain  advantages  or  to  escape 
penalties  under  English  laws. 

It  may  be  said,  however,  that  up  to  near  1850,  Irishmen  who  were  not 
Catholics,  with  a  very  few  exceptions,  professed  no  other  church  affiliations. 

Two  or  three  such  exceptions  that  deserve  notice  may  be  mentioned.  James 
Leman,  the  patriarch  of  a  large  family,  was  a  thoroughbred  Irishman  who  came 
with  his  considerable  colony  first  to  the  "American  Bottoms,"  as  a  part  of 
the  Mississippi  Valley  was  then  known,  and  afterwards  removed  to  "New 
Design,"  as  he  named  his  new  habitation.  He  and  several  of  his  followers  and 
progeny  were  Baptists  and  worthy  men,  all  of  them. 

868 


THE  LAITY 

Robert  Scott,  called  familiarly  "Turkey  Hill  Scott,"  from  the  place  he 
and  his  colony  dwelt,  was  also  a  Protestant  Irishman  and  also  a  fine  man. 

Zadoc  Casey,  who  was  Lieutenant  Governor  of  Illinois,  in  1830,  was  a 
Protestant  Irishman,  and  reputed  to  be  anti-Catholic,  but  his  son,  who  came  to 
live  in  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  became  a  distinguished  lawyer  there,  became 
a  devout  Catholic. 

Protestantism  brought  bigotry  with  it  near  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth 
century  and  it  survived  with  varying  degrees  of  virulence  to  near  the  end  of 
that  century. 

Most  of  the  sects,  apparently  with  the  view  of  helping  their  own  church, 
gave  a  large  part  of  their  efforts  to  berating  and  belittling  the  Catholic  Church. 
So  severe  were  the  denunciations  of  the  Catholic  Church,  the  Pope,  the  priests, 
the  nuns  and  the  laity,  as  well,  that  disrepute  seemed  at  times  to  settle  upon 
everything  Catholic.  Even  the  newspapers,  the  schools  and  what  we  call 
society  tended  to  look  with  scorn  upon  Catholicity. 

The  Catholics  went  along  attending  Mass,  despite  many  hardships  and  in- 
conveniences, approaching  the  Sacraments,  building  churches,  rectories,  schools, 
hospitals,  orphanages  and  homes,  and  earning  a  maintenance  for  themselves 
and  their  families. 

Were  they  ideal  or  perfect?  No.  Here,  as  elsewhere,  there  were  and 
are — good,  better  and  best,  and  bad,  worse  and  worst  Catholics.  But  the  best 
were  not  as  good  as  the  Church  and  the  worst  were  not  beyond  penance  and 
pardon,  and  neither  the  best  nor  the  worst  could  alter  the  perfection  of  the 
Church. 

It  has  been  interesting  to  see  this  bigotry  and  prejudice  slowly  wear  away. 
It  is  not  all  gone,  but  Illinoisans  have  seen  the  narrow-minded  preacher  dis- 
appear at  the  behest  of  sensible  congregations.  He  has  seen  the  Know-Noth- 
ings,  the  American  Protective  Association,  and  the  Ku  Klux  Klan  strut  their 
noisy  career  and  die.  And  he  has  lived  to  see  the  day  when  no  well  balanced 
man  scoffs  at  the  Catholic  Church,  its  works,  its  officers,  or  its  members. 

Summary 

Summing  up,  it  is  interesting  to  note  that  of  the  twenty-one  Illinois  gov- 
ernors now  dead,  ten  were  Irish,  viz :  Shadrach  Bond,  Edward  Coles,  John 
Reynolds,  William  L.  D.  Ewing,  Thomas  Carlin,  Thomas  Ford,  Richard  J. 
Oglesby,  John  M.  Palmer,  John  M.  Hamilton.  Of  these  Carlin  and  Ford  were 
of  Catholic  families.     Governor  William  H.  Bissell  also  was  a  Catholic. 

Several  Irishmen  from  the  southern  part  of  Illinois  have  graced  the 
Supreme  Court  of  Illinois  amongst  them — John  Reynolds,  Thomas  Reynolds, 
Thomas  Ford,  James  Shields  and  John  H.  Mulkey.  Of  these,  Ford,  Shields 
and  Mulkey  were  Catholics.    Stephen  A.  Douglas  also  sat  in  the  Supreme  Court. 

Whilst  we  have  made  mention  only  of  men  who  became  prominent 
through  political  or  other  preferment  or  service,  it  is  a  fact  that  in  every  com- 

869 


DIOCESE  OF  SPRINGFIELD  IN  ILLINOIS 

munity  worthy  men  have  developed  who  were  devoted  to  state  and  church  with 
a  proper  love  and  solicitude  for  each. 

At  one  time  we  entertained  the  hope  of  at  least  naming  these  worthy  char- 
acters and  asked  the  pastors  of  the  various  parishes  to  list  them  for  insertion 
in  this  history.  We  assume  it  was  found  difficult  to  select  or  discriminate,  and 
but  few  such  lists  were  returned.  It  has  been  a  pleasure  to  read  the  fine  trib- 
utes to  parishioners  paid  by  the  few  pastors  who  attempted  this  difficult  task; 
such,  for  instance,  as  that  of  Monsignor  Edward  L.  Spalding  of  Alton;  Rev- 
erend J.  A.  M.  Wilson,  of  Marshall  and  the  Teutopolis  foundation. 

Since,  however,  but  a  small  number  of  parishes  are  covered  by  the  data,  it 
has  been  thought  wise  to  include  none.  Perhaps  when  the  centenary  of  the  Dio- 
cese is  observed,  it  may  be  possible  to  add  this  interesting  feature. 

Because  we  have  written  at  length  with  reference  to  the  French  and  Irish 
in  Illinois,  our  effort  must  not  be  construed  as  a  neglect  of  other  national  ele- 
ments. We  have  repeatedly  in  the  course  of  this  work  referred  to  the  sterling 
worth  and  signal  labors  for  the  Church  of  the  Germans.  In  those  early  days 
the  Germans  were  more  modest  and  retiring  than  the  Irish  and  fewer  of  them 
came  into  public  notice.  Having  been  trained  in  the  use  of  the  German 
language  it  was  of  some  difficulty  to  create  and  maintain  intimate  relations 
amongst  their  English  speaking  contemporaries.  To  be  plain,  they  were 
slower  about  getting  into  politics,  but  they  were  steady  and  persistent,  and  in 
the  long  run  gained  their  objective. 

In  more  recent  times  representatives  of  many  nations  have  established 
themselves  in  the  Diocese  and  are  developing  in  a  most  gratifying  manner. 
When  the  Centenary  of  the  Diocese  is  celebrated,  the  record  then  compiled  will 
no  doubt  contain  many  names  that  are  neither  French,  Irish  nor  German. 

It  is  desired  to  state  in  connection  with  all  that  is  above  said  that  every 
fact  in  this  Chapter  stated  has  been  verified  by  the  writer,  Joseph  J.  Thomp- 
son, and  is  incontrovertible.  Should  any  reader  wish  to  pursue  a  further  study 
of  the  subjects  treated,  he  will  readily  find  in  some  one  of  the  ten  volumes  of 
the  Illinois  Catholic  Historical  Review  (the  result  of  more  than  twenty -five 
years  of  research  and  study),  indisputable  authority  in  the  way  of  original 
records,  citations,  etc.,  supported  by  copious  foot  notes.  Indeed  it  is  consid- 
ered no  breach  of  modesty  to  suggest  that  in  no  other  publication  in  the  world 
may  be  found  so  complete  an  allocation  of  historical  facts  and  proofs  relating 
to  the  Church  in  any  similar  locality  or  connection. 


870 


INDEX 

For  reasons  which  will  be  apparent  to  the  reader,  this  Index  is  arranged  in  four 
divisions.  The  first  is  a  general  index;  the  second  is  an  index  of  parishes;  the  third  is 
an  index  of  the  schools,  institutions  and  associations;  and  the  fourth  is  an  index  of  the 
illustrations  under  the  subjects  of  groups,  panels,  and  scenes.  It  would,  of  course,  be 
more  in  keeping  with  the  usual  method  of  indexing  to  have  one  single  index,  but  such 
an  arrangement  did  not  seem  practical  in  this  case.  Attention  is  directed  to  the  fact 
that  the  Clergy  and  the  Soldiery  are  not  indexed  individually.  This  is  explained  and 
justified  by  the  fact  that  the  names  and  sketches  of  the  Clergy  appear  alphabetically  in 
the  chapter  devoted  to  them,  and  the  names  of  the  Service  Men  are  given  alphabetically 
in  their  chapter.  Grouping  the  Parishes  and  the  Schools,  Institutions  and  Associations 
seems  well  justified  since  it  would  be  confusing  to  mix  them  in  the  general  index. 
Perhaps  the  most  difficult  of  all  to  arrange  was  an  index  of  the  Illustrations — the  Groups, 
Panels  and  Scenes.  There  were  really  no  means  of  indexing  these  alphabetically  since 
buildings  and  personages  of  different  parishes  and  locations  are  found  in  a  single  group 
or  panel  or  scene.    The  intent  of  the  entire  index  is  to  facilitate  location. 


Page 

Alleman,  Rev.  John  G.,  O.P 135 

Alton,  diocese  of 14 

Churches  and  Pastors 145 

The  Church  in 274 

City  of 272 

Allouez,  Rev.  Claude  Jean,  Missionary....  66 

Angel  Guardian  Mission  1696 71 

Badin,  Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Theodore 117 

Baltes,  Rt.  Rev.  Joseph,  D.D. 

Portrait  of  377 

Sketch  379 

Bardstown,  diocese  of 101 

Beaubois,  Rev.   Nicholas   Ignatious,  De, 

S.J.,  Illinois  Missionary 75 

Belleville,  diocese  of 14 

Bineteau,  Rev.  Julien,  S.J.,  Illinois  Mis- 
sionary      71 

Bishop,  place  in  Church 15 

Portrait  Bishop  Griffin,  opposite 16 

Pen  pictures  of  Bishop 17 

Estimate  of  Bishop  Griffin 18 

First  Appointment  21 

Keynote  of  policy 23 

Installation  ceremonies  24 

Bissell  William  H.,  Governor  of  Illinois. 

Portrait  opposite  830 

Sketch  867 

Boulinger,    Rev.    Joseph    Ignatious    Le, 

S.J.,  Illinois  Missionary 74 

Bouquet,  spiritual  presented  to  Pope 37 

Brickwedde,  Rev.  Augustine  Florent 133 

Brute,  Rt.  Rev.  Simon  William  Gabriel, 

Bishop  of  Vincennes 96 

Builder,  bishop  as 51 

Carroll,  Rev.  Michael 119 

Cahokia,  treaty  at,  Scene  opposite 91 

8 


Page 
Cathedral — 

Exterior  opposite  32 

Interior  opposite  41 

Campaign  for  52 

Architect's  description  57 

Catholic  Tolerance  113 

Cavalier,  Abbe  Jean,  In  Illinois 87 

Chicago,  diocese  of 12 

Church  in  North  America 9 

In  the  United  States 10 

Church,  first  in  Chicago 71 

Church  keeping  pace  with  settlement....l04 

Clergy,  The  Diocesan 621 

With  the  Church  Triumphant 622 

In  the  Church  Militant 712 

Constantfne,  arch  of,  opposite 9 

Cusack,   Rev.   Thomas 130 

Douay,  Rev.  Anastasius  Franciscan 87 

Douglas,  Stephen  A.,  U.  S.  Senator, 

Portrait  opposite  830 

Sketch  867 

Drake,  Samuel  Adams,  on  Jesuits 64 

Durbin,  Rev.  Elisha 119 

Education,  bishop's  efforts  for 41 

Eucharistic    Congress,    Bishop    Griffin's 

work  for  47 

Fischer,  Rev.  F.  J 131 

Foley,  Very  Rev.  Msg'r  M.  J 61 

Foreign  Missions,  fruits  of 88 

Fortmann,  Rev.  Joseph  H 124 

Franciscans,  first  in  Illinois 83 

Gibault,  Rev.  Peter,  Great  Missionary....  95 

Portrait  opposite  144 

Griffin,  Rt.  Rev.  James  A.: 

Laying  of  cornerstone — scene  opposite  24 
Visits  Lincoln's  Tomb 27 

Giusti,  Very  Rev.  Amos  E 61 

75 


Page 

Banquet    29 

Touring  diocese  31 

Gravier,  Rev.  James,  S.J.,  Illinois  Mis- 
sionary      68 

Hennepin,  Rev.  Louis,  Franciscan  Mis- 
sionary     83 

llickey,  Very  Rev.  Msg'r  Timothy, 

Portrait  opposite  644 

Sketch  645 

Holy  Family  Mission  at  Cahokia 90 

Ancient  church,  opposite 148 

Hurley,  Rev.  Michael 125 

Instruction,  Catholic  League 33 

Janssen,  Rt.  Rev.  John,  D.D., 

Portrait,  opposite   650 

Jesuit  College  and  Church, 

Scene,  opposite  136 

Joliet,  Louis,  Co-discoverer  and  Explorer 

with  Father  Marquette,  Portrait  of..  70 
Juncker,  Rt.  Rev.  Henry  Damian,  D.D., 

Portrait,  opposite   272 

Sketch  275 

Kane,  Elias  Kent,  U.  S.  Senator, 

Portrait,  opposite  830 

Sketch  861 

Kip,  William  Ingraham,  bishop, 

On  Jesuits  63 

Kuenster,  Rev.  Joseph 129 

Lafayette,  Marquis  De, 

Portrait,  opposite   104 

Laity,  The  831 

Lammert,  Rt.  Rev.,  portrait,  opposite....  63 

Lefevre,  Rev.  Peter  Paul 126 

Lincoln,  visit  to  tomb 48 

Mangan,  Rev.  Thomas 123 

Marest,  Rev.  Gabriel,  S.J.,  Illinois  Mis- 
sionary     72 

McCabe,  Rev.  Thomas 121 

McElhearne,  Rev.  Patrick  J 120 

Marquette,  Rev.  James,  portrait,  opposite  63 

Journeys  through  Illinois  65 

Martyrs,   in   Illinois 86 

Melcher,  Rt.  Rev.  Joseph,  D.D 271 

Missionaries  and  their  fields  of  labor 106 

Itinerant    117 

Missions,  the  Illinois 63 

Marquette — Establishing    the    Church — 

Scene,  opposite  78 

Marquette,    Memorial,    Harrison    Tech- 
nical School  90 

Membre,  Zenobius,  Franciscan  Mission- 
ary     83 

Meurin,  Rev.  Sebastian  Louis,  S.J.,  Illi- 
nois Missionary  80 

Monk's   Mound   : 10° 

Mundelein,  Cardinal,  George  William, 

Portrait,  opposite  14 

O'Regan,  Rt.  Rev.  Anthony, 

Portrait,   opposite   203 

Sketch  207 

Ostlangenberg,  Rev.  Gaspar  Henry 127 


Page 

Organization,  Church  7 

Parkman,  Francis,  historian  on  Jesuits..  63 

Peoria,  diocese  of 14 

Pinet,  Rev.  Francois,  S.J.,  Missionary....  71 

Pioneer  Parishes  137 

Popes,  List  of 7 

Pius  XI,  Portrait,  opposite 10 

Prendergast,  Rev.  Michael 128 

Press,  Catholic  35 

Protestantism,  introduction  of,  bigotry. .110 
Quarter,  Rt.  Rev.  William,  D.D., 

Portrait    203 

Sketch  205 

Quincy,  diocese  of 149 

Church  in  271 

Quigley,  Rev.  Thomas,  D.D 124 

Rale,  Rev.  Sebastian,  S.J.,  Illinois  Mis- 
sionary     67 

Rockford,   diocese   of 15 

Rome,   pilgrimage  to 35 

Ribourde,  Rev.  Gabriel  de  la,  Francis- 
can  Missionary   83 

Ryan,  Rev.  John 126 

Ryan,  Rt.  Rev.  James,  D.D., 

Portrait,  opposite  451 

Sketch  454 

Saint  Cyr,  Rev.  John  Mary  Irenaeus 121 

Shields,  James,  Major  General,  Secre- 
tary of  State  and  United  States 
Senator  from  three  states,  opposite.. 830 

Sketch  866 

Sloan,  Rt.  Rev.  Msg'r  W.  T., 

Portrait  of  61 

Soldiery,   Diocesan   759 

War  Chaplains  760 

Gold  Stars  763 

Wounded    764 

Reported  Dead  764 

Died  from  effects  of  war 764 

Roll    of    Honor 766 

Stations  visited  in  early  days 203 

St.  Peter,  portrait,  opposite 8 

Church  in  Rome,  opposite 11 

Spalding,  Rt.  Rev.  Msg'r  E.  L., 

Portrait,  opposite   32 

Tarrent,  Rt.  Rev.  Msg'r  M.  A., 

Portrait,  opposite 52 

Tucker,  Rev.  Hilary 132 

Vahey,  Rev.   Joseph 125 

Van  de  Velde,  Rt.  Rev.  James  Oliver,  D.D. 

Group,  opposite  203 

Sketch  206 

Vincennes,  diocese  of 103 

Vocations,  religious  34 

Von    Marogna,    Rev.    Charles,    Joseph, 

Count    131 

Walsh,   Rev.   Thomas 122 

War  Veterans,  bishops  work  for 38 

Watrin,    Rev.     Philibert,    S.J.,    Illinois 

Missionary  79 

Western  Catholic  Diocesan  Newspaper....517 
Office,  opposite  520 


876 


PARISHES 


Page 

All  Saints,  White  Hall 318  S 

Annunciation,  Bunker  Hill 256  S 

Assumption,  Assumption  276  S 

Ascension,  Mt.  Olive 464  S 

Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  S 

Litchfield    313  S 

Blessed  Sacrament,  Springfield 507  S 

Forty  Martyrs,  Tuscola 335  S 

Holy  Cross,  Wilsonville 513  S 

Holy  Family,  Athens 473  S 

Holy  Family,  Cahokia 139  S 

Holy  Trinity,  Mt.  Olive 495  S 

Holy  Trinity,  Stonington - 433  S 

Immaculate  Conception,  Carlinville 312  S 

Immaculate  Conception,  Cathedral  par-  S 

ish,  Springfield  176  S 

Immaculate  Conception,  Mattoon 258  S 

Immaculate  Conception,  Shelbyville 326  S 

Mary  Help  of  Christians,  Chester 202  S 

Mother  of  Dolors,  Vandalia 212  S 

Our  Lady  of  Good  Help,  Monk's  Mound. .143  S 

Our  Lady  of  the  Visitation,  St.  Phillippe  140  S 

Our  Savior,  Jacksonville 226  S 

Presentation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  S 

Westwoods  290  S 

St.  Agnes,  Hillsboro 352  S 

St.  Agnes,  Springfield 459  S 

St.  Aloysius,  Bishop  Creek 343  S 

St.  Aloysius,  Litchfield 445  S 

St.  Anne  Du  Fort  De  Chartres 141  S 

St.  Anne,  Edgewood 332  S 

St.  Ann,  Niantic 465  S 

St.  Anselem,  Kampsville 420  S 

St.  Athanasius,  Roodhouse 407  S 

St.  Alexius,  Beardstown 174  S 

St.  Aloysius,  North  Arm 199  S 

St.  Anthony,  Antonius 280  S 

St.  Alexius,  Beardstown 232  S 

St.  Anthony,  Effingham 294  S 

St.  Augustine,  Ashland 418  S 

St.  Augustine  of  Canterbury,  Heckner.... 145  S 

St.  Barbara,  Batchtown 490  S 

St.  Barbara,  Springfield 488  S 

St.  Barbara,  Witt 481  S 

St.  Bartholomew,  Murrayville 443  S 

St.  Basil,  Chandlerville 364  S 

St.  Benedict,  Auburn 440  S 

St.  Bernard,  Glenarm 231  S 

St.  Boniface,  Edwardsville 368  S 

St.  Boniface,  Quincy 150  S 

St.  Brigid,  Libertyville 219  S 

St.  Catherine,  Hagaman 484  S 

St.  Catherine,  Virden 347  S 

St.  Cecilia,  Glen  Carbon 513  S 

St.  Charles,  Casey 426  S 

St.  Clare,  Altamont 411  S 

St.  Charles,  Charleston 340  S 

St.  Columba,  Sullivan 482  S 

St.  Denis,  Shipman 337  S 

St.  Edward,   Mendon 466  S 

St.  Elizabeth,  Marine 262  S 


Page 

.  Elizabeth,  Mitchell 384 

.  Elizabeth,  Robinson 427 

Elmo,  Mission 479 

Fidelis,  Arenzville 313 

.  Francis,  Cantrall 474 

.  Francis  Xavier,  Jerseyville 303 

Francis  de  Sales,  Moweaqua 473 

Francis  Solanus,  Quincy 322 

Francis,  Teutopolis 185 

Gertrude,  Grantfork 381 

Isadore,  Bethany .". 331 

Isadore,  Farmersville 277 

James,  Decatur 413 

James,  Milstadt 202 

James,  Riverton 356 

Jerome,  Troy 375 

John  the  Baptist,  Areola 342 

John,  Black  Jack 243 

John  the  Evangelist,  Carrollton 292 

John,  Coffeen 474 

.  John  the  Evangelist,  Medora 493 

.  John  the  Baptist,  Quincy 437 

.  Joseph,  Benld 499 

.  Joseph,  Bloomfield 328 

.  Joseph,  Mission,  Buffalo 441 

.  Joseph,  Carlinville 351 

.  Joseph,  Chatham 506 

.  Joseph,  Granite  City 476 

.  Joseph,  Meppen 350 

Joseph,  Mt.  Sterling 224 

Joseph,  Ramsey 386 

Joseph,  Springfield 416 

Joseph,  Prairie  Du  Rocher 141 

Lawrence,  Greenville 366 

Libory,  St.  Libory 174 

Louis,  Nokomis 309 

Mary,  Alton 158 

Mary,  Brussels 233 

Mary,  Dieterich 235 

Mary,  Edwardsville 200 

Mary  of  Help,  Green  Creek 300 

Mary,  Greenview 365 

Mary,  Lovington 509 

Mary,   Madison 494 

Mary,  Marshall 215 

Mary,  Mt.  Sterling 221 

Mary,  Neoga 462 

Mary,  Pawnee 475 

.  Mary,  Quincy 360 

.  Mary,  Paris 308 

.  Mary,  Pittsfield 239 

.  Mary,  Shumway 430 

.  Mark,  Venice 388 

.  Mark,  Winchester 319 

.  Maurice,  Morrisonville 385 

.  Michael,  Mission,  Beltrees 425 

.  Michael,  Greenfield 324 

.  Michael,  Hume 420 

.  Michael,  Michael 339 

.  Michael,  Siegel 357 

.  Michael,  Paderborn 174 


877 


Page 

St.  Michael,  Mission,  South  Fork 441 

St.  Michael,  Staunton 361 

St.  Nicholas,  Mission,  Pocahontas 398 

St.  Patrick,  Alton 146 

St.  Patrick,  Bluffs 406 

St.  Patrick,  Decatur 241 

St.  Patrick,  Mission,  Girard 451 

St.  Patrick,  Grafton 387 

St.  Patrick,  Pana 304 

St.  Patrick,  Ruma 145 

St.  Patrick,  Springfield 483 

St.  Patrick,  Tiptown 202 

St.  Patrick,  Trowbridge 331 

St.  Paul,  Highland 209 

St.  Peter,  Petersburg 363 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton 248 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Alton 202 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Cathedral,  Alton 249 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Collinsville 260 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul,  Springfield 281 

St.  Peter,  Quincy 329 

St.  Peter,  Teutopolis 187 

St.  Phillip,  East  St.  Louis 201 

St.  Raymond,  Raymond 264 

St.  Rita,  Kincaid 505 

St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Montrose 435 

St.  Rose  of  Lima,  Quincy 468 


Page 

St.  Stanislaus,  Macon 472 

St.  Sebastian,  Waverly 291 

SS.  Simon  and  Jude,  Silver  Creek 185 

St.  Thomas,  Camp  Point 326 

St.  Thomas,  Decatur 511 

St.  Thomas  the  Apostle,  Millstadt 157 

St.  Thomas,  Newton 410 

St.  Valentine,  Bend 493 

St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  Springfield 486 

Sacred  Heart,  Dalton 467 

Sacred  Heart,  Divernon 484 

Sacred  Heart,  Effingham 469 

Sacred  Heart,  Franklin 449 

Sacred  Heart,  Granite  City 510 

Sacred  Heart,  Hartford 511 

Sacred  Heart,  Lillyville 422 

Sacred  Heart,  Livingston 480 

Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  New  Berlin 320 

Sacred  Heart,  Oconee 399 

Sacred  Heart,  Springfield 447 

Sacred  Heart,  Villa  Grove 486 

Sacred  Heart,  Virden 497 

Visitation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 

Alexander    492 

Visitation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 

Illiopolis  349 


SCHOOLS,  INSTITUTIONS  AND  ASSOCIATIONS 


Quincy  College,  Quincy 520 

Illustrations,  opposite  521 

Routt  College,  Jacksonville 526 

St.  Joseph  College,  Teutopolis 523 

Illustrations,  opposite  528 

Ursuline  Academy,  Springfield 528 

Illustrations,  opposite  529 

Ursuline    Convent   of   the    Holy   Name, 

Alton  530 

Notre  Dame  of  Quincy 533 

St.  Theresa  Academy,  Decatur 537 

Sacred  Heart  Academy,  Springfield 538 

Schools  taught  by  Dominican  Sisters.. ..541 

Marquette  High  School,  Alton 542 

St.  Joseph  Hospital,  Alton 545 

St.  John  Hospital,  Springfield 555 

St.  Joseph  Hospital,  Highland 561 

St.  Vincent  Hospital,  Taylorville 562 

St.  Elizabeth  Hospital,  Granite  City 563 

Huber  Memorial  Hospital,  Pana 564 

St.  Anthony  Infirmary,  Alton 566 

St.  Anthony  Hospital,  Effingham 570 

St.  Francis  Hospital,  Litchfield 570 

St.  John  Sanitarium,  Springfield 571 

Catholic    Children's    Home,    Scene,    op- 
posite     572 


Interior,  Scene,  opposite 573 

Scene  outdoors,  opposite 576 

Scene  Interior,  opposite 577 

Orphanage,  Diocesan,  Alton 573 

St.  Lawrence  Soldiers'  Home  Chapel 581 

St.  Joseph  Home,  Quincy 582 

St.  Joseph  Home  for  the  Aged,  Spring- 
field   583 

St.  John  Girls'  Home 585 

Apostolate,  The,  Springfield 586 

Faith,  Society  for  the  Propagation  of 588 

Mission    Home    of    the    Sacred    Heart, 

Saint  Marie  589 

Social  Work,  Catholic 590 

Charity,  Ladies  of 591 

Boys'    Brigade,    The    Catholic,    Spring- 
field    593 

Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians 598 

Central  Verein  600 

Western  Catholic  Union 603 

Knights  of  Columbus 607 

Catholic  Order  of  Foresters 613 

Women's    614 

Catholic  Daughters  of  America 616 

Calvary  Cemetery  618 

Cemetery,  Granite  City,  scene,  opposite..620 


878 


GROUPS,  PANELS  AND  SCENES 


Church  Group  opposite 32 

Immaculate  Conception  Cathedral  Build- 
ings— 1928. 

Group  opposite 96 

Early  Non-Resident  Bishops  of  Illinois. 
Most  Reverend  John  Carroll,  D.D.,  Arch- 
bishop of  Baltimore,  first  Bishop  in  the 
United  States;  Right  Reverend  Benedict 
Joseph  Flaget,  D.D.,  first  Bishop  of  Bards- 
town;  Right  Reverend  Joseph  Rosati, 
Bishop  of  St.  Louis;  Right  Reverend 
Simon  William  Gabriel  Brute,  Bishop  of 
Vincennes. 

Group  opposite  137 

Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 
Founded  by  Reverend  James  Marquette, 
April  11,  1673,  and  Jesuit  College,  same 
title  incorporated  by  the  Government  of 
France  in  1711,  as  they  appeared  at 
Kaskaskia,  Randolph  County,  in  1825. 

Group  opposite  176 

Beardstown — Rev.  Jas.  Ahem,  Pastor, 
St.  Alexius  Church,  Rectory  Hall  .  . 
North  Arm — St.  Aloysius  Church  .  . 
Virginia — Rectory,  Rev.  James  O'Dwyer 
Pastor,  St.  Luke's  Church  .  .  .  Edwards 
ville — St.  Mary  Church,  Rev.  C.  A.  O'Reil 
ly,  Pastor  .  .  .  Teutopolis  —  Rectory 
School,  St.  Francis  Church. 

Group  opposite 177 

Springfield— Cathedral  (old)  of  The  Im- 
maculate Conception  Church,  School, 
Rev.  Louis  Hufker,  Rector,  Rectory, 
Convent. 

Group  opposite 203 

Bishops  and  Archbishops  of  the  Diocese 
of  Chicago. 

Group  opposite  208 

Highland — St.  Paul  Church,  Rev.  A.  M. 
Hohl,  Ad.,  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  DeChene 
(Dec'd)  Former  Pastor,  School  .  .  .  Tay- 
lorville — Rev.  E.  J.  Scanlon,  Pastor,  St. 
Bridget  Church,  Holy  Name  Society, 
Ladies  Altar  Society,  Rectory  .  .  .  Mt. 
Sterling — St.  Mary  Church,  Rectory, 
School,  Sisters'  Residence. 

Group  opposite  232 

Glenarm — St.  Bernard  Church  .  .  .  Jack- 
sonville— Rectory,  Our  Savior  Church, 
Very  Rev.  F.  F.  Formaz,  Pastor,  School, 
Our  Savior  School,  Routt  Club,  Liberty 
Hall  .  .  .  Dieterich — Rectory  and  St. 
Mary  Church,  Rev.  Oscar  J.  W.  Wernet, 
Pastor. 

Group  opposite  240 

Pittsfield — Rectory,  Rev.  Francis  Curran, 
Pastor,  Immaculate  Conception  Church 
.  .  .  Brussels — Rectory,  St.  Mary  Church, 
Rev.  Henry  B.  Schnelten,  Pastor,  School, 
Sisters'  Residence  .  .  .  Decatur — St.  Pat- 
rick Church,  School. 


Group  opposite 241 

Black  Jack — St.  John  Church  . . .  Bunker 
Hill,  Church  of  the  Annunciation,  Rev. 
C.  T.  Stoltz,  Pastor  .  .  .  Mattoon— Im- 
maculate Conception  Church,  Rev.  T.  E. 
Cusack,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  248 

Alton — SS.  Peter  and  Paul  Church  (old 
Alton  Cathedral),  Rectory,  School,  Rev. 
Terence  Conley,  Rector  1873-4,  Rev.  J.  A. 
Sullivan,  Ass't  1874-1880,  Rev.  Edward  J. 
Walsh,  Ass't  1888-1892,  Rev.  Paul  W. 
Sims,  Ass't  1893-6,  Rev.  Chas.  J.  Zwiesler, 
Rector  1876-88,  Rev.  Thos.  M.  Connolly, 
Ass't  1892-3,  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Healey,  Ass't 
1895-1900. 

Group  opposite  264 

Marine — St.  Elizabeth  Church,  Rectory, 
Sisters'  Residence,  School  .  .  .  Raymond 
— St.  Raymond  Church,  Rev.  C.  W.  Op- 
penheim,  Pastor  .  .  .  Collinsville — SS. 
Peter  and  Paul  Church,  Rectory,  School. 

Group  opposite  280 

Assumption — Rectory,  Rev.  D.  J.  Higgins, 
Pastor,  Church  of  the  Assumption,  Rec- 
tory . . .  Springfield — SS.  Peter  and  Paul 
Church  and  School,  Rev.  L.  Riesen,  Pas- 
tor , . .  Antonius — Rev.  Cyrinus  Schneid- 
er, O.F.M.,  Pastor,  St.  Anthony  School 
and  Church. 

Group  opposite 281 

Farmersville — School,  Rev.  J.  B.  Franz, 
Ad.,  St.  Mary  Church  .  .  .  West  Woods 
— St.  Mary  Church,  Teacher's  House, 
School  .  .  .  Waverly — St.  Sebastian 
Church. 

Group  opposite  296 

Carrollton — St.  John  Church,  Sisters' 
Residence,  School  .  .  .  Effingham — St. 
Anthony  Church,  Interior,  School,  Sisters' 
Residence,  Rectory,  Monsignor  Lam- 
mert's  Golden  Jubilee. 

Group  opposite  297 

Green  Creek — Rev.  Frederick  Neveling, 
Pastor,  Lady  of  Help  Church,  Old  School, 
Rectory,  New  District  School  . . .  Jersey- 
ville — Rectory,  Rev.  J.  J.  Clancy,  Pastor, 
St.  Francis  Church,  Sisters'  Residence. 

Group  opposite  304 

Pana — St.  Patrick  Church,  Rev.  J.  P. 
Moroney,  Pastor,  School  ...  St.  Mary 
Church,  Rectory,  School,  Rev.  J.  Cronin, 
Pastor  . . .  Whitehall — All  Saints  Church 
.  .  .  Arenzville — St.  Fidelis  Church. 

Group  opposite  312 

Nokomis — St.  Louis  Church,  Rev.  C.  Jo- 
hannes, Pastor,  Old  Church,  School  .  .  . 
Litchfield — Interior  of  St.  Mary  Church, 
St.  Mary  School,  Rectory  .  .  .  New  Ber- 
lin— Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  Church, 
School,  Rectory    .    .    .    Winchester — S  t . 


879 


Mark  Church,  Rev.  M.  J.  O'Mullane, 
Pastor. 

Group  opposite  320 

Quincy — St.  Francis  Solanus  Church, 
School,  College  and  Rectory,  Rev.  Optatus 
Loefler,  O.F.M.,  Pastor  .  .  .  Immaculate 
Conception  Church  and  Rectory  .  .  . 
Camp  Point — St.  Thomas  Church  and 
groups  of  Holy  Name  and  Altar  Societies 
.  .  .  Greenfield — St.  Michael  Church,  Rec- 
tory, Rev.  Michael  Enright,  Pastor  .  .  . 
Bloomfield — St.  Joseph  Church. 

Group  opposite  328 

Quincy — Rev.  J.  J.  Driscoll,  Pastor  St. 
Peter  Church,  Rev.  Peter  McGirr  (Dec'd), 
and  Rev.  John  P.  Kerr  (Dec'd),  former 
Pastors,  School  and  Sisters'  Residence 
.  .  .  Bethany — St.  Isidore  Church  and 
Rectory,  Rev.  C.  J.  Fanning,  Pastor  .  .  . 
Meppen — St.  Joseph  Church,  Rev.  S.  C. 
Schawwecker,  Pastor,  Rectory,  Sisters' 
Residence. 

Group  opposite  336 

Tuscola — Rev.  J.  P.  Jordan,  Pastor,  Forty 
Martyrs,  Church,  Rectory  .  .  .  Shipman 
— Rectory,  Rev.  Joseph  McKeogh,  Pastor, 
St.  Denis  Church  .  .  .  Michael — Rev. 
Michael  Sheehy,  Pastor,  St.  Michael 
Church,  First  Church,  Building,  Rectory. 

Group  opposite  337 

Areola — St.  John  Church  .  .  .  Charleston 
— Rectory,  Rev.  J.  J.  Connolly,  Pastor, 
St.  Charles  Church  .  .  .  Bishop  Creek — 
Rev.  Eugene  Hagedorn,  O.F.M.,  Pastor, 
St.  Aloysius  Church,  Rectory,  School  . 
Virden — St.  Catherine  Church  and  Rec 
tory,  Rev.  Geo.  J.  Kennedy,  Pastor  .  . 
Illiopolis — Visitation  B.  V.  M.  Church 
Rectory. 

Group  opposite  352 

Carlinville — St.  Joseph  School,  Rectory, 
Rev.  William  Michael,  Pastor,  St.  Joseph 
Church,  Rectory  .  .  .  Hillsboro — St.  Ag- 
nes Church  and  Rectory,  Rev.  J.  M.  Hes- 
lin,  Pastor  .  .  .  Paloma — Rectory,  St. 
Joseph  Church  and  School,  Rev.  C.  J. 
Flori,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  358 

Sigel — Rectory,  School,  Rev.  George  E. 
Faller,  Pastor,  St.  Michael  Church  .  .  . 
Quincy — St.  Mary  Old  School,  New 
School,  Rev.  F.  A.  Niebling,  Pastor,  St. 
Mary  Church,  Rectory  .  .  .  Staunton — 
St.  Michael  Church,  Rev.  P.  H.  Master- 
son,  Pastor,  Sisters'  Residence,  Old 
Church,  School. 

Group  opposite  368 

Edwardsville— School,  Rev.  E.  J.  Eck- 
hard,  Pastor,  St.  Boniface  Church,  Rec- 
tory, Sisters'  Residence,  Rev.  F.  D. 
Metzler,  former  Pastor  .  .  .  Island  Grove 
— Rev.  George  M.  Nell,  Pastor,  St.  Jo- 
seph   Church,    Rectory,    Group    of    Old 


Residents  . . .  Troy — Rectory,  St.  Jerome 
Church. 

Group  opposite  385 

Grantfork — Rectory,  School,  Rev.  J.  B. 
Wardein,  Pastor,  Teachers  Residence  and 
St.  Gertrude  Church  .  .  .  Morrisonville 
— St.  Maurice  Church,  Rev.  P.  P.  McGuin- 
ness,  Pastor,  School  and  Rectory  .  .  . 
Mitchell — Rectory,  St.  Elizabeth's 
Church,  Rev.  Peter  Kaenders,  First  Pas- 
tor, Rev.  Timothy  McKeogh,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  400 

Ramsey — St.  Joseph  Church,  Rev.  August 
Forstwe,  Pastor  .  .  .  Pocahontas — St. 
Nicholas  Church,  Pioneer  Residents  .  .  . 
Oconee — Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rev.  Jo- 
seph Reis,  Pastor,  Rectory,  Former 
Pastors,  School  and  Sisters'  Residence 
. . .  Roodhouse — St.  Athanasius  Church  . . . 
Grafton — St.  Patrick  Church  and  Rectory. 
Rev.  M.  J.  Cummings,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  416 

Decatur — St.  James'  School,  Church,  Rec- 
tory, Rev.  J.  Spaeth,  Rt.  Rev.  L.  W. 
Lammert,  Rev.  A.  Teppe,  former  Pastors, 
and  Rev.  F.  J.  Ostendorf,  present  Pastor 
.  .  .  Springfield — St.  Joseph  Church,  Rev. 
P.  J.  O'Reilly,  Pastor,  St.  Joseph  School, 
Rectory. 

Group  opposite  417 

Hardin — St.  Norbert  Church,  Rev.  Daniel 
Daly,  Pastor,  Old  Church  .  .  .  Altamont 
—St.  Clare  Church,  Rev.  J.  P.  Walsh, 
Pastor  . . .  Newton— St.  Thomas  Church, 
St.  Thomas  School,  Rev.  J.  Lupton,  Pas- 
tor, First  Church,  Teachers  Residence, 
Rectory. 

Group  opposite  424 

Ashland — St.  Augustine  Church,  Rev.  D. 
O'Brien,  Pastor,  Hall  and  Rectory  .  .  . 
Kampsville — Rev.  A.  J.  Bleser,  Pastor, 
School,  St.  Anselem  Church,  Convent  and 
Rectory  . . .  Lillyville — School,  Rev.  Wm. 
A.  Pachlofer  (Dec'd),  former  Pastor, 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rectory,  Oldest 
and  Largest  Family  in  Parish. 

Group  opposite  432 

Casey — St.  Charles  Church  .  .  .  Shum- 
way — Annunciation  B.  V.  M.  .  .  .  Gil- 
lespie— SS.  Simon  and  Jude  Church,  Rev. 
John  Crosson,  Pastor,  School  and  Rec- 
tory .  .  .  Montrose — St.   Rose   Church. 

Group  opposite  440 

Quincy — St.  John  Convent,  Rev.  Joseph 
Postner,  Pastor,  School,  Rectory,  School, 
Church  .  .  .  Auburn — Rectory,  Rev.  D.  J. 
Quinn,  Pastor,  St.  Benedict  Church  .  .  . 
South  Fork — St.  Michael  Church  .  .  . 
Buffalo — St.  Joseph  Church. 

Group  opposite  448 

Murrayville- — St.  Bartholomew  Church, 
Rev.  C.  S.  Bell,  Pastor  .  .  .  Girard— St. 
Patrick  Church  .  .  .  Litchfield— St.  Aloy- 


880 


sius  Church,  Rev.  A.  J.  Stengel,  Pastor 
.  .  .  Springfield — Sacred  Heart  School, 
Parish  Hall,  Rectory,  Rev.  W.  L.  Quat- 
man,  Pastor,  Sacred  Heart  Church, 
Convent. 

Group  opposite  464 

Springfield — St.  Agnes  School,  Rectory, 
Rev.  J.  J.  Howard,  D.D.,  Pastor,  St.  Ag- 
nes Church  . . .  Neoga — St.  Mary  Church, 
Rev.  M.  J.  Crowley,  Pastor  .  .  .  Niantic 
— St.  Anne  Church. 

Group  opposite  465 

Mt.  Olive — Ascension  Church  and  Rec- 
tory, Rev.  L.  L.  McDonald,  Pastor  .  .  . 
Mendon — St.  Edward  Church  .  .  .  Dalton 
City — Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rev.  P.  D. 
Curran,  Pastor  .  .  .  Quincy — St.  Rose  of 
Lima  Church,  Rev.  J.  P.  Brennan,  Pastor, 
Rectory,  School,  Convent. 

Group  opposite  468 

Effingham — Sacred  Heart  Church  and 
School,  Rev.  Daniel  Doyle,  Pastor,  Rec- 
tory, Auditorium  .  .  .  Moweaqua  —  St. 
Francis  de  Sales  Church  .  .  .  Macon — 
St.  Stanislaus  Church  and  Rectory,  Rev. 
Michael  Donohoe,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  469 

Pierron — School  of  The  Immaculate  Con- 
ception and  Church,  Rev.  A.  G.  Kunsch, 
Pastor,  with  Sisters'  House  and  Rectory 
below  .  .  .  Athens — Holy  Church,  Rev. 
M.  J.  Davis,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  476 

Coffeen — St.  John  Church  and  Rectory 
.  .  .  Pawnee — Rev.  J.  J.  Murnane,  Pastor, 
St.  Mary  Church  and  Rectory  .  .  .  Gran- 
ite City — St.  Joseph  Church,  School,  Very 
Rev.  D.  J.  Ryan,  Pastor,  Rectory,  Sisters' 
Residence. 

Group  opposite  480 

St.  Jacob — St.  James  Church  ...  St. 
Elmo — St.  Mary  Church  .  .  .  Hume — St. 
Michael  Church,  Rev.  M.  J.  O'Plaherty, 
Pastor  .  .  .  Jerseyville  —  Holy  Ghost 
Church,  Rev.  J.  H.  Gramke,  Pastor, 
Rectory. 

Group  opposite  481 

Livingston — Sacred  Heart  Church,  School, 
Rectory  .  .  .  Witt — Rectory,  Rev.  B.  N. 
Manning,  Pastor,  and  St.  Barbara  Church 
. . .  Springfield — St.  Patrick  Church,  Rev. 
Thos.  Fennessy,  Pastor,  Rectory,  and 
Hagaman — St.  Catherine  Church. 

Group  opposite  484 

Divernon — Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rev. 
Timothy  Smith,  Pastor,  Rectory  .  .  . 
Villa  Grove — Sacred  Heart  Church,  St. 
Vincent  de  Paul  Church,  Springfield, 
Rev.  John  Czuberkis,  former  Pastor,  Rev. 
Ignatius  Kershevich,  former  Pastor,  Rev. 
S.  O.  Yunker,  Pastor  .  .  .  Batchtown — 
Rev.  J.   L.  Marley,   Pastor,  Rectory  and 


St.  Barbara's  Church  .  .  .  Medora — St. 
John  Church. 

Group  opposite  496 

Springfield — St.  Barbara  Church,  Rectory 
and  School,  Auditorium,  Rev.  E.  A.  Burtle, 
Ad.  .  .  .  Alexander — Rev.  F.  A.  Lucius, 
Pastor,  Visitation  B.  V.  M.  Church  and 
Rectory  .  .  .  Brighton — St.  Alphonsus 
Church,  Rectory  and  Hall,  Rev.  P.  J.  Mal- 
loy,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite 497 

Madison— Old  Church,  Rev.  D.  L.  Scully, 
Pastor,  New  Church  and  School  .  .  .  Mt. 
Olive— Holy  Trinity  Church,  Rev.  C.  F. 
Knapareh,  Pastor,  School  .  .  .  Virden — 
Rectory,  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Rev.  J. 
Dolack,  Pastor. 

Group  opposite  500 

Benld — Rectory,  Rev.  Geo.  M.  Link,  Pas- 
tor, St.  Joseph  Church  .  .  .  Lovington— 
St.  Mary  Church  .  .  .  Panama — Sacred 
Heart  Church  .  .  .  Wood  River — St.  Ber- 
nard Church  and  School,  Rev.  E.  J.  Doug- 
las, Pastor,  Rectory. 

Group  opposite  501 

Brockton — St.  Thomas  Church  .  .  .  Chat- 
ham— St.  Joseph  Church  .  .  .  Kincaid — 
St.  Rita  Church  and  School  .  .  .  Decatur 
— St.  Thomas  Church  and  School,  Rev. 
Andrew  Smith,  Pastor  .  .  .  Granite  City 
— Rev.  Michael  Costello,  Pastor,  Sacred 
Heart  Church  and  School. 

Group  opposite  512 

Springfield — Blessed  Sacrament,  Tempo- 
rary Church,  Charles  J.  Wetterer  and 
West  Rourke,  First  Trustees,  Rectory, 
School,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colgan,  Benefactors 
.  .  .  Hartford — Sacred  Heart  Church,  lo- 
cated in  Store  Building  .  .  .  Glen  Carbon 
— St.  Cecelia  Church,  also  showing  Dedi- 
cation. 

Group  opposite  544 

Alton — St.  Joseph  Hospital  .  .  .  Granite 
City — St.  Eliazbeth  Hospital  .  .  .  Spring- 
field— St.  Joseph  Home  for  the  Aged. 

Group  opposite  548 

Quincy — St.  Mary  Hospital,  Nurses  and 
Sisters'  Homes,  Rev.  Columban  Valentin, 
O.F.M.,  Chaplain  .  .  .  Jacksonville — Our 
Savior  Hospital  .  .  .  Ste.  Marie — Mother 
House,  Society  of  the  Priests  of  the 
Sacred  Heart. 

Group  opposite  556 

Springfield — St.  John  Hospital,  Rev.  J.  C. 
Straub,  Director,  Rev.  J.  L.  Gatlon,  As- 
sistant, St.  John  Sanitarium,  near  Spring- 
field, Chapel  .  .  .  Decatur — St.  Mary  Hos- 
pital, Rev.  J.  J.  Dougherty,  Chaplain. 

Group  opposite  564 

Effingham — St.  Anthony  Hospital,  Rev. 
James  Heslin,  Chaplain  .  .  .  Litchfield — 
St.  Francis  Hospital  .  .  .  Taylorville — 
St.  Vincent  Hospital,  Rev.  M.  Ryan,  Chap- 


881 


lain  .  .  .  Alton — St.  Anthony  Infirmary 
.  .  .  Highland — St.  Joseph  Hospital  .  .  . 
Pana — Huber  Memorial  Hospital. 

Group  opposite  580 

Alton — New  Ursuline  Convent  and  Mother 
House,  Rev.  J.  R.  Molony,  Chaplain,  No- 
vitiate, Old  Ursuline  Convent  .  .  .Quincy 
— St.  Joseph  Home  for  Girls,  Dining 
Room. 

Group  opposite  612 

Springfield — Catholic  Instruction  League 
.  .  .  Children's  Mission,  1927. 

Group  opposite  613 

Catholic  Instruction  League,  Children's 
Missions,  1927 — Carlinville  .  .  .  Gillespie 
.  .  .  Divernon  .  .  .  Benld. 

Group  opposite  616 

Benld— Confirmation  Class— 1927. 

Group  opposite  700 

Group  of  Diocesan  Clergy.  (See  reverse 
side  for  names.) 

Group  opposite  704 

Group  of  Priests  present  at  the  dougle 
Golden  Jubilee  of  the  Very  Reverend 
F.  H.  Zabel  and  Reverend  H.  J.  Hoven, 
October  17,  1911,  at  the  Church  of  The 


Immaculate  Conception,  Springfield,  Illi- 
nois. 

Group  opposite  712 

In  the  Church  Triumphant. 
Rev.  C.  Sommer,  Rev.  Francis  Recouv- 
reur,  Bishop  James  Ryan,  Rev.  P.  Peters, 
Rev.  P.  O'Halloran  and  Rev.  A.  Zurbon- 
sen,  all  dead.  This  picture  was  taken  at 
Staunton,  111.,  September  29,  1895. 

Group  opposite  713 

Rev.  Bernice  Aschenbach,  O.F.M.,  Asst. 
St.  Francis,  Quincy;  Rev.  E.  A.  Burtle, 
Ad.,  St.  Mary,  Alton  .  .  .  Very  Rev.  H.  B. 
Dengenhardt,  R.D.,  St.  Boniface,  Quincy; 
Rev.  Joseph  E.  Drackert,  Ass't  St.  Pat- 
rick, Pana;  Rev.  J.  J.  Driscoll,  Pastor 
St.  Peter,  Quincy;  Rev.  J.  A.  Duval, 
Chaplain,  Catholic  Children's  Home,  Al- 
ton; Rev.  Joseph  Enright,  Ass't  Blessed 
Sacrament,  Springfield;  Rev.  Isidore  Fos- 
selman,  O.F.M.,  Teutopolis. 

Group  opposite  737 

Quincy — Notre  Dame  Academy,  Grotto, 
Library,  Auditorium  .  .  .  Quincy  —  St. 
Vincent's  Home  for  the  Aged,  Rev.  C. 
Krechenburg,  Chaplain,  Cemetery. 


882 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS  URBANA 


3  0112  064991034 


